How to do both HP worlds

crazygoalie39;2424932 wrote: THANK YOU for this. I was getting a bit disappointed. I am a HUGE HP fan and was really looking forward to seeing the Wizarding World, Diagon Alley especially because it seems more polished than Hogsmeade. I appreciate that you pointed out that all the shops are different. Based on others descriptions I was thinking they were just generic gift shops that I wouldn't be able to spend more than a half hour in.

I really want to take our time and explore everything in the WW, but I'd also like to ride FJ and Gringotts. I do not want to waste a whole day away from WDW just waiting in line and not exploring and seeing everything else there is to do. Any suggestions? I don't mind getting there an hour or so before rope drop because that's what we do at WDW, but it seems that's not even enough. There's no fastpass system or anything right? Would the best plan be to do Gringotts at opening and then do FJ right before closing?

By February, you should get some relief from the lines. At least, that is what happened with Hogsmede opened - eventually, things even out a bit (although there will still be lines).

I suggest going right to Diagon Alley in the morning and then hitting up Hogwarts in the afternoon. Usually by 3:00pm, Forbidden Journey lines have died down a bit. Definitely near closing as well.

If you have time to kill between Diagon Alley and Hogsmede, you may want to consider checking some other things out at Universal. A lot of their rides are nothing short of amazing, and they are NOT all thrill rides. Besides, you're paying a full ticket price so why not explore some of the benefits?

My suggestions to kill time: Men In Black Ride (not too far from Diagon Alley) - this ride is SO much fun, think Buzz Light Year/Toy Story - but all animatronic. Super well done - it's the original game ride in Orlando and it still comes in #1 in my book, especially because of it's great themeing. We usually ride it a couple of times! If you're a fan of the Simpsons, even if you skip the simulator ride (but it's not worse than Star Tours, IMO - just a slow loading line) the new area of food including a REAL Moe's Tavern has some tasty, well-done options. Moe's has some great adult beverage options as well! Also at the studios - Despicable Me is adorably cute and Transformers is also a great simulator/mixed with live action ride (no drops - closing your eyes would take care of any ride sensitivity). Over in Islands of Adventure - Spiderman is a FANTASTIC ride and while it is a moving simulator mixed with "real life" - there are no drops and is very smooth in large ride vehicles. Spiderman is always a must-do!

THEN, for the Forbidden Journey - I suggest the following if there is a long line:

1) Arrive and tell the Universal staff that you would like to take the walking tour (not guided). This will allow you to walk through the AMAZING queue with your camera and get a full look at this amazing building and all the great effects (the line is truly entertaining).

2) Go to the lockers back where you started and stow your stuff for free (no belongings are allowed on the ride, no exceptions).

3) Go back to the Universal greet staff and ask for the Single Rider line. You will skip, quite literally, the majority of the line (which is why it is good to take the walking "tour" first). You will wait in line with your party until it is time to board. We find that a 60 minute normal line wait time usually amounts to 10 minutes on the single rider line. You can't really see your friends in the ride vehicle and you certainly can't have a conversation, so it's great use of your time. It is easy to meet up in the gift shop it lets you out in.

I won't be at Diagon Alley until late September, so I'm not sure how Single Rider lines work there.

By February, you should have a much better time with the crowds than guests are having this month. That is, if Hogsmede is any indication - we visited the first phase the September after it opened and the crowds were quite manageable.