What order to do things? A day and a half at Universal

[yaddakal]

Hello , our local flight brings us to orlando two days before the cruise we are taking. Thinking we want to do universal since we only have ever done Disney. We would most likely stay onsite and our flight doesn't get into Sanford orlando until 1:30... Then we would get a rental car. Realistically we would hope to be at hotel by 3. Likely it will be royal Pacific. Kids both 48 inches, what would be your plan with a two day hopper for a Thursday eve in August and a full day Friday?

 

[tweak89]

If the Potter attractions are the main thing on your radar you can tackle them in the evening a couple of hours before park closing or use the early entry perk and get that out of the way the morning of the second day.

With the unlimited express pass, you should easily be able to cover all the big attractions and most of the shows. At 48", your kids are good to ride everything.

 

[damo]

Going in August changes things since the new Harry Potter Diagon Alley probably will open. You will have quite a bit of stuff to cover. Since you are staying onsite, most stuff will have express passes for you. However, the Harry Potter stuff probably won't.

Since it isn't open yet, it is kinda hard to judge the new plan of attack but perhaps do Wizarding World the first evening as well as the rest of IOA. The second morning head to Diagon Alley and get as much done there as possible before getting out to the rest of the park. Your express pass will be good for everything else at Universal. Then once you are done everything, go back to Diagon Alley and hop the Hogwarts Express and head back to IOA and finish up there.

You'll probably want to see the Cinematic Spectacular at Universal. I'd do that the first evening.