Strategy ideas?

[whiporee]

We're Disney veterans, but haven't spent nearly any time at Universal. We're going Sunday for two nights at Hard Rock and were wondering about strategies:

How important is Early Entry? We're checking in Sunday and will have two EE days (Monday and Tuesday). We had thought we'd do the parks on Sunday and Monday and then Volcano Bay on Tuesday, but if the EE is important to maximizing the parks, then maybe we should hit VB the first day to take advantage of EE on the two days we'll already be at the resort. But if the EEs are like MK EMHs, does it really help you in getting things done?

Are there rides to avoid? My kids aren't big on coasters, and a lot of the Universal coasters seem quite daunting. Are there somewhat should just be avoided, or some that look at lot worse than they are? We don't have any hope of Hagrid, but are there other things that could/should be either must-dos or don't bothers?

Any hidden gems out there?

Thanks for the advice, everyone. We think it's going to be fun.

 

[wickedwrister]

I tend to think early entry is not as important with the express pass that will be included in your Hard Rock stay. I would just go with whatever plan works best for your family dates/weather wise and not fret too much about the extra hour. If anything crowds tend to flock towards whichever side is early entry so sometimes its best to go to the side that doesn't have it.

Some other general tips/opinions of mine:
Ride the Hogwarts express both ways as its different
I think the Mummy coaster is a nice hidden gem that isn't too thrill coaster-y but lots of fun
The only two mega coasters are hulk and rip ride rocket, eyeball them yourself and decide whether you are interesting. They are two of my favorite rides but I also love coasters so probably not best to give you too much advice there.
The fast and furious ride should only be ridden if you have nothing else to do and there is 0 wait and even then maybe
Since you are staying at a preferred hotel (Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay) you can also get preferred dining seating at some of the citywalk restaurants which might cut some of your wait times for dinner

 

[Disxuni]

If you're getting unlimited EP due to staying at the HRH, I would say the reason to do EE would be to take advantage of quiet crowds whether that's a preference, or so you can take photos with not so many people. Another reason would to get things done sooner in the morning (also not as hot), so mid-day perhaps relax (when it's the hottest part of the day) before going back to the parks in the late afternoon / evening when it's lesser crowds again, or to watch the evening shows. I heard that EE definitely is a good thing to take advantage at VB and makes a difference.

The only coasters I would tell them to stay away from if they're not into coasters would be The Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket, as they'd be the most intimidating. Besides, even as a coaster lover I rarely ride them simply, because your head gets trashed around too much for me.

I do not know their limit, but I always say that for people where it's an absolute no-no (meaning no coasters period), I always still recommend Gringotts as a ride to go on still, as the roller coaster sections are only between 6-7 seconds long (timed it myself) and there are only two "roller coaster" moments. Most of it is simulation / gliding from scene to scene to watch the screens.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I would suggest using your EE for VB. It will get very busy now and the first hour or two you can get a lot done. I like to go to EE due to less crowds for a couple of hours to the other parks. It certainly is not necessary. VB is an amazing water park but gets very busy in the summer. I would make sure to do the water coaster and the family raft rides first.

I would take a look at Gringotts to see if they would like it. If they are into HP it is a good ride. Mummy is awesome but it could be a bit intense. Honestly I like looking up rides on you tube first.

Our favorites our the 2 HP lands. The simulated rides can be a hit or miss with nausea.

Have fun!

 

[skylock]

You will have express pass, that is all the park maximizing you need. Early entry is good if you will be doing wand spells in the potter areas.

I would also use early entry at the water park, because express pass from the hotel does not work there.

There is nothing that should be avoided.

As to how great the unlimited express pass you will have is, imagine having unlimited fast passes at disney that you did not need to set up months before you got there.

 

[mrd7896]

Also a note, a lot of the rides are relatively similar to one another in terms if simulation. If you don't like Spiderman, you definitely won't like transformers or simpsons (among a few others)
jimmy fallon is kind of blah and so is fast and furious so unless you really have interest in those the rides themselves aren't great.
the hulk is very intense but a smooth coaster (if that makes sense) so as someone recommended i would size it up yourself
rip ride rockit while not as 'intense' in terms of speed, flips, etc is super rough, i get off with a headache.

the harry potter rides are probably the best attractions-my personal opinion huge HP fan

 

[Spike101]

EE was a godsend on my visit in March, solely because I could enjoy Diagon Alley without the crowds, do Gringotts straight away, which is fine if you're not a roller coaster person by the way, then get the first HE over to IOA, do FJ and enjoy a very empty Hogsmeade.

Without the crowds you can get some really good photos, so even though you'll have EP's I think its worth taking advantage of EE.

 

[Bethany10]

As others have said, with EP you really don't NEED to hit the parks early, but you will experience lower crowds and better weather.

As a non rider, my favorite area of the park was Seussland. Cat in the Hat was a really cute ride, that even my thrill seeking 10 year old loved. There is a lot to see and explore in both parks, not only in the Harry Potter areas. While those are jaw droppingly beautiful, and do have something around every corner, we loved exploring the toon and jurassic areas of islands as well.

For us Volcano Bay was a relaxing day, DH fell asleep in the lounge chair twice, and both my kids could have spent the day in the wave pool at the base of the volcano. If it's important to you or them to ride the big slides, then I'd make that an EE day. Also you do get better seating availability (under an umbrella for example) than if you come after the park is open. This doesn't mean it won't be there but it's a heck of a lot easier to find at 8 am than it is at 11.