Help with our plan

[dgramling]

My DW and I will be in Florida the week of Sept 8-16. I haven't been to Universal since 2010 and my DW has never been, and is a huge Harry Potter fan. We are staying at a family home in the area, but are looking to do and see as much as possible in the week we are there. Which is where the questions with my plan come in. I was originally thinking of getting a 3 day 2 park to park ticket (my DW has no interest in waterparks so Volcano Bay is out). But was thinking if we stayed at one of the "Deluxe" hotels one night giving us early access and express pass would we be able to do the 2 parks in 2 days? In 2010 I was able to do both parks in 2 days without early/express, but I'm thinking times and crowds have changed. If we could do 2 days this would free us to do Discovery Cove and or Sea World. Any and All help would be appreciated.

 

[mya1k9]

We had the 3 day and after 2 days my DH was done. We saw everything we wanted to see and had express passes. I would have loved the 3rd day but we only did part of it. You should be fine with express passes and early entry. We also did discovery cove and sea world. By and far, discovery cove was amazing and worth every cent!! Have a great trip!

 

[damo]

Your idea should work very well. We've gone for as long as a week at a time and still could have done longer, so two days will be a very nice introduction!!! Get there early on your first day so you can get two full days out of it.

 

[macraven]

Hhn does not start until 9/15 so don't think you will see large crowds during your stay

I think two night stay at a deluxe with unlimited express pass will help you see a lot in both parks

 

[janicept]

I agree, don't miss HHN 9/15 (and my B-day oh yeah).

 

[imprint]

Keep in mind the Express Passes are not used for Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts. You'll want to ride those early and/or late. Since your wife is a huge Harry Potter fan (mine is too), then you might want to go to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley early and late. You'll need park-to-park to ride the Hogwarts Express between the parks. Note: the ride aspect is different each way. Consider getting an interactive wand and enjoy being a kid again and cast the spells throughout WWoHP.

No argument from me regarding a stay at one of the deluxe hotels. We've stayed at all three and they are all great. The Express Passes are worth their weight in gold even on slow days. Who wants to wait 30 minutes when you can wait 5? Or worse, wait 1.5 hours when you can wait 20 min?

Also, as mentioned above, consider opening night of HHN on the 15th. It's an absolute blast! My wife and I will be attending our 4th HHN this year and cannot wait!