is it worth it? hARRY pOTTER

[nezy]

Our situation: we are staying on Disney proprty the wee k of Pres week in /feb. usually crowded. We have ?WDW passes alreadY AND WE ARE CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE of Universal IOA tix to see Happy Potter . 6 of us x $87 =$504 for all 6 of us. We will not be staying on Universal Property and will not get the benefit of early entrance.

How much time can we expext to spend on this ride, I hear anything from 2hrs to 4 hrs,

Is the additional money worth it for the one day at this park-or something we can look into later when maybe it it not so crazy zrowded?

 

[mesaboy2]

In your case I would say no. Is FJ cool? Yes. Is FJ very cool? Yes. Is FJ $500+ cool? Meh.

The ride itself is 6 minutes long. The queue, while also cool, can take an hour or more to do, depending on crowds. On very busy days, there can be another hour or more just to enter the Wizarding World at all.

I would say pass this time and come back when it is less crowded and you can enjoy it more.

Disclaimer: I am going during this same time period, but that did not influence my answer. Really! (I already have passes and have obviously been before.)

 

[IdesOmarch]

I think you're kind of missing the bigger picture, its not just one new Harry Potter ride, its a whole new large section to a theme park that was already amazing, and just as amazing as Disney, some say even better.

The Harry Potter world has 3 rides, one totally new, plus the new Harry Potter island, is like visiting the places out of the movies, it has Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley etc. But there is so much more to Universal than just Harry Potter, there is a great section Jurassic Park that is like visiting the island from that movie, Suess Landing is like walking into a Dr. Suess book, Marvel Super Hero island is like living inside a Spider man comic book.

There are tons of rides, Spider Man and Jurassic Park River Adventure that are amazing, just to name a few. Spider man is a ground breaking interactive 3D ride that mixes 3D images on large screens with live props and sets, amazing ride, which is the technology the new Harry Potter ride is based on in part.

And that is just Islands of Adventure, then there is the main Universal park which has tons of great rides, Jaws, Men In Black, ET, Terminator, the Mummy etc., all of which are great.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'm in the same boat too. We originally planned to do only WDW but I was thinking of adding in a day at Universal/IOA to see the Wizarding World of HP. But I added up the cost for all of us to go just for that one day and it's almost $500. I suppose my issue is that I hadn't really planned to go to Universal therefore the added expense is putting me off a bit. I just don't know what to do, $500 extra is alot for us.

 

[IdesOmarch]

I would recommend making a separate trip for Universal. I get the impression from you both that you just think that there is 1 thing to see and do at universal, Harry Potter. Nothing could be further from the truth. That is kind of like going to Disney thinking the only thing to check out is the Haunted Mansion. Harry Potter is a new world, new theme park section, to a theme park that is already amazing. Remember Universal has 2 large parks, and City Walk. There are a tons of things to do. I think you will be disappointed if you just plan a few hours just to do Harry Potter, you will miss out on so much. I would make 2 or 3 days of it visit all the Universal parks and check out all that there is to offer on the resort.

There has been a huge mis-conception about Universal that it is like Six Flags, just has coasters. That is not the case at all, it is every bit as much as a theme park as Disney is, maybe more. Some prefer it. I like both Disney and Universal, but I believe they are both equal in quality and I am a huge theme park geek, and have been to tons of parks, IMO Disney and Universal are the 2 best parks in the world, so keep that in mind.

 

[mesaboy2]

I would recommend making a separate trip for Universal. I get the impression from you both that you just think that there is 1 thing to see and do at universal, Harry Potter. Nothing could be further from the truth. That is kind of like going to Disney thinking the only thing to check out is the Haunted Mansion. Harry Potter is a new world, new theme park section, to a theme park that is already amazing. Remember Universal has 2 large parks, and City Walk. There are a tons of things to do. I think you will be disappointed if you just plan a few hours just to do Harry Potter, you will miss out on so much. I would make 2 or 3 days of it visit all the Universal parks and check out all that there is to offer on the resort.

There has been a huge mis-conception about Universal that it is like Six Flags, just has coasters. That is not the case at all, it is every bit as much as a theme park as Disney is, maybe more. Some prefer it. I like both Disney and Universal, but I believe they are both equal in quality and I am a huge theme park geek, and have been to tons of parks, IMO Disney and Universal are the 2 best parks in the world, so keep that in mind.

I agree with this. Since OP implied they were mainly interested in HP and appeared to want to budget one day, I focused on WWoHP and FJ (and $500) in particular. If the OP opted to come back later, they should give all of Universal the 2 or 3 days it deserves, plus the cost per day would be less.

