If you want to “open” the park be one of the first to arrive at the gates and ask a Universal employee. They give you a script and it is a fun way to start your Universal visit.
1. Open the Parks (Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure)
There are 2 regular character dining options at Universal. They are Despicable Me Character breakfast at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Here you can meet Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and the Minions.
Universal also offers seasonal Halloween Horror Night dining as well as Grinch Character breakfast during the holidays. Also note that the characters can be met at the park and often have short lines.
One of the best things to do at Universal is to visit during the holidays. They have special activities at Universal Studios with the Macy’s Holiday Parade as well as a Seuss Landing Grinch transformation at Islands of Adventure.
There are two locations of Ollivanders Wand shop at Universal. One is at Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and the other is at Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.
They both offer shows where a lucky person in the audience will get picked by a wand. At the end of the show you can then purchase the wand, it is not given to you.
There are over 20 spells to cast throughout the parks and you are given a map with your wand purchase. Some spells are easier than others and there are people around that can help if you get stuck.
6. Act Like a Wizard at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Both locations of The Wizarding World have Butter Beer. It is a sweet drink and often a little too sweet for some. I prefer the frozen variety and like to share one with the kids when we visit.
7. Try Butter Beer Frozen, Hot, or Cold at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter