I'm not a total HP fan, but I went to the 2 Universal parks while down there on Saturday 11/8. Here was my non-guided strategy that worked OK for me for the big ticket HP rides. (I did walk around and enjoy the scenery a bit, but no shopping really)
I initially was considering trying to do all of IOA first, as USF was open an hour later in the evening, but then decided with Diagon Alley being newer in USF, I should do USF first if trying to get in the HP attractions (which was probably a very good idea).
I arrived at the gate right around park opening, maybe 9:05. Made my way to the back with everyone else doing the same thing. Rode Gringott's via single rider line, I think I was out within about 1/2 hour (actual waiting in line time - might have been posted more like 45 to 1 1/2 hours for normal line, and if you want to get a better view of the scenery, that's the way to go since you skip most of that on single rider queue). After Gringott's, I walked around the streets just to take some of it in, stayed long enough to get a nice pic of the dragon on top of Gringott's Bank breathing his fire (after being startled by it the first time - I think it does it's thing ~ every 10 minutes).
Took the train over to IOA (no wait, probably was less than 10-15 minutes from entering the station and showing park admission until I was on a train going to IOA). Went on Forbidden Journey, wait was probably about 1 hour, but there was a temporary breakdown involved within that hour. (single rider, I believe ? - the queue started outside in the area that looks quite a bit like a greenhouse before making it's way into the rooms where the pictures are animated and the library room.)
After Forbidden Journey, did the Dragon Challenge coasters, but I think you can do these whenever you want - wait was only 10 minutes (while we missed the other HP rides due to long lines, I had done this ride in August with my brother in law on a trip with my sister's family - I think it was only 10 minutes even in August). This coaster also actually does participate in Express Pass if you have gone for that. Did Red first, then Blue (but I don't know if one is really much more popular than the other)
Since I was in HP land, decided I had to try the legendary Butter Beer. I'll admit I wasn't really a fan, but it was bearable. Probably should have tried the Pumpkin Juice instead.
Not probably as action packed a morning if it was planned better, but worked for me. It was just about the right time for an early lunch at that point, so I started walking through the various IOA areas and got a quick burger at the Jurrasic Park area before doing other attractions. Not too bad - if you count the train as a ride, I did 5 rides and browsed and took some photos in less than 3 hours. With 2 rides being the HP big tickets (and having to go between the 2 parks), I consider that decent.
I did see lots of people in line for the Olivander's attraction while I was roaming. It was cool to see some kids playing with the wands that trigger elements of the scenery as you walk around.
BTW, I did really enjoy Forbidden Journey and Gringott's! Awesome rides even if you are not a true HP fan!
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