Islands of Adventure/HPW and CityWalk

[teacherlady19]

Of our June trip to WDW, we plan to spend one lone day in the Universal complex. AAMOF, Harry Potter World was what started the whole trip planning thing: Hubby is a major HP fan and wanted to go to HPW.

If Universal Orlando is anything like Universal Hollywood, then the City Walk does not require a ticket ... correct? (It doesn't, here in CA.)

Next question ... where are some good places to eat in either Islands/HPW, or City Walk? We aren't looking to spend a mint, just eat a decent meal. Hubs already knows he wants to eat lunch at Three Broomsticks in HPW, and visit HogsMeade. But how about dinner?

Other than HPW, what are the good attractions at UIA?


Donna

 

[timeman]

Citywalk doesn't require a ticket. You will have to walk through Citywalk after you park your vehicle. There are two places to eat that are good in IOA if you get a chance which are Mythos and the Confisco Grille. You will definitely want to check out the Amazing Spider-Man ride. In Citywalk you will have a multitude of places to choose from to eat. You have the Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co., Pastamore, Emeril's, Nascar Sports Grill and NBA City.

 

[RockNation18]

You're going to want to check out The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster Jurassic Park River Adventure & Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, you may want to do this last because you will get soaked on this attraction.

 

[jensenrick]

Wow, both parks in one day? You are gonna have to stick to the highlights.
The MOST important thing, especially since your husband is a major HP fan, is get to WWoHP early, early, EARLY! First thing you do- I can't stress this enough. That's where everyone wants to go, and it gets crazy busy, by lunch time at the latest if not way sooner! If you aren't there early, you will hit long lines everywhere.

 

[jensenrick]

Wow, both parks in one day? You are gonna have to stick to the highlights.
The MOST important thing, especially since your husband is a major HP fan, is get to WWoHP early, early, EARLY! First thing you do- I can't stress this enough. That's where everyone wants to go, and it gets crazy busy, by lunch time at the latest if not way sooner! If you aren't there early, you will hit long lines everywhere.

 

[ParentsOf4]

Assuming you are visiting just IOA (not US), then beyond WWOHP (i.e. Forbidden Journey and Dragon Challenge) the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is the only "must do" attraction. There are several other attractions to recommend, if they appeal to you.

- The Incredible Hulk Coaster is excellent, a "must do" if you like roller coasters.

- The Jurassic Park River Adventure is worth a try, but you will get wet.

- You will get soaked on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. We only do these when we bring a change of clothes.

- My family likes Doctor Doom’s Fearfall but it is too similar to attractions at many theme parks to be called a "must do".

- There are several other "kid" rides to do but really only if you have small children. If it's just adults, then skip these.

There are 2 table service restaurants at IOA, both are good for dinner. For quick service, I suggest Thunder Falls Terrace in the Jurassic Park area.

Since your entire visit revolves around WWOHP, you need to get to IOA early, at least 30 minutes before opening. Go strait to the wand show at Ollivanders. This backs up worse than Forbidden Journey. Immediately do FB after, and probably a second time as well. Then onto Dragon Challenge, if you like roller coasters. Have your morning fill of WWOHP after this, going to whatever shops appeal to do. If you are going to eat at Three Broomsticks, do this early as well (say at 11 AM). Remember, everyone wants to go to WWOHP. You will not be alone!

Visit the rest of IOA and then, if you still have the desire, go back to WWOHP late at night. Most people visit this first thing and crowds can be reasonable in the evening.

 

[TalkingHead]

The Cat in the Hat dark ride is also worth visiting. I like it better than the Fantasyland dark rides at MK. Really, all of Seuss Landing is worth exploring just for the visual eye candy. It's a very well-themed land.

Jurassic Park is very similar to the JP at Universal Hollywood, so if you've seen it there, it's not essential to see it in Orlando.

Spider-Man is absolutely a must-do, arguably the best ride in Orlando.

The Hulk and Dragon coasters are also worth doing, if you like coasters. The front seat on Dragon is worth the extra wait if you have time to spare.

The Popeye and Dudley Do-Right rides are good, but you will get soaked on Popeye. Not like on Splash Mountain or Kali River, but soaked like you walked into a swimming pool with your clothes on. It's a fun ride with good scenery, better than most rapids rides. Dudley Do-Right is not on par with Splash Mountain, although I still think it's a fun ride. It's certainly skippable if you're pressed for time. You'll get soaked on it, too.

Have a great time!