Disney/Hogwarts-opinions/help please

pegsue · ‎03-19-2010

I'd like to take my husband, son and his wife to go to the Hogwarts/Harry Potter theme park. My question is-when is the best time of the year to go? I hear so many stories about the crowds and waiting in line for hours to ride a single ride-if that's the case you'd only be able to ride a few rides that day! I am not a fan of theme parks but I go for them. They also have their limits as far as crowds and waiting in lines. I was looking online and I see there are many packages to pick from that include those ride passes, restaurants, etc. so if anyone has any comments about that I would appreciate it. TIA

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@pegsue Sounds like fun. If you don't get the answer you need/want, you might also post over on the Travel Forum. I know there have been discussions about this, but it was sometime ago. When they see your thread over on that forum, I am quite sure you will get responses.

sunshine45 · ‎03-09-2010

@pegsue wrote:
I'd like to take my husband, son and his wife to go to the Hogwarts/Harry Potter theme park. My question is-when is the best time of the year to go? I hear so many stories about the crowds and waiting in line for hours to ride a single ride-if that's the case you'd only be able to ride a few rides that day! I am not a fan of theme parks but I go for them. They also have their limits as far as crowds and waiting in lines. I was looking online and I see there are many packages to pick from that include those ride passes, restaurants, etc. so if anyone has any comments about that I would appreciate it. TIA

my daughter is there this week for her spring break. she is spending five days visiting the parks and HP. the most she has had to wait for a single ride is roughly 2 hours. MOST of the rides are about a 30 minute wait though. definitely be prepared to wait and wear comfortable clothing.....and take or buy a rain poncho for unexpected rainfall.

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"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

momoftwo2007 · ‎04-19-2015

@pegsue wrote:
I'd like to take my husband, son and his wife to go to the Hogwarts/Harry Potter theme park. My question is-when is the best time of the year to go? I hear so many stories about the crowds and waiting in line for hours to ride a single ride-if that's the case you'd only be able to ride a few rides that day! I am not a fan of theme parks but I go for them. They also have their limits as far as crowds and waiting in lines. I was looking online and I see there are many packages to pick from that include those ride passes, restaurants, etc. so if anyone has any comments about that I would appreciate it. TIA

@pegsue My family went this summer. I would say it is definitely NOT worth it. We waited approximate 1 to 2 hours in line for each ride. And the rides only lasted for about 1 minute each. The shows and the demonstrations were not that impressive. Unless you all are super Harry Potter fans and don't mind waiting in line, I would not recommend it. If you decide to go, I would avoid holidays (summer, Christmas break, Spring break...etc.)

wildlifewitch · ‎02-08-2016

@pegsue There is no slow time. Get tickets in advance with fast pass.Check Disney/Universal sites. You can schedule the time you go on the rides. It requires planning, but expect to still wait.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

I have not been to Universal Studios in quite a few years. So I have no advise to give you.

I have been to Walt Disney World since 1971 many times. I used to work for Disney. And I honestly don't think there is any time that is not crowded anymore. There always seems to be something going on Food and Flower Festival, Princess Marathon, Food and Wine Festival, 5K, 10K half marathon and full marathon, Mickey's Halloween Party and many more events. There doesn't seem to be any down time anymore. AND with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge going to open this year. It is a 14 acre attraction. The crowds are going to be crazy.

I recommend that you get your FastPasses ahead of time. So you can go on the rides quickly and then do the other rides in between the FastPass rides. That is if you are planning on going to Disney. If you want to go to Universal - they have a similar thing to Fast Pass called Express Pass.

There are several Facebook pages for Walt Disney World that you can get information plus websites. And I am sure Universal also has several too. I just know the Disney sites because I check them frequently.

There is alot going on in the Parks. So there is alot to read and study.

Bri369 · ‎11-03-2018

Harry Potter is at Universal Studios, not Disney. I Wasn’t sure if you were planning to go to both parks

We were there in November and the crowds were manageable. We did wait a couple of hours for one ride, but it was a long ride and very popular.

We’ve been to Universal many times and always get the Fast Pass. I think it’s worth it to get the most out of your stay.

Harry Potter is incredible and definitely worth seeing if you’re a fan.

KLm · ‎12-03-2010

@pegsue I have no experience with universal. My daughter went last year. It was fun but expensive.

I do know about disney. Also fun but expensive. If you are willing to pay extra, in addition to your daily ticket, you can buy early or late entry into some of the parks. Magic kingdom certainly. I think the early hours (before the park opens) admission includes breakfast. I don't think all the rides are open, but the reviews I've read about this have been positive. No long lines, ability to ride many times, no crowd.

Fast passes are also a way to go if you know what you want to ride and get them in advance. There are limitations to this as well (the number you can reserve for example).

Julianna426 · ‎01-14-2011

Definitely get the fast pass for Disney. I scheduled ahead for the big rides and never had to wait more than 10 min. Then I would fill in the gap with less popular rides or a food break. Worked out good.