Universal Harry Potter Strategies

[montrealdisneylovers]

We are avid Disney lovers, own DVC and go every year between Christmas and New Year to our beloved Disney World. We have developed a fine art of using EMH to hit our favorite rides in all the parks over the short few days we are there.

This year we are considering staying one night at one of the Universal resorts to get the early entry and fast pass for Islands of Adventure (specifically the Harry Potter rides).

Those of you who are Universal experts, can you provide some tips on how to make the maximum use of our 1 day there.

How does their fastpass system work compared to Disney`s? I am stressing just thinking about doing this.

 

[mjohnson96]

With one night at one of the 3 onsite hotels you will get 2 days of Unlimited Express Pass. This allows you use the express pass lane, most of them are located at the regular entrance, as many times as you want. Since it is a paid for item if you are not staying onsite the lines are significantly shorter.

When we go to US, it is a much less stressful part of the vacation. Less to plan for, less to have to worry about.

For WWOHP, the main ride does not take the express pass. But with early entry I would suggest to hit Olivanders Wand show first, this line gets very long and no passes, then go to FJ and ride it Rest of the rides take the EP so you will be good.

Also, when you check in you will go to a kiosk to get your pass. We have not done this yet since it was put in after our last trip and we are going back in June. It will take you picture and you will have a card that you will show to the guy at the EP lane and he will scan it and off you go.

We have been there when a ride was 90+ minutes and just walked on in less than 10 Sometimes the lines can be a little longer but usually the longest we have waited was 15 minutes.

 

[Nancy for Disney]

There is an entire Universal Forum section on Dis. Lot's of answers there.

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

Thank you mjohnson96.

Given the fact that we get two days worth of express pass; what time should be show up at the hotel on day 1 to make the most of our day?

Do we also get early entry both days? The main reason for going to Universal is to visit the Harry Potter area. If the express pass is not accepted at FJ how early do we have to be there on day 1 if we get early entry and/or if not?

 

[mjohnson96]

Thank you mjohnson96.

Given the fact that we get two days worth of express pass; what time should be show up at the hotel on day 1 to make the most of our day?

Do we also get early entry both days? The main reason for going to Universal is to visit the Harry Potter area. If the express pass is not accepted at FJ how early do we have to be there on day 1 if we get early entry and/or if not?

You can check in fairly early, I would get there at least an hour / hour 1/2 before opening to check in and then walk or take the boat to city walk. You get early entry both days. Check out the Universal area of the boards, lots of good info there to sift through.

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

Thank you. I tried looking for the Universal area of the boards but seem to be having a tough time. Will keep looking. Thanks for the responses.

 

[damo]

Thank you. I tried looking for the Universal area of the boards but seem to be having a tough time. Will keep looking. Thanks for the responses.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

Thank you sooooo much for the links!!