Harry Potter World Newbie Seeking Advice!

[disneycutie165]

I have been deprived of Harry Potter my whole life (I wasn't allowed to watch them growing up), but now I have finally seen them all and loved them! My coworker are planning a weekend trip there in July, and could use tons of advice.

1) How much exactly is a one day ticket to WWHP? We are having a hard time with the website and finding pricing.

2) What are some cool little tidbits we should keep in line while there?

3) I have heard that Harry Potter world is always crowded, but what kind of crowds should we expect in July? It's the only month we can go considering we have college classes starting mid-August (our original plan was to go for labor day, but we won't be able to).

Any advice you can give us would be much appreciated!

[Camaro305]

1) How much exactly is a one day ticket to WWHP? We are having a hard time with the website and finding pricing.

The Forbidden Journey ("old ride") is located in Islands of Adventure. Gringotts ("new ride") is located in Universal Studios. Hogwarts Express takes you from one to the other, is an attraction in and of itself, and requires a Park-to-Park ticket.

A 1 day adult ticket to a single park is 102.00. Park to Park ticket is 147.00

2) What are some cool little tidbits we should keep in line while there?

Tons!

3) I have heard that Harry Potter world is always crowded, but what kind of crowds should we expect in July? It's the only month we can go considering we have college classes starting mid-August (our original plan was to go for labor day, but we won't be able to).

It's gonna be crowded. It's summertime!

[BrerGnat]

There are two theme parks at Universal Orlando. Each one has a Harry Potter "land". In order to experience ALL the HP stuff, you have to visit both parks. In order to ride the Hogwart's Express, you must have a "Park To Park" (park hopper) ticket.

There are SO many little tidbits and things to see in those areas it is impossible to list them all. Just keep your eyes peeled and really examine EVERYTHING as much as you can (even the bathroom signs are unique!).

It will be crowded and HOT, so pace yourselves. Arrive well before park opening (an hour if you can) so that you can be in there as soon as the gates open. Keep in mind that hotel guests get an extra hour jump on everyone else, so there will already be crowds in the park when the gates open to the public.

I would plan to do Diagon Alley during the hottest part of the day, as it is well shaded and cool (in Knockturn alley...it's downright cold).

[MizMissy]

As stated above, the one day park-to-park adult ticket is $147, but a two day park to park ticket is $194.99 and they are running a special that if you buy a 2 day ticket, you get a third day "free." I know you said it is just a weekend trip, but considering that it will be July and very crowded, I would highly recommend at least giving yourselves two days (if not three days) in the parks to make sure you have time to look around and experience all that you want to experience.

Also, I would highly recommend staying on-site, the unlimited express pass and early entry offered at HRH, RP, and PB is unbeatable. However, the rooms are expensive, but I think Cabana Bay is very reasonably priced. You do not get the unlimited express pass with Cabana Bay, but you do get the early entry for Harry Potter attractions and that is a very nice perk.