First trip to Universal since right after Diagon Alley opened. Just me and DS24. Last time we were there we spent 1.5 hours opening every single wand box and discussing the merits of the wands. Rest of the fam was not impressed. One day only. Only doing Hogsmead and Diagon Alley (ok, and hulk). Have EE and UEP. Emphasis is on geeky exploration since we won’t have the less enthusiastic fans with us this time.
Once upon a time the advice was start in the EE park then right at park open take Hogwarts Express to the other side to explore before it gets crowded (presumably everyone will be rope dropping rides). Then later hop back to the first park.
Still a good plan? That means we will start in Diagon Alley and geek out for a bit, hop to Hogsmead to explore until it’s crowded, ride rides in Hogsmead, hop back to Diagon Alley for rides, dinner, and hopefully a castle show.
Unless there has been a change, EPA will be at IOA. You’ll be starting in Hogsmeade. Since you have the UXP it almost doesn’t matter where you start.
Without that UXP, I’d always advise going to the EPA park then doing the plan you outlined.
With UXP, it will give you more flexibility to explore without the pressure of monitoring wait times.
If you do go to EPA, I’d do spells first thing in the morning. (Unless you want to RD Hagrid’s so you can ride with a short wait then ride again later with UXP)
The spell locations have no one at them at park open as everyone is rushing to rides. I’d also do Olivander’s early since that queue will be shorter then.
IME - Without UXP I can RD Hogsmeade and do everything over there before 11am. (Except shows) Then I take the HE to Diagon Alley. I watch the shows, do spells, meet the Knight Bus driver and ride Gringott’s all by 2pm. Then if I’m really wanting to do everything WWOHP offers I ride HE back, to see the return trip effects. I catch the Frog choir and anything else I want to do by 4pm.
I typically don’t watch the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally. It’s “fine”, but my least favorite of the four shows.
This is my usual WWOHP routine. If I had UXP I’d probably be done by 2pm and/or could see that fourth show.
I think lowish crowds in both worlds is the goal. But I think DA is cooler and there is a decent chance the kid won’t get up when he says he will so……
I love rope dropping DA. And the one time we actually were the first ones to enter the Leaky Cauldron for breakfast. Got great photos inside while empty.
Logistics & Hagrid’s aside, I would pick going to DA first every time. The atmosphere is more immersive and it’s the best time for spells. Plus, it can be quite peaceful in the morning when it’s not packed.
I only, typically, start in Hogsmeade because I want to RD Hagrid’s.
One day only. Only doing Hogsmead and Diagon Alley (ok, and hulk). Have EE and UEP. Emphasis is on geeky exploration since we won’t have the less enthusiastic fans with us this time.
