US & IOA One day, US 8am start, not attending HHN that night

[Bex258]

I've got one day I can visit Universal but a ticket for both parks and I can't figure out a couple of things so I hope someone can help.

(Date planned is Friday 7th October)

I'm not staying on Universal property but I can get a Mears transport at either 7:05am or 8:05am. If Universal Studios opens up at 8:00am and they are not letting access until opening, even with travel time, is 7:05am going to be too early? It feels like it will be, I used Greyline last time and they aren't offering the service this time. I'll get an uber/lyft if not and maybe a Mears shuttle on the way back to Disney. (I'd be coming from AllStars Mu).

If I can get to US for 8am, am I better to try and get 30-45 mins in the Studios to get a few rides done (like Minions) before heading to IOA to try and get on Hagrid's and the Veloiccoaster? Or just wait outside IOA to be let in?

I'm going solo, so I can use the Single Rider lines if that makes any difference to the plans, this worked great for me with rides like MIB but Gringotts was a long wait so think I'm going to get a hipbag/crossbody thing with the three prongs so at least I can have my phone with me (with the exception of the rides that don't allow that).

Then once I'm done with these two rides I was thinking of making my way back to Studios via Hogsmeade and the HP rides then try and get a few things in the Studios done. (Get a wand in Olivanders, ride Gringotts again, ride The Mummy if it's back up and MIB and Minions and ET).

As I don't have a HHN ticket I'm aiming to head back to IOA by mid afternoon to get a ride on Hulk, maybe Spiderman and see if I can get another ride of Hagrid's/Veloiccoaster in before the park closes.

I haven't been in 5 years so my main goals are Hagrid's, Veloiccoaster, get the wand I was meant to get last time and didn't and go back on Hulk (the park closed for a Microsoft event just as I went to join the queue last time so I haven't been able to go on that since 2011).

I did a late booking and with everything else I've been planning and organising I have forgotten to look into Universal.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I'd do the 7:05 if that's the option - it'll take 10-15 to get through security & City Walk so it'd be maybe a 30min wait. But if the Mears isn't free, you'd probably do better with Uber.

If you want to do Hagrids first thing, go straight to IoA & be in line before opening. Otherwise, wait til lunchtime or afterwards for Hagrids. Velocicoaster doesn't tend to matter as much.

If your phone fits in your pocket, no need for a cross body bag.

Single rider lines will be your buddies all day, they're so helpful generally except for the 2 seater coasters.

Have a blast!

 

[Skippyboo]

Hours are posted for Oct 7 IOA: 9-8, Studios 8-5 with 7 am early entry. I would go for 7am pick up. It’s will take a bit of time to get over there and through security. Pick up a voodoo donut. No early entry for IoA so you would be on equal footing for VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s.

 

[Pooh's World]

Velocicoaster has single rider always. So don't need to worry about it.

Hagrid's single rider can be just as slow as regular line it seems so I would go for Hagrid's fist and then try to ride Hagrid's again when it gets dark and all the lights come on.

The train can waste alot of time unless you have express pass.