Best time to ride Hogwarts Express with low waits?

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Maybe it's not the best use of park time, but since we'll have EP and multiple trip reports have cited long waits for Hogwarts Express even with EP, I'm wondering when in the day would be the best time to try to ride it. Also, are you allowed to have snacks/drinks with you in line? Was thinking of hitting up Florean's right before getting in line to minimize whining from my little muggles. Thanks!

 

[ClapYourHands]

Also, are you allowed to have snacks/drinks with you in line? Was thinking of hitting up Florean's right before getting in line to minimize whining from my little muggles. Thanks!

I don’t think so. Masks are optional outside while walking around, but still need to be worn in queues and on rides. On both sides, the queues get pretty packed, and it’s entirely indoors on the Diagon Alley side.

I mean, no one minds if you take a quick sip of water and put your mask back on, which we did because it was hot, but you’re not supposed to have it off the way you’d need to for full on snack time

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

I hear ya. I was thinking by December some of those restrictions might be lifted. But if they're not of course we would keep ours on.

 

[ClapYourHands]

I hear ya. I was thinking by December some of those restrictions might be lifted. But if they're not of course we would keep ours on.

Keep checking because things may be really different by then.

As to your original question, the lines aren’t that bad if you have EP. Keep checking the app, and I’m sure you’ll find some low standby times as well.

One option is to go to the park that does NOT have early access, and go directly to the Hogwarts Express. It seems like a lot of people go for early access, and then line up to use the train to park hop, so that side usually builds up quite a line. But the other park typically has a much shorter wait.

But honestly, you should be fine with EP, and if you’re still worried, check the app at a few different times a day shortly before your trip to get a sense of wait time patterns. A lot can change between now and then.