Lockers at FJ

[TheMovieJunkie]

We are going to Universal for the first time in October and I've been reading about Fanny Packs only on FJ in WWoHP and all other bags/items must be put in a locker.

Since the line to the ride takes you throught Hogwarts (at least that's what I'm getting through researching), I would love to be able to take pictures and film. Are the lockers before you enter Hogwarts or just before you get on the ride?

I guess what I'm trying to say is can I take pictures, then check my cameras in a locker. Is it really hectic to get a locker?

Thanks!!

 

[wdwprincess03]

I would do the castle tour to take pictures, if you take them while in line you won't be able to really focus since the line is constantly moving.

 

[conniehar90]

The lockers are right at the beginning of the queue line. So, unless you have a pocket or something to put your camera in, you won't be able to bring it on. The line does move pretty fast, but people don't mind if you stop to take some pictures along the way.

I had a fanny pack so didn't have to go near the lockers but it did look quite hectic over there.

 

[mesaboy2]

I would do the castle tour to take pictures, if you take them while in line you won't be able to really focus since the line is constantly moving.

Second this. Ride first after stowing your stuff in a locker. Then go get your stuff and take the castle tour queue, where you'll see the best 80-90% of the stuff you saw in the main queue.

 

[marinapj]

Second this. Ride first after stowing your stuff in a locker. Then go get your stuff and take the castle tour queue, where you'll see the best 80-90% of the stuff you saw in the main queue.

I read a while ago here on the boards that you could avoid the long locker line by going through Filch's Emporium and getting a locker right away. Is it still possible to do that?

 

[mesaboy2]

I read a while ago here on the boards that you could avoid the long locker line by going through Filch's Emporium and getting a locker right away. Is it still possible to do that?

If there's not a TM there blocking you, then yes it is still possible. This probably goes in the category of "frowned upon", however, as you are technically skipping those in the intended locker line.

 

[TheMovieJunkie]

Thanks for the replies and the tip about Filch's Emporium.

It sounds so hectic with the lockers and if I'm understanding correctly, I can't wear my bag cross-body style either. It's a small bag, but fits both my camcorder and regular camera perfectly.

Hmmm....maybe I can bring some saftey pins and quickly fashion it around my waist to look like a Fanny Pack just for that ride?

 

[ducky_love]

Hmmm....maybe I can bring some saftey pins and quickly fashion it around my waist to look like a Fanny Pack just for that ride?

I frankly would not trust safety pins on that ride. It is crazy and you get tossed in every direction. I can see a safety pin coming loose and poking you. And really that is the least of your worries if your bag gets lost or caught on something.

Universal sells nice belly bags in their gift shops. Maybe grab one early in the day? (The one I have retails for $9.99 and holds the basics.)

 

[damo]

Thanks for the replies and the tip about Filch's Emporium.

It sounds so hectic with the lockers and if I'm understanding correctly, I can't wear my bag cross-body style either. It's a small bag, but fits both my camcorder and regular camera perfectly.

Hmmm....maybe I can bring some saftey pins and quickly fashion it around my waist to look like a Fanny Pack just for that ride?

They won't let you do that. It needs to have a prong closure.

 

[TheMovieJunkie]

Boy, they are strict. LOL!!!

Guess I gotta give in a get a Fanny Pack.

 

[mesaboy2]

Boy, they are strict. LOL!!!

Guess I gotta give in a get a Fanny Pack.

Once you've ridden, you will understand why.

 

[ducky_love]

Once you've ridden, you will understand why.

Truly - it is good advice. Nobody likes belly bags but it is the only way.

 

[aubriee]

Once you've ridden, you will understand why.

