Is it worth going only a partial day??

[Hezzy04]

We have a trip to Disney planned April 25-May 3. My husband and I have been dying to see Harry Potter World. If we have the opportunity to go one day, but not get there until around 1 in the afternoon....is it worth it!? Can we see enough!? I’d likely splurge for express pass....but would like opinions first since it’s awfully expensive!!

 

[bchbetha]

Why can’t you give up a Disney day? You have a bunch of them. Why does universal only get a part day? It’s your money though so if it works to just see the parks, rock on. I’d rather a full day (or several! ) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in both parks and you need park to park tickets to do both sides in a day plus to ride the Hogwarts Express. Note- the train is different in both directions so ride both ways. You’ll miss your chance to eat at both restaurants, most likely, which is a bummer. Lunch at LC and drinks at the Hogshead Inn could work though.

 

[Hezzy04]

Why can’t you give up a Disney day? You have a bunch of them. Why does universal only get a part day? It’s your money though so if it works to just see the parks, rock on. I’d rather a full day (or several! ) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in both parks and you need park to park tickets to do both sides in a day plus to ride the Hogwarts Express. Note- the train is different in both directions so ride both ways. You’ll miss your chance to eat at both restaurants, most likely, which is a bummer. Lunch at LC and drinks at the Hogshead Inn could work though.

It would only get a partial day because my kids are too short and one is too scared for Univerdal....and my mom isn’t available to watch them until afternoon. So it’s either a partial day or nothing

We would get the ticket for both parks, and express pass. Just not sure if it’s enough time to feel like we got to see everything...

 

[damo]

Depending on park hours, you could definitely do it if you are only wanting to see the HP areas. There really are only 3 rides (don't think the coaster will be open by then) and the wand show that would involve any time waiting in line. I probably wouldn't even get the express pass but just use the single rider lines. However, if you want to see EVERYTHING, I would just do the regular lines.

 

[skylock]

I agree. If all you want to do is the HP stuff, I don't think express pass will be needed.

 

[Koalayum]

My first trip to universal was during a quick trip to Disney. We had comped passes so wanted to use them to see Harry Potter, but already had a day dedicated to Epcot. This was MLK day back in 2015, so the crowds weren't necessarily light, but we knocked out all the Harry Potter stuff and Jurassic Park stuff before 2-3pm, then spent the rest of the day at Epcot (wishing we were back at universal!) Anyway, I definitely think it's doable.. especially with express passes, but I don't think you'd necessarily need them if you're just looking to do Harry Potter.

 

[maverik85]

If all you care about is Harry Potter then you should be fine for sure. And if that's the case might even look at skipping Express Pass. Should still have time for everything as there is only two main attraction on each side including the train. The queue line for the main attractions take you through Gringotts Bank and Hogwarts which I believe the Express line mostly skips and you would want to see them. (If you did repeat rides you could use the pass plus for the train, so if money isn't an issue go for them).

Timewise it really depends on what all you want to do. If you plan on getting wands and using them and going through all the shops and checking some of the street shows out the Harry Potter stuff could fill up the evening, especially if the park closes earlier when you go. However if all you care about are the rides you'll probably be able to get around to most of the attractions in both parks still. I went when Potter first opened and was able to do just about everything on both sides by noon without an Express Pass (utilized single rider for a lot of stuff).

Overall I'd say it's doable just going to really be more a matter of cost versus time as two park-to-park tickets plus Express Pass for just a few hours s a lot of money, but if you're big Harry Potter fans it will likely be worth it. Hopefully you an luck out and they'll have soft openings for the new Potter coaster as well while you're there.

 

[shanew21]

Definitely doable. There are only 3 "main" Potter rides (Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, and the train between them), so even if the lines were an hour (or two) for each you'd be ok.

Just be sure to buy a park to park ticket because the Potter sections are in both parks.

 

[wilbret]

Since you’ll be parking, walking, waiting in line to get in, etc... don’t forget about what that adds to your schedule.

If this is your one shot to go, I think people on this forum will “universally” say to do it...

We’ve done a half day before, but we had 4 day passes and had to use it up, so we went to the park when we arrived at the resort. You can cover a ton of ground at Universal compared to any of the Disney parka.

 

[pattyw]

Sure- a partial day is still worth it! Maybe wait to purchase express pass until you arrive at the park and see how the lines are.