Newbie Lots of??????

[figmentfan423]

We'll have 7 days to really explore the place and we're planning on eating at all 4 table service in the parks. My men are Potterheads to say the least, so we'll start in Diagon Alley. Any hints tips hidden gems and the like would be welcome. We do want to make dining reservations, how far out can we do that?

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

Really no need to make dining reservations except in the busiest times, and even then a couple of weeks out. Any tips? Well, most importantly know the maps, review ALL of the dining options (parks, City Walk, resorts, counter service), and read the sticky threads on this site. If there are specific questions, just ask, the experts on here are amazing!!!!

 

[RMulieri]

You don't need to make dining ressies unless you are going during Christmas week or really peak times.If you choose to make them it really isn't necessary too far out ( we do the week or so before)

 

[macraven]

There is an old thread on universal secrets which covers rides
Some still valid info, some outdated

When I get on my computer I will try to link the thread here for you

 

[figmentfan423]

You don't need to make dining ressies unless you are going during Christmas week or really peak times.If you choose to make them it really isn't necessary too far out ( we do the week or so before)

We have a few food allergies and the Universal site to make reservations and note the allergies.

 

[figmentfan423]

There is an old thread on universal secrets which covers rides
Some still valid info, some outdated

When I get on my computer I will try to link the thread here for you

Thank you!

 

[Kivara]

My son has food allergies (ALTHOUGH, his are irritating, NOT life-threatening).
We have never made a reservation (we travel Late May and June).

We have never had an issue getting in or with allergies. I have found staff at food carts, CS and TS to all be thoroughly professional and knowledgeable.

In a couple instances where a wait staff member wasn't sure about a menu item or cross-contamination; they immediately recommended bringing out the chef to speak with us.

 

[schumigirl]

My son has food allergies (ALTHOUGH, his are irritating, NOT life-threatening).
We have never made a reservation (we travel Late May and June).

We have never had an issue getting in or with allergies. I have found staff at food carts, CS and TS to all be thoroughly professional and knowledgeable.

In a couple instances where a wait staff member wasn't sure about a menu item or cross-contamination; they immediately recommended bringing out the chef to speak with us.

That's been our experience too......I have mild non life threatening allergies and have never had an issue, staff everywhere have been fantastic.

Friends who have 3 kids, 2 of whom have serious allergies have found exactly the same. Any problems the chef will always come out and speak to them.....they never make reservations either although they did call to speak to someone before they left first time they went to USF......Universal called them back with all the info they needed and made their decisions on where to eat from there.

 

[johde]

Don't limit yourself to just the table service locations in the parks. City Walk is mere moments from the parks and has a wide variety of choices. Most of them are also able to handle special allergy needs with no problems. I don't have any problems. But when I was at Emeril's the couple at the table next to me was a walk in with a laundry list of allergies. They carried a list of thing they could eat. The chef came out and worked with them to come up with a lunch they both enjoyed.

 

[figmentfan423]

Don't limit yourself to just the table service locations in the parks. City Walk is mere moments from the parks and has a wide variety of choices. Most of them are also able to handle special allergy needs with no problems. I don't have any problems. But when I was at Emeril's the couple at the table next to me was a walk in with a laundry list of allergies. They carried a list of thing they could eat. The chef came out and worked with them to come up with a lunch they both enjoyed.

Thank you and we weren't Cow Fish is also on our list so far

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you and we weren't Cow Fish is also on our list so far

Cowfish we really enjoyed. Food was gorgeous.......

I explained my allergies and she wrote everything down and went to check with the chef if I could have some things I wasn't sure about........they really were good, but we have found the same service all over Universal. Hotels, citywalk and the parks.......all excellent.

 

[kjpotter]

I will give some Potter hints.

Expect to spend at least a half a day each in Hogsmead and Diagon Alley. If you purchase an interactive wand, there are many places to use it and you can spend hours finding them all. Some are easier to view at night, so try during different times of the day. Be sure to watch the shows in Diagon Alley. Also, the ice cream is wonderful. So many different flavors! We grabbed a cone and watched the Tales of Beetle Bard.

Make sure you have a park to park pass. You will need it to ride the Hogwarts express. The ride experience is different each way, so make a round trip. The food in the WWOHP is delicious so plan on at least one meal at Three Broomsticks and at Leaky Cauldron. There are no dining reservations available for WWOHP, so no need to preplan.

Really take the time to go through each shop. Fans of the books will find amazing details that are easily missed.

 

[figmentfan423]

I will give some Potter hints.

Expect to spend at least a half a day each in Hogsmead and Diagon Alley. If you purchase an interactive wand, there are many places to use it and you can spend hours finding them all. Some are easier to view at night, so try during different times of the day. Be sure to watch the shows in Diagon Alley. Also, the ice cream is wonderful. So many different flavors! We grabbed a cone and watched the Tales of Beetle Bard.

Make sure you have a park to park pass. You will need it to ride the Hogwarts express. The ride experience is different each way, so make a round trip. The food in the WWOHP is delicious so plan on at least one meal at Three Broomsticks and at Leaky Cauldron. There are no dining reservations available for WWOHP, so no need to preplan.

Really take the time to go through each shop. Fans of the books will find amazing details that are easily missed.

THNX we have at least 2 days planned for potter that way we can do each day and night! Already have APs. The plan is Diagon Alley first and doing it in the order Harry did. I know that's not the most efficient way to do it but that's what my boys want to do it. They already have saved enough to get their own wands. I do have a question. What do you mean by preplan for qs restaurants? THNX again

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

In Diagon Alley plan to ride Gringotts first one day. Then in Hogsmead plan to ride Forbidden Journey first the next day. Those lines get very long.....

Also.....If you have early entry access, it will probably be the same park both days. Use one day to enjoy the park that opened early...the second day, go early but get in line for the train early. When we were there the line for the train to the other HP section opened at 8 30 but the train didnt start till 9 am but we were almost first in line and almost first to enter the other park when it opened.