IOA and Harry Potter area in the evening

[slalanc01]

Hi guys,

We are a family of 5 (2 adult, 3 kids) and we're heading to Royal Pacific Resort august 9-12th (3 night). We have bought a 3 day park-to-park ticket for this trip.

According to Universal Website, We could add one more day for only 5$/day for adults and 3$/day for kids, one more day will cost only 19$ but I'm not sure if it worth it because we will not arrive before 17h00 on check-in day.

I know IOA will be opened until 10pm this day, that leave-us probably 3 hours max in this park for the 1st day (19h00-22h00). Is it worth to pay 19$ for only a few hours?
Do you know if all rides in IOA stay opened until 10h00pm or some may be closed before?
Regarding Potter area, is it very crowded during evening?

 

[Hummingbird]

They usually close the ride quese down around 9:50. As long as you are in line by then you will get to ride the ride.

HP is really easy that late at night. Dragon Challege is usually about 10-15 mins, Forbidden journey around 45-60 mins, hippogriff around 20 mins.

I know Bluto's Barges is usually at 5 mins, Hulk is 5-15 mins, Spider-Man is 15-20, Dr Doom is usually no more than 10 mins, Ripsaw Falls around 10-15 mins. Jurrasic Park 5-10 mins.

All this of course is subject to change, but for the past 3 months Ive gone every Sat and Sunday and this is the usual wait times.

The park usually tends to start clearing out around 7-8 ish with people wanting to go have dinner in CityWalk or even jsut beat the parking garage traffic. (Its taken us over atleast 30 mins a few times to get out of the garage lol)

 

[Purseval]

We walked in around 9pm Saturday night an waited 40 minutes for FJ. Went through the singles line around the same time Sunday night, took about 10 minutes. There was still a long line for the Ollivander's show but very short line to get in through the back way. So you can accomplish quite a bit if you want to pay the extra $$. You can also catch a swim, relax and get organized for the next day. Personally that's what I would do but if you're anxious to get a fast start you won't be disappointed.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I think I would skip the parks that night & enjoy what the resort has to offer.

 

[slalanc01]

...You can also catch a swim, relax and get organized for the next day. Personally that's what I would do but if you're anxious to get a fast start you won't be disappointed.

We went from Montreal, Canada and it will be a very long way to go! We're supposed to wake up august 8th at 3AM and drive all day long to Smithfield, North Carolina (should be there around 5-6PM sunday afternoon). We will take some rest at the Hotel and my plan was to wake up early the day after and be in Orlando area before afternoon rush hour, (between 15h00-16h00 if it's possible). Not sure yet what we will do, Personally I'm so anxious to see everything that I should be willing to jump immediately to IOA or US for a few evening rides ride but I don't know if my Wife and my 3 kids will be too tired to follow me!

My biggest problem is that we have just booked 3 evening at RPR. we will only have 2 full days and the checkout day we will leave Orlando arount 3pm for Daytona Beach.... I'm anxious that we will not have enough time to enjoy everything and living in Canada I know that we will not be able to come back before a long time!

 

[mysparky]

For $19, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Your family will be tired, but since this is your first trip, I'll bet that the kids will be really excited to check out the parks. I think it makes some sense to spend a few hours in at least one of the parks to understand the layout, the rides, etc. I wouldn't suggest hanging out until 10:00 because you want to be well-rested for your first full day, but I think spending just a couple of hours would be fun and feasible.

Last year, we did not arrive at the resort until approximately 4:00. We checked into the hotel, did some unpacking and then had dinner in Citywalk. We got over to Universal at 7:00 and even though it closed at 9:00, we were very much able to enjoy those 2 hours (and IMHO, "Jaws" is a decent ride only in the evening). By the end of the day, the kids were ready for bed and lights were out by 10:00 (and we're talking teens). They were pumped and ready to go the following morning!

As far as having enough time to enjoy everything, the Express Pass that comes with your stay at the Royal Pacific will make it very possible to see everything in your 2 1/2 days. WWoHP will be packed and presents more of a challenge, but you will be able to tour the rest of the parks with ease. I'd still spend the $$ to get an extra evening in because I think it's worthwhile, but want you to assure you that with the express pass, you'll have plenty of time to experience the parks!

Have a great time whatever you decide!

 

[slalanc01]

Thanks! I decided to call back Universal to add one more day + park-to-park option. Those few hours will gave us a taste of IOA and Potter area! .

 

[slalanc01]

If we arrived to IOA around 18h00-18h30 do you know if onsite's restaurants are crowded? Will it be possible to found a good family friendly restaurant or counter service and eat a snack immediately?

How crowded is 3 Broomstick at this time? (we will be there august 9th, monday)