Universal Orlando has implemented a new “FastPass” style system to replace the manual process of handing out return tickets for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Until this past weekend, Universal would manually provide return time tickets for the Wizarding World on busy days in the park. Similar to Disney’s FastPass system on rides, guests would receive a ticket that allowed them access to the island at a certain time, later in the day.
Now, Universal has installed new kiosks that went into operation on July 9th that allows guests to get these return tickets. Guests will still have an option to wait in a standby line to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The kiosks are located outside the Sinbad Stunt Show in the Lost Continent and near the Triceratops Encounter at Jurassic Park. I went by to look at the kiosks and learn a little more about how they work. After some searching around, I found the kiosks somewhat hidden near the Lost Continent fountain and next to the Sinbad archway.
On the day I visited, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was not busy, so the kiosks were not in use. Since there were at least 10 Universal employees “standing guard” at the kiosks, I asked a few questions about the process.
- You do not need your park admission ticket to get a Wizarding World return time ticket. The kiosks are just touch screen and you enter the number of people in your party and the kiosks spits out the tickets.
- The kiosks will only be used during busy days in the park. As I mentioned, on the day I visited, they were not being used, behind chains, and guarded by Universal employees. This seemed really strange to me.
- Similar to the FastPass system, as the kiosks distribute more return tickets, your return time will be later in the day. Without the need of using your park admission ticket, I can see an abuse of this system.
- This is a return ticket for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, NOT a specific ride, like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! The Harry Potter ride is still standby only.
Although the return time tickets are supposed to eliminate the need to stand in a standby line, the kiosks themselves had a standby line.
This struck me as funny. You?
Book your Harry Potter and Universal Orlando package or theme park tickets today!
Want to get all our tips and tricks for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? We wrote a travel guide for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade! We included all our tips and tricks that we’ve learned over the last year to make your visit to the Wizarding World as magical as possible. Be sure to check it out!
Get your Harry Potter theme park souvenirs from the official Harry Potter shop, the WB Shop!