Universal Studios- Orlando

Following because we go in a few weeks for the first time too!

Stay on property so you get early entry. If the kids want the Olivander wand experience, they need to hit that early, first thing ideally as it just gets busier as the day goes one. Have fun!

If you get motion sickness take something before you ride the one when you fly! I can’t remember the name now but it’s quite nauseating!

The Forbidden Journey - main ride through the castle on Adventure Island side.  It kills me.  

If this is the same ride they have in CA it is awful! I love HP but will never go on this ride again, even with medicine. I barely survived. Took my DH 2hrs to recover.

I love love love Universal! We were there again last month and had an amazing time. It was the first time that I had been to Diagon Alley, been to the other side numerous times. It was everything I wished for and more. Though we spent a stupid amount of time waiting around for that dragon lol

Get ice cream at Florean Fortescues. SO good and they have amazing flavors. It is right across from Gringotts. If there is a line, it is worth waiting in it.

I’m going to be words of reason - it’s fun and magical but don’t get carried away. The merchandizing is over the top. My kids were SO EXCITED and wanted the wand experience (we did the experience which was cute but really just a push to buy the wand) and to purchase the robes. Omg. How can they get away with those prices? We refused the wand purchase. You buy the wand that ‘chooses’ you. The one that chose dd was over $50. And the food experiences were so expensive for terrible quality - like butter beer. We bought the beer because I felt bad about the wands and robes. My girls took one sip and wouldn’t drink more because it was yucky.

Enjoy the environment and the rides but keep your wallet in your purse. The flying ride can bother the stomach. If you’re sensitive go on an empty stomach. We entered early and went straight to the castle. We waited 5 min and rode the ride. Little dd wouldn’t go again so I waited with her while dh and older dd rode again. The wait was still 5-10 min. I figured one of them would come back and ride with me again. When they got off they both refused to ride again and said they’d had enough. I had the option to go alone but decided not to. Later the day the line was a 2 hr wait. But this was 2 years ago so maybe the line has subsided. The ride was something special

ETA - I just want to add that we did do the wand experience and dd was picked for the wand. She enjoyed that and was upset we didn’t buy the wand. In the end she was glad she didn’t get the wand. When it’s busy you wait in line to ‘use’ your wand at the special locations. The line was at least 10-15 people deep, so you watched others get the secret surprise after using their wand and saw the secret surprise 10-15 times before you got up there to do it. It seemed less exciting that way. If there was no line and everything was a surprise perhaps that is more exciting.

Absolutely get the wand - we didn't do the experience - just let my grandson choose. We waited 3 hours for the new Hagrid ride - totally worth it!!

First of all, go here if you haven't: www.disboards.com/forums/universal-studios-islands-of-adventure-forums.30/

There are lots of questions answered and good information.

We are going soon, too, and are very excited.

We went back in 2017 and feel more prepared to take on 3 days at the park now that the kids are a little older. We did the wand ceremony and they usually try to choose kids who are closer to starting Hogwarts age, so be prepared. That does not mean you can't get your own wand that is not a character specific wand though. I chose my own and I still love it. My husband made us a wand holder at home and it sits on our mantle. They also will "repair" your wand for free if you do go back and it's not working, so I feel it's worth the investment. We only did a few spells around the park, but hope to do way more this time.

If you're staying at one of the preferred hotels, you'll have more flexibility with your touring simply because the Express Passes are part of your hotel price, but if not, you might want to have a general idea of what you want to accomplish. We did both parks in one day on our last visit and felt like we got through everything wanted to, but obviously more time means more stuff to do/see.

I also got the Univeral Photo Pass on a special, since their photo system is a little stingier than DW. It doesn't look like they have a special atm, but you could at least check the prices now: presale.amazingpictures.com/UniversalFlorida.aspx

I don't imagine you'll need to carry much in the parks, but be aware you will have to utilize the lockers for certain rides, unless you don't have a bag. Some rides, like Hulk require you not have anything on you at all.

Oh, and the train is a different experience both ways, so try to do it both ways!

Have an amazing time!

Good advice above, from all. In addition to those...look for Kreacher in the windows of Grimmauld Place. Go in the phone booth and dial M-A-G-I-C in London. Listen for Moaning Myrtle in the women's restroom in Hogsmeade next to the pub. And really, just look and listen and soak it in. It is so true to the movies and books, it is just magical. I was 45 years old when I went and I felt like a little kid. It's one of my favorite vacations ever. Universal really paid attention to the details.

Where are you staying? For me, it works to get into the HP lands as early as possible (early entry helps), and I typically stay until those areas start getting really busy. Then I venture out into the stores and other areas of the parks and come back to the HP areas at night.

For shopping, definitely plan on some souvenirs, but the best strategy we have found is to (1) set a budget and (2) write down everything we want - except interactive wands; the kids need those early - and then go back at the end of the last day once we've narrowed down the list.