Son's first trip - help!

[MamaMermaid]

Hi friends,
We are Disney World pros and go sometimes monthly but we rarely go to Universal/IoA. Our son (5) is interested in Harry Potter, Transformers, Dr. Seuss, etc. so we decided to plan a trip to Universal/IoA for early March. Any tips for making it a super special trip for him? He's at such a fun age, I'd love it to be extra magical. Appreciate any thoughts you have!! If it matters, he is 48".

Thanks!

 

[MousetersInc]

LOL, where to begin! Let's see...

At 48" he's not ready for some of the most intense coasters (Rip Ride Rockit, Hulk, Velocicoaster), and is right on the line for Hagrid's and Forbidden Journey, a couple of thrilling Harry Potter rides. If he's 48" without shoes, then you're fine once you add shoes. If he's right at 48 in shoes, you might want to skip waiting hours in line for Hagrid.

Many videos and blogs can give you general tips on how to have a great UO vacation (stay at a premiere hotel, get Express Pass, etc). I'll try to give a grab-bag of more miscellaneous advice, especially for those used to Disney:

• These parks are so much more compact than WDW. Think HS size, rather than AK. And getting between them is a matter of walking 10 minutes, rather than taking a bus etc.
• Nevertheless, a theme park visit can be tiring. We pooped out a number of times. I highly recommend booking either Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific; both are about as close to the parks as Contemporary is to the Magic Kingdom, making it easy to pop back for a nap. Plus, they come with free "Express Pass." At the same time, don't discount just how big even that short walk can seem!
• The Wizarding World areas and their theming really is an attraction in itself. Especially for someone who's too short for some of the coasters, it's not crazy to prioritize simply being in the space and soaking up the details, the way one would a ride.

I'll paste some of my comments from this thread:

IMO the HP areas pulled off a feat of immersive theming and attention to detail greater even than anything Disney had done previously. They're more comparable to Galaxy's Edge: for a Star Wars fan, that makes a world that they've dreamed of come alive, and every little detail contributes to the world-building. Similarly, in the Harry Potter areas, there are plenty of tiny details to appreciate, and a fan would want not just to race to the rides but to set aside time simply to look and explore.

They can get very busy, and Diagon Alley is very compact, so it gets crowded. It can be nice to go straight to these Harry Potter areas on park opening, or visit them near park closing, to be able to see them with fewer people.

One of the most "magical" experiences is being chosen for the "wand chooses the wizard" ceremony. The first HP book describes Harry buying a wand, trying a few that don't work for him, before finally the wand-master finds just the right one. This is replicated as a small show in the wand shops in USO, with an actor as the wand-master, and one guest being chosen to try the wands. You can enjoy watching, but if your daughter wants to be picked, there are a few things that can help; we tried and got picked!

First of all, the wait for this show can get long. There is more room in the Diagon Alley wand shop than in Hogsmeade, and you might want to "rope drop" this experience, or at least do it earlier in the day.

Second, the wand-master often picks children, and it helps to show that you're a really enthusiastic fan by dressing the part. The Hogwarts robes sold in the park are about $140 (and the wand is expensive enough, around $70), so we bought robes on Amazon for more like $40, with a white shirt and Gryffindor-colors tie. It's a fun way to enter into the theming anway.

The wand can be used in many places throughout the HP areas, in which you wave the wand in a certain pattern and you can cause something to happen, like a fountain to shoot water or a window display to move. These spots also develop lines as the day goes on, so they can be good to do early.

