Just Returned--Thanks, Tips, and Successful Itineraries

[Bethenny]

Glad you had a great time! We just returned as well! Had a fantastic time! I couldn't believe it but I was able to go bagless the whole time. I originally had planned to only do WWoHP bagless, but I pulled it off for the whole trip. It was a big help for the whole park, not just HP.

I did notice at one point the locker line was so large (and wide) that it looked like one massive line to get into FJ. It took me a few minutes to realize the the no-bag line was wide open and then we walked right in. So make sure to check for that if you aren't sure you're in the right spot.

 

[EmJ]

Can you give me some details about the time entry ticket for WWoHP?

We are planning a trip next summer and I am starting to collect information.

Thanks!

I'll add a little more detail to Mesaboy2's answer, since I wasn't familiar with the FastPass system (I haven't been to Disney since I was 13) and some readers might still be confused.

The Time Entry Tickets are used by Universal to control the amount of people going into WWoHP on ridiculously busy days. You will know if you need a Time Entry Ticket, because TM's will be standing at both entrances (the Jurassic Park side and the Lost Continent side) yelling that you can't get in without one. However, at least while we were there, the Time Entry Tickets were only given out in front of Sinbadd's Lost Voyage (or something... Sinbadd something...) on Lost Continent, so my advice would be to go there first. If you don't see TM's yelling loudly about Time Entry Tickets, you probably don't need one.

However, if you do need one, you just go up to one of the many TM's standing around and tell them how many in your party. They will give you a ticket with a one-hour window printed on it. That is the one-hour window that you can get in to WWoHP. Once you are in, you can stay as long as you like, but after you leave, you won't be able to get back in without a new Time Entry Ticket. Like Mesaboy2 said, the Time Entry Ticket won't help you get on any of the rides, just into the Harry Potter area in general.

I've heard some people complain about the Time Entry Tickets and the lines to get into shops, but I kind of liked them. We only had to get a Time Entry Ticket once, but I thought the inside of WWoHP seemed less crowded, and we could move about a bit freer. Also, our "time window" began 30 minutes after we got our ticket and ended 90 minutes after, which is the perfect amout of time to get in a ride or two on our way!

 

[Emjay0074]

Hi from one MJ to another, thank you so much for your post! You really helped me make a decision about O vs FJ. My kids really want to go right to FJ and I'll probably let them. We are here now, and going tomorrow-so if anyone can answer these questions, I'd really appreciate it! Love this board!

I didn't realize the whole bag/locker thing. Thank goodness I saw this tonight, will save us so much time tomorrow. I'm torn about the valet parking. Not really prepared to go bagless by tomorrow. I do have a very slim belt to carry my cell when running. It barely fits my cell- would that be allowed?

So we are going to plan on being there for RD (staying off site) and valet. Especially valet since DH's flight was delayed 3 hours and he will not get here until 1 30 am! So I'm anticipating a little late start, but hopefully not much as he said to still plan on going for RD. We can sleep at some point when we get home! We do have express, so that's why I'm torn between valet and the parking garage- once we get through HP, we are ok except for the other non express rides. Are there waits, delays, restrictions for bags at the other rides or parts of the parks? I was thinking maybe I would be able to go back and get a bag out of my car at some point. However, if not we will just deal. Def. don't want one for WWHP now that I've realized this.

Also- can you tell me where the castle tour entrance is? My two older kids might rather do the single rider line/ct approach..at least try it for a second ride.

Thank you again to everyone! I know there are other threads covering my questions, but since we are going tomorrow if you could help me I'd appreciate it. Might get a chance to search for them or check here tomorrow on DH smart phone, so any help is appreciated. My kids make fun of all the facts/touring plans I am always spurting out, but when we did everything we wanted to do at Epcot/Ak today they admitted I was right- priceless!

 

[mesaboy2]

Also- can you tell me where the castle tour entrance is? My two older kids might rather do the single rider line/ct approach..at least try it for a second ride.

I'll take this one. All three queues--main, single rider, and castle tour--fork off in different directions where the TM is posted just past the lockers. SR is to the left (at your 9 o'clock) and up some stairs, the main is ahead and slightly left (at 11 o'clock) and the CT is ahead and slightly right (at 1 o'clock). The CT is normally roped off, but the TM will open it for you if you tell them you want CT, and they'll usually verify with you that you understand you won't be allowed to ride at the end of it.

 

[Harry Potter]

I didn't realize the whole bag/locker thing. Thank goodness I saw this tonight, will save us so much time tomorrow. I'm torn about the valet parking. Not really prepared to go bagless by tomorrow. I do have a very slim belt to carry my cell when running. It barely fits my cell- would that be allowed?

