Planning help, never been to US/IoA

[leebee]

We (DD16 and I) are spending our vacation at WDW but will of COURSE go over to IoA for WWoHP. I am trying to decide on what type of ticket to buy. Here are our "parameters":

DD is a big coaster freak; I don't ride them at all, don't do anything with big drops (splash mountain, for example), or most things that go around (other than dumbo!) because of vertigo and motion sickness.

We both LOVE HP! We want to see Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, and DD wants to ride FJ. Want to try butterbeer but don't need to eat at 3 Broomsticks or go to Ollivander's. DD wants to ride the dragon coaster in WW.

We are not very familiar with most of the characters or themes of most of the UA/IoA attractions (for example, we don't watch Simpsons, haven't seen MIB, etc).

We are mostly going to IoA for HP, although DD wants to do the coasters too. I am debating getting a 2 park/1 day ticket, so if I get too bored at IoA or the coaster lines are too long, we can go to US. Is it feasible to think that we will get to HP, do some coasters in IoA, and still get to US? I don't know much about these parks, the size, the interest factors, etc. The parks close at 7pm on the day we are going to be there (sunday aug 22). I am thinking that we should wait to do HP until around 4pm, as it sounds like there are much shorter lines in the later afternoon. Is it feasible to think we will get to do a little of both parks, or should I stick to a 1 park ticket and just do IoA? I really would appreciate any advice about how to plan one day at Universal. TIA.

 

[kbillger]

I just recently came back from Florida while visiting WDW for a 12 day trip. Ig you want to experience both parks the 1 day 2 park ticket was great. THe only thing that I recommend is getting the express ticket also. We went in the thick of summer and we bought the ticket and for an additional 45.99 we got an express ticket, which means we got to go to the front of the lines for all rides except Harry Potter FJ, we went there first. Did IOA and US in one day and back to Kingdom in time to see Nightastic fireworks. So that is my info for you hope it helps.

 

[Clemson Bama Fan]

We have been to IOA and US many times and we usually do our favorites in both parks in one day. We arrive at the gates before they open, utilize FOTL (we stay onsite) and have a plan. This allows us to do everything we want with time left to relax. This was before WWOHP. We are going in December and will see how WWOHP may change things.

 

[leebee]

So it really is possible to do the "highlights" of both parks in one day! Thanks, this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

Could I get express for DD's ticket but not for mine? That way she could "whip" through the coasters that I won't be experiencing, giving us time to go to US in addition to IoA.