Never been to Universal, what are the tricks?

[maryhenry]

OK, I'm a complete Universal virgin, but I'm going to give it up for Harry Potter (LOL). Do we need to stay on-site to get all the perks? I'm contemplating making a quick 3 day/2 night trip at an off time so we can see HP. I think we can do it at the beginning of December when it should be relatively quieted down.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

On-site definitely has the most benefits. Not only does it give you one hour early entry to Islands of Adventure for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but also Express access to the other attractions in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

 

[dalownerx3]

Agree with on-site - the perks of Express access saves a lot of time. Also, the hotel is close to the parks. If you get tired, you can get back to the room quickly to rest up and return to the park later.

If you are planning a 3-day/2-night stay, I suggest you get your room key early on the 1st day and visit the other areas. Get up early on your second day and take advantage of early admission to visit WWHOP. After you check out on your third day, you can still use the room key for express access to ride your favorite rides one last time.

 

[Planogirl]

Rip Ride n Rocket is not included in the Express Pass if that is important.

As for secrets, if you stay onsite the Express Pass makes things pretty easy. If you stay offsite like we usually do the biggest secret is to get there at rope drop. We can do pretty much everything with minimal waits if we plan wisely and hit the difficult attractions early. Only Disaster still gives me fits at times. But getting there early is the best thing - we've noticed that you can literally see people pouring into each park later in the morning.

Also, if you like to escape the crowds to eat a lunch either eat as early as possible or head over to Citywalk. We make it a point to eat lunch at Margaritaville at least once and it's nice and quiet when we get there.

Of course all of this could be different with Harry Potter being there.

 

[DaddyBeast]

Paying back all of the info we have received, here are some first-hand observations for those going to WWoHP at IOA:

*Wands: Hermoine's wand was sold out today, and they could not tell us when more will come in. Also sold out of Ginny Weasley (probably second choice for girls wanting Grainger's). If you want to see what Hermoine's looks like, go to the Owl Post entrance to D&B's (Dervish & Banges, not Dave & Busters), and look at the wand display. Hermoine's is in the front display, second from the right.

I was told everything from maybe tomorrow morning, to 3-5 days, to we just don't know. I saw kids crying because they ran out. Snape was sold out later in the day as well. All wands are $30. They have Voldey, Dumbley, Ron, Lupin, McGonnagle, Draco, and an assortment of astrological ones. They tell you which wand is right for you based on your birthday.

**There is a Wand Cart, that is just outside the entrance to Forbidden Journey. The line was short, they have all of the wands, and if it is available in D&B's it is available on the cart. Ride the ride, then shop for a wand.

 

[DaddyBeast]

*Early entry: Hotel guests and Universal Orlando Vacations guests can get in line for entry to Hogsmeade before 7:30am. You go through the turnstiles, head for Seuss Land, and they will stop you and ask for your room key. I had to show my Confirmation Email from Universal Orlando Vacations, but they let us right in.

Then, you get to line up until they officially open Hogsmeade at about 8am. We were in Seuss Land, but when they opened up the whole line including us were let in. We went straight to Forbidden Journey, and waited about 60 minutes for it.

If you book one of the packages through Universal Orlando Vacations, you don't even need to stay on-site to get into Hogsmeade 1 hour early. In fact, you could book a cheap room just to get the special 1 hour early entry tickets...

 

[DaddyBeast]

*Forbidden Journey: First there are lockers (free for your ride) that are to the right of the entry queue. This slows down the line because one person from the party goes to figure out the lockers while the rest try to hold their spot. Cast is there telling you that no loose articles are allowed, but take your water, snacks, or frozen butterbeer with you. The line can be long and hot.

There is a single rider line, just ask when you get to the entrance.

After the lockers and the first part inside the basement, you go outside. There was a cart there selling drinks (beer, water, sodas). Most of the area is covered after that, and there are 2 water fountains: one just before you go up the ramp, and one just before you enter the castle. Later in the day the wait was over 2 hours, and they extended the middle of the line into Jurassic Park. At that point, they had a drink cart and access to the restrooms.

You can take as many pictures as you like inside, and the line goes quickly once inside the castle. People stop to try to take pictures or to take in the sights. I had my camera on my wrist when I sat down, and Cast made me put it in my pocket.

4 people to a vehicle, so plan you groupings ahead of time. Hold onto everything because it shakes you around. I saw 1 flip-flop on the floor near the end of the ride. They aren't going to stop the ride so you can go back to get your flip-flop, so hold on to them.