Also- can you tell me where the castle tour entrance is? My two older kids might rather do the single rider line/ct approach..at least try it for a second ride.

Hope i'm not too late, but I will try to answer your queries here:

I honestly think your cell belt should be fine. As long as it's slim enough not to obstruct the closing of the restraints. If you wear it under your top the TM wont notice anyway. I carried my 'mobile phone' (I'm English, you see ) with me in my shorts pocket - although the restraints were so tight on the side of my legs that they pressed down on some buttons on the phone and called one of my friends! Remember to lock the phone next time! I really don't recommend carrying anything other than a cell though.

The Castle Tour I believe is at the same point as the regular lines. Just make sure you ask a TM who will then point you in the right direction! Make sure you have fun - and yeah, let your kids ride FJ as long as they are tall enough. It's a little jerky, but undoubtedly the finest theme park attraction anywhere in the world. To go to WWoHP and not ride it is a waste (unless you are injured or scared,of course ).

 

[Akwafunk]

Thanks! We only have one day to spend with my beloved Harry, so this gives me hope. It truly is okay to skip the Ollivander's show? I was thinking of waiting until the end of the day, so I guess I will do that!

If you leave it 'til last, you may find really short lines. We got in line at 6pm, and it was just a 20 minute wait. It was worth it for me to see my 6-year-old's jaw drop in amazement at the spell casting. The Ollivander we saw was also very, very good. Although I'm sure they all are.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Never having been to HP yet I also have a few questions. Like I have said DS16 is in a wheelchair. He does ride space Mt, TOT but not mummy as of yet. Can he ride everything in WWoHP? We havent been since it has opened.

 

[damo]

Never having been to HP yet I also have a few questions. Like I have said DS16 is in a wheelchair. He does ride space Mt, TOT but not mummy as of yet. Can he ride everything in WWoHP? We havent been since it has opened.

I don't believe there is anything that he can't ride at Universal if he is able to ride Space Mountain at WDW.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Thank you. He is cognitively 11 months but loves roller coasters.

Does it flip over? I dont know if I would put him one that flips

Is there somewhere I can find pictures of the rides in WWoHP? ( I have been on Fire and Ice) I am googling but most pics are of the castle and area, not the rides themselves. Thanks

 

[damo]

Thank you. He is cognitively 11 months but loves roller coasters.

Does it flip over? I dont know if I would put him one that flips

Is there somewhere I can find pictures of the rides in WWoHP? ( I have been on Fire and Ice) I am googling but most pics are of the castle and area, not the rides themselves. Thanks

Mummy doesn't invert. Forbidden Journey also doesn't invert but it isn't a roller coaster. Flight of the Hippogriff is a family coaster and also doesn't invert.

If you go to the trip reports there are quite a few pictures in there.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Mummy doesn't invert. Forbidden Journey also doesn't invert but it isn't a roller coaster. Flight of the Hippogriff is a family coaster and also doesn't invert.

If you go to the trip reports there are quite a few pictures in there.

invert.. thats the word I was looking for.. lol thx

 

[Pembo]

I wanted to add one more tip, go to WWoHP in the last 90 minutes of the park day. We found that the waits for FJ were 30 min or less in the last hour before the park closed.

Oh and one other tip, go in the rain!

 

[Emjay0074]

Hi everyone we r here right now. So many nthings helped us. We valet d car and made it to rd by 7 15.
15. We were Bout r4 Rows back when entering park. There was already a 75 min wait at FJ. Thank goodness we didn't have any bags . Our wait ended up only being about 50 min. It was well worth the wait. The best ride I have ever been on! This park is amazing and still everything Pales compared to FJ. Although my kids loved the Simpson's too. We all did. right now wwhp 40 min wait to get in and ticket return time 6 pm. We were finished in HP by 10. We did not do ollivanders .

 

[avgeek81]

I didnt know Spiderman had single rider line. Is it clearly marked and im just blind? I usually go solo or if im with my 2 friends they dont mind doing single rider. Ive done the one on FJ and mummy but didnt know about spiderman

 

[macraven]

I didnt know Spiderman had single rider line. Is it clearly marked and im just blind? I usually go solo or if im with my 2 friends they dont mind doing single rider. Ive done the one on FJ and mummy but didnt know about spiderman

it is not always opened.
you would be directed to the left before you enter the building for the single line for spidey.

when the crowds are there and long lines, it is opened.

the sad thing about using the express/single line is you miss all the details and story line about the theme and ride.