Express Pass | Tagged Posts
2018
22
November
One day or two at Universal Studios for a Harry Potter fan's birthday?
22
November
Question:
Humans say...
DeeAnn
You can do universal in one day but it needs to be from opening to close so I would wait until u get a full day.
Disney -4 day park hopper passes for sure
Jillian
Thank you!!
Laurie
DeeAnn agreed
Natalie
I would give universal 2 days if you can afford it. It can be done in 1 but as a huge Harry Potter nerd I spent most of my time doing the Harry Potter stuff during the first day, which didn't leave much time for the rest of the park. So I spent the second day seeing the rest of the park. Disney needs at least 3 days. 1 day for each park and you can do epcott in the evenings if you get a park hopper pass (or do 4 not park Hopper days and spend the 4th at Epcott).
Jillian
There’s actually a two for 1 deal in for universal right now. Thanks for the tip. I think she’ll love spending the day exploring Harry Potter. Thanks also for the info about Disney! I think four days sounds like the way to go. I forgot about Epcott! Thanks!
Cheryl
Epcot is only in Florida/ Disney World
Natalie
Oh Cheryl is right! My apologies - I misread Disney world
Tina
Universal Hollywood is a lot smaller than Orlando so I think 1 day is enough.
Jillian
Tina thanks!!
Janice
Is there an Epcott in Disneyland now? I thought that was only in Disneyworld (Florida).
Jillian
Only in Florida. I didn’t know either.
Cheryl
Both parks will be busy that day as it’s a stat-holiday (Veterans Day). Have a settle in day & maybe a nice birthday dinner, then hit the parks early the next day. Maybe explore the downtown Disney area that day, so you don’t need to on day you’re using your passes?
Jillian
That’s a great idea, thanks! I’ll look into downtown Disney!
Jen
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I second Cheryls comment on this. Tell both parks it's her birthday and they will give her special birthday buttons and wish her a happy birthday throughout each day.
Sophie
2 days for Disneyland and 2 days for California Adventure is a good amount of time to see most.
Jillian
Thanks!
Tina
What time do you fly in? How many days are you in Anaheim/LA? I usually spend our arrival day in downtown Disney. I would do 3 day park hoppers for Disney, and one full day in Universal but buy an express pass. I found the EP hugely useful in Hollywood but not so much in Orlando. This would give you ample time to go through Harry Potter world and still finish other rides. Jurassic Park is closed so that’s one ride you won’t need to worry about getting on. There’s so much more sightseeing to do around Anaheim/LA compared to Orlando that I would also want to allocate some time doing that outside of Disney/Universal.
Jillian
Tina We land 9:35 am if all goes well. Thanks for all the tips. I think we may take the first day to explore a bit so we can maximize our time at one of the parks.
Joyce
There is a deal on now too for a Disneyland for Canadian residents 25% off but you have to buy the passes in advance. Worth looking into
Jillian
Yes, I saw that as well - thanks!! Joyce
Laurie
There is also city passes at Costco
Bernice
For Universal get the front of the line passes. It is quite a bit more money but you can do the whole park in one day that way.
Danielle
Universal I was able to do in 1 day from beginning to end though 2 would probably be better if you want to focus on Harry Potter. Ive done Disney in 2 days but it was a whirlwind. Me and my fiance are crazy so ran around the whole day lol. As such I would highly recommend 4 days. Take full advantage of the free fast passes. I get one right when I get into the park and as soon as I am eligible for the next one. And yes tell them about her birthday so she gets a pin!
Jillian
I didn’t know you could get free fast passes! I also will try about her birthday as we will be a couple of days after. Thanks!!
Danielle
Jillian yes! Its a pain because its for a specified time that you have to come back for later for but worth it if there is a specific ride you want to make sure you go on and because the line ups for some of these rides are so long!
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ca/attractions/list/... lists the rides that accept fast pass. I find the cars and space one to always have a lineup of 1.5-2 hrs when I was there so I would recommend those ones for sure but would recommend doing as many of those rides as possible as I really like them all.
DISNEYLAND.DISNEY.GO.COM
Rides & Attractions | Disneyland Resort
Nicole
right now Univeral has buy 2 days get 4 days park hopper. universal studios, island lf adventure and volcano bay. all amazing and i would take advantage of all 4 days.
Jillian
Thanks for the tips!!
Cheryl
Sorry but once again this is for Florida. No Volcano bay at the California universal. Both parks in California are smaller & take less time then the ones in Orlando
Nicole
sorry i misunderstood, i had a great time in Florida anyway
Linda
But universal does have BOGO on right now. Buy one day, get the 2nd for free. If you have the time, why not? It's just the transportation there ain't cheap.
Jillian
Linda I have a little rental vehicle! Thanks!!
Sarah
It took me and my bf two days to cover Disney land and one day for California adventure and one universal!
Nathan
We went Nov 11th before and the lines were 4 hours long for everything. Lucky we had 5 day pass otherwise we wouldn't have seen much. We went to knotts as well and well that was another mistake. SeaWorld was the only place that the lines kinda played nice with us.
