Only one day - Avoid HHN?

[ABCD2019]

Doing a quick trip with DH, DD11 and DD8, along with a few extended family members centered around 2 days at Disney and one night at MNSSHP at the end of September. Kids have never been at Universal and we only have one day to spend there, split between Studios and IOA. We aren't big Harry Potter fans so won't spend a lot of time there beyond the main attractions, but do enjoy thrill rides.

Two things we are contemplating - 1) Should we go on a Monday to avoid the impact of HHN on Studios park hours on Wed-Sun dates? (Trying to balance having the most hours to do things, but maybe lines are shorter on a party day? ) 2) Is this a scenario where Express pass would make sense since we only have one day and want to ride as much as possible?

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer us!

 

[Robo56]

Going on a none HHN date would be better, but keep in mind that there are a lot of people who will be vacationing at this time who are coming specifically for HHN who are staying a week or two.

Most of the Resorts are sold out for September so if that is any indication on possible crowds I would get the Express Pass.

There are two different Express passes.

The Express Pass-which allows you one Express ride per ride.

The Unlimited Express-which allows you Unlimited Express rides per ride.

You will need a Park to Park ticket to enjoy both Parks in one day and to ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth between the two parks.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Piggy backing on this question…
If going on a HHN, which park would you start with?

 

[schumigirl]

Piggy backing on this question…
If going on a HHN, which park would you start with?

Studios, then head over to IOA.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Piggy backing on this question…
If going on a HHN, which park would you start with?

Start in Studios because it will close earlier. But also realize that there will be a huge exodus to IoA as the early closing time approaches. The line for the Hogwarts Express from US to IoA will be very long in the late afternoon, and the Hogwarts Express won’t run from IoA to US after 5 (it’s a different storyline in each direction, so basically two rides).

My exception to the above advice is if you’re doing a marathon day, I would advise starting by rope-dropping IoA during early park admission to get on Hagrids and Velocicoaster (evening will have long lines and express pass doesn’t work on those rides) then taking Hogwarts Express to US. Do the rides and shows in US until the line for Hogwarts Express Kings Cross station starts to build (sometime between 1-3), and take it over to IoA. Then you’re in IoA for the rest of the day.