Last minute help?!

[*MomTo2Princesses*]

I posted this in the resort forum and meant to post it here. Not sure how to move it so I hope it’s ok to repost here!

We may be crazy. Haven’t been to Universal in 10 years and just booked to arrive in 2 days for a long weekend. I cannot believe we did this and starting to panic a little.

I am expecting high crowds with Spring Break and Easter week. We do Disney every year during off season so a little nervous about the crowds. We have EP so hoping that helps a little. Kids are big Harry Potter fans. Girls are 12 and 8, little guy is 5. Will we have a hard time finding places to eatwithout reservations? Any last minute tips?

 

[FutureDisneyEventPlanner]

I think since you have Express Pass, you'll be good. Granted, it will still be busy, but as long as you manage your expectations, you'll be fine!

Use the park hours wisely. Go as soon as it opens, take a midday break if it gets too crazy, and go back at night.

 

[bchbetha]

My ds just got back and none of the lines were insane, and he didn’t have EPs. Follow pp’s advice.
For a mid-day break, check out Camp Jurassic or other play areas.
You can book reservations online if you’re really nervous. Not everywhere takes reservations but you can look on the Universal site and Open Table. But, if you time your meals wisely you’ll be fine (early lunch, snacks during day, late dinner at CityWalk or early dinner in the park).

 

[agavegirl1]

Are you on site? If so, take advantage of the early entry. Do you have Park to Park passes? If so, hop to the other park when the one with early entry gets crazy busy. Make sure you ride Hogwarts Express both ways. On site guests get priority seating at a select group of restaurants, eating at these will be less of a problem. Make a reservation via Open Table or the restaurant directly. You can often do this the same day. Visit Olivander's in Diagon Alley instead of Hogsmeade. It has three show rooms and the line moves more quickly. As a PP mentioned, manage your expectations. A positive attitude goes a long way. The Harry Potter areas are amazingly themed and just being in them is great.

 

[gotomu212]

EPs should help tremendously. I like the HP areas later in the evenings when they clear out (although the Hogsmeade castle lights show packs that area in the evening). When it does start to get crowded in HP areas it’s best to leave (the shops are unbearable when busy) but take time early in the morning or later in the day to really look in them. The theming is incredible for any HP fan.

When our son was 5 he loved Jurassic Park play area and the Curious George/Fiveal play areas. Even though I thought we were at US and you want to play on a playground, I’m glad we have him a chance to unwind and not just stand in lines (plus one of the adults would sneak off to ride some of the big roller coasters).

Echo what others say about eating slightly early/slightly late to avoid crowds. We’ve always made reservations the night before or morning of and never had a problem getting a table.

Come back and let us know what you thought of switching to the darkside!

 

[*MomTo2Princesses*]

Thank you all so much!! I am so sorry for the two threads. I did not mean to have both. I just wanted to come and say thank you for the replies and advice. We are so excited and can’t wait to wake the kiddos up early tomorrow with the Harry Potter theme as an alarm through the Amazon Echo!