SUPER NEWBIES - Going to USO 9/22 for the first time in a LONG time - Need help!!

[rwalker1304]

Hi everyone.

We are Disney veterans, know most of the ins-and-outs of planning a solid WDW trip. We are headed to USO for the first time (basically first time ever) and we have no clue how to plan, what to do.

What we do know is that we have a 10 year old Harry Potter fan (and we're all HP fans to be honest) so our main goal is to do and see all that we can in the Wizarding World. We are only going to USO for one day, we have 2-park passes. Trip group is Me, DW, DD10 and DD7.

So, here's the main questions:

• How does dining work at USO?
• How much are the wands at Ollivanders?
• Any secret interactive bits of the park we should be sure not to miss?
• Any tips for navigating the rides and the waits?
• Best restaurants?
• Best foods?

Thanks in advance!

 

[schumigirl]

Dining is super easy at Universal. Park closing makes some restaurants busier, other than that eat where you like when you like. We never make a reservation anywhere in Universal, exception being The Palm as it is usually busy.

If there is somewhere you really must eat in, a same day reservation or day before is usually fine.

Wands vary in price have a check online for what you can get, they’re around $50 for the most part.

Have a read of these forums......there are threads and stickies on everything you’ve asked about.......restaurant stickies are kept up to date so menu’s are all relevant.

Any specific questions there’s a bunch of folks will help you with those......

 

[bchbetha]

With only giving it one day, you really don't need to know that much. Eat an early lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, grab a Butterbeer at the Hogshead Inn, get some ice cream in Diagon Alley or a big pink donut in Simpsons. Eat dinner after you leave since you really just don't have much time.

• How does dining work at USO?- meaning?? If you are talking dining plans, you can buy them at the register. The cashier can tell you, based on how you order, whether it would be useful.
• 
  
• How much are the wands at Ollivanders? $55
• 
  
• Any secret interactive bits of the park we should be sure not to miss? Orlando Informer has a bunch of those details in their free itineraries.
• 
  
• Any tips for navigating the rides and the waits? I assume you aren't staying onsite so make sure you are in the parking garage with tickets in hand about 45 minutes before opening. Download their app for wait times. Don't be afraid to walk or hop on the train if the crowds seem bigger in one park than the other. Ride your must dos in the morning + spells. Mid-day, choose shows and rides with lower waits or go play in a great play area. Or watch people get soaked on the water rides. Get the game Heads Up on your phones to play while waiting- good family fun. Decide if you want to do Hagrid's or skip it this time due to line length.
• 
  
• Best restaurants? With your limited time and being HP fans, stick in the HP lands. Otherwise, Thunderfalls Terrace is good for quick serve food.
• 
  
• Best foods? Butterbeer comes in many forms. Give them a try.

Pack light!!! Barring a health condition, you just don't need anything. Wear shorts/ pants/ skorts with zippered pockets. Bring phone, small tube of sunscreen, some bandaids, tyleno; or ibuprofen, ID, $20 and a credit card. You'll save time not having to deal with lockers.

 

[rwalker1304]

Thanks both! That's all very helpful.