Are there any Universal experts here?

We're planning a Disney trip in Feb and we want to do one day in Universal. We only want to see the Harry Potter stuff. Is the express pass worth it? Should we try to stay onsite for the early entry? Thanks!

Re: Are there any Universal experts here?

I'm by no means an expert but we were just there in August. We did both theme parks in one day. We got there when it opened and left around 6. We didn't have the express pass and we did all of the attractions we wanted to in both parks (all the thrill rides and some others), without ever waiting more than 15 mins. Some rides we had to do the single rider line to avoid long wait times but we didn't care b/c it's not like you have a conversation while on a roller coaster or a ride anyway.

I would not spend the extra $70+ per person, especially because you only want to do Harry Potter. We waited less than 10 mins on both HP rides. Oh, and get the frozen butter beer--SO GOOD!

Message edited 9/17/2016 4:39:38 PM.

Re: Are there any Universal experts here?

I am not an expert but we spent 3 days at Universal last fall. We stayed on site and had both early entry and express passes.

I absolutely think the early entry is worth it for Harry Potter. I am pretty sure the only thing you can use express pass for at HP is the kiddie roller coaster, which my child rode 3 times. HP definitely gets crowded.

We also enjoyed the express passes for other rides. Never had to wait more than 15 min with the express pass.

We enjoyed our stay at Lowes Royal Pacific. 5 min boat ride plus early entry and express passes. Pool was nice.

Re: Are there any Universal experts here?

If all you want to see is HP, then no, I don't think it's necessary. We went there while we stopped in FL on a cruise and got to see/ride everything in HP- and that's not even a full day. The lines are long for the rides, but there's not THAT many of them. They're great though, don't get me wrong, I loved it! The one thing I missed out on was Ollivander's to get a wand. I was so bummed.

Message edited 9/20/2016 2:49:22 PM.

Re: Are there any Universal experts here?

If you go at a low crowd time you don't need any special passes or even early entry. We went in November 2014 and did BOTH parks in one day with no problem. The waits, even at HP, weren't more than 20 min. Some rides we literally walked right on. LOVE the HP lands, they are absolutely incredible!!! Have a great trip!