lots of question!

[Amy C]

The last time we went to Universal was in 2007, so I have several questions. How is the new Harry Potter area? Any good rides? We are a faimly of three...all adults. We have never been to Universal or WDW in December, but we are thinking about going the first week of December. How are the crowds, does Universal go all out for Christmas? Last time we stayed at one of Universal hotels to get front of the line access, but I was wondering if the crowds were low that perhaps we would stay of site to make it a little more affordable. Any suggestions?

 

[danlb_2000]

The last time we went to Universal was in 2007, so I have several questions. How is the new Harry Potter area? Any good rides? We are a faimly of three...all adults. We have never been to Universal or WDW in December, but we are thinking about going the first week of December. How are the crowds, does Universal go all out for Christmas? Last time we stayed at one of Universal hotels to get front of the line access, but I was wondering if the crowds were low that perhaps we would stay of site to make it a little more affordable. Any suggestions?

The Harry Potter area is a must see. The new ride in that area is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which I highly recommend! There are also two coasters (three depending on how you count Dragon Challenge) in that area which are just re-themes of the ones that were already there. We went for the holidays a couple years ago and really enjoyed what Uni provided. The Grinch show at IOA was a lot of fun as was the mini-Macy's parade that is done at Universal Studios. Check out the new Cabana Bay hotel, it's on site (although you don't get Express Pass) and very reasonably priced.

 

[TubaGeek]

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is literally the best theme park attraction in the world. The other three rides at Hogsmeade are reused from when it was part of Lost Continent. The food and merch, though, is a must for Potter fans, as most of it is ripped straight from the books and films.
Also, Diagon Alley will be open by then, with two (presumably) must-do rides and some impressive entertainment options, as well as MORE food and merch. Be warned, though: Diagon will have STUPID long lines.

As said before, Uni only has a few Christmas things, but what they do they do well. Seuss Landing features a fantastic Grinch show, and Who and Grinch M&Gs which would even appeal to people who don't normally care for charcters. Over on the Studios side there is a Macy's parade featuring balloons and costumes used in the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC. On a smaller scale, the Blues Brothers and Barney shows also get a holiday overlay.

I would recommend staying at one of the three higher resorts and utilizing Express Pass.

 

[marni1971]

What they said about attractions. IOA has Forbidden Journey. Do. Not. Miss.

The new area in the studios will have Escape from Gringotts. Again, do not miss. Queue for both for as long as you can if needs be. The interior queue for Forbidden Journey is worthy of an attraction in itself and I reckon Gringotts will be too.

Linking the two areas is a third attraction, Hogworts Express. Part ride and part real transport system. And totally themed.

 

[Amy C]

Thank you so much for the info...you have been very helpful!!!! I am very excited to see the Harry Potter attractions!!!

 

[StageFrenzy]

Flight of the Hippogriff feels like a completely different ride than Unicorn.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

Harry Potter is a must see for sure . My DH couldn't ride due to his size hes 6'5 340 pounds So I rode every thing alone and still loved it. The New Despicable me Ride is also cute I hear!

 

[JillC LI]

Thank you so much for the info...you have been very helpful!!!! I am very excited to see the Harry Potter attractions!!!

They're wonderful. If you have any desire to see the wand show at Ollivanders, make sure you make that your first stop - even before FJ - because the line is incredibly slow moving.

 

[danlb_2000]

They're wonderful. If you have any desire to see the wand show at Ollivanders, make sure you make that your first stop - even before FJ - because the line is incredibly slow moving.

There also will be a new wand shop experience in the expansion which should help with that.

 

[DaveN1996]

My only complaint about the current Potter set up is that there isn't a ton of space to move around once the area gets crowded (even in the stores the aisles can be hard to manuever through). Other than that, agreed on the ride itsself being one of the most impressive there is

 

[StageFrenzy]

My only complaint about the current Potter set up is that there isn't a ton of space to move around once the area gets crowded (even in the stores the aisles can be hard to manuever through). Other than that, agreed on the ride itsself being one of the most impressive there is

There are a couple spots I have found that are good for soaking in the environment and not feeling the press of humanity. I like the low wall by the restrooms to lean/sit against sipping a butterbeer.

 

[danpam1024]

There are a couple spots I have found that are good for soaking in the environment and not feeling the press of humanity. I like the low wall by the restrooms to lean/sit against sipping a butterbeer.

or the stone benches by the door to the Hog's Head bar That is IF you're lucky enough to snag it.
In IOA I like to walk around by the lagoon where possible.
Studios- Don't forget to save room for a Simpson's style Big Pink donut! They are delicious, especially followed by a Duff Dry