One day- both parks. Help me make a plan please.

[thunderbug548]

My dh and I were given some US/IOA comp tickets (won in a contest by a BFF). We have only 1 day and want to do as much of both parks as possible. Universal was the site of our very first "date" so it's kind of a recreation 13 years and 3 kids later. Our available dates are 11/3 or 11/17 of this month so decently low crowds hopefully.

Should we do IOA or US first? We def. want to hit up the WWoHP so is it better first thing in the morning or later in the evening? Does anyone know of a good touring plan of which rides to hit first at either park? So much has changed since we've been there. I went to HHN this month and didn't recognize the park. Any good tips? Free ice water like at WDW perhaps?? LOL Any info is appreciated!

 

[Metro West]

You won't be able to do everything in both parks...only the highlights but you shouldn't have any crowds to speak of. I think this weekend will be better crowd wise than 11/17 since that's right before Thanksgiving.

You will obviously need to get there at opening and be ready when the gates open. Most people don't make touring plans so you should go on the website and see what you're interested in doing and make a plan from those attractions.

HP2 shouldn't be too terribly crowded this time of year but there will still be lines and Christmas decorations should be going up soon...I don't know about this weekend but definitely by 11/17.

 

[thunderbug548]

Thanks. I figured we couldn't do everything but as long as we can do some of the newer stuff and the big rides, we'll be happy. Heck, we'll be happy we're sans kids for the day! I'm betting 11/17 will be the day we can go as we have to line up shifts of babysitters for the entire day. I'm scouring the net right now for any and all info I can find.

 

[Batesl49]

IOA is open 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Studios open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Start with IOA and WWHP:
Castle tour and ride Forbidden
Re-ride if line is low (you will return later for a better tour of the castle and more rides)
Dragon Challenge (even if you don't want to ride take the path to see the Weasley's car at the Whomping Willow
You will come out by Ollivanders, if interested check the lines
Across the street the Hog's Head and The Three Broomsticks (they are connected) before going in to use the ladies restroom next to Hog's Head for a Moaning Myrtle visit
Besure and drink some Butterbeer (I like frozen best)
Then hit the shops if you wish
You are now back to the entrance of WWHP
Ask a park worker the times in the afternoon/early evening for the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir performances so you can see them when you return. They are over by Ollivanders on the town square.
The rest of IOA & Studios is really up to your preferences, just come back to WWHP around 5:00 or 6:00 pm to experience the WWHP at night. It is worth a trip all on its own.
Some tips:
The castle has a "castle tour only line" that you can take your time and really see everything in the castle tour before the ride. Take it, there is so much to see. They also have a single rider line if you two don't mind riding separately if the rider line is too long.
Ride the Hippogriff, but after dark, you can see everything in WWHP with all the lights on and the magic, it is well worth it.
The Three Broomsticks is fun to tour inside at night as there are shadows on the walls and up near the ceiling, think house elves.
The Owlery is nice for a rest, owls in the rafters, and Harry Potter music playing. Good for people watching, resting, and catching a snack. Be sure to stop in the store there and buy the post cards of Hogsmead. Way cool.

So anyway, enjoy this wonderful time you two will experience.

Returning November 28-December 7, 2012

Laurie

 

[thunderbug548]

Thank you so much! That was a big help!

 

[chefbilly420]

Buy the express pass online like 35 bucks each, you can do everything. Do harry potter first, then work your way from Jurassic to the marvel section. Skip Seuss go to universal straight to e.t., Simpsons then follow the circle around. Done deal I just did it n a Saturday in oct with 3 kids.

 

[macraven]

if the express passes are only $35, that is a reflection of a lower crowd day in the parks.


wait until you are in the parks to see if the ep is really needed.

the express passes are day and park related with no refunds.


if lines for rides are short, don't waste your money on the express passes.