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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Talk to me about it! I know next to nothing besides I want to go!! My DH and I will be heading out on a cruise leaving from NY this November and we have a day in Orlando.
The cruise ship has a shuttle bus to and from Universal Studios so getting there isn't a problem. I can even purchase discounted Universal Studios tickets through the cruise ship, but I wasn't sure if there are separate tickets for Universal and Harry Potter? I don't *think* so, but I want to be sure before I purchase. I also know Harry Potter spans both parks- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Is it worth it to get tickets to both for just the day? I mean, we will have a FULL day there- we don't need to be back at the ship until 9:00 PM, but I just don't want to waste the money on both parks if I'm not even going to have time to see both. Any other advice and input it welcome!
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Posted 10/21/14 1:31 PM  |
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Sixofus
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/13 594 total posts
Name:
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Re: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
We were just at Universal over Columbus Day. If you are a HP fan you will not be disappointed! Islands of Adventure has the original Hogsmeade section, and Universal Studios has the new Diagon Alley. Definitely get a two-park ticket-while you do not need separate tickets for the HP sections, it does span two parks and you need the park hopper if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between the 2 parks (which is great and you absolutely should!)
You can purchase an express pass at the parks to skip the lines, but while it covers most rides it does not include the two main HP rides, and lines can be long, especially for the new Gringotts ride. (Although we were there a busy weekend-it may be quieter while you are there.) Download the wait times app and hop on if the line looks short. But if HP is your priority it is absolutely possible to do both in one day.
Buy an interactive wand at Ollivanders; my ds was thrilled to be "chosen" for the wand ceremony and the boys had a blast casting spells all over DA and Hogsmeade.
There is so much to see and so much detail -it is really well done. We had so much fun and can't wait to go back! Have fun!
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| Posted 10/21/14 5:58 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
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Re: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
What time does the shuttle get to the park? Harry Potter gets CROWDED shortly after opening. You really need to get there right when they open, or yo will be waiting in obscene lines. Last time I was there, the express pass could not be used on many of the HP attractions. This was before Diagon Alley though.
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| Posted 10/21/14 7:36 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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Re: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Thank you both!! I'm definitely going to get the Park Hopper- I want to ride the Hogwarts Express! lol! The shuttle arrives at noon, so I kinda figured it would be crowded. But at least we'll have a full 8 hours there as I believe it leaves again at 8:00 PM. It's also on a Tuesday in the middle of November, so I'm hoping people wait until Thanksgiving weekend and it's not TOO bad when we're there. I'm a HUGE HP fan, so this is my birthday present from my DH. We aren't planning to visit any other parts of Universal, just HP. I can't wait!! 
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| Posted 10/22/14 9:56 AM |
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Sixofus
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/13 594 total posts
Name:
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
One more thing: check the hours on the website before you go. Every day can be different, and the two parks may have different closing times. That will help you plan your day and decide which park to finish in. Some nights they close as early as 6 pm. Especially if you are not going during a holiday period.
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| Posted 10/22/14 12:28 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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Re: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Posted by Sixofus
One more thing: check the hours on the website before you go. Every day can be different, and the two parks may have different closing times. That will help you plan your day and decide which park to finish in. Some nights they close as early as 6 pm. Especially if you are not going during a holiday period.
Thank you for that! they actually close at 7:00 PM on the day we're there!  Booooo! Oh well, at least we won't miss our shuttle back to the boat!
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| Posted 10/22/14 1:35 PM |
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