Trip to WWOHP in May, should I stay onsite?

[jenny-pooh]

I am planning a Disney/WWOHP trip from May 14-21. Thinking of only doing two days at Universal/IOA. Should I stay onsite at Universal to get the early entry to WWOHP? I was planning to stay at POP and then just getting a shuttle to IOA. Just wondering if the crowds during that week in May would justify staying on site to ensure lower wait times at WWOHP. Thanks.

 

[aubriee]

We were there the second week of May last year and didn't need them. Lines were great. However with the Harry Potter land now open who knows how spring crowds will be. I was there again the first week of Sept, second week of Oct, and one day just last week. I didn't need FOL pass any of those days. Crowds weren't bad. The first week of Sept I did stay onsite at Royal Pacific, but didn't really need the FOL pass. The other stays I stayed at Disney and just used the Mears transport.

I'll be back at WDW April 30th-May 8th and plan on staying at WDW and using the Mears shuttle to go over to Universal a couple of days.

 

[Metro West]

I am planning a Disney/WWOHP trip from May 14-21. Thinking of only doing two days at Universal/IOA. Should I stay onsite at Universal to get the early entry to WWOHP? I was planning to stay at POP and then just getting a shuttle to IOA. Just wondering if the crowds during that week in May would justify staying on site to ensure lower wait times at WWOHP. Thanks.

You should be OK without staying onsite but the HP crowds will be there in force as they have been all year. The key is to get to the parks as early as possible to avoid the crowds which usually arrive around 10:30am or so. Other than WWoHP, the rest of both parks should be empty that time of morning.

 

[jenny-pooh]

I was hoping that would be the case! I wouldn't mind staying at Universal but it is a bit pricey and I love Disney's Magical Express. I plan to go to IOA midweek and head to WWOHP first thing. I can't wait!

 

[mesaboy2]

Remember also that Uni Express (the other onsite perk) is no advantage to WWoHP's arguably two biggest draws: Forbidden Journey and Ollivander's. The early entry is more valuable there but, as Metro said, just get there as soon as you can and you should be fine.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We were there less than a week ago. The crowds were similar to the way thy were when we isited in May (before HP opened.) By getting there at opening we were able to walk right onto the Forbidden Journey ride. In fact we felt we went too quickly through the line to enjoy the details. Later in the day there was a wait. There was virtually no wait for anything else including the Dragon Challenge. Having said that, we enjoyed staying on property very much in May even though the lines weren't long and we didn't need the express passes. It was still nice to have NO wait and I imagine it would be nice to explore the HP area while it is less crowded. We couldn't enjoy the shops too much--way too crowded. Be sure to try the butterbeer and the ambience of the restaurant in HP! (Forgot the name.)

 

[jenny-pooh]

I will definitely be drinking the Butterbeer! I plan on getting a wand at Ollivander's and eating at the Three Broomsticks. I hope to hear Moaning Murtle in the washroom. I want to see Hagrid's hut and buy Chocolate Frogs! Should I go on? I hope to do it all. GAME PLAN: get there early on both days and enjoy!

 

[mesaboy2]

I will definitely be drinking the Butterbeer! I plan on getting a wand at Ollivander's and eating at the Three Broomsticks. I hope to hear Moaning Murtle in the washroom. I want to see Hagrid's hut and buy Chocolate Frogs! Should I go on? I hope to do it all. GAME PLAN: get there early on both days and enjoy!

All of those can be done with ease without onsite but arriving early two days. Actually, just one day would do.

Tips: Hagrid's Hut is in the the queue for Hippogriff and far enough back that you can usually walk in, get pics, and leave again without riding or waiting.

Butterbeer can be had in Hogshead Tavern with usually less wait than an outside cart.

The often-huge wait for Ollivander's is for the show, not to actually purchase a wand. If all you want is a wand, you can get one by entering the Owl Post (where wands are) through Dervish & Banges. There are now also I believe at least two outside carts that have them.

 

[jenny-pooh]

Thanks for the tips! Good to know about the wands and butterbeer. Any more WWOHP tips?

 

[geenab]

We just got home from Orlando and I would suggest also trying to go to WWoHp around dinnertime. That was the least crowded time for us. We stayed onsite to get the extra hour, but due to the FJ ride malfunction, we were stuck in line for the entire time. When we finally left in frustration there were lines for everything, including the shops - this was at 8 am! We left the park in frustration. So the extra money for the onsite hotel was just a waste. Stay at Disney instead.

 

[jandm]

I will definitely be drinking the Butterbeer! I plan on getting a wand at Ollivander's and eating at the Three Broomsticks. I hope to hear Moaning Murtle in the washroom. I want to see Hagrid's hut and buy Chocolate Frogs! Should I go on? I hope to do it all. GAME PLAN: get there early on both days and enjoy!

Your post made me smile, so I had to comment. You said everything my family has been saying for weeks. We are going in May as well (the 7-14th) we are doing mostly Disney, but spending one day at IOA. Our kids (and I must admit me and my hus.) are SO excited to see WWOPH! Our son keeps looking up videos to check it out and he was so excited to hear that Moaning Murtle is in both the boys and girls restrooms. Can't wait to try Three Broomsticks, visit Ollivander's and of course the butterbeer. Honeydukes will be fun as well...may have to try a few jellybeans! Our plan is to get there at opening as well. Have fun!!

 

[jenny-pooh]

We just got home from Orlando and I would suggest also trying to go to WWoHp around dinnertime. That was the least crowded time for us. We stayed onsite to get the extra hour, but due to the FJ ride malfunction, we were stuck in line for the entire time. When we finally left in frustration there were lines for everything, including the shops - this was at 8 am! We left the park in frustration. So the extra money for the onsite hotel was just a waste. Stay at Disney instead.

Sorry to hear things didn't work out so well for you. Thank you for the advice- I am booking at POP

 

[jenny-pooh]

Your post made me smile, so I had to comment. You said everything my family has been saying for weeks. We are going in May as well (the 7-14th) we are doing mostly Disney, but spending one day at IOA. Our kids (and I must admit me and my hus.) are SO excited to see WWOPH! Our son keeps looking up videos to check it out and he was so excited to hear that Moaning Murtle is in both the boys and girls restrooms. Can't wait to try Three Broomsticks, visit Ollivander's and of course the butterbeer. Honeydukes will be fun as well...may have to try a few jellybeans! Our plan is to get there at opening as well. Have fun!!

Have fun! I know we will.