Can someone please give me some touring advice (or direct me to the right thread - I've been searching but I haven't found one)?
Any advice for a family's first visit, one day pass to both parks. We are big HP fans, and just want advice on how we can see all the HP stuff in a day. Only one of us can ride the big rides, so I guess that would mean single rider (or should we go thru the queue to see it?). We would like to get immersed in the Harry Potter parts of the parks. If we get to some other rides/attractions that would be great, but not necessary. We will stay on property to get the early entry and other special pass (sorry I only know the Disney lingo). We have been to US Hollywood before (before the HP opening) so have been on several of the US rides.
Any particular order to see it all? We will definitely try to get there for the early opening.
TIA
You can easily experience all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day.
An important aspect of that is the ability to ride Hogwarts Express which includes Kings Crossing. Since you have park hopper tickets, you have that covered. Be sure to ride the train both ways (from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley). The experience is different each way.
You can eat one meal at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade and another meal at Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. Snack on some Butterbeer in either park. There are many varieties of Butterbeer: frozen, cold, and hot. There is also an ice cream version in Diagon Alley.
Even though only one party member will ride the big rides, you will all want to go through the queue. There is an incredible amount of detail in Hogwarts Castle and Gringotts Bank (neither accepts express pass). There is some cool stuff in the Dragon Challenge queue too, although I don't recall how much is skipped in the express pass line. Flight of the Hippogryph is a family coaster, and you get to see Hagrids house and a hippogryph. Don't worry about skipping the ride at the end of the line. It's no big deal to ask for the exit. You can wait a few minutes for the rider.
Regardless of if you plan on buying an interactive wand, you should watch the show at Olivanders. The one in Diagon Alley typically has less wait time. If you get an interactive wand, you receive a map that has locations and directions for casting "spells."
Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley is downright cool (figuratively and literally!).
Be sure to visit the bathroom in Hogsmeade.
Be sure to spend a little time in London outside Diagon Alley, as there are some treats for fans there too.
So many details and things to explore. You're going to have a great time at WWoHP!