Just a few newbie questions...

[StitchIsOurHero]

Hi! DH, DS (age 3), and I are headed to IOA on May 31st-June 1st. We are staying the night of the 31st at RPR, so we can do early entry for WWoHP on the 1st. DH and I are big Harry Potter fans, so WWoHP is our main focus...I would like to take DS to see the Dr. Seuss part and DH says he might want to see Marvel Island. We have never stayed at a Univ hotel, and we have never been to IOA.

Here are my questions:

1. I have a sling pack that I carry in the parks with my stuff, some wipes and stuff for DS and that kind of thing. Will they let me carry that into Univ? note: I get really motion-sick, so I know I won't ride FJ. DS and I will just walk around while DH does that. I may, however, ride Flight of the Hippogriff. Can I take my sling pack on there?

2. Is there a certain "better" or quicker way to walk from RPR to IOA?

3. We are hoping to eat lunch at Three Broomsticks. I read that it's counter service. If we get there right at 11, is there usually a huge wait?

I'm sure these have all been answered multiple times. . .i apologize for repeat questions. I'm just a little nervous and want to make sure I have a good "plan" for our day there. Thanks so much!!

 

[damo]

Hi! DH, DS (age 3), and I are headed to IOA on May 31st-June 1st. We are staying the night of the 31st at RPR, so we can do early entry for WWoHP on the 1st. DH and I are big Harry Potter fans, so WWoHP is our main focus...I would like to take DS to see the Dr. Seuss part and DH says he might want to see Marvel Island. We have never stayed at a Univ hotel, and we have never been to IOA.

Here are my questions:

1. I have a sling pack that I carry in the parks with my stuff, some wipes and stuff for DS and that kind of thing. Will they let me carry that into Univ? note: I get really motion-sick, so I know I won't ride FJ. DS and I will just walk around while DH does that. I may, however, ride Flight of the Hippogriff. Can I take my sling pack on there?

2. Is there a certain "better" or quicker way to walk from RPR to IOA?

3. We are hoping to eat lunch at Three Broomsticks. I read that it's counter service. If we get there right at 11, is there usually a huge wait?

I'm sure these have all been answered multiple times. . .i apologize for repeat questions. I'm just a little nervous and want to make sure I have a good "plan" for our day there. Thanks so much!!

You'll have no problem getting into the park with the bag. You can take it on Flight of the Hippogriff. You should walk through the castle with your husband and son. Just tell them you aren't riding when they tell you to put your pack in a locker. Another option that might give you more time in the queue if you are planning on doing it during early admission when the line flies through the castle, is to ask to do the castle tour. You can take your time and go through the touring line without being rushed by ride goers. Sometimes, when crowds are high, the castle tour is cancelled to make more room for the regular queue.

There is only one way to walk from RPR to IOA.

You should be good eating lunch at 11. The line builds at normal peak times.

The park will open for early entry at about 7:45. Try to be there by 7:30 for maximum effect.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Thank you, damo!! That really helps me plan! We may hit FJ first thing--let DH speed through the line, and then all of us do the castle tour!

So excited to see all of IOA!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

One other question--will there be something open that early at RPR where we can grab coffee/pastries or something for breakfast before going to IOA, or should I plan to get breakfast there? Again, thank you!!

 

[damo]

One other question--will there be something open that early at RPR where we can grab coffee/pastries or something for breakfast before going to IOA, or should I plan to get breakfast there? Again, thank you!!

The Orchid Court lounge on the main floor has very early continental style breakfast. There is also a quick item booth in Wizarding World right across from Ollivander's that has fruit and stuff and is open for early admission.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Thank you!!

 

[Karpkg]

Hi! DH, DS (age 3), and I are headed to IOA on May 31st-June 1st. We are staying the night of the 31st at RPR, so we can do early entry for WWoHP on the 1st. DH and I are big Harry Potter fans, so WWoHP is our main focus...I would like to take DS to see the Dr. Seuss part and DH says he might want to see Marvel Island. We have never stayed at a Univ hotel, and we have never been to IOA.

Here are my questions:

1. I have a sling pack that I carry in the parks with my stuff, some wipes and stuff for DS and that kind of thing. Will they let me carry that into Univ? note: I get really motion-sick, so I know I won't ride FJ. DS and I will just walk around while DH does that. I may, however, ride Flight of the Hippogriff. Can I take my sling pack on there?

2. Is there a certain "better" or quicker way to walk from RPR to IOA?

3. We are hoping to eat lunch at Three Broomsticks. I read that it's counter service. If we get there right at 11, is there usually a huge wait?

I'm sure these have all been answered multiple times. . .i apologize for repeat questions. I'm just a little nervous and want to make sure I have a good "plan" for our day there. Thanks so much!!

1) I use a sling backpack; for the FoH there's a meshnet that when the handlebar comes down covers your legs; I put my bags and backpack on the floor between my feet and the meshnet seems to keep things also from flying about.

2) It's kind of like rope drop at Disney; you're all making a beeline in one direction to one place.

3) We were there mid-March; we actually got in line for lunch at 10:15AM! We were trying for late breakfast, actually but heard it'll open for lunch soon so we decided to go for that instead. We left around 11; I don't think I saw any real lines forming yet.

4) When you eat at Broomsticks depending on where you sit ask the TM about the walls. I'm sure they'll be happy to "show" you around. And don't forget to peak in at Hogsmeade. The hogs head at the bar may surprise you. Finally, stand by the bar on the left near the door that leads to the "rooms" upstairs. Listen closely and it'll sound like guests mingling about.

 

[Karpkg]

Thank you, damo!! That really helps me plan! We may hit FJ first thing--let DH speed through the line, and then all of us do the castle tour!

So excited to see all of IOA!

If your DH will do FJ; I suggest you and the kids do Ollivander's. It's cute for the little ones; it's kind of like an opportunity to be in the movie. I usually suggest it first thing in the morning if one isn't doing FJ.

As for Dr. Seussland; I love that area. Be sure to stick around for the little show the Seuss characters put out(Behind the one fish, 2 fish attraction); the meet and greet occurs afterwards and with so many characters out at once you may want the opportunity to have an autograph book handy. Definitely have that camera out.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Thank you, Karpkg!! Those details helped me imagine it in my mind, too! Since I am an obsessive planner I love details and tips!!

I am getting more and more excited for our day there!