Universal First Timers - Where to start

[erstwo]

My son started reading Harry Potter this summer and he's hooked. I would like to give him 2 tickets to the "Harry Potter" Universal Park for Christmas, but I need lots of advice!

1 - Where to buy tickets/ what's the best deal, etc? I've read about getting a hotel room that includes passes and front of line passes plus early entrance to HP world but........(see below for explanation of the but...... ) For my son and my husband, I really think 1 day at Universal will be sufficient for their first visit. Are there Groupon offers? Other deals? I feel like I've seen them before, but always ignored them because we are so Disney parks focused.

2 - When is the best time to use the tickets? We are in South Florida pretty often. After Christmas, I can forsee us being within a 2 hour drive of the Universal entrance gates in: March 2014, early June and late August and October 2014. (that's the reason for the but..... in question #1 - I don't know when to book the hotel room!)

3 - Anything else I need to know?

 

[disney fan 13]

My son started reading Harry Potter this summer and he's hooked. I would like to give him 2 tickets to the "Harry Potter" Universal Park for Christmas, but I need lots of advice!

1 - Where to buy tickets/ what's the best deal, etc? I've read about getting a hotel room that includes passes and front of line passes plus early entrance to HP world but........(see below for explanation of the but...... ) For my son and my husband, I really think 1 day at Universal will be sufficient for their first visit. Are there Groupon offers? Other deals? I feel like I've seen them before, but always ignored them because we are so Disney parks focused.

2 - When is the best time to use the tickets? We are in South Florida pretty often. After Christmas, I can forsee us being within a 2 hour drive of the Universal entrance gates in: March 2014, early June and late August and October 2014. (that's the reason for the but..... in question #1 - I don't know when to book the hotel room!)

3 - Anything else I need to know?

Somebody else can tell you about the tickets but I would recommend two days for Universal. Mainly because of the amount of Attrations to see and you would need at least two days to see all of the "must do's".

plus most of those months you listed are summer months and most importantly, Harry Potter Phase II ( Diagon Alley) is opening June/July of 2014 which will draw huge crowds.

As for when to go, Middle of August would be wise.

 

[kittybubbles]

I'm not sure if you are a FL resident, but I have seen gift cards at Publix for admission to the parks (I think you need to be a FL res to use them as they appear to be at the FL res rate).

I agree that you should consider a two day ticket as it is not much more than a 1 day ticket (I have also seen times on Universal Orlando's web site where FL resident deals sold two day tickets for less than one day tickets).

Anyway, if they are spending one night (two days) on property, the Unlimited Express passes that are included are good for both days (check in and check out date).

 

[erstwo]

Okay, thanks guys!

Not a Florida, resident - we just like to visit often. I do have some ticket questions though.

I'd like to buy and print the tickets so I can put them in a box and wrap them up so my son can open them on Christmas morning. The only problem is: the Express Pass thing that you add on - you have to choose a date. I honestly have no idea when my husband and son will use these. As stated above, we will probably go to the beach (family beach condo just south of Tampa) for Spring Break (March) and then once in early summer and once in late summer and then there is always a teeny, tiny possibility we'll go in October for Fall Break. So LOTS of options for them to take a day trip to Orlando to see WWoHP. I guess my question is......~~~~ If I go ahead and buy the tickets online and print them at home, can my husband add on the Express Pass at the ticket booth at the gates??
(Also, can I just say how thankful I am that Disney doesn't charge $60!!!!! extra for Fastpass in the summer?? Sheesh! )

I am still considering the option of booking a hotel package, but it's looking less and less like I can talk my husband into it, so it may be a one day trip for them.

 

[HTF]

Okay, thanks guys!

Not a Florida, resident - we just like to visit often. I do have some ticket questions though.

