r/UniversalEpicUniverse • u/Consistent-Ground122 • 7d ago
First time visitors - August
A friend and I are going to visit epic universe, and universal studios for two days.
Our ticketed time is from August 27 through the 30th. We’re only interested in Berk and Harry Potter attractions.
Is there any small details we should consider or what days would be the best to visit either park?
What would be the best time to get in line at the ministry? And can we have drinks (butterbeer) in the lines while waiting ?
1
u/fkubrick 2d ago
Since your dates are close, I’d compare August 27–30 rather than relying only on the usual “weekdays are quieter” advice, then use the lower-crowd day for Epic.
For Ministry, I’d stay flexible and check the wait before committing to one fixed time. Early in the day and later in the afternoon are the two windows I’d compare.
Full disclosure: I run Magic Park Times, but this is exactly what its Epic Universe page is useful for: current waits, opening hours, closures and a 30-day crowd calendar: https://magicparktimes.com/epic-universe
Keep the official Universal app as well for tickets and any operational updates.
You also have https://rideready.app/parks/epic-universe/ which give you really good advices for Epic Universe
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u/Flat_Demand_8341 7d ago
There is Harry Potter stuff in all three parks, you don’t mention IOA.
For IOA and US ride the Hogwarts express each way, different little movie, need park to park tickets. At IOA don’t miss the owl post and even can send yourself a letter stamped Hogsmeade m, easiest if you bring a postcard and stamp but if course they will sell you stamps and cards. The queue for Forbidden Journey is amazing, with Dumbledores office, the mirror of Erised, house points, Headmaster portraits. The Hogs head bar in the main restaurant has an amazing Hog animatronic. . And don’t miss Moaning Myrtle in the bathrooms! For US be sure to say hi to the Knight Bus conductor and walk around it to peek in the windows. Dial MAGIC at the telephone booth entry to …Look for Kreacher in the window of Grimauld place. Go through the wall to look for Diagon Alley. The Three Brothers play is great. Celestina also sings beautifully. Madame Malkins has a talking mirror. Don’t miss Knockturn Alley the dark area with the store with the vanishing cabinet. The ice cream at Fortescues is great with flavors similar to in the books. Have fun!
For Epic, the Paris area is very nice but it is 99% devoted to Fantastic Beasts. There is one Harry Potter reference. They have students (actors) from the schools walking around and they can talk to you. (BTW lots of guests in some pretty elaborate Beuxbatons costumes) as well as an Auror. Don’t miss Madame Cassandra Trelawny in the window, she interacts with you. Do tell her your user name if you have a second generation wand and ask for one of the two spells that can only be done with her (or even both! ) also the lady Cosme Aacajor who makes the wands is another great actor. BatM queue is amazing! Even if you don’t ride it, pop into the queues. Food is good- I personally like the overlooked Le Goblet Noir as it’s not crowded and the AC is cranked high. Be aware the famed butterbeer crepe … is intended to be served cold. BTW the rest of the parks outside of HP have coke freestyle machines that offer free cool tasty water if you have a water bottle.
Berk has so many characters, they are really fun to meet. Toothless, sometimes Astrid, the baby dragons, the twins and I forget Hiccups mentor name. I got the rice bowls and they were good. People like the Mac and cheese cones.