Ticket help for newbies for trip this week

[eyeontheball]

Hi, We have never been to universal but my husband and 10 year old Harry Potter loving daughter will be in Orlando this weekend. We are looking at getting 2 day tickets and know we want the Park to Park but beyond that are totally confused! I’m trying to read up but this is so different from Disney.
A few questions:1) what type of 2 day ticket do you recommend for budget conscious but want to make the most of the time they have. I know they have the special with the buy 2 days, get 3 free and they could go for 1/2 on the 3rd day if you thought that was the best way to go
2) Is it better to buy through Universal directly or wasn’t sure about buying through outside vendor. If the line is super long to redeem those tickets not sure if it is worth it to save a few bucks.
3) Any other tips?
Also they are staying offsite if that helps in recommendations.
Thanks in advance for your response and help!!

 

[skylock]

They could get two day and do one park a day. Or two day park to park. They could also get the two day with three days free. Might be able to squeeze a few extra hours in.

To be able to ride the hogwarts express (the train) between the parks, they would need park to park tickets.

I would also look into the universal hotels. The top three will include express pass for check in day until check out day. Also any of the hotels will give 1 hour early admission to the HP areas.

It really doesn't matter if you buy from Universal or a third party site. That moments to turn in the third party passes into tickets. I would buy before they get there. I think the tickets at universal are $20 more at the gate and you do not want to be wasting time standing in that line.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Download the Universal App for ride wait times and show schedules, and just to familiarize themselves with the general layout and prioritize rides (and experiences like Ollivanders wand show). There is no reason not to get the 3 free days, if doing so would create the possibility of some extra hours at no cost.