Is it possible to do IoA and Univeral Studios in one day?

[PrincessKsMom]

I haven't been there in many years. We are doing a Disney trip in January and we are all huge Harry Potter fans and haven't been to Universal since it opened. So do you think we could do all of the Harry Potter stuff in one day? Maybe not so much the rides, as my mom does not like rides, but at least the walk around, Hogwart's express, stores, etc.

 

[wookiebeck]

You will definitely be able to do as you said in one day.

 

[yaddakal]

We were in a similar situation and we did three days . The only in day that I truly enjoyed was the Harry Potter day . It's what makes it worth the price of admission . It is wonderful . Most of the rest of the park is simulation rides.. I would take time to do the jurassic dinosaur encounter if you have time though , that I enjoyed ! We also liked the little show they do by the fishmarket in San Francisco ...
I'm a huge Disney person and the other two days I was at Universal I just wanted to go back to Disney Lol

 

[bchbetha]

We had 3 day with park to park and it was great as we enjoyed most of the rides plus shows. But, if HP is the focus, get park to park and enjoy the day. Be sure to stay through the evening as Diagon Alley at night is the best!

 

[Parker Clan]

Yes if you're not doing any other rides. You can definitely walk through both HP lands in one day. Have fun... They're so amazing we have to do them every year

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

If your Mom does not like rides then she should probably skip the two big Harry Potter rides, Forbidden Journey and Gringotts. In both of these there is a lot of movement, spinning, etc. I was nauseous after riding Forbidden Journey, not so with Gringotts. Or maybe if others want to ride she can walk through the line with you (the buildings and theming is absolutely amazing) then exit right before the ride. Diagon Alley is so cool, there is also entertainment during the day there which we enjoyed.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thank you all for your responses. It's good to know we'll be able to do it all! My mom is a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Would lock herself in her room the day the newest book came out and would read straight through until she finished it. LOL My daughter found someone on Etsy who did Acceptance to Hogwarts letters which she had personalized for my mom. And she has no idea we're going, so it will be even more special! I know it's on mom's bucket list and my daughter and I both love Harry Potter as well. Thank you again and Happy Holidays!

 

[maverik85]

If she can handle rides I'd recommend doing the HP ones (aside from Dragon Challenge as it's just a standard coaster) at least once. They are amazing rides. But if she can't handle real intense stuff should probably skip Forbidden Journey. Gringotts is a bit tamer, family coaster style with some mild spinning at times as well but nothing extreme. If she doesn't want to ride anything period she should at least walk through the lines as they are beautiful and detailed. Get nice tours of both Hogwarts and Gringotts with them.

I'd start over in Diagon Alley as well. Can ride the Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade then. This will give you more of the experience from the books with going in order. Plus cna make a return trip in the evening to see Diagon Alley at night too. Plus Hogwarts Express gives different experiences in each direction so you will want to make sure to ride it both ways while there.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

You could definitely. I mean, you could probably spend at least a majority of your day just exploring Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley even without the rides. It's that immersive and incredible

 

[TropicalDIS]

Absolutely.

Was there in November and did both parks in 1 day.

Did Transformers, ET, MIB, Mummy, and Diagon alley (with ride) Went to IOA did Hulk, Popeyes Bilges, Ripsaw, Kong, JPx2, Hogsmeade (with fj), hopped on train back to US, did Mummy and Gringotts again.

Now we got lucky and park wasnt that busy. Kong was an hour wait, but other then that alot of walk ons.

Have a great trip!

 

[Allie B]

If you arrive at opening and plan on staying all day you can do it. We went in November as well with low crowds and were able to get on all rides we wanted and did a few twice! Plan on attempting both parks again in one day this year.

 

[hdnwaters]

We are also going in January and only doing 1 day. We went to US\IOA and did 2 days in September 2015. We were HP clueless! Since Sept, we have watched all the movies and can't wait to go back! We are going during the week and I feel confident we can fit everything in we want to do, including lunch and butter beer in Hogsmeade! In September with 2 days, we actually rode several things twice plus all the water rides. You don't want to ride Ripsaw Falls or Bildge Rats, if it's chilly, you will get soaked. I love the dinosaurs, so will ride Jurassic Park if it's not freezing. Looking forward to Kong and spending a lot more time in the Wizarding World! I'm an older mom and I love the rides as long as they don't go upside down. I think you can walk through Gringotts and Forbidden Journey, then exit before you board the ride. They are awesome inside. The rides are best in any theme park. I will say that Forbidden Journey was a little unnerving the first time!