Plan that doesn’t include Potter

[Scrappysquirrel]

Our family (2 adults & 2 teenagers) will be going to Universal at the end of June. We have 2 day park to park tickets. We are not staying at a Universal property and are not paying for the express pass.

We are big Harry Potter fans and would like to devote our 1st day to that. I’ve seen threads about planning a day to do all things Harry Potter. Is there a similar thread for our 2nd day that would include non-Harry Potter rides at both parks?

Does it make sense to split our days this way or should we plan to do both Harry Potter & non-Harry Potter on both days?

 

[macraven]

After you have finished potter on your first day, take the train to the other park for the other potter section

If you don’t have time at the end of the day to check out the second park, you will at least do the train ride and be able to check out the station

I flip flop back and forth to the parks daily
I either walk back and forth to switch parks or use the train ride

 

[nkereina]

To add to the above, you'll want to ride the train in both directions because it's a different experience each way. So I agree - if you're starting in Diagon Alley, ride the train over to Hogsmeade when you're done (or vice versa). When you're done in the second Potter area, ride it back and then start on the non-HP attractions if you have time or save them for day 2.

You may also find that you need rope drop of day 2 to accomplish some of the Potter things if wait times are too long by the time you're ready to hop to the second park, so don't rule that out either.

 

[Scrappysquirrel]

I appreciate the responses. I’ve got a good handle on how to do all Harry Potter attractions in 1 day, including going both ways on the train.

What I really need help with is a plan to see as many non-Potter attractions in both parks as possible on our 2nd day. Does something like this exist?

OR does it make more sense to do both Potter & non-Potter attractions on both days? We do plan to be there before rope drop both days.

 

[bobbie68]

I appreciate the responses. I’ve got a good handle on how to do all Harry Potter attractions in 1 day, including going both ways on the train.

What I really need help with is a plan to see as many non-Potter attractions in both parks as possible on our 2nd day. Does something like this exist?

OR does it make more sense to do both Potter & non-Potter attractions on both days? We do plan to be there before rope drop both days.

Hi we are big HP fans and my family spends lots of time in those sections. However, we also enjoy both parks without HP sections. We do both HP sections and other sections of the parks on a given day over the amount of days we are there. We find that certain areas of HP can busier at times than others. We tend to fill our very early afternoon into early evening with non-hp stuff. We decide what other attractions we want and go do them. We visit the HP worlds morning and evening. We find that this gives us the best opportunity to see everything we want.

I would do both potter and non-potter attractions on the same day. I think when you have flexibility in your plans it makes it more enjoyable. I would probably have a list of must do's just to have a tentative game plan. The advice above of Potter lands at rope drop and to do the train. I think ending in Potter areas are really nice. Especially with the castle light show in Hogsmeade.

If you decide you want to do HP all in one day and just other stuff on one day. I would recommend starting in the studios if you are interested in Minion Mayhem. This ride is consistently busy and without EP you can be waiting awhile. I would get my virtual queue lines returns for Fallon and F & F if you are interested. I would hit the Mummy and RRR then Transformers. After that the other rides you can do a little more laid back. You can then head over to IOA after the studios to so what you want. Kong will have a long line as probably Spider-man.

If you want to start in IOA first on your second day I would go to Hulk then work your way around to Spider-man. I probably would go to Kong then go back and do any of the water rides you want.

I will be there end of June and can't wait to go. Have a great trip!

 

[macraven]

Check out the park maps at www.universalorlando.com

See the layout of the rides and shows at each park
Read about the rides and outdoor entertainment on the uo site

Could be things you would take a pass on

You can map out your route in the park to save time there

 

[bchbetha]

I wouldnt have a HP day and a non. I would start and end with HP each day and hit other things in between.

 

[gotomu212]

If it were were me I’d start at rope drop in the non-Early entry park (hotel guests will be in the EE park and going to,the non-EP side at least has you avoiding the already open side). Spend a little time in that HP area but then when it gets crowded ride the Hogwarts Express to the other side and do non-HP stuff. Then later in the afternoon/early evening HP will clear out a little and you can do that side.

The second day I’d start rope drop in the side you haven’t done, do non-HP rides and eventually take the HE over to enjoy the other HP area later in the day.

Mixing it up you should be able to avoid the really crowded HP times.

 

[bumbershoot]

I do both on all days. I see no point in limiting myself to only Wizarding World in any day. The lands are too small and there’s so much other fun stuff to do and see.

 

[Scrappysquirrel]

Thanks for the helpful information, everyone!

 

[glocon]

I too think that mixing it up makes sense. Definitely start at a HP park, including breakfast or lunch there. Then after you've seen your fill, go out to the rest of the park and enjoy. Then go back to a HP section in the evening and enjoy some more. There are street multiple shows at both HP lands, so try and time your HP time to see some of those. And try all the different themed treats, frozen butter beer, Florian Fortescues ice-cream, pumpkin juice, etc. We are HUGE HP fans, and love the rest of the parks too, so end up going back and forth.
Even if you don't get a wand for spells, watch others do some of the spells- it's a unique and very cool experience!