 

[DaddyBeast]

*Crowds later in the day: At 8pm, there was no more line to get in to Hogsmeade. We walked in from Jurassic Park. There was almost no line for Hippogriff (note, you can walk down the queue a little and get a picture of Buckbeak) (also, the view of the castle is great from Hippogriff, especially at night). The line for butterbeer was still long, and the line for Olivander's never got short. By 9:45 (15 min before closing) the line for Forbidden Journey was down to 45 minutes.

We walked in to the combo Honeydukes/Zonkos shop after 9pm. Note: Chocolate Frogs will melt if you get them early in the day and carry them around the park with you. It becomes a chocolate lump.

You can walk in to D&B's after 9:15pm and that is where the $100 robes are.

Butterbeer in a keepsake mug is $10. They have barmaids walking around with trays selling them, in addition to the cart. The best place to get them is in the bar, or you can go to 3 Broomsticks. Frozen, without a straw, is the best, and it stays cold for a long time (like waiting in line for FJ). Refills are only $3.99 for frozen, $2.99 for cold. You can also get other refills inside 3 Broomsticks. $0.85 for Apple or Peach Cider Refills (or some other fountain drinks, but pumpkin juice refills are still $2.99).

 

[DaddyBeast]

*3 Broomsticks: The line was held outside until 10:30 and then it was let in slowly. You queue up, and then Cast tells you which cashier to go to. At this point, you have had a glimpse of the menu with no prices, so it takes everyone a long time to order. Then, the cashier tells you which line to go to for your pick up. At that point you go to a table. There were Cast all over making sure people didn't sneak in the exits or try to hold tables.

You can eat outside with a great view of the castle. It was hot, so the tables outside were not crowded. The kids meals do not include drinks.

Another note for when there is a line to get into Hogsmeade: Don't leave and then plan to get back in right away. One group we met got separated and some left the area and were told to wait in a 4 hour line to get back in.

 

[DaddyBeast]

They also ran out of postcards early in the day.

 

[dalownerx3]

For rip n ride rocket, to avoid a long line, go with the single rider line. Since the music is individually chosen, I do not think you miss much in the single line.

I think the crowds will be low during the beginning of December. WDW has low crowds then and I do not see Universal being much different.

 

[Dubb]

If you book one of the packages through Universal Orlando Vacations, you don't even need to stay on-site to get into Hogsmeade 1 hour early. In fact, you could book a cheap room just to get the special 1 hour early entry tickets...

Can anyone else confirm this?

 

[damo]

Can anyone else confirm this?

Yes, that is one of the benefits of purchasing the package. It includes breakfast at the Three Broomsticks as well, so it really isn't cheap.

 

[bubba's mom]

*3 Broomsticks: There were Cast all over making sure people didn't sneak in the exits or try to hold tables.

Good to hear....esp in July (when we're going) because those HUGE Brazillian tour groups take up a LOT of seats!

Sounds like things run smoothly at 3 Brmstx.

 

[bumbershoot]

Cracking up at your first sentence...what a way to put it! Guess I qualify for that too!

Back to read the tips in this thread...I've scoured the stickies here for months, but it's always good to get it condensed.

 

[TraceyL]

Can anyone else confirm this?

Yes, that is one of the benefits of purchasing the package. It includes breakfast at the Three Broomsticks as well, so it really isn't cheap.

Cheapest package for us is $118 (for 2 ad & 2 ch)
1 night's accom
2 mornings early entry
breakfast for 4 @ 3 broomsticks
and a 'special' commemorative ticket

 

[damo]

Cheapest package for us is $118 (for 2 ad & 2 ch)
1 night's accom
2 mornings early entry
breakfast for 4 @ 3 broomsticks
and a 'special' commemorative ticket

That looks like a great deal! Would you mind sharing what hotel it is? Adult breakfasts are about $15 each, so you did well!

 

[TraceyL]

Econo Lodge on I-Drive

We booked when the packages were first released & just took the park tickets off. I have heard that now UniVac are insisting that the park tickets are booked to qualify for the package.

We're actually not going to use the accom (we have a pool home booked) - I figured the early entry was worth $50 for 2 days for 4 of us ......

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

Lots of great tips for WWoHP. Thanks! What I'm really wondering is what to do with my camera that won't fit in my pocket. Will I need to keep it in the locker? If I do this how will I get pics in the castle? Thanks for any advice.

 

[minniejack]

without starting a war--the number one trick is to enjoy yourself

Do not compare to "other" theme parks. Just have fun.