Is it worth the drive from Tampa to see the WWOHP?

[Shagley]

My Sister and I will be flying into Tampa a couple of days before our cruise. I would really like to see the WWOHP, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it to rent a car in Tampa and drive to Orlando just for the day. It would be this coming Sunday (January 23rd), and most likely my Sister wouldn't be willing to leave the hotel before 8am (she is NOT an early riser). I can't decide if it would be worth it because...

We will only be able to be at IOA from about 9:30am to about 5:30pm (we want to get back to Tampa fairly early because our friends are flying into Tampa that night for the cruise). Will we even be able to see much of WWOHP in that amount of time, or will the crowds be crazy?

We will be going to Disney in Orlando in September, so if we don't get to see WWOHP on Sunday we will head there for a day in September.

Thanks for your input!

 

[mesaboy2]

My Sister and I will be flying into Tampa a couple of days before our cruise. I would really like to see the WWOHP, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it to rent a car in Tampa and drive to Orlando just for the day. It would be this coming Sunday (January 23rd), and most likely my Sister wouldn't be willing to leave the hotel before 8am (she is NOT an early riser). I can't decide if it would be worth it because...

We will only be able to be at IOA from about 9:30am to about 5:30pm (we want to get back to Tampa fairly early because our friends are flying into Tampa that night for the cruise). Will we even be able to see much of WWOHP in that amount of time, or will the crowds be crazy?

We will be going to Disney in Orlando in September, so if we don't get to see WWOHP on Sunday we will head there for a day in September.

Thanks for your input!

If the car and drive from Tampa is all that is holding you back, then I would say yes it is worth it. The drive is 75-90 minutes max, and a rental car for the day should be had for less than $50.

I would guess crowds next Sunday should be fairly light, and you should have plenty of time to do all of WWoHP and then some. If for any reason it is a no-go, then postpone until September. Nice to have options!

 

[Shagley]

If the car and drive from Tampa is all that is holding you back, then I would say yes it is worth it. The drive is 75-90 minutes max, and a rental car for the day should be had for less than $50.

I would guess crowds next Sunday should be fairly light, and you should have plenty of time to do all of WWoHP and then some. If for any reason it is a no-go, then postpone until September. Nice to have options!

Thanks for the response! I was hoping to hear from someone that Sunday should have light crowds. I guess I am most concerned that if we didn't get there until 9:30am then the crowds would be unmanageable. I think I will go ahead and get the tickets, and if our plans change, I will already have the tickets for September.

 

[mesaboy2]

What is working in your favor for crowds is two things. First, late Jan is about as off-season as you can get. Second, Sundays are historically the least crowded days of the week, according to many posts here. You should be good.

That said, remember that WWoHP is a fairly small area, and will likely feel crowded no matter when you go. Lines to ride rides, to get into stores, and even to get into the area at all are not unheard of. But with 8 hours on that day--I see no reason you shouldn't be able do all of WWoHP and a good bit of the rest of IoA too.

 

[IdesOmarch]

I would say yes it is worth it, but keep in mind, there is a lot more to IOA than just Harry Potter, you will want to check out the other areas of the park as well, so its not just Harry Potter, you will be pleasantly surprised at how awesome that park is, I think its the best park in the world, and I like all theme parks, Universal and Disney are my favorites, but IOA is the best IMO.

 

[ducky_love]

Yep - worth it!

Let us know how you enjoy your trip!