There’s no getting around it – queues for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rides within it are long.
Universal has worked hard to make the queues part of the experience, especially for The Forbidden Journey, where clients are inside the castle, out of the heat and being entertained. You will need to manage client expectations in terms of how much they can get done – or suggest you help them jump the queues.
Do this by recommending they either book a stay in one of Universal’s on-site hotels, or travel with Virgin Holidays, the only UK firm currently offering early park access.
Once inside, the best strategy is to head for the most popular rides first. Get to Forbidden Journey and Ollivander’s Wand Shop as early as possible, as these are where the biggest queues seem to build up.
Virgin packages
When clients book a Universal Orlando Resort 2-Park Bonus Ticket (from £76 per adult and from £71 for kids aged 3 to 9) alongside a Virgin Holidays package, they get a range of benefits, including early admission to Wizarding World, 30 minutes before to Universal’s Islands of Adventure regular park opening.
“Early admission is a huge winner for our customers,” says Alison Montague, Virgin Holidays’ general manager for Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
On-site hotels
Guests staying at any of the three on-site hotels at Universal – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – who buy theme park admission will be admitted to the Wizarding World one hour early and get free express ride access to skip regular lines for most attractions within Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, including Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.