• We had a two-day visit, and devoted one day to "everything Harry Potter," and the other to "everything else." This let us do pretty much everything in the two parks (imagine doing all of WDW in two days!), though if you have more days that can let you take more breaks and rest more.
• Also, dedicating a day to the Wizarding World let us preserve the immersion of the theming. I recommend an approach that echoes the narrative of the book: You make your way through Universal Studios Florida, to the "London" section, where you find an ordinary (Muggle) London street, then step through the wall into Diagon Alley and into another world. Then eventually you make your way through (Muggle) King's Cross Station, onto Platform 9 3/4, and ride the train to Hogsmeade where you find the castle itself towering in the distance. You've "park-hopped" without ever leaving the "Potter bubble."
• Many Universal rides are based on movies or other IP; it can be fun to watch (or re-watch) them before going (though not all might be for a 5 year old). Here's my complete list.
• By the way, a few of the rides can themselves be scary to a small kid. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has a pretty spooky encounter with Dementors.
• If for whatever reason (height or content) he doesn't ride it, it's worthwhile to walk the queue and then exit before the ride, since the queue is basically a tour of Hogwarts castle, from talking portraits to Dumbledore's office to the Sorting Hat. The gift shop is supposed to be run by Filch and staffed by Hogwarts students in detention. It can be fun to ask them about their circumstances. I found an employee, an older gentleman with wispy white hair and beard. "Excuse me sir, are you really a Hogwarts student?" "Oh yes. You see, I got caught trying to sneak into Hogsmeade using an aging potion. I'm really 17!"
• WDW has "ears," but the must-have accessory at Universal is a lanyard. Your hotel key card doubles as your Express Pass, and you must often wave it at cast members or scan it at lockers, so it's nice to have it handy. We ordered fun, themed ones from Amazon before the trip, for a lot less than on-site prices.
• On the other hand, the park ticket situation turned out to be different than I'd anticipated. You can print out your ticket at home, and I thought I needed to then crop this paper to fit in the lanyard pocket. No, there was important info that I cropped out. But your ticket is also a QR code in the Universal app, and we wound up just scanning our phones every time we entered a park; worked like a charm. I've also heard people say they go to an (automated) will-call kiosk outside the park entrance and can print a card-sized park ticket that fits in the lanyard; I had trouble finding this though.
• Oh yes, lockers. You'll get the hang of it quickly, but many rides require you to stash your belongings in a locker before the ride. These are free for short periods of time, or you can pay to rent a larger locker or for a longer time. You can actually use any unique bar code to reserve and reclaim them; it doesn't have to be your park ticket. Just scan the same bar code to unlock that you did to reserve it. It can also be smart to snap a picture of the locker number on your phone so you remember which one it was (assuming you take your phone with you).
• About taking things with you on the ride: There are some rides that say "no objects at all, not even in pockets." Your son is too short for these (I think it's just Velocicoaster and Hulk?). But there are also many rides that are okay with objects that are secured, especially in zippered pockets, and for this a fanny pack can be great. Some flimsy ones are not accepted; look into it.
• Dining reservations are not the cut-throat affair that they are at WDW, but don't forget to make them. There are many good restaurants in the "CityWalk" area, but if you wait until dinner time to decide where to go you might have a multi-hour wait. Mythos is a beautifully themed in-park restaurant, but consistently books up.
• Of course, the most themed eateries are the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks. But beware, the lines get very long, like you might wait half an hour to get in. If they'll let you in just to look around, it can be worth it to eat elsewhere, or to eat an "off schedule" like at 10am, 2pm, etc. And if you do eat there, do make sure to look around and appreciate the details of the theming; the Three Broomsticks especially is amazing.

 

[MamaMermaid]

LOL, where to begin! Let's see...

At 48" he's not ready for some of the most intense coasters (Rip Ride Rockit, Hulk, Velocicoaster), and is right on the line for Hagrid's and Forbidden Journey, a couple of thrilling Harry Potter rides. If he's 48" without shoes, then you're fine once you add shoes. If he's right at 48 in shoes, you might want to skip waiting hours in line for Hagrid.

Many videos and blogs can give you general tips on how to have a great UO vacation (stay at a premiere hotel, get Express Pass, etc). I'll try to give a grab-bag of more miscellaneous advice, especially for those used to Disney:

• These parks are so much more compact than WDW. Think HS size, rather than AK. And getting between them is a matter of walking 10 minutes, rather than taking a bus etc.
• Nevertheless, a theme park visit can be tiring. We pooped out a number of times. I highly recommend booking either Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific; both are about as close to the parks as Contemporary is to the Magic Kingdom, making it easy to pop back for a nap. Plus, they come with free "Express Pass." At the same time, don't discount just how big even that short walk can seem!
• The Wizarding World areas and their theming really is an attraction in itself. Especially for someone who's too short for some of the coasters, it's not crazy to prioritize simply being in the space and soaking up the details, the way one would a ride.

