First Visit to WWoHP About This Page:

[Nimros]

Holy Heck - it's been over 20 years since I've been at US and the changes are phenomenal. I feel totally lost...

In a nutshell, my challenge is that I am not the person in charge of planning our trip - our famiy was invited to go with my sis-in-law and her husband for a four day vacation. They want to do 2 days of WDW and 2 days US/IOA. AND....the trip was booked just last week for May 21-26.

We are staying at Sapphire Falls so we'll have transportation and early admission.

My game plan is to make sure the girls and I get to fully experience the Wizarding World - the rest of US/IOA we can do more leisurely. I knowif we don't get to take our time, avoid the worst of the crowds and see as much as possible we'll be very frustrated.

So - I've read two different approaches. One is to do early mornings, leave and then return in the evening. The other is more immersive touring plan over several hours.
Problem is that the aunt and uncle are not Potter fans and I don't know how well to incorporate them into this and still make sure we are spending "family time"
together.

I have a feeling that we may end up having to just make this trip into a "small taste" of WWoHP and just plan on returning in the future to enjoy it in detail.

Opinions of whether one day of hard-core touring will work or should we opt for getting in and out around the crowds?

[HiddenMickey]

So - I've read two different approaches. One is to do early mornings, leave and then return in the evening.

That is exactly how we do the Universal parks. Leave around noon and eat at the pool of your resort and go back at dinner time. However, we usually have three days.

I think even if they don't love HP, the theming and the rides will pull them into those areas.

Just make sure you get to the park before opening time. If they have other priorities besides HP, you might think about doing them to begin with while more folks are flocking to HP. I'm thinking Minions, King Kong, Hulk, Men in Black, Simpsons.....

[mamasann]

We've found that the later in gets in the evening the shorter the lines to the rides in WWoHP. Hopefully, you'll have the park-to-park passes so you can ride Hogwarts Express.

I wouldn't stress about getting to see everything. There's only the 2 parks, (unless you're also doing the new water park) they aren't huge like WDW parks, and hopefully the crowds will be manageable. We easily do both parks in 2 days and use a 3rd day to hit the rides we really like over and over.

Perhaps while you're at WWoHP doing rides, the others can stroll around and take in the shops, etc. Cell phones can let you touch base with each other's whereabouts when you get off the rides. Oh... a word to the wise.... those cell phones and cameras will NOT be allowed on the rides. You'll have to use the lockers. I'd suggest using the lockers by the stationary Hogwarts Express. That area is much smaller and less congested than the one by FJ.

[HiddenMickey]

Originally Posted by mamasann

Oh... a word to the wise.... those cell phones and cameras will NOT be allowed on the rides. You'll have to use the lockers. I'd suggest using the lockers by the stationary Hogwarts Express. That area is much smaller and less congested than the one by FJ.

The only problem I see with this, is that the use time for a locker at the rides is set by the how long the ride wait is. If the Hogwarts Express wait is a lot shorter then Gringotts or Flight then you might end up paying for the use that went beyond the use time. Make sure you look at how long the use time is at a locker when you go to use it. We just brave the crowd and use the lockers where the ride is.

[mamasann]

Originally Posted by HiddenMickey

The only problem I see with this, is that the use time for a locker at the rides is set by the how long the ride wait is. If the Hogwarts Express wait is a lot shorter then Gringotts or Flight then you might end up paying for the use that went beyond the use time. Make sure you look at how long the use time is at a locker when you go to use it. We just brave the crowd and use the lockers where the ride is.

Oh! You're right, about that! I wasn't thinking about both parks. I was thinking specifically of Hogswart, not Diagon Alley.

[Nimros]

Thanks y'all!

I think we've decided on early mornings, get out. back in the evening to experience WWoHP.

Looking forward to seeing other stuff too, but we're not going to stress about it.

[Catamount90]

Something to keep in mind. I have been there where the line for minions is the longest one in either park. It is very popular with younger kids. Definitely get an app with accurate wait times so you can choose when to do this ride.