Thank you!

[Melissa.B.08]

Wanted to stop back in and thank everyone for the tips. We were at the parks in February and had the BEST time. So much so that we ended up upgrading to season passes and are already planning another trip for June.

Have to say-- I was on the fence about booking the on site hotel for express passes, but having been I can't agree enough that I simply wouldn't want to do the parks without them. We were there during a busy week and while most lines had waits between 40 and 90 minutes we never waited more than 5 or 10 minutes. Also loved being able to ferry back to the hotel without fighting the park closing garage rush hour.

My kids are HP obsessed and the hubby and I could take it or leave it, but WOW! There is nothing like walking into Diagon Alley. It is just so magical and detailed- made me want to come home and watch the movies again so I can enjoy it even more on our next trip. Both kids were able to experience the whole wand chooses the wizard gig and I got a little teary-eyed seeing their pure joy. ...at almost 9, my son is questioning the magic of things more and more and he completely bought into the Wizarding World-- gives me hope that maybe I get one more year with Santa. Please?!

We also did Volcano Bay and had a blast! I was a little worried about wait times and the whole Tapu Tapu system but it was completely effortless and we were easily able to ride most of the things we hoped to. Great little water park area for little ones (maybe 7 or 8yo and under). I have to say, when we arrived the group in front of us was not allowed to enter because the little girl was wearing a pink swimsuit that said "LIFEGUARD". It never would have occurred to me to me that something like that wouldn't be allowed, but they wouldn't even let the family through the security lines. And side note: the Waturi Fusion ice cream...to. die. for!

In any case, thank you all-- your tips helped make our getaway a dream. Can't wait to start my next countdown!

 

[macraven]

Now that you are a pro with the darkside parks, your next visit will be easy to plan out !

Second visit will be sweeter than the first one

Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[schumigirl]

Glad you had such a wonderful trip!!

The EP is fabulous.......we wouldn’t do the parks without it........it’s a real blessing even in so called quiet times.......and so lovely to hear you and your kids had such a wonderful time.

Glad to hear you have plans to come back..........

 

[imprint]

Wanted to stop back in and thank everyone for the tips. We were at the parks in February and had the BEST time. So much so that we ended up upgrading to season passes and are already planning another trip for June.

Have to say-- I was on the fence about booking the on site hotel for express passes, but having been I can't agree enough that I simply wouldn't want to do the parks without them. We were there during a busy week and while most lines had waits between 40 and 90 minutes we never waited more than 5 or 10 minutes. Also loved being able to ferry back to the hotel without fighting the park closing garage rush hour.

My kids are HP obsessed and the hubby and I could take it or leave it, but WOW! There is nothing like walking into Diagon Alley. It is just so magical and detailed- made me want to come home and watch the movies again so I can enjoy it even more on our next trip. Both kids were able to experience the whole wand chooses the wizard gig and I got a little teary-eyed seeing their pure joy. ...at almost 9, my son is questioning the magic of things more and more and he completely bought into the Wizarding World-- gives me hope that maybe I get one more year with Santa. Please?!

We also did Volcano Bay and had a blast! I was a little worried about wait times and the whole Tapu Tapu system but it was completely effortless and we were easily able to ride most of the things we hoped to. Great little water park area for little ones (maybe 7 or 8yo and under). I have to say, when we arrived the group in front of us was not allowed to enter because the little girl was wearing a pink swimsuit that said "LIFEGUARD". It never would have occurred to me to me that something like that wouldn't be allowed, but they wouldn't even let the family through the security lines. And side note: the Waturi Fusion ice cream...to. die. for!

In any case, thank you all-- your tips helped make our getaway a dream. Can't wait to start my next countdown!

Like the previous posters, I'm glad your family had a great visit! This is a great community here, and now that you have learned about what USO has to offer, you can help others that might ask you about it. That's how we are all able to help. I learned from the vets in 2012, and now I pipe in with some advice and thoughts when I can. Like you, my family acknowledged quickly that staying on-site (proximity and the water taxis perk) and the express passes (included with premier resorts perk) are well worth the price. I've booked our now traditional HHN visit, and we are so excited about not only HHN but also the new Hagrid's ride in IoA. So much fun! Welcome to the USO "dark side" family!