No Early Admission for me - how does it effect my touring plan?

[klam_chowder]

Planning on doing US Diagon Alley then heading to IoS WWoHP, mostly for the HExpress but also to revisit WWoHP. I noticed that Early Entry hours are 8am for US and regular park hours are 9am. Was going to get to the park at 8:15 for "rope drop" but was wondering how EE at US will effect my plan?

I'm not trying to sneak in or anything, just wondering if it's worth it to get there early...what do they do with non-hotel guests who show up early?

Any idea how long the queue is for Gringotts now that it's been open for a while? Will be there on a Monday in April.

Focus is on HP stuff at both, followed by thrill rides if we have time. Current plan:
- DA
- HE
- WWoHP
- IoS thrill rides
- HE
- US thrill rides
- get kicked out of the park

Been to WWoHP in 2011 so just trying to catch up on Diagon Alley attractions, but will be riding the HE both ways. Only have 1 day allotted to US & IoS with a park to park ticket.

Any insights much appreciated!

cheers,

 

[johde]

With Early Entry at USF I would modify your plans at least slightly. I would do.

Despicable Me
Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
Transformers
Revenge of the Mummy

Before heading to Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley and Despicable Me are the only things open for Early Entry. You can often hit up these rides with minimal wait first thing in the morning while the Early Entry crowd is finishing up in Diagon Alley. If the line for Gringotts is "short" ride it now. Otherwise save it for the end of the day.

Take Hogwarts Express Over to IOA.

Single Rider (+ Castle Tour) Forbidden Journey
Ride Dragon Challenge
Eat Lunch
Loop around IOA (toward Jurassic Park) hitting the rides you want.

Take HE back to USF (If you're making good time you could ride FJ a second time).

Ride Simpsons and MIB + any other rides you want to ride
Enjoy DA and Gringotts after dark.

 

[Kivara]

I agree with johde...only thing, how late are the parks open in April? We go late May, and I have yet to see the castle lit at night, as the parks close earlier in spring hours, but it gets dark later than winter.

I know a lot of people use apps to check wait times...I've never used them, so I don't know how accurate they are, but that might help you see when would be the best times to ride when you are there as well.

 

[klam_chowder]

johde, thx a mint for the detailed info - so useful and very much appreciated!

Kivara, I'll look into apps too now...thx! FYI, in mid-April parks are open to 7 & 8:30pm, IoA & US respectively, so I should be able to do some DA exploring in the dark!

cheers,

 

[johde]

No problem. With recent changes to park operation you might want to make a small change or 2 to my plan. Pteranadon Flyers (The kiddie coaster in Jurassic Park) has recently been open for adults without children during the last hour of operation each day. Normally guests over 56" tall need to ride with a guest under 56" tall. It is one of the few rides at Universal I've never had a chance to ride.

If you want a chance at riding it,I would consider going around IOA in the alternate direction. I.E. get of the H.E. Go through Hogsmead to Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Eat a late lunch, then tour IOA starting towards Suess Landing. That way you'll be at Jurassic park last. If you can time it to be there about 6:00 you can ride Pteranadon Flyers then head back over to USF for the rest of the evening.

Secondly, you might want to consider riding MIB and/or Simpsons before getting on HE in the morning. If you use Single Rider Lines for MIB, ROTM, Transformers, and HRRR you can get through them extremely quickly. And first thing in the morning it can be quick even without single rider.