First Time Universal - ? about tix

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!

If you get there around 7:30/ 8:00 you should be fine getting your tickets and getting into IOA. They usually let guests in around 10 minutes early. Definitely go to Hogsmead first. It's shorter if you go to the right through Seuss Landing. My daughter loved Hagrids Motorcycle Adventure. Make sure you go on Forbidden Journey....it's incredible. I really like the Hogswart Express train between the two parks. Diagon Alley and Hogsmead are my favorite areas. I could easily spend the day there. The bathroom in Hogsmead has Moaning Myrtle... so funny. Three Broomsticks is really good. The apple pie is humongous and can be shared by many. Have fun!!!

We always go for one day...we buy ticket in advance to avoid lines. Go to Hogsmeade first and ride the Gringotts ride a couple of times. Then take the train over to Hogwarts and do the three rides there. We have lunch at the three broomsticks...and take the train back to Hogsmeade and now tour around the shops and The dark alleyways. We have dinner at the Leaky Caldron.