Thank you board. Just back, excellent advice helped quite a bit

[Orsino]

Thank you for all the great information. By being prepared we had a great visit to IOA and Harry Potter.

(1) The information about bags was crucial. Usually we bring a bag at Disney, but by knowing to leave it, we had much less hassle. I could not believe the line simply to check bags at Forbidden Journey. The workers sent us off to the left "no bags" line and we were in so much faster and without the hassle.

(2) Olivanders first! Who knew right? We waited through 2 shows before we were let in, but it was perfect. The line was 2 to 3 times longer for the rest of our time in WWOHP. Waiting in line we got nervous about our choice as we saw all the people streaming in and headed to the castle, but we held firm. Saw the cute little show and then went to the castle. We had no problems at all. Not quite a 'walk-on' but very close to it.

(3) Castle only tour line. Great to know that this existed. I liked being able to go through without feeling rushed.

(4) Single Rider. Super fast. Again great to know it exists. I did see a sign for this one, but only because I knew to look for it.

Thanks again!

 

[famofour]

Good advice! We are on our way this week!

 

[phamton]

I'm glad that everything worked out good for you! Those are all good tips/reminders for anyone new to the WWOHP. Stick around the forum as I am sure that you can offer some great advice to anyone planning a visit to Islands of Adventure.

 

[mesaboy2]

Those are probably 4 of the biggest 5 hints to experiencing WWoHP. The only one I would add is to either get there at park open (or earlier if on-site) or an hour or two before park close. Anything in between is usually crazy.

I just got back yesterday from there myself--we closed down the area three nights in a row and loved it.

Glad you had a good time!

 

[jennine]

On a scale of 1-10, how were the crowds in the parks in general? We wait times long for anything else?

 

[Taylor'sMom]

Thanks for posting your experience!

 

[mesaboy2]

On a scale of 1-10, how were the crowds in the parks in general? We wait times long for anything else?

I would call it an 8. Posted wait times were often 45 minutes or more for things like Spiderman, Hulk, Cat in the Hat, and Seuss Trolley Train ride. Even longer than that in the middle of the day. It was better closer to closing time, and we were never there early enough in the day for me to comment about early morning. Of course this was a holiday weekend, and the beginning of a week-long winter break as I understand it for much of the Northeastern US. I saw many NY plates on southbound I-95 on Friday.

The Studios was also hopping later in the day and evening, I assume because of Mardi Gras parades and acts like the B-52s and KC and the Sunshine Band.

ETA: After this week is over, I believe it should calm down again for the next two weeks, before getting crazy again due to spring break.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Can you elaborate a little more about checking bags at FJ? Does that mean no camera around neck? What about a small shoulder bag or the "fanny packs" that go around the waist?

Thanks! We typically take a backpack, but my kids are old enough now I don't think we would have to!

 

[mesaboy2]

Can you elaborate a little more about checking bags at FJ? Does that mean no camera around neck? What about a small shoulder bag or the "fanny packs" that go around the waist?

Thanks! We typically take a backpack, but my kids are old enough now I don't think we would have to!

Nope, no cameras around necks nor shoulder bags. Once you ride you'll understand why.

Fanny packs could go either way. I've seen reports on here that some have and some haven't been allowed. While I was in line Sunday night a TM was asking someone how many prongs on their fanny pack clip--two or three--so that's apparently important somehow. To be safe, you may want to go ahead and just leave it with a non-rider if you have the option or use a locker.

 

[Metro West]

Glad you had a good time.

 

[Orsino]

Those are probably 4 of the biggest 5 hints to experiencing WWoHP. The only one I would add is to either get there at park open (or earlier if on-site) or an hour or two before park close. Anything in between is usually crazy.

As a devout Disney Rope Dropper, I thought this bit went without saying

We arrived at the gate at about 8:30AM (We went one week ago today so before the President's Day crowds). They actually let us in early at about 8:45AM. I guess Harry Potter wasn't busy so they let us in.

On a scale of 1-10, how were the crowds in the parks in general? We wait times long for anything else?

We were there a week ago today, well before the President's Day Rush. The crowds were not bad at all. We had a short wait for Spiderman. No wait for Cat in the Hat. A short wait for Jurassic Park. We waited a bit for the Chinese Fireball, but that's because we waited extra for front row seats.

