What is open for EE? And best parade viewing area?

[Jenny-momof3]

Headed down for our very first universal trip next week!! Have a couple more questions....

We're staying at cabana bay so have EE entry. What is open for EE? Is it onlyHarry Potter? We want to make sure and get on Kong, Hulk and Minions before the lines are too long since we won't have EP. Do we plan to be at those right at 9 if they aren't open for EE?

Best spot for parade viewing? We would like to see when they stop and perform. Also shade from the sun if possible. How long in advance should we get a spot?

And best spot for the cinematic spectacular? And again, how far in advance should we get there?

 

[janicept]

I will be there too. Next week IoA has early entry so Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, and Hippogriffs. I was hoping it would be Gringott's but oh well.

https://ww2.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/early-park-admission/index.html

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Harry Potter is a good place to head early, but also keep in mind that it is also a great place to go late at night. Kind of a Halloween feel.

On our last visit, Kong was new, so it opened a little early. I'm not sure that will continue. Then again, we don't usually arrive at the start of EE. We tend to be entering the gates about halfway through EE.

With Minions, they are now - at least sometimes- offering guests a way to bypass the standby line. It works a little like the way FP used to work. Though, to be honest, we didn't actually use our pass on our last visit. We got a paper return pass for Minions, but never used it. I had heard some additional attractions had the virtual line, but only Minions had it when we visited. The new ride has it.

Generally, it is good to do theme park headliners early, if you can handle the extra walking and ride intensity early in the day. Of the ones you list, Hulk lines aren't all that bad in the morning. of the three Janicept lists, FJ probably has longest line. Hippogriff can go either way. DG is often not all that long of a wait.

Another very popular spot is the Chocolate Factory. Expect to wait an hour or more for a table. Some of the other Citywalk places also get long waits, especially 7-9pm. If they are packed, try heading to a (deluxe) resort eatery for shorter lines.

I don't usually put too much stock in parades, so I can't help much there. We only ever see the night parade if we happen to be in the right place at the right time, which is right by the Mummy/Macy's façade area. IME, that tends to be a decent area, as they stop to perform. There could be a better spot. People DO stake out spots for the afternoon parade, but we usually skip it. It also isn't too hard to get a spot for the fireworks show at park close. Maybe 15minutes? (though as I said, we're often in HP area at that time.)

 

[schumigirl]

Cinematic Spectacular we have never scoped out a spot.....usually end up sitting down from Moes Tavern.....you can find a spot to sit there easily........round in front of Mel's Diner........there isnt really a bad place around the lagoon to see the show.......we haven't missed anything by sitting on either side.

Same with the daytime parade, it's never really mobbed, we usually just stop whenever the parade is upon us, but we've seen it many times. If I was to choose I'd probably stand near Horror Make Up Show.........or Mel's Diner if you want shade.......they stop there too.

 

[havoc315]

If Universal is open to EE, then it will be Potter and Minions. At IOA, it is the 3 Potter rides.