Not really! I have ridden FJ multiple times and still don't understand why small crossbody bags are not allowed. I have some that are smaller than a fanny pack. Because they go cross body there is no way they could possibly come off. Over the shoulder bags I can see, but cross body bags can't fly off. (Of course, it's their park, so their rules.) Here's some I have, none are allowed on FJ, even though they are smaller than most fanny packs and since they are cross body, there is no way they could possibly fly off:

http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=mini+hipster&x=20&y=16

http://www.verabradley.com/product/...r/Boysenberry/pc/638/c/0/sc/883/p/1001197.uts

http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=little+hip&x=30&y=4

Now when I go to Universal, I just make sure I'm wearing cargo shorts and carry the bare minimum (camera in one pocket, cell phone in another, and a lanyard around my neck with CC, ID, AP, and a little cash).

 

[AnjieNet]

Not really! I have ridden FJ multiple times and still don't understand why small crossbody bags are not allowed. I have some that are smaller than a fanny pack. Because they go cross body there is no way they could possibly come off. Over the shoulder bags I can see, but cross body bags can't fly off. (Of course, it's their park, so their rules.) Here's some I have, none are allowed on FJ, even though they are smaller than most fanny packs and since they are cross body, there is no way they could possibly fly off:

http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=mini+hipster&x=20&y=16

http://www.verabradley.com/product/...r/Boysenberry/pc/638/c/0/sc/883/p/1001197.uts

http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=little+hip&x=30&y=4

Now when I go to Universal, I just make sure I'm wearing cargo shorts and carry the bare minimum (camera in one pocket, cell phone in another, and a lanyard around my neck with CC, ID, AP, and a little cash).

If you like the Vera Bradley, someone posted this on of the the Disney boards. May get one for my daughter and one for me. On sale for $14.99!

http://www.verabradley.com/product/...ltColor/Deco+Daisy/p/1001229.uts?fromSearch=1

Still debating whether to spend the money on the Kipling multiple though too. Decisions, decisions!

 

[aubriee]

If you like the Vera Bradley, someone posted this on of the the Disney boards. May get one for my daughter and one for me. On sale for $14.99!

http://www.verabradley.com/product/...ltColor/Deco+Daisy/p/1001229.uts?fromSearch=1

Still debating whether to spend the money on the Kipling multiple though too. Decisions, decisions!

Thanks! That's funny! I was just looking at both those bags yesterday. I hate fanny packs, but may have to give in though. I have a friend who wore the Vera Bradley one this past May when we were there and it worked out well for her. In fact, I noticed she wrote a review of it on the VB site. The Kipling multiple is just a tad bigger than I want, but I love the little monkey that comes on them. This past May we were in line for Jurassic Park and the lady in front of me had a red one.

 

[DarthEner]

Second this. Ride first after stowing your stuff in a locker. Then go get your stuff and take the castle tour queue, where you'll see the best 80-90% of the stuff you saw in the main queue.

Is there different queue depending on if you want to ride the attraction or you want to see the castle? If so, where's it?

 

[mesaboy2]

Is there different queue depending on if you want to ride the attraction or you want to see the castle? If so, where's it?

Yes. All three queues (main, single rider, and castle tour) branch off at the same point just past the locker area inside the castle. There is almost always a TM there to help direct traffic. Single rider goes left and up some stairs, castle tour goes right and up some stairs, and main continues straight ahead. They are poorly marked if at all. Ask that TM if unsure.

 

[Princess Bree]

Where are the best lockers to use if we want to get one in WWOHP to use for the whole day, where we won't be standing in line with the people getting on the ride?

 

[mesaboy2]

Where are the best lockers to use if we want to get one in WWOHP to use for the whole day, where we won't be standing in line with the people getting on the ride?

That'll cost you. The only lockers inside WWoHP are intended for use by riders on either FJ or DC. They are free for a time, as described above. I've not heard anyone say they've used them as day-long lockers. I suppose you could do it if you want. Probably cheaper to use lockers at the front of IoA intended for all-day use.

 

[Princess Bree]

Thanks MesaBoy. I know I'm going to need a place to stash all the butterbeer and hogshead ale mugs I'll be buying. I might just have to give the free locker lines a go.