Where to start? Park

[BraveLittleToaster2]

First time going to Universal/IOA. We have one day, no express pass, however, we do not do big coasters so we figure that should save us some time.
Which park should we enter first? We are staying OFF property.
I was thinking of starting in IOA and then ending the day in Universal since we would like to see the new parade and it's not until 6pm. Is that a solid plan?
Our main goal is at least seeing all of the Harry Potter Sections (we will NOT ride Hagrids.)
Thanks!

 

[Skippyboo]

They are right next to each other so it’s easy to cross back and forth via Hogwarts Express or walking. One of the parks will have early entry. Since you don’t qualify for it, I would start at the park that isn’t opening early, do it’s Potter stuff and take Hogwarts Express over to other park. The Hogwarts Express is different each way and the line tends to build as it gets further in the day.

Since you are skipping big coasters, you will have less stuff in IoA to do. Caution if you are doing the water rides, you will get soaked. The back part of Jurassic Park River Journey is probably only one where you get some wet and not drenched like you do on the other rides.

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

They are right next to each other so it’s easy to cross back and forth via Hogwarts Express or walking. One of the parks will have early entry. Since you don’t qualify for it, I would start at the park that isn’t opening early, do it’s Potter stuff and take Hogwarts Express over to other park. The Hogwarts Express is different each way and the line tends to build as it gets further in the day.

Since you are skipping big coasters, you will have less stuff in IoA to do. Caution if you are doing the water rides, you will get soaked. The back part of Jurassic Park River Journey is probably only one where you get some wet and not drenched like you do on the other rides.

IOA is the one with Early Entry. If I start in Universal and then am in IOA around 5 and need to get back to Universal to see the parade, how long would that take me?

 

[Skippyboo]

It’s like a 10 minute walk between the two entrances via the front. I would want at minimum to be getting a spot for the parade at least 30 minutes before if you want a good spot.

I would start at Studios, do Gringotts , take the train over to IoA, do the Hippogriff family coaster and Forbidden Journey (castle ride), stuff in Seuss landing if you want, Spiderman, JP River Journey and then the Hogwarts Express back to Studios for stuff like minions rides, ET, MiB, Bourne show, Dreamsworks kids zone if you want.

There’s also nighttime lagoon show that is pretty great apparently. I am going in 3 weeks for a couple of days to see it and new parade.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Between parks - the Hogwarts Express wait time will vary. Ride itself is a few minutes, plus a few minutes to disembark & get to the parade route.

Walking is probably 5min gate to gate, plus however far back you are in IoA, and maybe 3min into US to get to the parade route.


I will second the suggestion to start where early entry isn't. That way you aren't starting behind the crowds, plus more of the park is open so people are more dispersed instead of nearly everyone heading to Hogsmeade.

Hogsmeade will be crowded when you get there, no matter what. It's smaller & tighter than Diagon Alley. At the end of the day, the crowds finally dwindle. So if Islands is open late enough after the parade, it could be worthwhile to head back over & enjoy the Hogwarts light show & then hang out in Hogsmeade after park close (since people will still be coming off Hagrids for a while, they don't bother encouraging you out of the area. The shops close but you can do spells & just explore with lower crowds).

 

[AJA]

My advice is start at Studios (as long as it doesn’t have early entry). Go straight to Harry Potter if that’s a priority. Make sure you have the Universal app to check wait times at both parks! Then just work your way around that park, before it gets too crowded, getting in all your “must do’s” then you’ll probably save time just walking between the parks, switch to IOA. You can always walk back to Studios to see the parade.

Walking between the parks is very easy. If you are familiar with Disney, think about walking between the Boardwalk Hotel and Yacht Club.

 

[Keladry84]

It’s like a 10 minute walk between the two entrances via the front. I would want at minimum to be getting a spot for the parade at least 30 minutes before if you want a good spot.

I would start at Studios, do Gringotts , take the train over to IoA, do the Hippogriff family coaster and Forbidden Journey (castle ride), stuff in Seuss landing if you want, Spiderman, JP River Journey and then the Hogwarts Express back to Studios for stuff like minions rides, ET, MiB, Bourne show, Dreamsworks kids zone if you want.

There’s also nighttime lagoon show that is pretty great apparently. I am going in 3 weeks for a couple of days to see it and new parade.

I second Skippyboo's suggestions. It would give you low crowds at Diagon Alley, ok crowds at Hogsmeade, and decent touring for everything else.

 

[pearljammer]

First time going to Universal/IOA. We have one day, no express pass, however, we do not do big coasters so we figure that should save us some time.
Which park should we enter first? We are staying OFF property.
I was thinking of starting in IOA and then ending the day in Universal since we would like to see the new parade and it's not until 6pm. Is that a solid plan?
Our main goal is at least seeing all of the Harry Potter Sections (we will NOT ride Hagrids.)
Thanks!

Okay, so I would think about which rides you TRULY want to get on. Hagrids is awesome as are all the Potter related in IOA. Personally, I’d say go to that area first or just ride what interests you as you make your way there. You can take the train to the other park to experience the train and give the legs a break. The best things at Universal are likely the Mummy, Transformers (oldie but goodie) and of course Simpsons (these exclude the Potter ride). ALL the potter rides are great! You can see all you want in Universal and then get back to IOA to close out your evening to hit what you may have missed or want to ride again. There’s some things at Universal you may be mad about if you spend a long time waiting and the ride just sucks (such as Fast & Furious - what a waste of time! and Jimmy Fallon). Doesn’t sound like a fast pass is applicable so you do have to consider the wait times and Hagrid is likely to be the longest of all the Potters, we do enjoy that one!! Have fun. If you start at Universal, you likely won’t have the need to go back there once done.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Mostly when we go to Universal we don't worry all that much about ride order. It tends to be a bit more laid back than WDW. Most of the above have suggested starting with the Potter rides, and that can work, but sometimes it makes more sense to hold off on them and do other rides first.

Oh, when you go on the new Minios ride- DO use the app and look up how to play the game. You'll enjoy it much more if you have an assigned mission. though it sorta takes going on it twice to understand the game. Also know, the area has a fun little scavenger hunt too- and again the details for that are also in the app.