Ditching Disney for 1 day to experience Harry Potter - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Ditching Disney for 1 day to experience Harry Potter
Our family of 4 (me, DH, and 2 teen daughters) is traveling to WDW Oct. 2 - 9, and we're trying to figure out how to work in a visit to the Wizarding World while we are there. The problem isn't time-- it's cash! We've already stretched the budget by booking a stay at AKL, and adding tickets to Universal would add at least another $400 to our trip. I have considered replacing one night at AKL with one night at a Universal hotel, thinking that the front of the line passes would be SO worth it...but will the Harry Potter attractions even be included in that deal? Plus, would it really be worth it to drop $400 (tickets only) -- $700 (tickets and hotel) just to see Harry???
I jokingly suggested to my family that since $$$ were an issue, only the 2 biggest Harry Potter fans should go...now we're having fun with ways to determine the two biggest fans. Any ideas?
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We are having the same discussions - but there are 6 of us! Universal tickets are much more expensive than they were in 2007.
We are going the week before you - Sept 26-Oct 2. To fit in Universal, we will need to take teenager out of mid-terms a day early so we can get to Orlando by Saturday Sept 25. Since we can only go to Universal on a weekend, we are seriously considering staying at Royal Pacific or Hard Rock to get front of the line passes included. We've also considered paying for this option separately, but for 6 it adds up to almost half the room rate.
From what I have read, staying on-site at Universal includes front of the line at either park simply by showing your room keys, so it should include HP as well. I don't think the roller coasters have changed much - it looks like they have just been re-themed. Dueling dragons = Dragon challenge. There is also a HP package offer, but it requires a 3 night stay.
Decisions, decisions...Really wish $$$ wasn't the issue!
Some of the Universal Experts (me-NOT one!) say that the HP attractions won't be included in the "front of line" feature-which I don't get. It will obviously be a madhouse, why wouldn't they be included? We're taking a day (mid-week, Wednesday) from our Disney trip next March to go also. I was also debating the room thing, vs only buying tix; I'll just wait til closer to the trip to learn more I guess.
It is alot of money. For our family of 3 I think it will be about $200 for one days visit. But since we don't have the chance to do the MNSSHP this time around, and I am kind of dying to walk around and just take it all in, we will be going this year. I hadn't heard that about the separate admission just to get in the HP part...That would make us second guess if we have to buy additional tix to get in there after paying at the front gate...Good luck deciding!
We've been to Universal and it seems that they often don't include the newest (aka most popular rides) to the Universal Express (fast pass). Because the Universal Express isnot a one time thing, like a Disney fast pass, but can be used as many times as you want, I think it would make lines worse. So I am not an expert, but my guess is the UE won't include the Harry Potter rides, at least not this year. We are going in August, and staying onsite, so I can let you know when I get back.
There is no seperate admission for the Harry Potter area.
US / IOA is always a stop on our Orlando trips, Now it will be a 2 day, stay on site event. We are so looking forward. US doesn't have Disney magic, but it has far cooler rides
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Actually there are two front of the line passes. You can buy one which is good only once for each ride, or your key card from an onsite hotel can be used over and over again.
We're heading down Dec. 1-9. We're planning on heading over to WWoHP on Saturday the 4th since the parade will be filming at MK. It's the only reason we are going to US at all. We will go more when DD2 is older.
For now, i guess we'll plan on saving Harry for our next visit. Maybe we should do MNSSHP instead. Thanks for all the responses. I always learn so much from these boards!
I a very interested to hear what actually is happeing at the HP world. We are planning a trip in 2012 back to WDW and have to go to HP world since ds is a die-hard fan. Plus, I just want to see the castle up close and walk through Hogsmeade and get a Butterbeer.
While money was an issue, we made it a non issue, making cuts other places in our budget. We are huge HP fans and since we wont' be back to Orlando for a few years aren't willing to wait. I have found US runs specials quite a bit so keep an eye on their website or Undercover Tourist for a good deal. Back in 05 we were able to pick up 7 day passes for $75 each. You could also downgrade your wdw resort for a night or two to get the extra cash. Also talk with the kids, see how bad they want to go and what they are willing to give up for it. Eating out, movies, that sort of thing.
My DS was there in Jan and the new Hollywood Rip Rocket was not included in the Universal Express or the front of line option for resort guests. She said nothing had been built to accomodate one in the future. my guess is HP will be the same way. We know it will be crowded but fun all the same. Good luck with your decision.
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One thing I noticed, the ticket prices are up this year from last, I'm sure due to the interest in Harry Potter. I know last year they had 2 park, multi day passes for $99 online. That option is gone now. Tickets are still less than WDW, but not as cheap as they have been in the past. I would think they will stay higher this year while HP is still new, but this is just my best guess.
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