We ran out of stuff to do in IOA and hopped over to US. Saw Terminator, negligible wait; MIB, short wait maybe 15 minutes; Disaster!, short wait 10 minutes or so; E.T. this one was long, but I don't remember maybe 25.

Can you elaborate a little more about checking bags at FJ? Does that mean no camera around neck? What about a small shoulder bag or the "fanny packs" that go around the waist?

Thanks! We typically take a backpack, but my kids are old enough now I don't think we would have to!

I had a small camera holder strapped to my belt (double velcro). I don't think anyone even saw it. We went as light as possible based on the info on this board.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Just an FYI on anything hanging from our waist. I was stoped by a CM going onto the other adult ride in WWoHP (cant remember the name). I had ridden FJ already & not been stopped, but I had a soft case no bigger than my palm hanging from my waistband dangling below my shirt & the CM asked me-Can that go in your pocket? I sd yes, & he let me in; otherwise, I had a feeling he was not going to.. so They can be very strict, just an FYI!
The info I got here about not bringing anything for lockers was worth its wait in gold---so many lines for the lockers! so many people going up to the line to get on a ride & being told to go back & find a person or locker to hold their "stuff"!! This forum ROCKS! Debbie

 

[momabaarjo]

I took my camera into FJ...I simply had to get good pictures of Hogwarts! My camera has a neck strap, Cannon 10 model. When we got up to the loading area, I simply had the camera around my neck and then I tucked it inside my shirt. I had no issues with the CM (and they knew I had the camera) nor while riding the ride.

 

[Bethenny]

How were the lines for the lockers elsewhere in the parks? I was thinking about devoting a whole morning to harry potter and taking no bag. But not sure I could go completely bagless the entire time while touring other parts.

I guess the only things that I would like to take would be our iphones and a small camera. DH might have cargo pants that could hold all of that. Do they check pockets? The camera really is small--smaller than an iphone, but thicker.


ETA: ok, I see that it seems as though if I could fit something in a pocket it should be ok.

ETA again: what about ball caps and sunglasses? Can we take those on or hold them?

 

[Planogirl]

I think that you would want to put sunglasses and hats in pockets too if they'll fit. I wouldn't trust those things to stay on in FJ. DS did keep his glasses on but I worried the whole time that they might fly off. You could get those cords that attach.

 

[mesaboy2]

Cargo pants with velcro flaps closing pockets should be fine. However, I have felt my phone moving around in there on more than one occasion, so I don't trust open pockets anymore.

 

[glocon]

Don't forget there is a very small seat "locker" in the back of the FJ seat. It is just big enough for a regular sized digital camera or cell phone. You just have a short amount of time to put something in there and get in your seat.

 

[ducky_love]

I have posted this before - but posting again in honor of many fallen phones. Please make sure your pockets zip or snap shut. Or keep a close hand on those phones. I've had so many friends lose them on Universal rides. If in doubt use those free lockers!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I have posted this before - but posting again in honor of many fallen phones. Please make sure your pockets zip or snap shut. Or keep a close hand on those phones. I've had so many friends lose them on Universal rides. If in doubt use those free lockers!!

This is especially true at Rockit. The vertical lift is notorious for making phones slide out of pockets!

 

[aubriee]

Can you elaborate a little more about checking bags at FJ? Does that mean no camera around neck? What about a small shoulder bag or the "fanny packs" that go around the waist?

Thanks! We typically take a backpack, but my kids are old enough now I don't think we would have to!

As others have said, the only bags allowed are the smaller fanny packs. Even tiny cross body bags are not allowed. The first time I went I carried one of those small Vera Bradely crossbody mini hipsters. Even it had to go in lockers at all rides that required them. As soon as I got home I went online and ordered a bunch of cargo shorts. Carribean Joe has some that are really thin and comfortable. I got mine on ebay. The next trip I wore only those cargo shorts and had one of those small Vera Bradley ID cases on neck lanyard for my room key, park ticket, ID, and cc. At FJ I was told to either put the lanyard/id case in my pocket or stick it down my blouse, so it wouldn't fly up. They did let me hold onto my sunglasses though. Camera and cell phone were in the zipped pockets of my cargo shorts. I don't wear cargo shorts at home, but at Universal they are perfect (just make sure the pockets zip close).

Here is the ID case and laynard I have:
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Zip-ID-Case/154781/defaultColor/Very+Berry+Paisley/p/154781.uts
http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=lanyard&x=5&y=13