HP Advice Requested!

[NoraG]

Hi Everyone. My family and I will be headed to WDW in January 2012. There are 7 of us, 4 adults and 3 kids, ages 15, 13, and 9. The 15 year old is a huge HP fan. The girls like HP, but aren't fanatics. None are roller coaster/scary ride riders. There is no way we can afford to take everyone to HP, just not possible, but thinking that maybe the 15 year old could go with one parent to make it more affordable.

My question is, is it even worth the admission for two adults to HP? I know IOA is a big park, but if he doesn't like roller coasters or fast rides, will he want to do anything else? He probably won't like any of the HP rides and won't go on them, but would LOVE to tour the castle and shops and pick a wand. However, the parents will not be buying him merchandise. He can buy his own, of course! I think he might outgrow it 6 months later, but who knows....

He'd miss a day at WDW with the rest of the family, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone to HP not liking roller coasters and not planning to spend a lot on merchandise. If so, what are your opinions...was it a waste of money or was the "experience worth it?"

 

[damo]

The castle tour in itself and wandering through Hogsmeade and the Ollivander's show are fantastic. Not sure if they are worth $85 though. That is a personal decision.

 

[SrisonS]

As great as HP is, it would be hard to justify spending what would eventually be $170 just to see a few things only at HP. You could literally see everything in HP is just a couple of hours. And if other things in IOA won't be taken advantage of, I don't think it's worth it.

But if the 15 yo just happens to be into photography, then maybe I could justify it a little more. I've gone a few times to just shoot the area, and have had a great time. I'd grab a butterbeer.... Check out the 2 outdoor performances.... Take the quick castle tour... see Ollivanders.... See the other little stores; but most importantly, focus on all of the great detail. That's even still a stretch to say "yeah, it's worth the money". But I know it's hard to deny a special opportunity to someone you know will absolutely love the experience.