Guests staying at an on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort receive a great benefit, particularly for fans of Harry Potter: early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one hour before regular park opening, for every morning of their stay.
This is a huge advantage, because the Wizarding World is an extremely popular section of Islands of Adventure (and the new expansion at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios will likely continue that trend), and the area’s major ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, does not accept Express Pass. The fun show at Ollivander’s Wand Shop also does not accept Express Pass, and is a good choice to visit in that first hour. It is expected that the new rides added to the Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express, will also not accept Express Pass.
Ready to tour the Wizarding World during Early Admission? Once you enter Islands of Adventure, walk until you see the water, and then head to the right. Walk through Seuss Landing (stay along the water as you go) and the Lost Continent, and in front of you is the Wizarding World. Your first stop should be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, since it is one of the busiest rides in the park and does not have Express Pass. Keep going straight until you see Hogwarts and proceed through the gates. Keep in mind that you will have to put any loose items in a complimentary locker (this can sometimes have a wait of its own). This ride does have a Single Rider line, but the queue is spectacular and introduces the story of the ride – early in the day, with the shortest the line is likely to be, is the best time to go through this.
After riding Forbidden Journey, you can drop by Flight of the Hippogriff right next door (this ride rarely has a long wait), then head out to get in line for the show at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Afterwards, find your way back outside and go to Dragon Challenge, between the Owl Post and the Hogwarts Express. This ride also requires guests to stow loose articles in lockers.
And that’s the Wizarding World! With Early Admission, you can easily accomplish all the rides in the area before regular park opening. Be sure to take extra time to browse the shops, look at all the great details, and try some Butterbeer. The Three Broomsticks also serves breakfast!
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