I'd like to buy and print the tickets so I can put them in a box and wrap them up so my son can open them on Christmas morning. The only problem is: the Express Pass thing that you add on - you have to choose a date. I honestly have no idea when my husband and son will use these. As stated above, we will probably go to the beach (family beach condo just south of Tampa) for Spring Break (March) and then once in early summer and once in late summer and then there is always a teeny, tiny possibility we'll go in October for Fall Break. So LOTS of options for them to take a day trip to Orlando to see WWoHP. I guess my question is......~~~~ If I go ahead and buy the tickets online and print them at home, can my husband add on the Express Pass at the ticket booth at the gates??
(Also, can I just say how thankful I am that Disney doesn't charge $60!!!!! extra for Fastpass in the summer?? Sheesh! )

I am still considering the option of booking a hotel package, but it's looking less and less like I can talk my husband into it, so it may be a one day trip for them.

Express at Universal is WAYYYYY different then Disney. No need to get into it but there's a reason you pay for it at Uni and its free at Disney. Everything from revenues to operations is involved but again no need to start that lol. The answer to your question is yes you can. You can log onto UniversalOrlando at anytime and use your credit card. Then when you arrive at the park just go directly to the new will call station at IOA as there's never a line and print your express passes at the park. This way your not waiting in dreadful lines and its all done before you arrive and the whole process takes all of 2 mins once you arrive at the kiosk. You don't need to tie your ticket into express its all separate UNLESS you buy a VIP ticket that includes unlimited express but it costs a fortune and isn't needed IMO. If that's what your looking at though you will need to buy all at once. So if you want him to "open" something be creative and get a park map off eBay or Amazon for like a dollar or two wrap it up and watch the crazy excited Potter fan to gush with joy! I hope that helped a little, any other questions just ask. I may not know it all but with my "background" I can find out.

 

[nolatron]

Regarding the Universal Express thing, we used it this past February as we had a VIP card or something and nearly every single ride was a walk-on for us as there never anybody in the express line compared to the regular queue (which would be 20mins+).

Heck, they even let us pick our particular seats on the Dueling Dragons coaster before letting anyone else board.

It was awesome.

 

[erstwo]

Universal's Express Pass is not like WDW's. At all.
How tall is your son? Is he over 54 inches?

Good to know it might be worth the money! Yes, he is well over 54 inches, very tall for his age.

Regarding the Universal Express thing, we used it this past February as we had a VIP card or something and nearly every single ride was a walk-on for us as there never anybody in the express line compared to the regular queue (which would be 20mins+).

Heck, they even let us pick our particular seats on the Dueling Dragons coaster before letting anyone else board.

It was awesome.

Someone else recommended the VIP tours, I'm not sure it will be worth it in this case. This is more of a 'ride the Harry Potter rides, buy a wand (maybe?) look around at Harry Potter world and then check out a few other rides - maybe, if they feel like it' kind of trip. It's not a do or die, type of thing - if that makes sense? No HP or Die in a Day touringplan needed. I'm sure one day - maybe - we'll want to go back, all 4 of us and check it out.

On the other hand, it would be awful if they had to wait in line for 4 hours to ride one ride, and then wait in line another 4 hours to ride the second ride, so I think we'll upgrade to the Express Pass, so they can do the rides they want to do once without waiting too long.

 

[nolatron]

Someone else recommended the VIP tours, I'm not sure it will be worth it in this case. This is more of a 'ride the Harry Potter rides, buy a wand (maybe?) look around at Harry Potter world and then check out a few other rides - maybe, if they feel like it' kind of trip. It's not a do or die, type of thing - if that makes sense? No HP or Die in a Day touringplan needed. I'm sure one day - maybe - we'll want to go back, all 4 of us and check it out.

On the other hand, it would be awful if they had to wait in line for 4 hours to ride one ride, and then wait in line another 4 hours to ride the second ride, so I think we'll upgrade to the Express Pass, so they can do the rides they want to do once without waiting too long.

Oh, It wasn't a tour or anything. Just a gold express pass or something we got through my wife's work (they have a location at Universal).

 

[luv]

Visiting any two parks in one day can be done. Of course. But you will miss out on a lot of what there is to see and do. This is a lot like saying, "We are going to the MK and DHS on the same day." You'll have a good day, but you'll miss out, too.

