Universal Studios and Port Carneveral

[MotherofAurora]

Hi, we are going on a cruise in September, and are staying two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel before cruise. I'm just wondering if we will have any time to go to IOA in the morning before leaving for cruiseport? How long is the drive from Universal to Port Carneveral cruise port? We are planning on hiring a town car to pick us up. And will be getting in one our before opening at the park. If you know any good car companies don't hesitate to let me know

Hope someone can help

Kari

[Soupernerd]

I live in Florida, and if you are planning on going to IOA the morning of your cruise, I don't think you will really get a lot done. The lines can get ridiculous, especially if you have your heart set on seeing Harry Potter. Haven't been since it opened, npbut I have heard from friends that sometimes there is a wait just to get into the Harry Potter area, and then more waiting for the rides. If you want to get on your cruise relatively early, you may only be able to do a few things. Keep in mind when you get to port there is more lines and security. Not sure how far it is from Universal.

[Arzeena]

NO.
That is not enough time. Universal is about 1 hour away from Port Canaveral. You have to factor in the long lines at every ride. The above poster is right about the Harry Potter rides..... 4 hr plus wait at times. I think there is a fast pass available, but you cannot use it on any Harry Potter rides.
Why not go to Universal on one of the days that you are overnighting at the Hard Rock?

[suezyq50]

I wouldn't go. I would be at port at 10ish and be on the ship by noon.

[kitty9]

Definitely not enough time for any park. It's about an hour, without traffic, to get to the cruise port. You really want to get there before noon. The lines at the park are terrible, and just getting in to park can take forever.

[dswift008]

If you go right at 7 when the parks open for hotel guests you could have a few hours. The only things that are open before 8 are Harry Potter world and *********. We were just there over spring break when it is extremely busy and being onsite guests the lines were not bad.

You could repeat some of your favorite rides and then head to the port.

[hubofhockey]

Lines can be avoided with express passes. But even with the passes, you're selling yourself short at IOA, the greatest theme park anywhere.

[MotherofAurora]

Hi again, I should have written that we are doing both parks on the saturday, so it would have been a repeat visit to mostly the HP part of IOA. Thank you all then I know not to try that and save tickets for after our cruise, when we are not staying on site. Thanks again!

[hubofhockey]

Well, when you stay on site, you get free express passes, which allow you to skip the lines at just about all of the major attractions. It will double or triple the amount of attractions that you can do in one day. It sells for $40 to $50 extra per person and reason enough to stay at onsite hotels. How much time is Harry Potter part of park really worth? That's for you to decide. The motion video ride is very good. The other major ride is a coaster. To me, the new spider man ride and the old Do-Right Ripsaw Falls are still better than anything at HP.