How many hours for IOA

[WonderlandAlice]

I'm hoping some of you more Universal-ly experienced folk can help me out with this one.

I've allotted 1 day out of our trip for IOA so my youngest can get her fill of HP. We're booking a town car to get us there for park opening and will have Universal Plus passes so lose a minimum of time in lines.

We'll probably spend a while poking around Hogsmeade and riding Forbidden Journey, Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Spider-man, Hulk, Bilge-rat Barges, Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park and Cat in the Hat are the only other attractions that appeal.

Which brings me to my question - if we are at the park for rope drop, what time should we book the return trip by town car. I'm having a hard time estimating how long we'll need to see everything without leaving us waiting for hours to get back to WDW.

 

[Scuttle]

You'll need a solid 4-5 hours to do what you want. Plus forbidden journey doesnt offer the express pass so do that ride early or be prepared for a 60 minute wait after 10am. If you do this at 9am you could potentially have your list done by 12pm. Play if safe allow 4-5 hours

 

[captainkidd]

If you buy Universal Express, you won't need more than 5 hours (tops).

 

[xdan0920]

I would allow at least 6 hours.

WWoHP has lines for everything, shops, restaurants, rides. This land alone will take you 2-3 hours. Possibly more if the little one is a huge HP fan. You want to have time for lunch as well. Then, even if you are using express pass and skipping lines, there is still a lot to do.

You do not want to be stuck with your car waiting and having to leave the park before getting to do everything you want. Besides the fact that it is much more enjoyable to be able to take your time and not have to be rushing to meet your schedule.

Worst case scenario you finish up with IOA and get to check out City Walk while waiting for your car. CityWalk is awesome by the way.

 

[paul436]

Worst case scenario you finish up with IOA and get to check out City Walk while waiting for your car. CityWalk is awesome by the way.

This is great advice. There is plenty to see at CityWalk and you could easily spend a few hours there.

Also, don't sell IoA short. There is plenty to enjoy there. Seuss land and many other areas are very well themed and are worth spending the time to see.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I was there in mid-january for the first time. We were there at 9 for opening and were able to leave around 3:30 or so. We did almost every attraction in the park (Spiderman and Harry twice), explored Hogsmeade, ate a quick serve lunch, and saw the Poseidon adventure. To be fair, this was a Thursday in one of the quieter seasons, so most things had little to no wait. The longest we waited the entire day was 30 min for Spiderman the first time and about 20 min for Poseidon.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

About 20 mins as there's nothing to do there its all rubbish............allegedly.

With resort Express we were able to do all rides by 13:00 ish, didn't bother with the show.

Leave the wet rides till last and go from Jurassic Park to Duddley to Popeye to a set of dry clothes stored in a locker.

 

[BoardwalkGlenn]

We were there last Thursday (2/3), so again a quiet time of the year. Most attractions said 5-10 minute waits and were walk-on. Basically by the time you got through the queue, you were ready to ride. The longest wait was 25 minutes for Flight of the Hippogriff and Poseidon's Fury.

We were there just after 9am, took our time with everything, sit down lunch at Mythos, did all of the atractions (Forbidden Journey and Hulk twice and both sides of Dragon Challenge), sat down for a few drinks at Hogs Head Pub, took time for Sinbad show, and left around 6:30pm.

 

[WDW 3]

Certainly depends on when you go. We did both Universal parks in one day in the fall. A fair number of attractions were closed. They were closing early for Fright Night and honestly City Walk on Fright Night is creepy and we didn't want to be there with kids.

 

[WonderlandAlice]

Thanks so much all.

The advice about the wet rides last and checking out citywalk is really helpful. I'm thinking have the car pick us up at 4pm and we'll have plenty of time to get back to the Poly for early dinner.

Now all I have to do is wait....


Hurry up June!

 

[T-1MILLION]

Thanks so much all.

The advice about the wet rides last and checking out citywalk is really helpful. I'm thinking have the car pick us up at 4pm and we'll have plenty of time to get back to the Poly for early dinner.

Now all I have to do is wait....


Hurry up June!

To be honest in June I think you should expect an entire day for the park. Regardless by that time you will get to experience most things you wanted to if you arrive early.

No matter what, have fun.