The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[damo]

Any suggestion for a game plan. Friends (2 adults/2 boys 13 & 15) are going to US/IOP for the time June 24th and 25th. They have 2 day/2park pass. What do you suggest as a game plan to get everything in with the HP crowds? Should they do HP first? Save for last?

I would head straight to HP and get in line. They will most likely want to do it several times throughout the day. Then do Dragon Challenge and then head over to Spiderman, Hulk and Dr. Doom. Then head back to Jurassic Park and then do FJ again.

 

[OnceUponADream07]

I would head straight to HP and get in line. They will most likely want to do it several times throughout the day. Then do Dragon Challenge and then head over to Spiderman, Hulk and Dr. Doom. Then head back to Jurassic Park and then do FJ again.

Great, thanks for the quick response.

 

[damo]

Great, thanks for the quick response.

No problem. After they are done those, they might want to consider the water rides.

 

[gollal]

Hi - we went on 6/6. We stayed on site with a HP package at the Portofino (I don't recommend that hotel btw now). We got in around 8:30 a.m., had breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at 3 broomstix and left the HP around 12:30 p.m. We were among the last to leave and had an amazing time. Just some things to keep in mind below & some comments below:

There is NO ExpressLine for Forbidden Journey - not even for on-site guests - we waited 45 minutes in the FLA humidity - the queue isn't bad once you get inside but when the crowds start, I'm not sure how that will work - they told us they're planning for 4 hour wait times but I doubt that
The height limit was pretty tall for FJ - my 10 year old and tall 9 year old barely made it on - other parents were REALLY upset about that
The frogs, beans, etc. are $$ ($10.00 per frog/bag) - if you're buying them for other people that adds up fast
The weight restriction that others had previously posted I did not find to be an issue at all, nor did I find it to be embarrasing - they put EVERYONE on the test seats (even your little kids in line with you) - you don't feel singled out to see if you fit or anything else - we are both plus size over 200 lbs and I'll leave it at that & we got on just fine - that was handled nicely - I thought we'd get pulled because of our size and we did but since they pulled ALL of us - it didn't feel embarrasing

 

[yaytezIOA]

Hi - we went on 6/6. We stayed on site with a HP package at the Portofino (I don't recommend that hotel btw now). We got in around 8:30 a.m., had breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at 3 broomstix and left the HP around 12:30 p.m. We were among the last to leave and had an amazing time. Just some things to keep in mind below & some comments below:

There is NO ExpressLine for Forbidden Journey - not even for on-site guests - we waited 45 minutes in the FLA humidity - the queue isn't bad once you get inside but when the crowds start, I'm not sure how that will work - they told us they're planning for 4 hour wait times but I doubt that
The height limit was pretty tall for FJ - my 10 year old and tall 9 year old barely made it on - other parents were REALLY upset about that
The frogs, beans, etc. are $$ ($10.00 per frog/bag) - if you're buying them for other people that adds up fast
The weight restriction that others had previously posted I did not find to be an issue at all, nor did I find it to be embarrasing - they put EVERYONE on the test seats (even your little kids in line with you) - you don't feel singled out to see if you fit or anything else - that was handled nicely

Express was being tested Saturday in very limited quantities for hotel guests only(so I'm told). The line will get to be 4 hours once grand opening hits, and according to people who care about this way more than I do, there is enough queue space for upto 5 1/2 hours before it spills out the front gate. Height limit is 48 inches, same as Space Mountain, Rockin Roller Coaster, and Mummy.
And I agree, everything is super expensive because people will pay it (not me!) for now. I go for the butterbeer and pumpkin juice..did try a cauldron cake or two and that's it for me. The every flavor beans, and chocolate frogs are not new ideas as they used to sell them in bookstores, and Target, but they seem to be of better quality and quantity here. The chocolate frogs are pretty big compared to what they sold in Target.
Anyone looking to go the 18th, if you don't have a hotel room...I would pretty much expect to wait just to get in. They are telling people when you call the resort line that the parking garage opens at 7, be there by 6:30....but people will line up at 5:30...mark my words on this one. By 9 a.m., you wont be able to cross the bridge into IOA. The good news? Studios will be walk on!

