IoA in early Sep. Info needed. About This Page:

[wmanderson]

I completely forgot that there was a place for Universal on here, too. I get so wrapped up in planning for Disney that I sometimes have blinders on.

My family (me37, DH47, DD15, DS15 and DNephew5) will be at WDW 31-Aug to 09-Sep. Most of our days will indeed be spent frolicking with the Mouse, but on 05-Sep (Wed) we are trekking over to IoA. My children and I are a HUGE Harry Potter fans (I think DH is, too), and have been wanting to visit since it was announced. This year, we finally get that chance.

However, every time I check the operating hours for September, I keep getting reminded that Disney spoils us with 180 day posting of hours, because Universal has yet to post hours past August. I am finding it difficult to plan our time to arrive, and know what time we'll leave when I have no idea what the operating hours will be for that day.

Does anyone know what the typical hours are for the week of Labor Day? Is the park typically crowded that week? Is the meal deal worth buying or should we just buy food OOP? Is a taxi or town car better, or is that just based on personal preference?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[ferrazalves]

We visited IoA and for us the meal plan did not work. We arrived early (at the opening) once we had information that the park closes much earlier than WDW parks.
We decided to pay OOP for light meals and snacks during the day and had a very late lunch/early dinner outside the park after visiting the major attractions.

[Colexis Mom]

I would skip the meal plan! We went in April, and rented a car for the day (I think it was $35 + taxes/day) at the CCC outside MK. They picked me up in the morning at POFQ (at 6:45) and we dropped it off the next day. We got to WWoHP first thing (they started letting us in at 8:45) and spent most of the morning there!

[jimmymac]

Skip the meal plan
be there at rope drop. Everyone heads to WWoHP. Those who have front of the line passes will go first. It gets very crowded very fast
even the stores are cool and worth checking out

[HiddenMickey]

I agree that the meal plan is not worth it.
I also agree with getting to the park before opening time.
Universal's parks don't stay open very late in the off-season, so be prepared for that, probably closing around 7pm.

[wmanderson]

Hey all.

Hours have been posted. IoA does close at 7.

We have opted to skip the meal plan and the express passes. We're buying tickets from AAA.

Right now, we are going to get take taxis or a town car to and from. A rental would be cheaper, but this way we don't have to worry about how to get there or parking. We may change our minds as the trip gets closer.

We plan to get there early, before opening. I'm still working out the logistics of breakfast and lunch. WWoHP is my only interest. I plan on spending my whole day there. DH and DD might go try some other roller coasters, though.

We are planning to eat a late dinner back at WDW. Still trying to decide whether to eat at our resort or DTD.

Thanks for all your input!!!

[GeorgiaGirl]

If you are looking for a fantastic lunch, try the Three Broomsticks! We were able to get 2 of the Great Feasts and feed six adults. One feast feeds 4 for $49.99. You get a ton of food and it is delicious and somewhat healthy. Don't forget to get a butterbeer...wonderful

[Papa Mouse]

Universal Orlando 12-month crowd calendar with park hours & special events

The above site includes IOA park hours.

Planning a trip to Universal's Islands of Adventure & the Wizarding World

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Remember to click on the links in each site.