All right.

We are finally going to take a day and go to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure - primarily to take in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

We will not be staying on property, looking at 1 day ticket with the 2-park-per-day option.

We are planning on going the Monday after HHN closes for the season. (fingers crossed this will be advantageous for lower crowds)

My question is, do you recommend buying your tickets in advance and once you do, do you have to go to a guest relations window to trade in a voucher for the "actual ticket'?

Since we are going to be coming from off-site, I want to make sure we don't lose any valuable early morning time, and I just want to know the logistics for getting into the park.

Also, my plan of action is to be in line 1 hr before park opens at Islands of Adventure to have a chance to ride Hagrid's...is this the right strategy?

Thank you!