If you cannot stay in a Uni hotel (which you should, they're so nice...and give you the FOTL thing), I'd buy an EP. You'll get more done with the EP. But you have to buy one for both parks and at that point, you may as well take another look at staying in a Uni hotel. If you can't hotel or buy your way into an EP, go to touringplans.com and get yourself a good plan!

I don't know who has the cheapest tickets. Maybe Undercover Tourist? Remember when pricing tickets that some places include tax and some don't.

 

[erstwo]

Visiting any two parks in one day can be done. Of course. But you will miss out on a lot of what there is to see and do. This is a lot like saying, "We are going to the MK and DHS on the same day." You'll have a good day, but you'll miss out, too.

If you cannot stay in a Uni hotel (which you should, they're so nice...and give you the FOTL thing), I'd buy an EP. You'll get more done with the EP. But you have to buy one for both parks and at that point, you may as well take another look at staying in a Uni hotel. If you can't hotel or buy your way into an EP, go to touringplans.com and get yourself a good plan!

I don't know who has the cheapest tickets. Maybe Undercover Tourist? Remember when pricing tickets that some places include tax and some don't.

Sorry. I probably should explain - they won't be doing two parks in one day. They will only be doing ONE park in one day. They will only be going to the ONE Universal park with the Harry Potter rides/ area in it. (I think all the HP stuff is in just one park correct?) They have no interest in the other park.

I bought the one day tickets and my husband is going to add the EP when they get there. He said that as long as they could EP each ride one time that should be plenty for the first visit. If my son loves it and wants to go back, then we'll plan a trip where we actually stay in Orlando and go to Universal for a few days. Thank you though! I'll be back here again if that happens! I'll need to know what hotels are good in the Universal area!

 

[s8film40]

Sorry. I probably should explain - they won't be doing two parks in one day. They will only be doing ONE park in one day. They will only be going to the ONE Universal park with the Harry Potter rides/ area in it. (I think all the HP stuff is in just one park correct?) They have no interest in the other park.

I bought the one day tickets and my husband is going to add the EP when they get there. He said that as long as they could EP each ride one time that should be plenty for the first visit. If my son loves it and wants to go back, then we'll plan a trip where we actually stay in Orlando and go to Universal for a few days. Thank you though! I'll be back here again if that happens! I'll need to know what hotels are good in the Universal area!

It depends on the timing of your visit. As was stated earlier the New Harry Potter area will be opening around June 2014. If you visit on or after this time a one day one park ticket will restrict you to visiting half of the total Harry Potter experience. You will want to decide what Harry Potter rides/attractions you want to see ahead of time to make sure you choose the right park.

 

[erstwo]

It depends on the timing of your visit. As was stated earlier the New Harry Potter area will be opening around June 2014. If you visit on or after this time a one day one park ticket will restrict you to visiting half of the total Harry Potter experience. You will want to decide what Harry Potter rides/attractions you want to see ahead of time to make sure you choose the right park.

Oh. Dude.

Sooooo.... once the new HP area opens, it will be spread out across 2 parks?!

Oh well, I guess we can always upgrade.

 

[BryceM]

Sorry. I probably should explain - they won't be doing two parks in one day. They will only be doing ONE park in one day. They will only be going to the ONE Universal park with the Harry Potter rides/ area in it. (I think all the HP stuff is in just one park correct?) They have no interest in the other park.

I bought the one day tickets and my husband is going to add the EP when they get there. He said that as long as they could EP each ride one time that should be plenty for the first visit. If my son loves it and wants to go back, then we'll plan a trip where we actually stay in Orlando and go to Universal for a few days. Thank you though! I'll be back here again if that happens! I'll need to know what hotels are good in the Universal area!

Yes, the one park that has HP (currently) is Universal's Islands of Adventure.

 

[RyenDeckard]

Make sure you plan for two days at the resort, at least. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredible, but Universal has plenty of other amazing attractions too that you really should not miss out on.

Transformers just opened and it's amazing, even if you dislike the movies. Personally, I hate all of the movies, but the Ride is my favorite attraction period.

Both parks are worth your time and you really should make sure to check them both out with your family!

