universal newbie questions-again!

[married2mm]

hi,posted on universal boards, but thought i would post here also,for a british perspective!

please excuse me if all has been asked before,but here goes:

we have booked hrh for one night august 18th.(managed to keep secret so far,but finding it difficult!)

i read check in can be early in the morning,is that correct?

do you need to "physically" check out the next day?

does universal open an hour before "normal" park hours for general public every day?

is there a special entrance at the main gate to allow entrance to onsite guests early?

are all rides accessible in this special hour?

does universal have evening special onsite times also?

what are the opening times usually for this time of year?

parking at universal- do you drive from hrh to universal car park?
do you have to pay again?

tia.

 

[Kath2003]

i read check in can be early in the morning,is that correct?

Yep, but you won't get access to your room until the "actual" check in time.

do you need to "physically" check out the next day?

I *think* you can do an "express" check out but not sure. Either way, you can check out whenever and your express passes are still valid for the entire day.

does universal open an hour before "normal" park hours for general public every day?

No, but Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter does (not the entire park, just Harry).

is there a special entrance at the main gate to allow entrance to onsite guests early?

You just use the regular entrance.

are all rides accessible in this special hour?

Nope, just the Harry Potter rides. The other rides open just before the regular opening time though, we found.

does universal have evening special onsite times also?

Nope.

what are the opening times usually for this time of year?

Not sure, Universal only release opening times 2-3 months in advance. Probably - Universal 9am-7pm, Islands 9am-9pm.

parking at universal- do you drive from hrh to universal car park?
do you have to pay again?

You can, but why bother? Free water taxi or easy 5 minute walk.
Not sure about the cost if you move the car.

 

[married2mm]

thanks very much for all your info.