quick trip to Universal-need planning advice

[punkin]

DH, DD12 and I are going down for the weekend of February 4th. I have only booked flights-no hotels yet. Is the Harry Potter package worth the money? Do I have other options for FOTL? What are the best ticket options if I really only want to do one day for both parks, so I can do another day at seaworld (but I can cut out seaworld if necessary)

We haven't been to Universal since 2005 and we have never been to IoA. DD12 is a Harry Potter nut so that's the focus of the trip (and its reason).

 

[romeoc]

I would plan a full day at IoA, especially if you have not been there before. Plus with Harry Potter being there it is drawing crowds and I have heard people spending a day in that area alone.

 

[RMulieri]

If you do not stay onsite, you only option is to try to purchase the Universal express.However, from my understanding they can be a costly option, are not always available and do not really help all that much for WWoHP.Also be aware that because of the popularity of the WWoHP, onsite guests get early entry before the rest of the world does, at that point there can be very lengthy waits.They also can and do restrict the number of people that are even allowed INTO THAT AREA when it gets busy, which means sometimes very long waits just to get into that section of IOA, and then waits to see the attractions themselves.Its simply the most popular stop in Orlando right now.If you can afford the option, staying at a Universal resort may be the best option for you.As for tickets, you would want a" park 2 park "ticket, which allows you into both parks they do have a 1 and a 2 day, so you will need to think about it some.The best prices on tickets I have found is thru Undercover tourist, which is an outside ticket broker that gets rave reviews here and is pretty reputable.

 

[Metro West]

I would plan a full day at IoA, especially if you have not been there before. Plus with Harry Potter being there it is drawing crowds and I have heard people spending a day in that area alone.

DH, DD12 and I are going down for the weekend of February 4th. I have only booked flights-no hotels yet. Is the Harry Potter package worth the money? Do I have other options for FOTL? What are the best ticket options if I really only want to do one day for both parks, so I can do another day at seaworld (but I can cut out seaworld if necessary)

You can purchase the Express Plus passes at the park if you decide the lines are too long. This will give you Express access once through the line at each participating attraction. It will NOT work for Forbidden Journey or the Pteranodon Flyers at IOA and Rockit at the Studios. You might want to check Undercover Tourist for ticket specials but there aren't many for just a single day.

 

[tricky1]

Right now the RPR is just under $200 for that weekend, which if you stayed there you have 1 hour early entrance to Harry Potter,(this by its self is gold)
plus unlimited fotl including the day you check out. plus the added benefit
of being a short walk/boat ride back to your room.

Most times it is cheaper to book everything seperately, than a package.

 

[punkin]

Thanks, I have some follow up questions. In order to get early entry do I have to buy the Harry Potter package or will just staying in an onsite hotel get us in early? Is it worth it just to get the package for breakfast at the 3 broomsticks?

Also we are going during a very slow time (early February) but on a weekend. Will the crowds even justify all this angst?

 

[Planogirl]

We stayed offsite during our last trip and it was during a busier time. We managed to see WWoHP by arriving early. We did have to stand in line until the park officially opened but they let us right into Forbidden Journey. We had to wait for about 45 minutes in that line but the ride did break down for a portion of it.

We did not do Ollivander's though and that can add a lot of wait time. I think that I would do that one first if you plan to see it and then go to Forbidden Journey. People have also had great success going to the area later on in the day but we never saw much of a slowdown plus I think that Universal might close earlier in February.

I would probably not buy Express passes until you get there and decide you need them. They are not much help with the WWoHP.

 

[punkin]

Thank you. I agree that buying express passes in advance would not make sense in this situation. On site is still a possibility but I am leaning towards staying off site. It is really remarkably cheaper.

 

[macraven]

Thanks, I have some follow up questions. In order to get early entry do I have to buy the Harry Potter package or will just staying in an onsite hotel get us in early? Is it worth it just to get the package for breakfast at the 3 broomsticks?

all hotel guests are allowed the early entry for the parry hotter section of the park.
you only have to show your hotel room key to be allowed in early.

for those that purchase the parry hotter package, they too, are allowed in early.

i don't think it is worth buying the package.
i do room only for onsite hotels and take it from there.
in the past years, it has been cheaper for me to go that route.

 

[punkin]

So the only thing I would be getting with the package is breakfast at the three broomsticks? Is that worth it?