I need help with Harry Potter decision

[hammie59]

Ok, here's the situation:

I want to take my son (8) to Harry Potter when we go to Disney in May. (We're already booked and staying on Disney property). We have 2 open days, so plan is I would take ds one day to IOA while dh stays at hotel with dd (3). I've read a few threads on wait times, crowds, etc and am still on the fence on if it's worth it for one day. Not sure if we're renting a car yet, so that's another factor.

The hours for IOA when we would go will be 9am-7pm. Ticket prices (if I order in advance) are: 1 day/1park- adult $82 child $74. 1day/2 parks ad $112, ch $104.

From what I read, I would need to get there at rope drop. My dilemma on going is due to what I've read of ridiculously long lines everywhere in the park, especially HP. So what do you think? Worth the stress and price for a kid who LOVES all things Harry Potter? 1 park or 2? Pay extra for the "fast pass" thing? (don't know the real name). Also, say I bought 2 day tickets instead, could I use one first day, and my husband use it the second day?

I know a lot about WDW, but I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to Universal. All tips and advise appreciated.

 

[IdesOmarch]

Staying on site will help, you can get in even earlier, you should be fine getting in at rope drop, it will get crowded quick, I hear it lightens up late in the day as well. But you can do all of IOA in a day, 2 is better, but you will most likely accomplish your goals.

 

[RMulieri]

The express pass thing won't help you at ollivanders or the Forbidden journey since it isn't accepted for those 2 things

 

[phamton]

When are you going in May? The very end of May starts getting a little busy but the early part of May is very doable.

 

[hammie59]

When are you going in May? The very end of May starts getting a little busy but the early part of May is very doable.

Right smack in the middle. Looking like it would be between 12th and 17th for IOA day.

 

[glocon]

Schools are not out yet at that time in May so crowds shouldn't be too bad. If you could get there at rope drop, do Ollivanders then Forbidden Journey you should be fine. But do get there at rope drop, and remember that when you park, it is still about 15 minutes till you get to the gate of IOA, and that's if you walk quickly. Definitely do all the HP you want before leaving the area, then do the rest of the park. If you can, go back when it's dark to get a whole new perspective on the WWoHP. And do not wear flip flops, wear shoes that you can walk quickly in, so you can speed walk to the WWoHP from the entry gates. It is a truly magical experience in Hogwarts and Hogsmead!

 

[damo]

I think the crowds should be quite reasonable for you. It is a wonderful time to go since the weather is gorgeous and there are no school holidays at that time.

 

[wreck]

Be there at rope drop, head directly to ollivanders do not stop to look at any thing ! When you leave ollivanders do not shop in the store ! leave out the door to the right and head to WWOHP and ride, than shop , look around , eat at three broomstick and buy butter beer till your hearts are content.

A rental car will be better for arrival and timing but more costly

- Car rental :$80 ish for the rental at rack rate I'm sure you can do better
- Parking: Regular Parking $15.00 Preferred Parking $20.00 one day may be worth it
- Express pass : $19.99 both the 12th and 17th are the lowest cost days so crowds should reflect and be at thier lowest as well but could still help

Mears Car Service est.
Luxury Vehicle Price Request
transportation for 2 Passengers

From: contemporary resort
To: portofino bay hotel
Pricing: Round Trip $96.00 - One Way $48.00

Mears shared shuttle is around $18 rt for adults and $14 rt for kids 3-12yrs old




If you are staying at a Disney resort, the easiest option is to rent a car from the Walt Disney World Car Care Center, which is operated by Alamo (location ORLR72) and National (location ORLR02). The Car Care Center offers a shuttle that will pick you up from any Disney hotel and take you to the Center to pick up your car. The shuttle will also drop you off at your Disney hotel after you return your car. If you wish, call the Car Care Center up to 24 hours in advance and arrange for them to send a shuttle for you. Alternatively, go to the front desk of your Disney resort about 30 minutes before your pickup time and ask them to call the Car Care Center shuttle. The phone number of the Car Care Center is (407) 824-3470
(mousesaver snag)

 

[jake&samsmom]

Ok, here's the situation:

I want to take my son (8) to Harry Potter when we go to Disney in May. (We're already booked and staying on Disney property). We have 2 open days, so plan is I would take ds one day to IOA while dh stays at hotel with dd (3). I've read a few threads on wait times, crowds, etc and am still on the fence on if it's worth it for one day. Not sure if we're renting a car yet, so that's another factor.


From what I read, I would need to get there at rope drop. My dilemma on going is due to what I've read of ridiculously long lines everywhere in the park, especially HP. So what do you think? Worth the stress and price for a kid who LOVES all things Harry Potter? 1 park or 2? Pay extra for the "fast pass" thing? (don't know the real name). Also, say I bought 2 day tickets instead, could I use one first day, and my husband use it the second day?

I know a lot about WDW, but I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to Universal. All tips and advise appreciated.

Well, we both had/have the same dilemma. My DS10 and I are huge Potter fans. Think waiting at Barnes and Noble for the midnight release of the books. Yes, he was a wee baby, toddler and little boy when the books were released, but tagged along with Mom nevertheless. Now at 10, he has read all the Potter books and know all the movies by heart.

When we were at Disney last week, we were not even sure we would go because DH, DS7 (and DD11 months) were not really all that interested in going. As a matter of fact, DS7 even said he did NOT want to go see Harry Potter at all!

I wrote a mini-TR about mine and DS10's adventure into the WWoHP, this is the link if you are interested: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39961424&postcount=1642

Bottom line is yes, it was worth it! It wasn't stressful, and while it didn't break the bank, it did cost a small fortune -- the taxi rides, the park tickets, and above all, the gift shop expenses! But it was a very memorable and special time shared between me and my DS. And I think, this is why we all go on family vacations anyway -- to remind us how precious time spent together really is.

