Lockers at Harry Potter

[conniehar90]

Yesterday was our 3rd trip to Universal in the last 2 years. I didn't want to deal with lockers so have gotten by with just a fanny pack each trip. Yesterday, we had a lot of rain and needed to bring ponchos when returning in the evening. So, we needed a backpack. I couldn't believe the hassle of obtaining a locker at Forbidden Journey! There are so many people and you have to wait for one of about 10 computers in order to get a locker. Many of the computers would tell you that there were no lockers available when we just saw someone take their stuff out! We figured out that you had to wait a little bit for the system to realize that there was an empty locker. It took us about 10 minutes just to get a locker at 6pm. I can't imagine the insanity in the morning!!!

We had no issues getting a locker at any of the other rides but I would never bring a bag to this park unless I really had to. Crazy!

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Yes, it gets pretty crammed in there. As you guessed there is a reset time for the lockers just in case anyone forgets something and needs to go back and get it.

 

[cigar95]

Can you still access the lockers by going through Filch's, or do you have to enter via the main attraction entrance?

From my earlier experience, I thought it would go much more smoothly if there were separate stations for putting your stuff in and removing it. Seems we'd want the latter folks to access their lockers as quickly as possible, so that the former would have more lockers available.

 

[Gingernut]

Yes we were there in Oct and never seen mayhem like it. The ride and queue area appear to be huge, but where you put your belongings and the shop where they want you to spend your money are like after thoughts - not a lot of room at all. Sometimes you can't help but have a bag with you and into the chaos you have to go!!

 

[LisaFB]

So you can't have a backpack just for the ride or for the whole Harry Potter section? We're going with the kids next August for the first time and my boys have severe allergies. They need their epi cases within reach at all times.

 

[macraven]

if you use the family/child swap room for FJ, one adult can keep the backpack with them in that room while the others ride.

when they are off the ride, the other adult can switch and do the ride with the kids again.

suggesting that as i don't know if your 5 yo will be doing that ride.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

So you can't have a backpack just for the ride or for the whole Harry Potter section? We're going with the kids next August for the first time and my boys have severe allergies. They need their epi cases within reach at all times.

You can bring your belongings everywhere, just not while riding Forbidden Journey or Dragon Challenge. Anything you can fit in your pockets (like the epi pens) are fine, or you can leave your things with someone and switch off, like Mac suggested.

 

[LisaFB]

Thanks. We'll have to do that then, put them meds in our pockets. What is the FJ ride like? The dragon one I know from when it used to be Dueling Dragons and my youngest won't like that at all. We know nothing about FJ at all. Is it one of those motion rides where it feels like you are flying or something, similar to Back to the Future? Also, if he choose not to go on can he still walk through the castle and then do the parent swap? Thanks!

 

[macraven]

i would use a zippered or button pocket if you put the epi pen there.
you do tilt backwards for a bit on the ride.
not long but an item could slip out of the pocket at that time.


use the child swap room.
it's very nice!

 

[LisaFB]

Thanks. We have a fanny pack type case for our older son that we can wear around our waist so that should be ok. We're hoping our youngest will want to go on the ride.

 

[auroraarielella]

I noticed you said DS was just 5. Forbidden Journey is a 48-inch tall ride.

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks. We'll have to do that then, put them meds in our pockets. What is the FJ ride like? The dragon one I know from when it used to be Dueling Dragons and my youngest won't like that at all. We know nothing about FJ at all. Is it one of those motion rides where it feels like you are flying or something, similar to Back to the Future? Also, if he choose not to go on can he still walk through the castle and then do the parent swap? Thanks!

Dragon Challenge is a 54" coaster so I'm thinking only your 9 year old will be able to go on it. DS is a taller kid, but he didn't hit 54" until he was 8.

At Universal the rider swap area is near the seating area of the ride. They do not split up your family until that point. So YES the kids can go through almost to the seating area; they will split off to go to the waiting room area at the sorting hat, I believe.

FJ gives the feeling of flying, YES. It also has enormous acromantulas (that spit at you) and dementors that come towards you and a dragon that breathes fire in front of you. It's not for the faint of heart! The ride "vehicle" is on a robot arm that moves you in various directions, including flat on your back at at least one point.

Thanks. We have a fanny pack type case for our older son that we can wear around our waist so that should be ok. We're hoping our youngest will want to go on the ride.

You can only take the smallest waistpacks on the rides that require lockers, so make sure it's small small small. Or have someone wear cargo pants/shorts or a vest with zippered pockets (photographers/safari type vest) and button/zip those epipens into the pockets.

I noticed you said DS was just 5. Forbidden Journey is a 48-inch tall ride.

yep.

 

[LisaFB]

Thanks everyone! Yes, DH2 is 5.5 now but we're going a year from now. He's close to 47 inches now so he might be big enough. My 7.5 year old is just about 50 inches so he MIGHT be tall enough for the dragons by next summer. My daughter will definitely be tall enough for both!

As for the meds, I'll make sure that DH wears cargo shorts that day and that the pockets close tightly.

That's great that the rider swap is closer to the actual ride. I'm glad that any of my kids who can't go on will be able to see everything else.

Thanks for the help everyone!!