Which one first for Harry Potter?

[cheryterese]

We have 3 day tickets to Universal that we'll be using back to back. We've never been. Which park should we do first regarding the Harry Potter attractions? (Our 9 year old is Potter obsessed.) Thanks!

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

We have 3 day tickets to Universal that we'll be using back to back. We've never been. Which park should we do first regarding the Harry Potter attractions? (Our 9 year old is Potter obsessed.) Thanks!

For someone that loves HP you need to do both and take the train both ways as the rides are different. Each side has a ride that is a must ride (Forbidden Journey on IoA and Escape from Gringotts on Universal) plus there is the old dueling dragons coaster on IoA. Both sides have shops and scenery that is a must see.

 

[cheryterese]

For someone that loves HP you need to do both and take the train both ways as the rides are different. Each side has a ride that is a must ride (Forbidden Journey on IoA and Escape from Gringotts on Universal) plus there is the old dueling dragons coaster on IoA. Both sides have shops and scenery that is a must see.

Do you think we should split the 1st day, half at each, and hit all of Harry Potter. That would give us days 2 and 3 to do everything else plus Harry again.

 

[ladybugx]

It's really a matter of personal preference, but I have heard people suggest doing Hogsmeade first, then taking the train to Diagon Alley. The general consensus seems to be that Diagon Alley is the better of the two parks, so the idea is that Hogsmeade might be a bit of a let down after seeing DA. My sister and I are headed to DA first because we've already seen Hogsmeade and want to get in line for Gringotts before the line has a chance to grow longer than it already will be from early admission.

 

[cheryterese]

It's really a matter of personal preference, but I have heard people suggest doing Hogsmeade first, then taking the train to Diagon Alley. The general consensus seems to be that Diagon Alley is the better of the two parks, so the idea is that Hogsmeade might be a bit of a let down after seeing DA. My sister and I are headed to DA first because we've already seen Hogsmeade and want to get in line for Gringotts before the line has a chance to grow longer than it already will be from early admission.

Which is the one where you walk through the castle? (I've only started planning). I think he'd want to start there.

 

[ladybugx]

Which is the one where you walk through the castle? (I've only started planning). I think he'd want to start there.

That is the Hogsmeade park, the one in Islands of Adventure.

 

[jeffbear]

Which is the one where you walk through the castle? (I've only started planning). I think he'd want to start there.

Having done this one time with a young Potter maniac, I think you're on the right track. While the Diagon Alley area is really less cramped and better themed than Hogsmeade, that castle will trump all for an excited child. Go ahead and take the pressure off by doing that first and then you can do the research and follow some logistical logic.