Need some feedback on our plan as well as ride advice

Universal Orlando Resort
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My dd and I will be traveling to WDW for a week in early May. We are taking one day (Mother’s Day) to do USF/IOA and are purchasing the express pass for IOA only. We plan on rope dropping USF. This is a crowd level 2 for USF and 3 for IOA. We’ve only been once, and it was over 10 years ago, so there’s a lot that’s new. The focus was originally on Harry Potter stuff, but with the low crowds and EP at IOA, we are hoping we can fit some more attractions in. I’m also trying to figure out what rides I’ll be able to do. I hate hate hate big drops on rides. I’m okay with Splash/Tiana because I know when the drop is coming, and I can prepare for it. I like everything else at WDW (well, the 10 years ago stuff) except Tower of Terror, which I hated. I also hated the Simpsons ride (even though it’s a simulator). Below is our loose touring plan. I welcome any feedback on it but also would like input on what drops (if any) these rides may have. Thank you in advance!

RD USF (at park nlt 8 for 9 am opening)
Transformers
Rip Ride Rocket (not even attempting this one, lol; dd wants to ride before it goes away)
Bourne Spectacular
ET
Escape from Gringotts
Hogwarts Express to IOA
(anything fantastic we are missing here?)

Forbidden Journey
Hippogriff
VelociCoaster
Skull Island
Ripsaw Falls
Bilge-Rat Barges
Spider-Man
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Hagrid
(anything fantastic we are missing here?)

We’ll spend additional time exploring Hogsmeade, then we’ll return to IOA and walk around Diagon Alley for a little bit. Do you think we’ll be able to fit all this in? Any idea what time we might be finished? What rides are going to be a no-go for me? We don’t plan on any sit down restaurants; will grab something quick on the go and if we get back early enough will have dinner back at WDW.

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Are you OK with “spoilers”?

MUMMY!!! You have to ride that one! If you could only ride two attractions at USF I would always say Mummy and Gringotts!

If you are walking past Men In Black and the wait is 10 mins or less you should try it. It’s a basic “shooter” game, but with no screens. You zap practical sets & statues…

Like Splash / Tiana’s it has a couple “small” drops in the dark before the big one. Very minor!
The finale drop is high and as intense as Tiana

Same as above. JPRA drop is actually higher and steeper than Tiana

Yes. With Express Pass (UXP) you’ll only wait about 33% of the posted wait time. On a low CL day like this you may experience a few “walk-on” queues…

You should be fine RD’ing at USF…most people go to IOA to RD Hagrid’s and VC

Without knowing you and your family this is too hard to predict. There’s plenty to see and experience at UOR - not just rides. There are street shows, exhibits and Diagon Alley is an “attraction” to explore all by itself.

If you’re goal is to just “knock out” rides as fast as possible, then you should be able to do all this easily…

I would say that I have done all these rides in a single day before without UXP. However, I don’t take a lot of mid-day breaks other than a TS lunch or early dinner to sit for a while…

I can’t tell if you enjoy “big” rides / coasters or not. WDW doesn’t really offer any and is overall a more “tame” theme park versus Universal…

If you don’t like coasters then avoid:

RRR, Mummy, Gringott’s, and VC

Hagrid’s is truly the best coaster anywhere for all ages and not too extreme. HOWEVER… and this is a MAJOR SPOILER…

Near the end of the ride, the motorbike get’s entangled in “Devil’s Snare” just like Harry, Ron and Hermione in Chamber of Secrets. In the movie they have to “drop” down through it.

This coaster stops and does a complete free fall drop, like tower of terror. It’s totally unique to any coaster in North America and IMHO the most fun and exciting part of the ride. Then you blast off again for a finale…

I would HIGHLY recommend you try it.

Maybe watch a ride POV to see it in action??

If you didn’t like the Simpsons, then avoid:

Transformers

The parks close at 7pm that day. I would suspect you’ll be there most, if not all, of the day. The QS food at UOR is as good and often better than WDW.

I’d recommend QS

USF - Central Park Crepes, Minion Café, Leaky Cauldron

IOA - Green Eggs & Ham Tots, Three Broomsticks, Thunder Falls Terrace

There are just my “go-to” favorites. There plenty of burgers and pizza if you just want the basics…

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This one might be a problem for you…

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Thank you! To answer a few questions. We’ve done Mummy and MIB, and if the lines are short, we will do them again. Enjoyed both, though I think Mummy did have some drops, but it was okay. Most coasters I don’t like because they typically have BIG drops (especially at places like Six Flags, etc.) How would you compare Gringott’s and Hagrid’s drops to the drop at Tiana’s? If they are not too much steeper or longer, and I know when to expect them, maybe I could do them. I watched a video for Hagrid and I think I can do it because it’s not a “typical” drop (not sure if I need to be cryptic since you talked about spoilers lol). I’m pretty sure I’d be okay with that kind of drop.

I think I’ll skip the flumes this time round. I don’t think the reward would be worth it.

Thank you for the QS suggestions - will check them out!

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At Grigotts they start you with a vertical drop. Your vehicle stops and then the track tilts at a 45° angle while Bellatrix LaStrange “attacks” you. The car drops, not straight down, but more like a traditional coaster hill

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