We had a group of 13 of us - ages 4 - 45.
Stayed at Portofino - nice place, but huge resort - very spread out - our rooms were all over the place. Other hotels have better proximity to parks and are easier to walk back to after a long day in the parks. We used the water taxi more here than we have when we stayed at RPR
Did 2 park per day option - which was key. Spent most of the first day at US - and the FOTL pass was amazing
Had dinner at Margaritaville, then went over to WWOHP for the last hour - did some shopping and rode FJ. (line listed as 15 minutes - prob more like 35 - but worth it)
Next morning some slept in, others did early entry. Rode 615am ferry to IOA (there were plenty of people waiting at 6am - believe it or not)
They opened the gates at 6:55am, and we all headed into WWOHP
We went right to Ollivanders - got into 2nd show -- my son was lucky enought to be selected - what a neat experience!
After that we rode FJ by single rider line (twice) - did some shopping, rode flight of the Hippogriff a few times and left Hogsmeade area at 8:15am, at which time the wait time for FJ was posted as 45 minutes.
Did the rest of IOA, spent some time at hotel pool, had dinner at Mythos (not as good as it was last time we visited in 2009) -- then returned to WWOHP
Again rode FJ via single rider line a few times (less than 10 minute wait) - and kids rode Hippogriff numerous times..
All in all a great trip -- I was pleasantly surprised about the whole trip -- I was dreading the heat and crowds -- I have never done the parks in summer - but with the Portofino FOTL pass - it was great!!
Even WWOHP -- the key is -- the early entry first hour, and the last hour the park is open. Otherwise, avoid it during the day -- One person in our group tried to do single rider line at 4pm - waited 45 minutes. We honestly rode it several times (via single rider line) with 10 minute or less wait each time.
I really enjoyed the whole Hogsmeade area - very interesting, Castle is incredible , and FJ is - without a doubt - my favorite ride at any park ! (Just as a disclaimer - I am not an avid Harry Potter fan - I read books 1-4 over the past 6 months only because I knew we were going here -- I did not want to be the only clueless one ...)
Hope this info helps someone else plan their trip -- esp during the crowded times
Stayed at Portofino - nice place, but huge resort - very spread out - our rooms were all over the place. Other hotels have better proximity to parks and are easier to walk back to after a long day in the parks. We used the water taxi more here than we have when we stayed at RPR
Did 2 park per day option - which was key. Spent most of the first day at US - and the FOTL pass was amazing
Had dinner at Margaritaville, then went over to WWOHP for the last hour - did some shopping and rode FJ. (line listed as 15 minutes - prob more like 35 - but worth it)
Next morning some slept in, others did early entry. Rode 615am ferry to IOA (there were plenty of people waiting at 6am - believe it or not)
They opened the gates at 6:55am, and we all headed into WWOHP
We went right to Ollivanders - got into 2nd show -- my son was lucky enought to be selected - what a neat experience!
After that we rode FJ by single rider line (twice) - did some shopping, rode flight of the Hippogriff a few times and left Hogsmeade area at 8:15am, at which time the wait time for FJ was posted as 45 minutes.
Did the rest of IOA, spent some time at hotel pool, had dinner at Mythos (not as good as it was last time we visited in 2009) -- then returned to WWOHP
Again rode FJ via single rider line a few times (less than 10 minute wait) - and kids rode Hippogriff numerous times..
All in all a great trip -- I was pleasantly surprised about the whole trip -- I was dreading the heat and crowds -- I have never done the parks in summer - but with the Portofino FOTL pass - it was great!!
Even WWOHP -- the key is -- the early entry first hour, and the last hour the park is open. Otherwise, avoid it during the day -- One person in our group tried to do single rider line at 4pm - waited 45 minutes. We honestly rode it several times (via single rider line) with 10 minute or less wait each time.
I really enjoyed the whole Hogsmeade area - very interesting, Castle is incredible , and FJ is - without a doubt - my favorite ride at any park ! (Just as a disclaimer - I am not an avid Harry Potter fan - I read books 1-4 over the past 6 months only because I knew we were going here -- I did not want to be the only clueless one ...)
Hope this info helps someone else plan their trip -- esp during the crowded times