 

[freediverdude]

I would say it depends on whether it will affect your Disney trip and how much you will get to see at Disney. If you have an extra day that you were going to just visit one of the Disney parks for a repeat visit, then I would say yes, you would get more out of going to Islands of Adventure for one day if you can afford it. But if you do, get over there early.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I would recommend making a separate trip for Universal. I get the impression from you both that you just think that there is 1 thing to see and do at universal, Harry Potter. Nothing could be further from the truth. That is kind of like going to Disney thinking the only thing to check out is the Haunted Mansion. Harry Potter is a new world, new theme park section, to a theme park that is already amazing. Remember Universal has 2 large parks, and City Walk. There are a tons of things to do. I think you will be disappointed if you just plan a few hours just to do Harry Potter, you will miss out on so much. I would make 2 or 3 days of it visit all the Universal parks and check out all that there is to offer on the resort.

There has been a huge mis-conception about Universal that it is like Six Flags, just has coasters. That is not the case at all, it is every bit as much as a theme park as Disney is, maybe more. Some prefer it. I like both Disney and Universal, but I believe they are both equal in quality and I am a huge theme park geek, and have been to tons of parks, IMO Disney and Universal are the 2 best parks in the world, so keep that in mind.

I don't think that's quite true, your analogy of going to MK and only wanting to see the Hauted Mansion. That's only 1 ride, perhaps you meant only going to the MK to see Fantasy Land. Then I could see your point.

Of course I understand that there's more to IOA than just the Wizarding World of HP. Obviously the big draw (for us at least) is HP. But after giving it some more thought, I think we'd be better off planning another Disney trip and then splitting that time up with 3 days at Universal Studios/IOA. I'd love to stay on property and get the benefit of early entry too. Plus, paying $500 and then potentially waiting in huge crowds and lines seems to me like it would be disappointing since we would only hit it for a day this time around.

I've been to Six Flags several times and Universal seems much more fun, and better themed.

 

[IdesOmarch]

Yes you're right, although I was under the impression that the original poster thought that it was just 1 new ride. But yes, like Fantasy Land is a better analogy. And yes totally Universal is nothing like a 6 flags park, much more like Disney in the theming, which is incredible, and definitely worth a vacation trip in and of itself. And don't get me wrong, I actually like the 6 flags parks, but it is definitely not the same thing. Disney and Universal are both on another level than all the other parks in the U.S.A. IMO. Bush Gardens comes in behind them, then 6 flags and Cedar Point.

But just from an advice stand point, you will definitely think that Universal is up to par with Disney on everything, it is different though. The main Universal park (not IOA) has a lot of ride the movie type rides, where the rides puts you in the experience of that particular movie, which to me Disney does not really do. For example Jaws, you're on a boat and are attacked by the shark, Men In Black you are attacked by and have to shoot the aliens, Mummy you go through a ancient tomb and are attacked by evil mummies etc., etc. You will love it just as much as Disney!

 

[bumbershoot]

I think you're kind of missing the bigger picture, its not just one new Harry Potter ride, its a whole new large section to a theme park that was already amazing, and just as amazing as Disney, some say even better.

The Harry Potter world has 3 rides, one totally new, plus the new Harry Potter island, is like visiting the places out of the movies, it has Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley etc. But there is so much more to Universal than just Harry Potter, there is a great section Jurassic Park that is like visiting the island from that movie, Suess Landing is like walking into a Dr. Suess book, Marvel Super Hero island is like living inside a Spider man comic book.

There are tons of rides, Spider Man and Jurassic Park River Adventure that are amazing, just to name a few. Spider man is a ground breaking interactive 3D ride that mixes 3D images on large screens with live props and sets, amazing ride, which is the technology the new Harry Potter ride is based on in part.

And that is just Islands of Adventure, then there is the main Universal park which has tons of great rides, Jaws, Men In Black, ET, Terminator, the Mummy etc., all of which are great.

I agree with all of that.

It's always hard to pay the big bucks for a ONE DAY ticket to just about anywhere! heck, when we go to SeaWorld in San Diego, we buy the 2-for-1 tickets so we can divide the cost by two days.

But we found Universal, the whole thing, not just WWOHP, to be pretty amazing and well worth the extra cost (we stayed 3 nights at RPR in the middle of our bigger WDW vacation, did 2 full and 2 partial days at Universal, and were SAD to leave).

 

[flfun]

I agree with this. Since OP implied they were mainly interested in HP and appeared to want to budget one day, I focused on WWoHP and FJ (and $500) in particular. If the OP opted to come back later, they should give all of Universal the 2 or 3 days it deserves, plus the cost per day would be less.

Agreed!

 

[Metro West]

Of course I understand that there's more to IOA than just the Wizarding World of HP. Obviously the big draw (for us at least) is HP. But after giving it some more thought, I think we'd be better off planning another Disney trip and then splitting that time up with 3 days at Universal Studios/IOA. I'd love to stay on property and get the benefit of early entry too. Plus, paying $500 and then potentially waiting in huge crowds and lines seems to me like it would be disappointing since we would only hit it for a day this time around.

I think that's a great idea. Three days would allow you to see everything and you will really get a feel for Universal. Just a word of warning about staying onsite...You will get spoiled by the unlimited Express access...just telling you now.