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Since your son is getting into Harry Potter, you're in the area regularly, and they are getting ready to open Mega-Potterland in June 2014, I suggest that you consider Annual Passes. At least for this year. The free parking, and discounts on hotels, food, and merchandise (I predict a lot of pricey Potter merchandise in your future), make it well worth the investment.

And yes, the 3 "Deluxe" resorts offer free Unlimited Express Pass. That perk alone makes it worth it, but the fact that they are very nice resorts with amazing food choices just really kicks it up a notch.

 

[Epcot-Rules]

Sorry. I probably should explain - they won't be doing two parks in one day. They will only be doing ONE park in one day. They will only be going to the ONE Universal park with the Harry Potter rides/ area in it. (I think all the HP stuff is in just one park correct?) They have no interest in the other park.

I bought the one day tickets and my husband is going to add the EP when they get there. He said that as long as they could EP each ride one time that should be plenty for the first visit. If my son loves it and wants to go back, then we'll plan a trip where we actually stay in Orlando and go to Universal for a few days. Thank you though! I'll be back here again if that happens! I'll need to know what hotels are good in the Universal area!

It stinks that they will be missing out on the Simpsons, Men in Black, Mummy, Transformers, and Riptide! I also love the Hollywood Horror Makeup Show. I have seen it 6 times and still laugh.

 

[tirian]

If you haven't already purchased the tickets, remember that the HP ride is NOT included in Express Pass. For that price, just book them a room on property. Then they get Express Pass and early entry to Potter!

Okay, thanks guys!

Not a Florida, resident - we just like to visit often. I do have some ticket questions though.

I'd like to buy and print the tickets so I can put them in a box and wrap them up so my son can open them on Christmas morning. The only problem is: the Express Pass thing that you add on - you have to choose a date. I honestly have no idea when my husband and son will use these. As stated above, we will probably go to the beach (family beach condo just south of Tampa) for Spring Break (March) and then once in early summer and once in late summer and then there is always a teeny, tiny possibility we'll go in October for Fall Break. So LOTS of options for them to take a day trip to Orlando to see WWoHP. I guess my question is......~~~~ If I go ahead and buy the tickets online and print them at home, can my husband add on the Express Pass at the ticket booth at the gates??
(Also, can I just say how thankful I am that Disney doesn't charge $60!!!!! extra for Fastpass in the summer?? Sheesh! )

I am still considering the option of booking a hotel package, but it's looking less and less like I can talk my husband into it, so it may be a one day trip for them.

 

[tirian]

If they go in August, Potter Phase 2 will be open in the original park. They'll need to go two days.

Sorry. I probably should explain - they won't be doing two parks in one day. They will only be doing ONE park in one day. They will only be going to the ONE Universal park with the Harry Potter rides/ area in it. (I think all the HP stuff is in just one park correct?) They have no interest in the other park.

I bought the one day tickets and my husband is going to add the EP when they get there. He said that as long as they could EP each ride one time that should be plenty for the first visit. If my son loves it and wants to go back, then we'll plan a trip where we actually stay in Orlando and go to Universal for a few days. Thank you though! I'll be back here again if that happens! I'll need to know what hotels are good in the Universal area!

 

[JimboJones123]

Get to the park 15 minutes before it opens.

Get to HP early. You should easily be able to do the ride 2x in the first hour and enjoy Hogsmeade shopping before the crowds pick up.

Ollivanders is a really cool show, but the line there can be longer than the line for the ride.

 

[JillC LI]

Ollivanders is a really cool show, but the line there can be longer than the line for the ride.

Yes, if you want to see the wand show, make this your first stop on park opening. It's quite cute, and DD especially loved it because she was chosen as the participant. The express pass you buy is expensive (and I think limited in terms of the # of uses per ride unless you get the VIP one for $$$$$) and does not include FJ at IoA (and perhaps other new HP attractions which are being built at US). The express pass from the hotel has unlimited uses and gives you early entry to WWOHP. If your son is a big HP fan, I'd wait until the new attractions at US open.