Need help navigating Harry Potter World in FL

Made a serious promise to my child to take her to Harry Potter World in Florida. Now I have to follow through but I *never* go to theme parks so I know nothing about navegating them. I hate waiting on 1-2 hour lines and I also hate paying way too much money for access. That being said, any tips on when to go to HPW (which days, months, times etc) and what are your recommendations for a laid-back, yet fun time there? Thanks for your help in advance.

Following -- we're in the same situation.

Went before they added the Diagon Alley part.

Went over Thanksgiving 2 years ago - I think that Friday.

Park empty - EXCEPT for HP. Every single person was there. Could have a did ride most of the non-HP rides without a wait at all. HP rides - 90 min+, food in the 3 Broomsticks - 45 min wait. Getting into the wand shop - insane.

And yet - I promised to do it again...insane...

Stay on property right at Universal. That gets you early access. Be lined up and ready to enter the them park about 30-40 minutes before that opening time. It really isn't as bad as some make it out to be. If you do the early access you'll have a solid 2 hrs before it gets packed and should be able to do the main rides. Do this over 2-3 days and it'll be pretty relaxing and not packed

Time of year? Probably first few weeks of September after school goes back but before Halloween stuff starts. The few weeks after New Years are decent also but you may have cold weather. Early December is probably okay too although it has gotten more crowded lately as people come to see all the decorations.

Actually went one year ago this week

They've made waiting in line for the rides part of the experience Really can't complain but my kid is a big older than yours !!

I'll ask LilMissLL to get in touch. She's been there three times now and might have some tips

It was a terrific experience for ME

Really need to echo the comment about staying on-site and getting early access. That made a huge difference to me - I was able to walk quickly (no running allowed) and literally be the first person at Hogsmede. I was able to knock out everything I wanted with no real wait. Of course, if the crowds are larger when you go your experience may be different.

We usually go the weekend before Thanksgiving and it's always dead. We're going in early November this year to accommodate another side-trip, but I'll try to remember to get back here and let everyone know how it goes.

PS - I totally get your comment about balancing lines and paying too much for access. I made this decision years and years ago... if I can have a great experience while I'm there, I'm willing to pay. My theory is that we don't go very often, it actually makes sense to spend the money and get the maximum experience possible.

We do this at Dorney as well - only an hour away, but we don't go more than once per year and that one time it's wonderful to have express access to almost everything. For Universal and Islands, having that unlimited express pass and early Harry Potter access is a really, really big deal.

You need to make sure you have the pass to both parks. Hogsmeade is in one park and Diagon Alley in the other. You can take the Hogswart Express to go between the two if you have the pass that is good for both parks.

Otherwise, there's nothing much to know. I would say to go on the November teacher's convention weekend or on our April break on a year when it is not attached to Easter.

They have an app that gives waiting times at the various attractions and that really worked for us.

I went with 14 and 16 year old's and it was a completely magical experience for all of us--and we are not theme park fans. We were in Diagon Alley one evening practically alone (there was a parade going on somewhere and it was a week night). It had rained and the streetlights were gleaming off of the wet cobblestones.... we all want to go back!!!

If you can go at a time that isn't max capacity I don't think the extra money for the fast pass (or whatever it's called) is worth it, as it can't be used at the two big Harry Potter attractions anyway.

We stayed out at the Cabana Bay, and while you do have to take a shuttle bus (rather than the boats that you can take from the other hotels) it has 2 great pools and a handy food court. Plus Starbucks. Staying there you get the early access but not the express pass thing.

Also, plenty of other fun things to do besides the Harry Potter stuff. We loved the Simpson's ride, as well as spider man, etc.

Drinking Duff Dry (very, very similar to Guinness) at Moe's Bar is a lot more fun than you'd imagine it would be.

I'm afraid it is going to be mostly Harry Potter for this trip. We've got some beaches to hit!

Thanks for the help. Keep it coming, if you think it would be helpful. No idea is too small!

p.s. hotel reccommendations? Places to eat?

You need to stay on site at Universal if you want to get the early access so your choices are limited. They have about 5 resorts now to choose from, upscale to casual. Portofino Bay is my favorite- nice pool, a bit more upscale. Cabana Bay is their newest resort - more of a budget resort but brand new and the rooms are suites so there's lots of space.