What to see/ride first at IoA

[ginny65]

We will be staying at HR in June. Do they still allow people staying there to get into the park an hour early? Also, I thought that some of the Harry Potter attractions were not part of the Express pass offered through the onsite hotels. If that is the case, what should be do/see first as soon as the gates are open? Thank you.

 

[Seeker615]

If you are a big Potter fan I would use the early entry to see that area first.

 

[RMulieri]

Right now early entry is only for the Harry Potter stuff at IOA.I am guessing once Diagon alley opens, it will have early entry as well.Forbidden Journey and Ollivanders wands are NOT part of express pass.As of now, no mention has been made as to whether or not the new HP attractions ( Hogwarts express and Gringotts ) will participate in express.

 

[ginny65]

Definitely Harry Potter fans. So I know there is a dueling dragon roller coaster that we want to ride. Should that be the first ride? After that, what should we do? Forbidden Journey? Just wondering what the plan of action should be.

 

[bumbershoot]

Definitely Harry Potter fans. So I know there is a dueling dragon roller coaster that we want to ride. Should that be the first ride? After that, what should we do? Forbidden Journey? Just wondering what the plan of action should be.

Dragon challenge is on the express pass system. So don't ride that first. Ollivanders wand shop is a show that is not on EP. Forbidden journey is the line/ride inside the castle that is not on EP.

If both are a draw, do ollivanders first when the line is the shortest, because the line is boring with nothin to do but stare at the walls and the park slowly filling up. Once you've watched the wand choose the wizard (or been the wizard if chosen), then go to forbidden journey. The line will be longer than it was, but the line is intricate and neat, with lots of things to see.

 

[ginny65]

Thank you very much! Good to know. So are there any other HP must sees?

 

[bumbershoot]

So are there any other HP must sees?

Well, in Wizarding World at IOA, there are only 4 attractions. The one not included above is Flight of the Hippogrif.

However, the whole place is worth spending time in. Looking at all the windows, listening to the noises going on. Checking out the gift shops. Buying Rock Cakes (like a scone but even more sugary). Just spending time there.

And depending on when your trip is and how early Diagon Alley opens over at the Studios, there will be so much more for you to see.

 

[Buzz L. Year]

The HP journey ride first, Dragons challenge 2nd, grab a butter beer to sip while waiting on line for Ollivanders, 3rd. Then scoot over for Spiderman and Hulk.
Save the get wet rides for the hotter afternoon.

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you very much! Good to know. So are there any other HP must sees?

You can hear moaning myrtle in the ladies bathroom

Take your time and really immerse yourself in the area......it's got remarkable details to be appreciated.

 

[RMulieri]

Ollivanders FIRST..It doesnt take express, lines build fast and they are out in the sun with no shade.The show only takes 15-20 people max at a time.THEN Forbidden Journey.It doesnt offer express and is the ride everyone wants to ride.After that Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogrif.both of those take express pass

 

[ginny65]

We are so excited to see HP attractions and stores. I doubt we stand through the wand spiel; probably just go in another door and look around. Our kids are older now and will not want to buy one, but rather just take in the scenary. We will definitely have to listen for Moaning Myrtle! Thanks for that tip. Too funny.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

During early entry, we took photos without the crowds, were in the first group at Ollivander's (the wand-choosing is actually pretty short), rode Forbidden Journey (doesn't take express pass, but there's lots to see in the queue), used the moaning restrooms, and then took in all the details in the shop windows and bought candy at Honeyduke's, before the streets and shops became packed with people. That day, Dragon Challenge did not open during early entry, and I was able to walk right on with my express pass when it finally opened, so I wouldn't make it a first priority. We bought frozen butterbeer to carry with us to the Jurassic Park play area. I don't really recommend drinking a lot of butterbeer between riding coasters.

We came back to WWOHP in the afternoon to see it one more time and catch the Triwizard spirit rally show, and it was wall-to-wall people even on a not-too-busy day.

 

[damo]

We are so excited to see HP attractions and stores. I doubt we stand through the wand spiel; probably just go in another door and look around. Our kids are older now and will not want to buy one, but rather just take in the scenary. We will definitely have to listen for Moaning Myrtle! Thanks for that tip. Too funny.

The wand show is really cute if you are a Harry Potter fan.

 

[ginny65]

Sounds good. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[glocon]

Definitely eat at the Three Broomsticks- very cool inside- looks just like in the movies! And the Hogshead is attached so walk over there to see the snorting hogs head and get your butter beer in a shorter line than the cart outside. Also take a break in the owlry- very realistic!

 

[ginny65]

Sounds great! I can't wait!!

 

[ehides]

All of the above are great tips. We found that the lineup for Ollivanders was about 30 or so long abut 1/2 hr into early entry and the lineup for FJ was about 30-45 mins at about the same time.

One other tip I found on another post was to get the frozen Butterbeer but mix the foaming top part into the drink before starting to drink it. Otherwise you just get all the sweet part at first taste. We shared one amongst four of us walking out of the HP section and it was a nice cold treat without it being too much knowing we were going on more rides.

 

[nealfreakinporter]

Hang a right, and proceed to Potter!!!!!!!

 

[dzndft]

We are heading to our first visit to Universal (after WDW, of course) and looking forward to all the new experiences that await.

 

[3CallmeMommy]

Last summer I arrived about 2 hours after the park opened and went right to Rip Ride Rockit, the line was empty. Went right in.

It was an error to visit Harry Potter late, the line for the ride was insane long. About 1 hour. I made the line, and was amused because the place is really stunning, and wasn't bored for one second.

BUT, when I go again next month, I will head straight for Harry Potter and get that out of the way. In my experience roller coasters lines go reasonable fast.