Beat the Crowds at Wizarding World Harry Potter Park

by on July 28, 2010


When is the best time to visit the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park?  The reviews are in and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is packed!  I visited, last week and I had to leave, because people were running over my two children and I was uncomfortable with their safety.  The Owlery looked like it was excreting people out of it's sides it was so packed with people.  There was a 100 yard line to get into Dervish & Banges -- at the back door!!

All this being said, Universal Orlando opened the new theme park during the busiest time for any park in Orlando.  They're all busy and packed and hot.  So, when is the best time to visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park?

As with any travel destination, Orlando has cycles with crowded times and less crowded times.  Summer is the middle of the busiest time.  Right after summer, though, begins a much slower time until closer to Halloween.  Here's a list of the slower times in Orlando.

  • September, after Labor Day until just before Halloween
  • 2nd and 3rd week of December
  • January -- after New Year's Day

There's a few other slower weeks interspersed throughout the year, but these are the least busy times of the year in Orlando and should be the least busy at the Harry Potter park.  None of the slow times will correspond to a school vacation day.  When families have time off from school, they go to Orlando.


Got your tickets for the new Harry Potter theme park? Let us help you out!

  • http://twitter.com/Duchess_99 Sarah McGovern

    What about time of day? Would you recommend getting there first thing in the morning? I'm planning on doing the Harry Potter “rope drop.” :)

  • Lily4days

    Is the Forbidden Journey too scary for a 6 year old?

  • http://www.therealtimjones.com Tim_Jones

    Hi Lily4days,

    I have a 6 year old son and I would not let him go on the ride. Just too many scary parts and some things that are designed for someone at least a bit older. This is only my personal opinion as a dad.

  • http://www.therealtimjones.com Tim_Jones

    Right now, it seems that the best time to go is later in the afternoon to evening. It doesn’t take too long to get through the park and everyone is intent on going “first thing” to Wizarding World. Additionally, if you go right away in the morning, you’re going to be in the park during the hottest part of the day with crowds of people. Doesn’t sound like fun to me…

  • http://www.therealtimjones.com Tim_Jones

    Hi Lily4days,

    I have a 6 year old son and I would not let him go on the ride. Just too many scary parts and some things that are designed for someone at least a bit older. This is only my personal opinion as a dad.

  • http://www.therealtimjones.com Tim_Jones

    Right now, it seems that the best time to go is later in the afternoon to evening. It doesn't take too long to get through the park and everyone is intent on going “first thing” to Wizarding World. Additionally, if you go right away in the morning, you're going to be in the park during the hottest part of the day with crowds of people. Doesn't sound like fun to me…

  • Hannahjr

    I was curious as to how long it takes to do the harry potter world. More than one day?

  • http://www.guide2disney.com/blog Tim_Jones

    Definitely not more than one day…I’ve gone through the whole island in a couple hours when it’s not busy. It’s not a huge area and only has 3 rides, 1 restaurant, and 3 shops.

  • http://www.guide2disney.com/blog Tim_Jones

    Definitely not more than one day…I’ve gone through the whole island in a couple hours when it’s not busy. It’s not a huge area and only has 3 rides, 1 restaurant, and 3 shops.

  • http://www.guide2disney.com/blog Tim_Jones

    Definitely not more than one day…I’ve gone through the whole island in a couple hours when it’s not busy. It’s not a huge area and only has 3 rides, 1 restaurant, and 3 shops.

  • pdunkygurl

    are sundays busy at harry potter world> what a dumb ?>?? I am going nxt wk spring break?

  • NitazNest

    We will visit Universal for the first time in a week and a half. What kind of crowding or long lines can we expect? I have a feeling we’ll be spending most of the day in the Harry Potter area. :)

  • Danielle

    Just got back fron Universal…..not crowded at all…no more than 15 min wait for anything.  Best time of the year to go!!

  • Hyunjin Na08

    I’m planning to go on the Friday on the first week of January. Is that a bad time?

  • http://therealtimjones.me Tim_Jones

    This SHOULD be a good time, although you may have some crowds from people extending their Christmas vacation time.  However, you shouldn’t see the capacity crowds they’ve had, this week.

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