Timing Question for Early Entry

[autismmom1]

I'm out of my element at Universal...I can maneuver about WDW easily, but we've only done US and IOA once a couple of years ago, so I need help from the experts.

We have 2 day park-to-park tickets and are staying at the CBBR Oct. 9th thru the 11th. We'll be taking the shuttle to the parks. I don't know which park will be EE (from what I've read, it changes, last minute even), but I would love to know what time I should plan to catch the shuttle in order to be at the park gate in time for opening. Also, if US is the chosen park, which path should I choose to get to Gringott's quickly? Do any of the regulars have suggestions on whether we should ride Gringott's first, take the train to Hogsmeade and ride FJ, then come back to US, since they close early for HHN? I'm super anxious to maximize our time, but don't know the best way to go about it!! Please, suggest away!

There are 3 of us (husband, myself and 13 yr old son) and we have no reservations for dining (son is peanut/tree nut allergic and VERY picky about his food being plain), so I'd love to hear if anyone with food allergies has had experiences with this as well. TYIA!

 

[damo]

It will most likely be IOA that is open. Shouldn't be very busy when you are there, so I would try to be at the front gates around half an hour before opening for early admission. So I would leave the resort about 45 minutes to an hour before park opening.

 

[autismmom1]

Thank you, damo! I'm also wondering about the Photoconnect this time. The last time we were there, FJ was included on the Photoconnect pass and the reading I've been doing suggests this is no longer the case...can you confirm?

 

[damo]

Here is where the photoconnect is good ...

Universal Studios Florida® Locations:

• On Location (Park Entrance Photos)
• E.T.'s Toy Closet & Photo Spot
• SpongeBob SquarePants Meet and Greet
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™*
• Shutterbutton’s™ Photography Studio*
• Revenge of the Mummy®
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit®
• Donkey Photo Op (near Shrek 4-D)
• TRANSFORMERS In-Queue Photo Op
• The Simpsons™ Photo Op
• Roaming Universal Studios Florida® characters where applicable
• Despicable Me Super Silly Stuff Store Photo Op

Universal's Islands of Adventure® Locations:

• DeFotos Expedition Photography (Park Entrance Photos)
• Spider-Man™ Photo Op in Marvel® Alterniverse
• In-Queue Photo Op at The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
• Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls®
• Jurassic Park River Adventure®
• T-Rex Automated Photo Capture in Jurassic Park®
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ In-Queue Photo Op
• Roaming Islands of Adventure Characters where available
• The Grinch™ Seasonal Photo Op

 

[dixonsontour]

Last October we found they let us into park for early admission about 15 mins before posted time.

In Universal everyone was herded the same way to Diagon alley - past transformers and through san fransisco area. Minion ride and gringotts were open early.

At minute it is just I of A posted for early opening. We did find parks opened a bit before posted time even for regular opening too.

Buses from Cabana bay were great - never waited and bus journey takes 5 mins. But you need to go up escalator, through bag drop and walk through citywalk to gate. Above advice for at least 45 mins is good advice.

 

[autismmom1]

Thanks for the info, damo and dixonsontour. The last time we were there, we stayed a RPR and it was an easy walk to the parks...also Diagon Alley was just getting started! I can't wait, but I hate to be unprepared!