If we want to do HP as well as some Disney stuff, it is best to stay on Universal or on Disney? Also, would it be worth hiring a VIP guide?

We just came back and it gets super HOT there very quickly. I almost felt faint in the HP section of the park. It is super crowded and very narrow so it was wall to wall people. We went on the ride after a 90 min wait. It wasn't so bad b/c they have lots of fans and the line felt like it was always moving. The lockers were terrible though so leave your bags with someone who isn't going on the ride. Definitely try butter beer. Very sweet but refreshing!

Sorry to hijack, but I have a question: How old should the kids be, ideally?

My son is 9 and has read the books, and would love to go, but my daughter is 4... she won't get anything out of it, right?

Thanks.

We have only been to the HP section at Islands of Adventure, so I can't advise on the new section at Universal Studios.

I think probably the best way to take advantage of your time there, if budget allows, is to stay at a Universal hotel so that you have the early admission option. We did not do this, but are considering it for our next trip.

Barring that, the approach that worked for us was to show up early and be in line at park opening, then go directly through the park to the Harry Potter section. Getting in line for either the Forbidden Journey or for Ollivander's Wand Shop is probably your best bet, because the queues for both will get longer and longer as the day goes on.

Getting there first thing, we were able to knock out the Forbidden Journey, the wand shop, the smaller roller coaster a couple of times, walk through the shops, and eat lunch at the Three Broomsticks -- all before noon. We didn't ride the Dueling Dragons coaster but we had time to buy wands and take pictures in Honeydukes candy store and Zonko's Joke Shop.

By noon-1 PM that section of the park was getting very crowded, so it was the perfect time to move on to other things.

Buy the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disnwy World. There's a section on Universal in there and specifics on getting thru HP world.

Be aware that Universal is nowhere near as organized as Disney. Ex: the entrance area to the huge HP ride is an absolute cluster, in the dark locker area where you have to leave your belongings. Also, Univerdal likes to shake the heck out of you and call it a great ride. A lot of their rides are like being shaken around in a big video game and the HP rides are no exception.

I want to take the kids this year and am planning ahead. If you have done HP world, please advise away. What is the easiest way to do everything in a short amount of time?