It is a very long time since we visited Universal and the first time we are attempting to do as much as possible in just one day, so any advice would be really appreciated!
We are 4 adults (I’m the old one, others are all 20ish) visiting 28th August (not a HHN but unfortunately missing the Summer shows) aiming to be there for park opening. We want to do as much as possible but are not fussed about doing all the really bonkers rides, and No. 1 priority is Harry Potter. Obviously I can do a bespoke TP, but because you have to have 2 separate ones for the 2 parks, it may not tell me what I need to know.
My key question really is whether we tour the parks in the most logical way (to me anyway) which would be:
Studios 1st, do everything finishing in Diagon Alley then take the express to IOA - do Hogsmeade first then everything else OR
If the most logical path = biggest crowds, do we actually head straight to Diagon Alley - do this - go to Hogsmeade (or the opposite way around)and do this, then do the rest of both the parks? Obviously this feels like a lot of messing about, but maybe it’s worth it to avoid the hideous crowds? Last time we were there Hogsmeade in particular was so squashed in that my son (who has the AAP) struggled a bit and it wasn’t a very pleasant experience!
Hi! I love Universal & try to go as often as possible. I do understand the basic idea of what you want to do. However, it would be more helpful to know what attractions / shows are on your “must-do” list other than WWOHP…
WWOHP is everyone’s favorite areas, but it’s not enough to fill an entire day. I would recommend you see the Tales of Beedle the Bard show in Diagon Alley,
The parade should still going to be running at the time of your visit. It will either be at 2pm or 6pm.
It’s amazing!
If you don’t qualify for Early Park Admission (EPA) then you should start at USF as mentioned and definitely go to Diagon Alley. Do Escape from Gringott’s first then explore the area, shops, foods!
I wouldn’t be so quick to just leave USF though. There are a number of great rides and shows, such as Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, The Bourne Stuntacular and more!!
Taking the Hogwarts Express is so fun. However, if the queue is over 40 minutes it may not be worth it. It’s hard for me to say as I’ve done it enough that I now only see it as a tram and not the very cool attraction it is. It’s got a show as you ride. Plus, the show is different in each direction.
FYI - You can walk to the other park in about 20 minutes. So if time is an issue I’d just walk through CityWalk to the other park.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a “MUST DO”! It’s everyone’s favorite ride at Universal for a reason!!
IOA offers many great rides too!
Anyway…give us a better idea of what you want to experience and we can help better.
Also, as you staying on-site to qualify for Early Park admission?
Thanks for this. We don’t have early entry, and we don’t really have any other ‘must dos’, we just want to do as much as we can. We realistically won’t make all shows, and we aren’t interested in anything aimed at small children. My son likes the more thrill rides, but the rest of us aren’t so fussed so want to do as many things which don’t involve bringing back up your lunch whilst making sure that he gets to do the fun stuff like the new Velocicoaster!
If I only had one day in both parks, here is what I would have as my “must do” attractions
USF
Revenge of the Mummy
Diagon Alley - walk around & eat treats and watch Tales of Beedle the Bard show
Escape from Gringott’s
Men in Black
Bourne Stuntactular
IOA
Hagrid’s
VelociCoaster
Spider-Man
Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Raptor Encounter
Food & treats -
USF
Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream
Central Park Crepes
Freeze Ray Pops
IOA
Three Broomsticks
Green Eggs & Ham Tots
Mythos
CityWalk - Table Service - to take a break out of the sun
Cowfish
Toothsome’s - (not my favorite, but it’s very fun)
Hard Rock Café
There are plenty of other rides, shows and foods that I adore, but these are my picks for “must do” in one day!
I’d love to add the parade, but I’m not sure it’s logistically possible without a bit of backtracking.
Honorable Mentions
USF
Parade
Horror Make up Show
ET -The ride
IOA
Dr. Doom FearFall - It’s a big thrill though!
Cat in the Hat - classic dark ride
I had some time today. So I made a Touring Plan with my suggestions for your date. I have you rope dropping USF. Then you can either take the Hogwarts Express to IOA at lunch time or exit to eat in CityWalk. I’ve allotted 90 minutes for a long midday break. You have two hours of “free time” while at IOA. This will let you explore, eat, shop, check out other rides or leave early if tired. It’s going to be HOT in August so I tried not to have you going nonstop.
I agree with pretty everything except this. FearFall is relaxing at best. No thrill at all…and this is coming from a guy who is otherwise terrified of heights.
I’ll ride it if the wait is practically nothing. But definitely not worth putting any waiting effort into.
I love it and don’t find it to be too “thrilling” anymore. It’s joyful and fun. However, for a first time visitor that isn’t looking for anything too adventurous I didn’t recommend.
I love that it’s usually a walk-on or less than 10 minutes most of the time!
Well, for reference…my wife had never been on it (or anything similar to it) and was terrified of trying it. But she finally decided to at a recent trip. Once the ride launched up, she was like, “That’s it?” I was like, “Yep.”
Thanks also for the discussion on Fearfall, I’ve watched a video and I am not going on that! I wonder how much stuff gets shared for theme parks but without the theming it actually looks exactly like a ride that we have in a park close to where we live - and I won’t go on that either!
I totally understand that. I’m a WDW veteran too! For the last couple of years I’ve switch to UOR. this is because it is soooo much more logistically easier to navigate and enjoy! No Lighting Lanes, Multi-Pass, weird park hopping rules & etc…!
It’s as well themed and as “magical”! I’ll be there the week after Labor Day for HHN. I’m counting the days!
If you have ANY questions, do not hesitate to ask. I have a very boring desk job & mostly just hang out here all day talking to friends!!
where did you find a touring plan for both parks for 2 parks for 1 day? I saw them in the plans but when i go to add attractions, it only lists ones for the park that it starts with.
bobby
