Harry Potter at Universal/Orlando Florida
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Harry Potter at Universal/Orlando Florida
My husband and I have been trying to surprise our youngest with a fun trip and he is thinking a short get away to Universal because she has been dying to go there and talks about it all the time. For many reasons too boring to detail we have this weekend open from Saturday until Tuesday and so are trying to plan this on the fly. This is NOT how either of us typically works with a family trip - :0 but it's a spontaneous moment we are trying to capitalize on. So - that said a few quick questions - All things being equal which Universal hotel would you stay at on property? What are the 5 or 10 MUST SEE Harry Potter things to do? Which restaurants would you go to or avoid? and what else at Universal would you consider a "don't miss" or "don't bother"? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!!!
#4
Here's a great trip report -
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm
#5
Here's the website -
http://www.universalorlando.com/Amus...PageId=12973#7
Look at the column on the left -
There are 3 rides. The Forbidden Journey is the real prize in the WW. It's amazing, but jerky and causes motion sickness in some. I'd go there before eating a big meal.
There are 2 roller coasters.
There is 1 restaurant. The food is pretty good.
There are several gift shops, but Olivander's is an event in itself. I think it is VERY much worth the wait.
You can buy butterbeer and wands in kiosks in the WW. The attention to detail is amazing. When you enter the WW, you really feel like Harry Potter could be around the corner.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Amus...PageId=12973#7
Look at the column on the left -
There are 3 rides. The Forbidden Journey is the real prize in the WW. It's amazing, but jerky and causes motion sickness in some. I'd go there before eating a big meal.
There are 2 roller coasters.
There is 1 restaurant. The food is pretty good.
There are several gift shops, but Olivander's is an event in itself. I think it is VERY much worth the wait.
You can buy butterbeer and wands in kiosks in the WW. The attention to detail is amazing. When you enter the WW, you really feel like Harry Potter could be around the corner.
#6
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I would recommend the Hard Rock. My sons have stayed there many times between the ages 7 to 16. They always enjoy it. It is also the closest to the parks I think. You can get into WWOHP an hour before the general public. If you take adavantage of it, you shouldn't have a long wait for Olivanders. The WWoHP is kind of small, but very cool. It only takes a couple of hours max to cover the whole thing. Spend some time there at night. It seems more authentic then.
#7
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Thanks Starrs - NO actually have not read anything yet. This is my husband's trip with daughter... He came home last night from Singapore to surprise me for my birthday (today) suggested this when 4 days opened up for him and even as I write this he is heading to London. I thought I would toss this out on Fodors as a start and go from there... As mentioned - this is NOT the way I ever plan but thought I would ask people who may have been. Don't know the first thing about it to be honest and thought I would ask someone who might. Every ounce of energy has been focused on getting son off to college next month, but thought we might do something fun for #3. Thanks for the tips...
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Just sent it to my husband who apparently is sitting - very delayed - on the runway... It's looking like it's probably just a long day - if that... she so much wants to do it, but is not a roller coaster person - I'm tired and heading to bed Will let him read what you suggested and figure it out tomorrow... thanks -
#10
The experience of being in Hogswart and IN the world of Harry Potter is just amazing. They did a fabulous job with all of the details. We did the Forbidden Journey - a ride that mixes IMAX and animation - and visited Olivander's. Stood in line for both. Ate at the restaurant. Browsed the gift shops. That's all. That's pretty much all TO do - but it still was a great experience. I'd go back in a heartbeat (and "we" = 2 middle-aged women sneaking off on a work trip).
Go. Enjoy. See and do other things while you are there, but start the day at WW of HP and your daughter will be very, very happy!
Just no butterbeer before the Forbidden Journey
Go. Enjoy. See and do other things while you are there, but start the day at WW of HP and your daughter will be very, very happy!
Just no butterbeer before the Forbidden Journey
#11
Actually the Royal Pacific resort is closest to Islands of Adventure which is where Harry Potter is located.
Even if your daughter doesn't like roller coasters, have her walk through the lines to see all the wonderful theming for the rides.
Our favorite restaurant at Islands of Adventure is Mythos. Fantastic food and the setting/atmosphere is one of a kind.
Even if your daughter doesn't like roller coasters, have her walk through the lines to see all the wonderful theming for the rides.
Our favorite restaurant at Islands of Adventure is Mythos. Fantastic food and the setting/atmosphere is one of a kind.
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It is imperative that you get into the park early to avoid the biggest parts of the crowd. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk back to the Wizarding World. As you're staying at the hotel, do take advantage of their early entry.
Which of the three hotels is really a function of budget. I've stayed at the Portofino and the Hard Rock. I prefer the former as we like the setting. The latter is very cool but be aware that hallway noise can be a problem. The HArd Rock is a fairly easy walk to the park.
Agree that Mythos isn't a bad lunch option. I would suggest you look to book the HP themed restaurant.
By chance you have been to Universal pre-Wizarding World, note that two of the three rides in that section are actually just rebranded rides that already existed.
Which of the three hotels is really a function of budget. I've stayed at the Portofino and the Hard Rock. I prefer the former as we like the setting. The latter is very cool but be aware that hallway noise can be a problem. The HArd Rock is a fairly easy walk to the park.
Agree that Mythos isn't a bad lunch option. I would suggest you look to book the HP themed restaurant.
By chance you have been to Universal pre-Wizarding World, note that two of the three rides in that section are actually just rebranded rides that already existed.
#13
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Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like she will have a great time as long as she is clear that this will be a short visit and they go off and do other things in different parts of the parks. It's just such a special thing for her to be able to do. Like many kids, my daughter was not a huge reader. My first two devoured books, but she really never fell in love with reading until she opened the first HP and then couldn't get enough. So this would be such a neat ending to having finished all of them and fallen in love with them... Thanks for all of your help.
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This is a very small area compared to Magic Kingdom, etc. We went on a Saturday, were there early. Loved the main ride. We did not stand in line to get into the gift shop, did not stand in line to buy butter beer.
If you make the mental commitment to waiting patiently in line, I am sure there will be a reward. Next time we will go off season and not on the weekend.
If you make the mental commitment to waiting patiently in line, I am sure there will be a reward. Next time we will go off season and not on the weekend.