World of Harry Potter - first time at Universal

[Conservative Hippie]

I know everything there is to know about Disney but NOTHING about Universal! My family and I want to finally go to Universal this fall, mainly (exclusively really) to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So I have a ton of questions and forgive me - I know these have probably all been answered before.

We live in Orlando and are only going for one day. How much is parking? My kids are 3 yrs. and 3 months, and we take a double stroller. Do they have anything like Child Swap? I have heard you have to pay extra for their version of Fast Pass, correct? Also how is the food? Are there any TS in the park or is it all CS?

ETA: When we do go, it will be the extended family - 6 adults + the 2 kids. DD is 36" tall.

 

[2tink4u]

The walk is horrible from the lot. It's 15 to park and 20 for preferred. Go for it, it's worth it. For only one day consider the Fast Pass. You need to be in line for the opening. Yes they have a parent switch off. Lots for the little ones, be sure to see the live Barney Show. We thought it was really excellent.
Consider Fast Pass. It would save you time and trouble.

 

[Mtnman44]

In general, I think you need two days (with a front of the line pass) or three days without to really enjoy it all, including meals, sightseeing, shows, etc.

Parking is $14 a day I believe, it might be $15. Yes, this is ridiculous. They do allow child swapping similar to Disney. You should know that there are far fewer atractions for shorter kids at Universal, esp at Islands of Adventure. You'll be child swapping on most rides.

The front of hte line pass functions like fastpass (separate faster line) but they are only available as a separate purchase and only good once per attraction. If you are a Universal Hotel guest, you get unlimited use with your room key.

Counter service meals are OK, but I do try to avoid the low quality burgers and similar. Mythos at Islands of Adventure has a good reputation as a quality in park table service restaurant. We also enjoy Confisco Grill.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Can you bring your own food/water in?

Also, if we are only there for HP, is it worth it to get the fast pass? I hear you cannot use it on the rides there. My daughter is a Disney girl all the way, except she LOVES Harry Potter. The other people we are going with have already done Universal/IOA many times, but not since HP opened. So I doubt we will be straying beyond Hogsmeade.

 

[Mtnman44]

We've never had a problem brining in food and water bottles. I have not yet visited the Harry Potter land, but we'll be there soon!


In my opinion, unless you are getting an annual pass, it would be a gigantic waste of time to park and purchase tickets, just for the harry potter experience. Not that it isn't a great themed area, and some great rides, but there is a lot more to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. This would be like visiting Walt Disney World ONLY to visit Frontierland and ride splash mountain.

There is no Front of the Line access for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Neither of your kids is tall enough for this signature attraction but there will be plenty for them to see in Hogsmeade.