One Universal day in Sept, avoid HHN day if not attending event?

[holyrita]

Hello! I'd like to go to Universal for one day during my September solo trip to Disney. I typically like to spend most of my time in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, doing some rides outside of those lands if possible (Mummy, Spiderman, ET, maybe attempt Velocicoaster if I get up the nerve)

Right now I'm debating going between Tuesday 9/21 or Wednesday 9/22. HHN is happening that Wednesday and I'm wondering with Studios closing early for the event, and people not attending the event moving over to IOA, if that would have a significant impact?

I've seen people suggest doing Studios in the morning and then moving over to IOA, but I'd really like to ride Hagrids and Forbidden Journey and I'm concerned trying to do them later in the day would be more difficult with potentially larger crowds. Would also like to see any nighttime show Universal is offering at that time which I'm not sure if they do the same night as HHN.

This seems like a questions that are probably asked a lot, but I promise I did try searching! Thanks for any help

 

[cschaaf]

Yes, on HHN nights, there will be a migration from US to IOA. Hard to say if it is 'significant' or not. At that time of day, there are likely people leaving IOA anyway, so it may just equalize. From what we have seen, there is a significant impact on the Hogwarts Express during that migration. The wait to take that over to IOA gets long.

I don't know what the US hours are on non-HHN nights.

Either way, you'll have to prioritize your morning and evening based on when the parks open/close, and what attractions/sights you really want to see. If it were me, and I really wanted to do Hagrids, FJ, and maybe Velocicoaster, I'd probably head to IOA in the morning to have the best opportunity to ride those.

My plan might look something like:

• Rope drop IOA (even better if you can stay a night at a Unvesal hotel to get early entry)
• Head towards Hagrid's
  • If they are still doing Virtual Queue at that time, it might make sense to get one of those and ride FJ first
• After FJ and Hagrid's, take Hogwarts Express (HE) over to US
• Ride Gringotts
• Explore HP area
• Ride Mummy
• Ride ET
• Spend whatever time you are comfortable with in US aiming to get to the HE at least an hour before the park closes
• Take HE back to IoA so that you get both 'versions' of the ride
• Back in IoA, explore the HP area
• Consider another virtual queue for Hagrid's at night - it's really fun at night
• Flight of the Hippogrif is a kiddie coaster, but still pretty fun, particularly at night
• Consider Velocicoaster
• Maybe the Hogwarts light show will be running at that time
  • Hippogriff is also fun during the Hogwarts light show if you can time it right
• On your way out, hit Spider-man

I think that covers everything you mentioned. Of course, there is more than that, and you can try to add in as you go.

 

[holyrita]

Oh wow, very thorough and thoughtful response, thank you!! Have saved this plan into my trip doc!

 

[macraven]

Going to the park on Tuesday probably the best
No hhn
No large crowds