When to do Harry Potter attractions-with Express Pass

[KendallR]

Our family is going to Universal on December 26th. We have a one day park-to-park express unlimited pass. Because I am not worried about the lines for the other attractions (because of the express pass) we would like to do the Harry Potter rides (forbidden journey and escape from gringotts) during the times with the shortest wait. We are staying at disney so we do not have the extra hour in the morning. Would it be best to come early and do the HP attractions first, or come later in the day and do our other attractions first and then HP attractions in the evening?

 

[kbelle8995]

Neither Gringotts nor Forbidden Journey are available to express pass. I was there last week. The express pass will be useful for other rides but not for the majority of the Potter rides according to Universal's website.

I would suggest go late or go early to ride these.

Pardon the two coaster in Potter are available thanks bumbershoot

 

[bumbershoot]

Most here would say evening. To me that feels like a gamble but it's likely what I would do if I were brave enough to go between Xmas and NYE.

Park to park does allow you to ride the train between HP areas, remember.

And Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff DO allow the use of EP so factor that in.

 

[cvjw]

I have had great luck with doing the Potter attractions right before park closing with little to no waits. You are visiting at a very, very busy time, so this plan may not work then.

Also, keep in mind that during holiday times, there can be long waits in the express line for certain attractions. Last time we visited at Memorial Day weekend, some of the express lines were almost as long as the stand by lines.

I would plan to come early and stay late if you want to experience all of the attractions in the 2 parks on one very busy day

 

[RMulieri]

The least wait is in the hour prior to closing, however it is a gamble because if there are any technical issues with the rides, you will miss out

 

[johde]

Since you only have 1 day, I'd hit 1 at opening (probably Hogmead assuming most of the EE people will be going to Diagon Alley) and the other at closing (Probably Diagon Alley). The other rides you'll need to watch out for are Despicable Me and Pteranodon Flyers. Despicable Me can get a line even with express and Pteranodon Flyers doesn't do express and is an extremely slow loader.