Universal Orlando

Any tips, tricks, or websites you would recommend? I have not been to Universal since 2005, and I know it has changed a lot since then. What are the must do things for Harry Potter?

Thanks

Universal Orlando

We got the express pass - it was amazing.

For Harry Potter - I really liked the Hogwarts Ride the best. Definitely get a frozen butter beer!

Re: Universal Orlando

Orlando Informer is the best website for Universal planning. They also have a Facebook Group which is very helpful.

Definitely get the park to park ticket so you can ride Hogwart's train. It's REALLY cool!! Not just a regular train ride. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride is a throw up ride for me. I had to keep my eyes closed the entire time. Actually, that is the case with almost every ride simulator type ride there. My kids love it though! Escape from Gringotts is cool also. Flight of the Hippogrith is tame. Gringotts Bank is neat, you can take your USD in and exchange it for Harry Potter currency (not sure the specific name of the currency). Ollivander's is a wand shop, and there is a little show, and your child can get chosen to have their wand "chosen" for them. Then you can buy it. Or you can just buy a wand there, or in other parts of the land. The wands are interactive and pretty cool!! Definitely recommend that! At night there is a show on Hogwart's. Also, the Hogwart's choir does some songs periodically. We loved eating at Three Broomsticks.

I would go to Harry Potter world first, then do the rest of the park another day or much later. The Suess area is SUPER cute and fun!! LOVE the ET Ride, so nostalgic! King Kong is pretty cool! Pteredon (sp?) Flyers are cool (line gets long and adults can't go). Spiderman is cool too!

If you can, stay on site at specific resorts to get the free Express pass. It's a HUGE time saver!!!!

My kids LOVE Universal, my son especially. But, like I mentioned before, a lot of the attractions are simulator type rides, and those make me sick, so I spend a good part of the time with my eyes closed. But, then I'm not nauseous after! Simpsons ride is the WORST!

We stayed at Portofino Bay once (with the Orlando Informer group discount for an event they had). It was nice to take the boat to the park! We liked it there!

Message edited 5/13/2019 8:14:17 AM.

Universal Orlando

Definitely recommend staying on property for the Express Pass if you're going during a busy time. A one night stay will get you the pass for 2 days.