 

[Pembo]

We arrive in Orlando tomorrow. We're staying offsite...should we try to HP on the 16th & 17th or is the thought that it will be closed to the gp???

I'd love to see it this trip but we'll be back in FL next March.

Opinions?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

The height limit was pretty tall for FJ - my 10 year old and tall 9 year old barely made it on - other parents were REALLY upset about that

Height limit is 48 inches, same as Space Mountain, Rockin Roller Coaster, and Mummy.

The height limit for Space Mountain is actually 44 inches, but you're right that RnR and Mummy are both 48 inches (bold is mine).

My DD7 is tall for her age and is 52 inches, but she is only a few inches taller than her friends . My just-turned 11 year old DD is 60 inches. Most 9 and 10 years old should be fine. I wouldn't consider a 48 inch 9-year old to be a tall kid, just in case any parents are worrying about their average-sized 9 and 10 year olds.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I would head straight to HP and get in line. They will most likely want to do it several times throughout the day. Then do Dragon Challenge and then head over to Spiderman, Hulk and Dr. Doom. Then head back to Jurassic Park and then do FJ again.

 

[ahill004]

I have to agree with StitchandPooh's mom on the height. My 6 year old daughter is in the 50-75% for height and she is 48 inches without shoes. She is slightly on the tall side but by no means the tallest in her class.

 

[mom2aandj]

The height limit for Space Mountain is actually 44 inches, but you're right that RnR and Mummy are both 48 inches (bold is mine).

My DD7 is tall for her age and is 52 inches, but she is only a few inches taller than her friends . My just-turned 11 year old DD is 60 inches. Most 9 and 10 years old should be fine. I wouldn't consider a 48 inch 9-year old to be a tall kid, just in case any parents are worrying about their average-sized 9 and 10 year olds.

I agree, it should not be a problem at all for average sized 9 and 10 year olds. My 6 year old is a very tall 50". My 10 year old is very short, 52".

 

[xApril]

Went on the ride 19 more times today (34 times now! ). My last ride, we got stuck for about 20 minutes at a very uncomfortable angle. They had to turn on all the lights and we just rode through upright to the station. It was so cool! I only wish we weren't so close to the end of the ride. I would've love to have seen more details.

 

[Planogirl]

Went on the ride 19 more times today (34 times now! ). My last ride, we got stuck for about 20 minutes at a very uncomfortable angle. They had to turn on all the lights and we just rode through upright to the station. It was so cool! I only wish we weren't so close to the end of the ride. I would've love to have seen more details.

 

[mysteriouspnai]

At the park waiting for the gates to open! I'm very excited

 

[Pink Flamingo]

At the park waiting for the gates to open! I'm very excited

Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[xApril]

At the park waiting for the gates to open! I'm very excited

Be sure to post back if you can and tell us if it's open! My mom looks like she wants to dump me off at the park (her words, not mine), so I'll be heading over there again.

 

[MyMuse]

Just want to say thank you for this thread!

I hope to visit in October, so knowing all these things in advance is a big help!

 

[hermionesnape]

We arrive in Orlando tomorrow. We're staying offsite...should we try to HP on the 16th & 17th or is the thought that it will be closed to the gp???

I'd love to see it this trip but we'll be back in FL next March.

Opinions?

We checked in yesterday and they gave us a letter stating that the Wizarding World would be closed most of Thursday (possible between 12-3 for on-site guest only) and will not open on Friday to anyone expect the press and special guest (the famous ones) until after all of the opening events are over with.

 

[Dznefreek]

According to a report on WESH 2 on Monday Daniel Radcliffe (Harry himself) will be on hand for the opening. . . .

 

[Disney_Lover06]

We checked in yesterday and they gave us a letter stating that the Wizarding World would be closed most of Thursday (possible between 12-3 for on-site guest only) and will not open on Friday to anyone expect the press and special guest (the famous ones) until after all of the opening events are over with.

I check in tomorrow. That's disappointing that the WWOHP wouldn't be open on Thursday. I didn't expect to get in on Friday until after the opening ceremony though. A little bummed.

 

[GetGlowing]

From @leaky on Twitter:

leaky

Harry Potter: Universal to Live Stream Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grand Opening Events
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2...er+films&utm_content=harry+potter+books+films