US & IoA on 12/18

[msmith07101]

I only have one day to do US & IoA, on Saturday, December 18th. Been to both last year, same time frame. This year it is a short trip, so only one day to do both of these parks(2 and a half days at Disney). I have to go to US to see my son & his HS marching band do the Macys Parade at 5:00. My primary reason for visiting IoA is Harry Potter...other than that, I don't have to see anything else...I prefer US to IoA. So...help me out with a plan to use the day to get the most out of it. What are your opinions on HP and whether or not I should try do go first thing in the AM or wait til later in the day? Staying offsite at Disney property, so no early access or anything.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Metro West]

I only have one day to do US & IoA, on Saturday, December 18th. Been to both last year, same time frame. This year it is a short trip, so only one day to do both of these parks(2 and a half days at Disney). I have to go to US to see my son & his HS marching band do the Macys Parade at 5:00. My primary reason for visiting IoA is Harry Potter...other than that, I don't have to see anything else...I prefer US to IoA. So...help me out with a plan to use the day to get the most out of it. What are your opinions on HP and whether or not I should try do go first thing in the AM or wait til later in the day? Staying offsite at Disney property, so no early access or anything.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

December 18th is a Saturday so IOA will be busy regardless of what time you go. Since you won't have a lot of time there, try to get there at opening and do what you can in the morning.

Don't forget...Mannheim Steamroller will be performing their Christmas concert at the Studios that night at 8pm and you shouldn't miss it!

 

[msmith07101]

OK...sounds like I will be making a full day of it! Thanks!

 

[UOR17DIS]

Hi, well im a frequent Universal Orlando vistor, especially because I live 25 minutes from Universal and have an annual pass and can tell you that from experiences its best to to visit HP land right when the gates are open at 9a.m or trying waiting til after the macys parade at about 6pm. From experiences on average busy day by
9:30 am line for HP FJ ride will be under 30 minutes (even maybe a walk on!) and by 10am the area of the HP will mostly likely be packed with lines forming with shops and definitly Olivanders and the ride being between 30 mins to 60 minutes at minium. Heres my advice

*Be at IOA gate between 8:30a.m-8:45a.m
*Head straight to Olivanders!!! line grows very quickly. TIP: exit to the show is the shop devish and bangles where you can buy wands, scarfs, robes, e.t.c.
*Then Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
*Next is the shops if you perfer them or the the three broomsticks which by 10:30am usually has a wait 15 mins and under. In rare cases no more than 30 mins.
*The other 2 rides in Harry Potter area (Dragons challenge and Flight of the hippogriff) usually will have no wait exceeding 30 mins except the flight of hippogriff with maybe 45 mins.
*If taken this advice right you could be done with the HP area by 11am-12pm if not earlier so good luck and enjoy the area!
TIP: If you decide on Express, its will only work towards Flight of the hippogriff in the hp area. anymore inf you need ill be happy to post.

 

[PalmPomDisneyMom]

Hi, well im a frequent Universal Orlando vistor, especially because I live 25 minutes from Universal and have an annual pass and can tell you that from experiences its best to to visit HP land right when the gates are open at 9a.m or trying waiting til after the macys parade at about 6pm. From experiences on average busy day by
9:30 am line for HP FJ ride will be under 30 minutes (even maybe a walk on!) and by 10am the area of the HP will mostly likely be packed with lines forming with shops and definitly Olivanders and the ride being between 30 mins to 60 minutes at minium. Heres my advice

*Be at IOA gate between 8:30a.m-8:45a.m
*Head straight to Olivanders!!! line grows very quickly. TIP: exit to the show is the shop devish and bangles where you can buy wands, scarfs, robes, e.t.c.
*Then Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
*Next is the shops if you perfer them or the the three broomsticks which by 10:30am usually has a wait 15 mins and under. In rare cases no more than 30 mins.
*The other 2 rides in Harry Potter area (Dragons challenge and Flight of the hippogriff) usually will have no wait exceeding 30 mins except the flight of hippogriff with maybe 45 mins.
*If taken this advice right you could be done with the HP area by 11am-12pm if not earlier so good luck and enjoy the area!
TIP: If you decide on Express, its will only work towards Flight of the hippogriff in the hp area. anymore inf you need ill be happy to post.

This sounds like great advice Going in 2 weeks, I will remember your tips. Thanks!

 

[msmith07101]

Hi, well im a frequent Universal Orlando vistor, especially because I live 25 minutes from Universal and have an annual pass and can tell you that from experiences its best to to visit HP land right when the gates are open at 9a.m or trying waiting til after the macys parade at about 6pm. From experiences on average busy day by
9:30 am line for HP FJ ride will be under 30 minutes (even maybe a walk on!) and by 10am the area of the HP will mostly likely be packed with lines forming with shops and definitly Olivanders and the ride being between 30 mins to 60 minutes at minium. Heres my advice

*Be at IOA gate between 8:30a.m-8:45a.m
*Head straight to Olivanders!!! line grows very quickly. TIP: exit to the show is the shop devish and bangles where you can buy wands, scarfs, robes, e.t.c.
*Then Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
*Next is the shops if you perfer them or the the three broomsticks which by 10:30am usually has a wait 15 mins and under. In rare cases no more than 30 mins.
*The other 2 rides in Harry Potter area (Dragons challenge and Flight of the hippogriff) usually will have no wait exceeding 30 mins except the flight of hippogriff with maybe 45 mins.
*If taken this advice right you could be done with the HP area by 11am-12pm if not earlier so good luck and enjoy the area!
TIP: If you decide on Express, its will only work towards Flight of the hippogriff in the hp area. anymore inf you need ill be happy to post.

Great...Thanks!! I love the detailed itinerary...very helpgul!!