I'll paste some of my comments from this thread:

• We had a two-day visit, and devoted one day to "everything Harry Potter," and the other to "everything else." This let us do pretty much everything in the two parks (imagine doing all of WDW in two days!), though if you have more days that can let you take more breaks and rest more.
• Also, dedicating a day to the Wizarding World let us preserve the immersion of the theming. I recommend an approach that echoes the narrative of the book: You make your way through Universal Studios Florida, to the "London" section, where you find an ordinary (Muggle) London street, then step through the wall into Diagon Alley and into another world. Then eventually you make your way through (Muggle) King's Cross Station, onto Platform 9 3/4, and ride the train to Hogsmeade where you find the castle itself towering in the distance. You've "park-hopped" without ever leaving the "Potter bubble."
• Many Universal rides are based on movies or other IP; it can be fun to watch (or re-watch) them before going (though not all might be for a 5 year old). Here's my complete list.
• By the way, a few of the rides can themselves be scary to a small kid. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has a pretty spooky encounter with Dementors.
• If for whatever reason (height or content) he doesn't ride it, it's worthwhile to walk the queue and then exit before the ride, since the queue is basically a tour of Hogwarts castle, from talking portraits to Dumbledore's office to the Sorting Hat. The gift shop is supposed to be run by Filch and staffed by Hogwarts students in detention. It can be fun to ask them about their circumstances. I found an employee, an older gentleman with wispy white hair and beard. "Excuse me sir, are you really a Hogwarts student?" "Oh yes. You see, I got caught trying to sneak into Hogsmeade using an aging potion. I'm really 17!"
• WDW has "ears," but the must-have accessory at Universal is a lanyard. Your hotel key card doubles as your Express Pass, and you must often wave it at cast members or scan it at lockers, so it's nice to have it handy. We ordered fun, themed ones from Amazon before the trip, for a lot less than on-site prices.
• On the other hand, the park ticket situation turned out to be different than I'd anticipated. You can print out your ticket at home, and I thought I needed to then crop this paper to fit in the lanyard pocket. No, there was important info that I cropped out. But your ticket is also a QR code in the Universal app, and we wound up just scanning our phones every time we entered a park; worked like a charm. I've also heard people say they go to an (automated) will-call kiosk outside the park entrance and can print a card-sized park ticket that fits in the lanyard; I had trouble finding this though.
• Oh yes, lockers. You'll get the hang of it quickly, but many rides require you to stash your belongings in a locker before the ride. These are free for short periods of time, or you can pay to rent a larger locker or for a longer time. You can actually use any unique bar code to reserve and reclaim them; it doesn't have to be your park ticket. Just scan the same bar code to unlock that you did to reserve it. It can also be smart to snap a picture of the locker number on your phone so you remember which one it was (assuming you take your phone with you).
• About taking things with you on the ride: There are some rides that say "no objects at all, not even in pockets." Your son is too short for these (I think it's just Velocicoaster and Hulk?). But there are also many rides that are okay with objects that are secured, especially in zippered pockets, and for this a fanny pack can be great. Some flimsy ones are not accepted; look into it.
• Dining reservations are not the cut-throat affair that they are at WDW, but don't forget to make them. There are many good restaurants in the "CityWalk" area, but if you wait until dinner time to decide where to go you might have a multi-hour wait. Mythos is a beautifully themed in-park restaurant, but consistently books up.
• Of course, the most themed eateries are the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks. But beware, the lines get very long, like you might wait half an hour to get in. If they'll let you in just to look around, it can be worth it to eat elsewhere, or to eat an "off schedule" like at 10am, 2pm, etc. And if you do eat there, do make sure to look around and appreciate the details of the theming; the Three Broomsticks especially is amazing.

This is awesome, thanks!

