Trip is in May, also doing WDW - planning for 2 full Universal days.

[2EVacations]

My fiancé, myself and our 11 yr old son - we're definitely HP fans, but looking forward to more than just that.

We did the buy 2 get 2 deal, so while we plan for 2 full days, we have the availability to pop in on two more days. All days are park to park.

One of the full days my inlaws will be coming with us, and one of the full days my step dad is coming with us.

We plan on doing our rope dropping at WDW and taking universal a bit more relaxed. I'd like to not rope drop either of those days. Does anyone recommend strategies for later starts?

 

[2EVacations]

Sorry, probably important for crowd factor - we are NOT doing Epic universe, we are coming down 5/7-5/14.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Download the Universal App for wait times, show schedules, maps, menus, and mobile ordering.

I would try to hit Hagrids either around lunch time, or early/mid afternoon for shortest non-early-entry waits - or hop in line last thing right before park close.

Try to aim for later in the day to explore Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade with the lowest crowds. You can also continue to do spells after park close, but will not be able explore shops after close. Hogsmeade is particularly effective for after-close spells because you usually have a solid hour while the Hagrids line clears out, thus they don't care if you linger.

Note there is a Grad event on Fri 5/9, you likely won't be able to linger as long and may also not be able to jump in the Hagrids line right before close on that day.

Take a mid-day break (this can be a few shows and/or a long relaxing AC lunch) so that you can make it through to park close. The last few hours will have the shortest waits; take advantage of them.

Last Feb, parts of Studios didn't open until 10am. I'm not sure if that is typical? Hadn't noticed it before, at least. But if they're still doing that, you can meander in and head to Simpsons / Dreamworks / ET areas around 10am with no lines.

Don't miss the Bourne Stuntacular!

The 2 water rides Popeyes Barges & Dudley Dooright flume will get you soaked. Plan accordingly. Jurassic Park River Adventure will splash you to varying degrees but primarily the top half, not wring-out-the-panties wetness like the other two.