Which Park Should we do?

[tink76]

Here are the details. . . DH, Me, DD (10) and DD (13) will be in WDW in July. We are big Disney people and have been many times but I haven't been to Universal since I was a kid.. It ends up my mom and dad are going to be in the area for a few days of our trip and for Christmas offered to buy 1 day tickets for us to go to Universal with them. My mom will be 80 and my dad is in his 70's. I believe the main reason my mom wants to go is Harry Potter but I know it is divided between the 2 parks. My younger daughter will not do scary rides or big roller coasters.
Which park do you think is the best for us, Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[bchbetha]

As Harry Potter fans, I would somehow try to do both parks. Maybe pay the difference between 1 park and park to park tickets? If I had to only pick one though, it would be Universal because Diagon Alley is bigger than Hogsmeade.

With a lot of Disney under your belts, can you spare a 2nd day to do Universal? It will really enhance your experience. Your kids are absolutely the perfect age to graduate to Universal. If your dd is ok with spoilers, have her do ride videos on YouTube. While a bit scary, Gringotts is so cool and I would encourage being brave and trying it. Mummy can definitely be scary and, while it is the best ride in the park, she might want to give it a miss but if she watches some videos she might feel better (at least she won't be surprised).

 

[tink76]

Thanks! It is a short trip so we don't have time for a second day but we will definetely consider it in the future, I do think older DD will love it. Not just because of her age but because of her personality too. I will have them watch some videos too thanks!

 

[gotomu212]

Although I like the theming in Diagon Alley the best, Hogsmeade has 3 different rides (although not sure your youngest would like 2 of them). Our family likes IOA rides a little more, and the theming of Seuss Landing is great. I’d watch some videos and look at ride descriptions to see what would be a better fit for your kids.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I agree to take a look at both parks and what you'd do at each to make that choice.

If the grandparents want to enjoy along with you, Seuss landing has great gentle rides. Grandparents might also enjoy Kong in IoA, but it's likely too scary for your youngest.

Simpsons & MiB are cool rides - are the grandparents / kids into those themes? Spiderman & Transformers are interchangeable except for the themes they're based on.

FJ in Hogsmeade is awesome and on par with Gringotts in Diagon Alley - hard to choose between rides, but DA is much neater to explore. Plan on HP ice cream? DA has Florean Fortescues.

Are you planning to stay for the night time show? Hogwarts light show vs Cinematic celebration at US...

Would you do the water rides at IoA (you will be soaked on all but Jurassic Park)?

Lots of factors.

 

[Rinzler84]

I would say Islands of Adventures is your best bet on which park between the two to choose from. It has the majority of the Harry Potter stuff.
Sadly enough if you pick Islands of Adventure you will miss out on Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, Leaky Cauldron, the red telephone box, the Knight Bus, and more.
However that being said I think you would get more of a classic Harry Potter feel on the Islands of Adventure side with Hogwarts castle and all the shops with the roofs covered in snow.