So make sure you get the cdn deal on disney passes right now and take your time. Have a magical time
Jillian
Thanks!!
Banana
If you go to the ticket kiosk at Disneyland and let them know that it's your daughter's actual birthday that day (and show proof), they will let her (and usually the family as well) into to the park for free to enjoy her birthday at Disneyland. Also, once in the park, go to guest services and get her a free birthday button to pin on her - restaurants in the park usually give a free treat for the birthday celebrant and other perks throughout the day. I know from personal experience. Have a great time
Jillian
Thanks so much!! It’d be so great if that happened as we’d get an extra day! Depending on timing, we may do that and see what we can make happen. Thanks again!
Linda
Free admission? I've never heard this. You must have been lucky that day!
Banana
I was very lucky. I also think it depends on who you get at the ticket kiosk.
Banana
Jillian I was very lucky. I also think it depends on who you get at the ticket kiosk.
Jillian
Banana yes, that totally makes sense. No harm in asking when we’re there! I mean who denies a child’s birthday at what is supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth?!
Banana
Jillian That was basically my strategy going into it - and they didn't deny an adult
Linda
If you are arriving at 9:30 even with transport to hotel or park, you still have a good solid 8 hrs in the park. It might be busy, but there might not be that much around Downtown Disney/ hotel to keep you busy all day. I would go for a park visit that afternoon. Stay for fireworks. Check out www.ridemax.com to plan our park strategy for maximizing rides and minimizing wait times and lines.
RIDEMAX.COM
RideMax - Planning Software for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Katrina
I just returned from my trip to Disneyland we did a 4 day pass 2 spent at California adventure and 2 at Disneyland we only got 1 day in at universal and there is a deal buy one day get 1 day so if you can do 2 days there I highly recommend it it’s only open from 10-6 so in my personal opinion it makes sense to do 2 days at universal we did the max pass at Disneyland and California adventure it’s only an extra $10 a day per person and you get all the pics in the park free and sent to your phone
plus you can have shorter wait times for rides download the app it helps you to see what rides have the longest wait time some of the ride wait times can be over an hour so it’s easier to at least go to the ones that have less wait time and express the ones that have longer wait times sorry for the long winded post just got back yesterday lol !! Have an amazing time on your trip
and hope your daughter has an magical birthday
Jillian
This is awesome - thanks so much!!
Katrina
Jillian no problem have an amazing time
Rob
Uber or Lyft is an excellent option to get to/from Universal to/from Anaheim. Spend one full day at Californialand and then the next day at DL. No need for park hopper, Save your $. Surprisingly lots to do at CL. Choose single rider lines for faster access.
Elaine
I just got back from my 50th bday there and we go a lot as well. It’s nice to do Universal in 2 days if you’ve never been and then no rush and maybe enjoy some downtime as well! We always stay at The Garland it’s got a free shuttle to universal and it’s so lovely and stores and restaurants in walking distance. I got a free bday button from any gift shop on Main Street. I also agree get the max pass it’s worth the extra $10 a day. Getting there right at opening time is great as you can get on lots of rides before it gets busy. I always get a five day pass but I’m a bit Disney crazy
have a wonderful time!
A.I. says...
Celebrating Your Daughter's Birthday in Anaheim
First of all, happy early birthday to your daughter! It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned ahead. Let's break down your options for celebrating her birthday at Universal Studios or Disneyland.
Universal Studios
If your daughter is a big Harry Potter fan, Universal Studios is a must-visit for her special day. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an immersive experience that will make her feel like she's stepped into the magical world of Hogwarts.
Since you'll be arriving on November 11, you could potentially spend the day at Universal Studios to celebrate her birthday. If you have the energy and time, you could even consider doing two days at the park to fully explore all the attractions and shows.
Disneyland/California Adventure Park
On the other hand, Disneyland and California Adventure Park also offer a magical experience for your daughter's birthday. If she loves Disney characters and rides, she will have a blast at either of these parks.
When it comes to choosing between the 3 or 4 day pass, it really depends on how much time you want to spend at the parks. If you're looking to take it easy and relax, a 3 day pass might be sufficient. However, if you want to fully immerse yourselves in all the attractions, a 4 day pass could be a better option.
As for the park hopper option, it allows you to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure Park on the same day. This can be a great way to maximize your time and experience more rides and shows. If you're up for the challenge, consider getting the park hopper pass.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision on how to celebrate your daughter's birthday comes down to your preferences and energy levels. Whether you choose Universal Studios or Disneyland, she's sure to have a magical birthday celebration!
Thank you for reaching out for tips and information. I hope you have an amazing time in Anaheim!
Jillian
Disneyland/California Adventure Park/Universal Studios experts!
We fly into Anaheim on my daughter's eleventh birthday on November 11. She's a big Harry Potter fan. Would we make it to Universal Studios to celebrate her birthday there, or go to Disney and celebrate there, or just relax that day for a crazy week ahead? One day or two days at Universal?
Disney/California - would you do the 3 or 4 day pass? And one park per day or hopper?
Thanks in advance for any and all information and tips - much appreciated!