So many ?s, so little time

[Ruby2000]

Help! I am usually so organized and have decided to live by the seat of my pants and I am now in a full sweat panic. We will be in Orlando on Monday, the 16 for the week and my daughter wants to see Harry Potter....here are my many questions. Is the original World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure? Is this different than Universal Studios? Is the new Diagon Alley in IOA or Universal Studios? With the masses of people coming in for the opening when would be our best bet to go to the World of Harry Potter? I was thinking originally about going on the Monday (16th) but if the masses will be at the other theme park for the opening, maybe there is a better day????? In all of you I trust to lead me in the right direction. I am lost!!!! Thanks so much in advance...you all ROCK!!!!!

 

[damo]

This question seems to be popping up a lot lately!!!!

Original Wizarding World is in Islands of Adventure. It is the Village of Hogsmeade and includes Hogwarts.

The new addition is at Universal Studios. It is London with Diagon Alley and Gringotts.

The Hogwart's Express will run between the two areas.

Opening day or any softs have yet to be announced. It's impossible to give any real direction until these things are finalized.

Perhaps they are purposely avoiding announcing an opening day because of the chaos that happened with the first Wizarding World. I think half the universe showed up for that!

 

[Ruby2000]

Thanks damo! So to be clear, I have a 13 year old that just wants to experience Harry Potter, get a wand and drink a bitterbeer and since we will only be there one day, should we just buy a pass to IOA? If I am thinking right, IOA may be less crowded since everyone else will be taking peeks at the new area? Am I thinking correctly? Also, she is not into rides, just wants the experience. As always, thanks so very much!

 

[agavegirl1]

One day on the 16th? You can certainly do IOA only (for now). Go at Rope Drop. Head to the Wizarding World first...back of the park. Do either Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts or Olivanders Wand Shoppe first. Then do the other. Try out Dragon's challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Wander the area while enjoying a Butterbeer. Look for the Frog Chorus and Durmstrang and Beaubatton groups. Then lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Purchase your wand at any time. 13 year old will be happy.

Then check out the rest of the park.

Don't count on Diagon Alley and don't hype it. It is unlikely to be open and it is in a different park.

 

[damo]

One day on the 16th? You can certainly do IOA only (for now). Go at Rope Drop. Head to the Wizarding World first...back of the park. Do either Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts or Olivanders Wand Shoppe first. Then do the other. Try out Dragon's challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Wander the area while enjoying a Butterbeer. Look for the Frog Chorus and Durmstrang and Beaubatton groups. Then lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Purchase your wand at any time. 13 year old will be happy.

Then check out the rest of the park.

Don't count on Diagon Alley and don't hype it. It is unlikely to be open and it is in a different park.

This is great advice.

If you guys don't want to ride the ride, ask the attendant at the front of Hogwarts if you can tour the castle. It is worth it just to walk through it.

 

[agavegirl1]

This is great advice.

If you guys don't want to ride the ride, ask the attendant at the front of Hogwarts if you can tour the castle. It is worth it just to walk through it.

Thank you damo...I totally respect all the information you have given me.

 

[Ruby2000]

Ahhh, you all are the best! I will print this information and follow your lead. I am positive that WE all will be happy. Thanks!

 

[hermionesnape]

Help! I am usually so organized and have decided to live by the seat of my pants and I am now in a full sweat panic. We will be in Orlando on Monday, the 16 for the week and my daughter wants to see Harry Potter....here are my many questions. Is the original World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure? Is this different than Universal Studios? Is the new Diagon Alley in IOA or Universal Studios? With the masses of people coming in for the opening when would be our best bet to go to the World of Harry Potter? I was thinking originally about going on the Monday (16th) but if the masses will be at the other theme park for the opening, maybe there is a better day????? In all of you I trust to lead me in the right direction. I am lost!!!! Thanks so much in advance...you all ROCK!!!!!

If you wait until the end of your trip for universal Diagon Alley might be open. It will be crowed and you would need to be at the park when it opens but if your daughter is a big HP fan I would try to catch Diagon Alley if at all possible.

 

[jlay68]

Remember it's Butterbeer, not Bitter Beer (less ammunition for your 13 year old.)