 

[nezy]

OP HERE:
Of course I know there is more to US/IOA than just WWOHP. My thought is we are staying on Disney property, already have park passes for WDW parks and would only use one day to go to IOA. Several of the people I am traveling with really want to see the whole HP section- as do I, but I am trying to determine if the cost for one day is worth it.

My thought is like the other poster-go to US and stay at one of their resorts-get whatever benefits come from that and then go to the parks. Financially I think it is an either /or not both. That said we go to WDW at least 2x a year and have yet to go to Universal-we have been to Citiwalk-love Margaritaville, but I haven't wanted to lay out additional park pass money. Kids are older now and are interested in going to US/IOA so I am trying to figure out how to accomadate.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Yes you're right, although I was under the impression that the original poster thought that it was just 1 new ride. But yes, like Fantasy Land is a better analogy. And yes totally Universal is nothing like a 6 flags park, much more like Disney in the theming, which is incredible, and definitely worth a vacation trip in and of itself. And don't get me wrong, I actually like the 6 flags parks, but it is definitely not the same thing. Disney and Universal are both on another level than all the other parks in the U.S.A. IMO. Bush Gardens comes in behind them, then 6 flags and Cedar Point.

But just from an advice stand point, you will definitely think that Universal is up to par with Disney on everything, it is different though. The main Universal park (not IOA) has a lot of ride the movie type rides, where the rides puts you in the experience of that particular movie, which to me Disney does not really do. For example Jaws, you're on a boat and are attacked by the shark, Men In Black you are attacked by and have to shoot the aliens, Mummy you go through a ancient tomb and are attacked by evil mummies etc., etc. You will love it just as much as Disney!

Oh, I'm sure we'll love it! But I think you all are right, you need a couple of days to really appreciate it all. I don't want to rush around and focus only on HP which would be what would happen if we did just 1 day. I vividly remember the Jaws ride from about 15 years ago...it was night time and I was sitting on the left hand side of the boat when that huge shark jumped out of the water and I screamed like a 4 year old girl! I thought my brothers were going to pass out from laughing so hard! Good times!

I think that's a great idea. Three days would allow you to see everything and you will really get a feel for Universal. Just a word of warning about staying onsite...You will get spoiled by the unlimited Express access...just telling you now.

I agree 100%. I want the whole experience which makes me wish I'd planned our Disney trip a bit better so that it was split with Universal. Anywho, the Portofino Bay hotel looks amazing, we'd probably stay there! Oh, the express access sounds heavenly!

 

[englishteacha]

We were in Disney this past June. While I know it's going to be difficult to go to Orlando and NOT go to Disney, we are going in February to Universal, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. I'm excited. It will be a very different vacation. We couldn't justify the cost of adding Universal to our Disney trip, and we can't justify the cost of adding Disney to our Universal trip.

 

[tttessa]

Hiya -

from the UK - so we always add Universal to our trip too.... One night hotel stay for 2 days early entry and FOTL access is just SOOOOOO WORTH IT.

But as others have said, it is only worth the money if you want to do the whole park really.

For what it is worth - and this is complete sacrilege coming from a Brit - WWoHP had good bits AND bad... We enjoyed the theming. Hogsmead was great and the shops and toilets with moaning Myrtle too. Don't like coasters - so dragon one was out, went on FoTH - was not worth waiting for unless you go with kids under about 6 - about 50 sec trip, luckily we had FOTL!! FJ was a bit too intense for me - thrown about too much - esp didn't like being thrown flat on my back and found the screen blurriness to be sick inducing - but the castle walkthrough was magical - especially in the room with Harry, Hermione, Ron etc just before the ride..

Would save the money and plan for the next time!
Tessa

 

[roadtripper]

We struggled with this, too, and then bit the bullet for one night onsite and 2 day park to park tix thru AAA in case we really love Universal. As an added bonus, our onsite night is Saturday, so we get the Mardi Gras party, which looks fun. We are huge WDW fans going Pres Week too, and I was nervous about staying offsite and waiting in lines all day, especially since DS will only do FOTH. Can't even imagine having to wait to get into the HP section itself, which I'm sure will be the case Pres Week. It added a huge expense to our trip, though, which is why DH and I worked extra jobs last summer. 4 tix at 129 each, plus 324 for one night onsite. Yikes. Hope it's worth it! Good luck with your decision!

 

[robsmom]

Just flew back this morning from spending MLK weekend a Universal. There is no way that I would go for one day on President's Weekend. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was awesome and as others have said the parks have many great attractions. For years I have said that Universal is the ultimate in have/have not marketing. HP has made this 10X's worse. I stayed at RPR used early entry and front of the line and had a great time. For those offsite the lines were ridiculous. At park opening the line for Forbidden Journey was already over 60mins. Within 10 mins of the regular opening, it was 2hrs. (into Jurassic Park). 90 mins to get into Ollivender's, 40 mins for Honeydukes (plus another 40 mins in line to pay). The Rock-It Roller Coast in Universal also had 90 min waits on Saturday.