 

[wdwrule]

Hi friends,
We are Disney World pros and go sometimes monthly but we rarely go to Universal/IoA. Our son (5) is interested in Harry Potter, Transformers, Dr. Seuss, etc. so we decided to plan a trip to Universal/IoA for early March. Any tips for making it a super special trip for him? He's at such a fun age, I'd love it to be extra magical. Appreciate any thoughts you have!! If it matters, he is 48".

Thanks!

Just to add… there are lots of character meet and greets including Transformers. The UO app in my opinion is not very user friendly but you can look up character locations and approximate times on the app. It is useful as well to check wait times and to mobile order food if you choose from this app.

Discovery Center by Velocicoaster (in Islands of Adventure) has some interactive things going on that he might be interested in. Exploring the nearby caves by Pteranodon Flyers (Camp Jurassic) is fun too; fun for both kids and adults. Here, there are also some slides and suspension bridges. Lots to explore.

I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of catching beads thrown from the Mardi Gras floats during the parade at Studios.

 

[UOAP-Naples]

The Transformers and Dr. Seuss meet and greets are great. The Raptor encounter is amazing for a 5 year old boy, too. Don't miss those when you are planning rides and Harry Potter stuff. The Bourne stunt show is great as well.

 

[Kit Jackson]

The Raptor encounter is amazing for a 5 year old boy, too.

It's fun waitng in line and watching the Raptor interact with the other guests. I got a great picture from the experience.

 

[BostonEd]

WDW has "ears," but the must-have accessory at Universal is a lanyard. Your hotel key card doubles as your Express Pass, and you must often wave it at cast members or scan it at lockers, so it's nice to have it handy. We ordered fun, themed ones from Amazon before the trip, for a lot less than on-site prices.

Wait, are you saying Universal does not provide even basic lanyards? Even if you're staying in one of their hotels?

 

[Kit Jackson]

Wait, are you saying Universal does not provide even basic lanyards? Even if you're staying in one of their hotels?

That is correct. If you want them, you have to buy them before you go or at one of the gift shops in the hotel, City Walk, or the parks. The lanyards are absolutely worth having and make the trip easier.

 

[UOAP-Naples]

Wait, are you saying Universal does not provide even basic lanyards? Even if you're staying in one of their hotels?

They don’t but you can bring any lanyards you have from conventions, sporting events, etc. As long as it’s big enough to hold a credit card, it should work. They’ll happily sell you themed ones at the parks, too.

 

[BostonEd]

Thanks. After doing a bit more research, I don't think we really need lanyards.

 

[UOAP-Naples]

Thanks. After doing a bit more research, I don't think we really need lanyards.

That is correct, you don’t have to have a lanyard. You can keep your pass in your wallets/purses. It does make it easier to not have to dig for it. Passholders almost all use lanyards for the convenience.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

We brought lanyards one trip, since everyone suggested to do so - but never used them once (well, we did use the included one for a tour during HHN because you have to...). We both found it just as easy to slide the ticket/room key/AP in and out of a pocket. We no longer bring a lanyard.

The only downside would be, I understand the TMs offer/remind you of the passholder discount if they see your Preferred/Premier AP in your lanyard. With it pocketed, you have to let them know each time. Since I'm all about getting the discount, that was not a problem for me.

 

[Skippyboo]

Wait, are you saying Universal does not provide even basic lanyards? Even if you're staying in one of their hotels?

Disney doesn’t give you free magic bands anymore. The lanyard is super useful on rides where you have to put everything in a locker beforehand. You use your park ticket to open the locker so you need to keep it on you also you need room key for your express pass if at premiere hotel. VelociCoaster you are going through a metal detector so no phones on that ride. The lanyards and pouch in the park for around 20 bucks.

 

[Pooh's World]

Hi friends,
We are Disney World pros and go sometimes monthly but we rarely go to Universal/IoA. Our son (5) is interested in Harry Potter, Transformers, Dr. Seuss, etc. so we decided to plan a trip to Universal/IoA for early March. Any tips for making it a super special trip for him? He's at such a fun age, I'd love it to be extra magical. Appreciate any thoughts you have!! If it matters, he is 48".

Thanks!

Bourne Stuntatular.
You're kid will love it.

 

[MamaMermaid]

We had the best time! Thank you all!