By Lauren GibaldiContributing Writer
Staff Page
As a Harry Potter enthusiast, I’ve been dying to check out the new park. Finally, this past Tuesday, I had the chance to. For those who, like me, dare tempt fate and want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure this summer while the tourists are still in bloom, here’s some advice.
Pick your day. From what I hear, Tuesdays and Sundays are the best days to go. Don’t even try Saturday.
Don’t go early. Many people assume getting there as soon as the doors open may grant you instant access. Not so much. Hotel guests get in first, so they’re already queuing up. Once the gates are actually opened, you have to wait in line just to get INSIDE the Wizarding World. The line isn’t even for the rides – it’s just to see the area. When I got in the park, the line went from the front of Wizarding World, through Jurassic Park, and halfway through Toon Lagoon. This was a Tuesday morning, not even a weekend. Clearly, I didn’t wait.
Go back after 2. Around 1:30 the park gets rid of the line to enter the area, and it’s a free-for-all afterward. I went back around 2:30 and easily made it inside – but it was still quite packed.
Pick your stores. There were lines for everything, including entering the stores, but the least crowded were Zonkos and Honeydukes (which are connected). The line took about three minutes to get through, if that. Flourish and Blotts was packed, as was the Owlry and, of course, Olivanders. Everything inside was fantastic, though.
The wand. If you REALLY want a wand, skip Olivanders. Although it’s cool seeing “the wand choose you,” the line to get inside stretches far. Instead, get one at the cart set up over by the castle.
Butterbeer. Same with the drink. If you want it, get it from one of the two carts set up. It’s much quicker than waiting in line at the Three Broomsticks or Hogs Head. By the way, butterbeer, although sweet, is delicious.
Food. Don’t even try going near the restaurants anywhere close to lunch time. At 2:30, they were still packed, with lines twisting out. Around 3:30 they were quieter.
Rides. The wait for the Forbidden Journey was 75 minutes, so I didn’t go, however, I hear it’s worth it due to the amazing visuals once inside the castle. Still, that’s a long time. If you’re there alone, definitely opt for the single riders line. You won’t see the castle so much, but you will get on the ride quicker. Flight of the Huffelpuff was 45 minutes, whereas Harry Potter’s Dragon Challenge was only 20 minutes. Even if you’ve gone on Dueling Dragons before, check out Dragon Challenge because you get to see a few cute additions, including Hagrid’s Hut, the car Harry and Ron smash, signs cheering on the Tri-Wizard champions (except for, oddly enough, Cedric Diggory ), and the Goblet of Fire.
If you can, wait. I hear going back around 6:30 is wonderful, with barely any lines. And if you don’t want to go that late, just wait a few more weeks. Come September/October it should clear out a bit.
Even though it was packed, I must say, it was worth it. The park is amazing – everything was delightful. Fans of the books will definitely be pleased.