How Realistic Is This Plan?

[Sleepless Knight]

I'm running in the 2017 Dark Side 1/2 Marathon at WDW next April and am strongly considering spending one day at USO/IOA to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For a few years now, I've been tentatively planning to visit Universal Hollywood in 2017 for Harry Potter, but when the WDW race came up, I looked at ticket prices and the Wizarding World on each coast and decided that Orlando makes a lot more sense as Orlando has substantially more Harry Potter offerings.

Between work deadlines, the race itself, and logistics, 2 days isn't really feasible for me. I would be purchasing a 1 day ticket for both parks so I can experience Harry Potter. I understand that 2 days is better, but that's not practical. As you look over my wish list of experiences on that day, please give your feedback based on the following.

1. Time of year will be the last week of April, likely on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
2. I will be taking a shuttle (Mears?) from WDW to Universal.
3. I went to Universal Studios Hollywood 3 years ago, so I'm okay if I have to pass on certain attractions that both Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando share.

Ideally I want to get an immersive Wizarding World experience while still hitting some highlights/unique to USF attractions.

Since the Wizarding World in both USF and IOA is a given, how feasible is it to experience the following attractions in addition to Wizarding World in one day? I would plan on being as close to rope drop as possible.

I will be a solo traveler so I'm more than willing to do single rider lines although I know it's best to go through the regular queue for Forbidden Journey once for the full experience. I like roller coasters okay, but not as much as in my younger years so I'm fine if I have to skip a roller coaster that isn't Potter themed.

1. Spider-Man
2. MIB
3. The Hulk
4. Jurassic Park including Raptor Encounter and the Welcome Center. While going on Jurassic Park the ride would also be cool, I have been on the Hollywood version, so I can skip this if need be.
5. Skull Island
6. Minion Mayhem
7. Hulk
8. Terminator 3-D show
9. Universal's Cinematic Spectacular

If time permits, I'd love to ride Transformers and Simpsons again since I enjoyed the Hollywood versions. I didn't really care for the Mummy in Hollywood, so this one out here isn't a big deal. I'm not really into rides that soak you to the bone, although if Dudley Do-Right is highly themed to the classic cartoon from Rocky and Bullwinkle, I'll take my chances with it if it's well done.

With the understanding that I'm looking at a long day, is this plan feasible?

How much time will it realistically take to properly experience Wizarding World? I've read all the books 3 times and like the movies okay. I read them after college, so it's not like they're a part of my childhood the way Star Wars was, but I still enjoy the Wizarding World.

Is there something I left off my list that is a must do? Likewise, recommendations on anything I can/should drop in order to hit the highlights, or spend more time at Wizarding World?

With the crowds in late April, will I need to buy the express pass that is good for one front of the line at most attractions although not valid for Wizarding World?

Thanks.

 

[macraven]

if i had only one day to do all of the darkside including both potter sections, i would buy the ep.
it is not valid for the main potter rides but it will be worth it for the rides you have listed above. (1-2-3-5-6-7-8 )
but 8/ Terminator show is not necessary to use ep line.
you all filter into one big room once thru the line.

cinematic spetacular no tickets involved.
choose a place around the lagoon and watch the show from there.

buy a one day p2p ticket so you can ride HE from one park to another.

do see the Horror Make Up show.
it is a hoot!

and do add TF on your to see list.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Thanks. The only reason Transformers isn't on the list is because I have done it before at Universal Hollywood. I think I went on it 3 times in one day. If I can do it, I will. It's just "expendable" if time becomes a problem. Out of curiosity, is it better than Rip, Ride, Rockit? At least based on the description I read, that was comparable to Rock N Roller Coaster at DHS. Correct me if I'm wrong.

What is the Cinematic Spectacular like? Worth checking out or would I get more enjoyment out of exploring Hogsmeade at night?

Also I just realized that I forgot about the E.T. ride. Is it worth it? I wish I could have experienced Back to the Future or Jaws, but too late for either of those now.

 

[macraven]

the cinema show is shown once the parks are closed.

it will begin at dark.

but look up before your trip what nights the cinema will be shown

it has screens on the lake in different directions so all can see it.
movies that universal made/produced will be shown in clips based on the theme for each section.

if you are a huge universal fan of movies from their start in it, to the present, then you would enjoy it.

a tad of fireworks at the end of the show.

since the parks are surrounded by residential homes, limited fireworks are allowed.

 

[pcstang]

Absolutely do RRR. I would do that any day over TF.

 

[schumigirl]

Rip Ride Rockit has a vertical climb at the beginning........very different to RnR at Disney which has a very fast start.........then it's just a coaster.........but a very good one........much better than TF.

Try and sit at the front or very near the front, it makes for a smoother ride.......it can get bumpy.

 

[macraven]

ET is a fun ride

If you know the movie , all the creatures and story line will make sense

The pre show was updated some years back
Spielberg segment that is

If you have time , take it in

and use the regular line not the express line

You miss a lot when you go with the express line

 

[SharkyGoddess]

Definitely get an express pass, and be prepared to spend the majority of your day in HW/DA and at Kong. The rest of your list is absolutely doable, although you may feel rushed.

 

[maverik85]

With Single Rider line you will probably be able to do a lot of it. The biggest thing that will slow you down will be the HP areas. AS you will want to do the regular line to get the full experience. the lines for them area attractions in and of themselves.
Single Rider lines can be hit or miss but more often than not they are very short. Many times when I went the summer Hogsmeade opened the park was packed and would have 2hr+ waits for rides but could get on in under 5 minutes with single rider. But the occasional line took longer.
Also if the line is short you might want to check out Mummy. The ride is the same style but the layout and track is very different from Hollywood's so you might find you like ti more.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

 

[Fuzzylogik]

Rip, Ride, Rocket is a must if you have ever enjoyed roller coasters!