with FOTL is it really necessary to get there at rope drop

[WendyLovesPeter]

Going during a busy time. I am used to a BUSY time at WDW using FP. We go commando and FP our days away starting at rope drop. We usually stay all day. As they will not run out of FOTL, is it necessary to get to the parks at rope drop? And, will you have seen most things by early evening?

Also, is the pace a little slower than Disney. I mean we are dead after a day at the disney parks because of our touring style. This US/IOA seems perhaps a little more relaxed esp if you stay on site?

 

[IdesOmarch]

Probably on the day you want to visit Harry Potter land. The rest no. The new ride Forbidden Journey in HP doesn't allow the fast pass. But for the Universal park, and the rest of IOA, you will be able to take your time. And if you manage to go during an off peak time HP may not be that crowded either, sorry I forgot when you said you were going, but peak times start in March during spring breaks, April should be light through mid May when peak time hits through the end of August basically, they lighten back up in September, get busy again in October for Halloween. Also may depend on days, weekends will be more crowded than say a Tuesday in April which would be very light crowds.

The people that live in the area know more than me on all this, but I know I'm pretty close in this assessment.

And to answer your main question, yes you can relax and take your time, walk onto most rides with the fast passes, typically 5-10 minute waits at most, some will be walk right on, as mentioned HP is going to be different and more crowded.

 

[mesaboy2]

Going during a busy time. I am used to a BUSY time at WDW using FP. We go commando and FP our days away starting at rope drop. We usually stay all day. As they will not run out of FOTL, is it necessary to get to the parks at rope drop? And, will you have seen most things by early evening?

Also, is the pace a little slower than Disney. I mean we are dead after a day at the disney parks because of our touring style. This US/IOA seems perhaps a little more relaxed esp if you stay on site?

Unclear how many days you are talking about. If you are talking one day for both parks, then yes you should get there at rope drop--even with Universal Express (FOTL). If you mean two days for both parks, then you don't need to get there as early.

Almost all attractions accept Express. The notable exceptions are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Pteranadon Flyers at IoA, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket at the Studios.

 

[Metro West]

Going during a busy time. I am used to a BUSY time at WDW using FP. We go commando and FP our days away starting at rope drop. We usually stay all day. As they will not run out of FOTL, is it necessary to get to the parks at rope drop? And, will you have seen most things by early evening?

Also, is the pace a little slower than Disney. I mean we are dead after a day at the disney parks because of our touring style. This US/IOA seems perhaps a little more relaxed esp if you stay on site?

You can slow down when you go to Universal...no commando touring required. If you're going during a busy period, try to get there as early as possible to try and avoid some of the lines. You shouldn't have any problem seeing everything you want in two full days. Stay onsite if you can swing it...midday swim breaks are great not to mention unlimited Express access!