I hope the crowds are low during the time you go, it was certainly not unbearable when DS and I went last Sunday, but of course we are talking February vs. May. I'm sure our seasoned US/IOA veterans on this board have good info for you regarding crowd levels and ticket options. My only suggestion is that if your son is truly a huge Potter fan -- go for it! So that when you go home at the end of your vacation, you won't have any regrets about not experiencing the WWoHP.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Well, we both had/have the same dilemma. My DS10 and I are huge Potter fans. Think waiting at Barnes and Noble for the midnight release of the books. Yes, he was a wee baby, toddler and little boy when the books were released, but tagged along with Mom nevertheless. Now at 10, he has read all the Potter books and know all the movies by heart.

When we were at Disney last week, we were not even sure we would go because DH, DS7 (and DD11 months) were not really all that interested in going. As a matter of fact, DS7 even said he did NOT want to go see Harry Potter at all!

I wrote a mini-TR about mine and DS10's adventure into the WWoHP, this is the link if you are interested: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39961424&postcount=1642

Bottom line is yes, it was worth it! It wasn't stressful, and while it didn't break the bank, it did cost a small fortune -- the taxi rides, the park tickets, and above all, the gift shop expenses! But it was a very memorable and special time shared between me and my DS. And I think, this is why we all go on family vacations anyway -- to remind us how precious time spent together really is.

I hope the crowds are low during the time you go, it was certainly not unbearable when DS and I went last Sunday, but of course we are talking February vs. May. I'm sure our seasoned US/IOA veterans on this board have good info for you regarding crowd levels and ticket options. My only suggestion is that if your son is truly a huge Potter fan -- go for it! So that when you go home at the end of your vacation, you won't have any regrets about not experiencing the WWoHP.

Thanks for your link to your trip report! Our son is 11 and so excited to be going to WWoHP. We will also be going in May, but your report gave great detail! How far from the park entrance to entrance to WWoHP? Just trying to picture everything in my mind!

 

[WereObsessed]

Just wanted to throw my quick two cents in.. WWoHP is totally worth it for a day, and even when the lines are said to be long, you can still do everything in one day. But, just a thought if you want to weight the value of the money you'll spend.. if they do in fact expand the park within the next couple years, would you rather wait to go until then?

 

[hammie59]

Everyone's replies have helped me finally decide to go. So THANKS! Not telling ds until the trip, which will be a fun little surprise. Anyhow, my latest dilemma is deciding to do both parks in one day or not. I don't want to be all commando, yet I plan on staying there the entire day, so I'd hate to miss the other side if it's doable....

Also considering paying the extra $5 for preferred parking since we're probably renting a car now. Can't seem to find a map that actually shows any type of parking layout. I don't mind paying extra if it's actually close.

 

[phamton]

Preferred parking isn't always closer. It just puts you on level three so you don't have to use escalators or elevators. For close parking, I'd do valet parking. You can buy the one day/one park and upgrade to the 2nd park if you see you have more time. Or you can buy the 1 day/2 park and downgrade to the one park if you don't get to the second park.

 

[jake&samsmom]

Thanks for your link to your trip report! Our son is 11 and so excited to be going to WWoHP. We will also be going in May, but your report gave great detail! How far from the park entrance to entrance to WWoHP? Just trying to picture everything in my mind!

I would guesstimate around the same distance from spaceship earth to canada at epcot. I know y'all will have loads of fun!

 

[CdnCarrie]

Why leave the 3 year old in the hotel? She would love US! My boys both did at that age. Dr. Seuss area is so much fine. There is also 2 other playareas - Jurassic Park and Olive Oly's boat.

 

[hammie59]

Why leave the 3 year old in the hotel? She would love US! My boys both did at that age. Dr. Seuss area is so much fine. There is also 2 other playareas - Jurassic Park and Olive Oly's boat.

Yeah, I thought about that. The IOA day is mostly for Harry Potter and so it's gonna be a mom/son day where we can just go go go. It would be at a much slower pace if we took my dd, plus the added cost for 4 . This is really a last minute decision for my son's sake. We pretty much already had the entire 10 days planned out for Disney, so it's gonna be a little hectic. (But I'm sure worth it!)

Also, anyone have experience with valet parking? Where do you go and is it worth it?

 

[holden]

We are doing the same thing as the OP. One day, just to see WWOHP. I'll be sure to follow all the great advice!

 

[ducky_love]

Hi OP - Valet does save a lot of walking and remembering where your car is. There are signs as you pull into the parking area. Valet is more to the left. I don't know that it is really "worth" $10 more + tip. But that is your call.

For WWOHP I would get there at rope drop and go straight there. 9 times out os 10 the crowds will thin out close to closing - but you don't want to miss somthing on your one day there. Have a great time!

 

[hammie59]

Do you really tip the valet (in this situation)? I normally would parking at a restaurant, etc... But at Universal?? It's $35! I just figured the tip would be factored in. Hmmm....so what, 2-5 dollars? Sorry, I probably sound like I just fell off the turnip truck.

 

[bumbershoot]

Why leave the 3 year old in the hotel? She would love US! My boys both did at that age. Dr. Seuss area is so much fine. There is also 2 other playareas - Jurassic Park and Olive Oly's boat.

I thought the same thing. After having been there, I would take a small child to Universal any time. We ended up loving ALL of Universal quite a bit!

Seems it would be more fun to have father/daughter day there, rather than sitting around the hotel.

Maybe you could add a day for them onto your WDW tickets so they could DO something rather than just hang out?