Critique a newbie's plan...please!

[ItsNotMuchofaTail]

I am a Universal newbie (essentially) taking my Potterhead 13 year old for 3 days (Saturday-Monday - this week - EEK!). We are staying onsite and we will have 3 day park to park and express passes. My DD has mild special needs (high functioning autism), doesn't like thrill rides and she really hates dinosaurs (which knocks out lots of stuff for us I know). Our main interest is the WWoHP. Please critique my plan, I am in full panic mode (I plan my WDW trips for a year and decided to do this as a 13th birthday extravaganza only 1 month ago).

Friday night- arrival around 8:00 pm, shuttle to hotel (Cabana Bay)
Saturday - up early to EE park, go immediately to Ollivander's, then Gringotts (I think thats the park). Spend some time in the WW, ride Hogwarts Express probably, see what other rides are of interest (I know she will want to do the minions one). Break after lunch at hotel because we want to See Fall Out Boy that night (when should we go back to the park? where should we watch the parade?).
Sunday - Sleep in a little, will not arrive for EE. Use express pass (since its costing me $, lol) for anything she wants wherever we can, probably not the EE park this time. I expect to wander around WW a lot of the time every day, she would probably just stay there and soak it in to be honest. BUt she also wants to see the Seuss stuff. I know she is hoping to swim, so maybe back to the hotel for dinner and s'mores or something.
Monday - Up early, back to WW. Definitely ride Hogwarts Express both ways, do Forbidden Journey (she thinks she can do it), make final purchases of copious amounts of HP stuff. Do anything else she wants to do, I am hoping this will be my lowest crowd day, all days are rated as moderate crowds on the calendar I looked at, but this is a 3 or 4, the weekend days are 5 or 6.
Tuesday - sleep, leisurely breakfast or whatever, shuttle to airport for 2:20 flight

So, what am I missing? What am I doing wrong? My DD can't tour "commando" style, so I am very focused on gettting her to see everything in WW we can, and anything else is a bonus. She doesn't know about Fall Out Boy, but loves them so we will try it, there is a chance she won't make it the whole time.

Also, she wants to eat at the HP themed restaurants, any meal better or worse? Is it a long wait?

I have read a bunch of threads and TRs, but I still feel very overwhelmed, no matter how many times people tell me its "easier" than a WDW trip.

Thanks!

 

[damo]

Sounds like you will just be doing a lot of stuff as it comes. IMHO that is the very best way. She might enjoy an interactive wand and can use a lot of time trying spells and such. Don't forget to do Knockturn Alley.

Food is fine at both HP restaurants. Don't forget to have some butterbeer ice cream!!! The specialty drinks are fun too.

 

[dixonsontour]

It sounds like you will have a great time. With early entry and paying for express 1 day you will be fine.

I think your plan to start in Diagon Alley is good and Universal Studiosis the EE park. Agree an interactive wand is a must do, my Dd loves it and it is a great way to notice the details. Thereare shows in both harry potter areas too.

We liked the breakfast in leaky cauldron in diagon alley, you just walk in quick service. We have also eaten in 3 broomsticks in Hogsmeade and enjoyed it.

Your plan for lots of time shopping and looking is good. Remember the public conveniences to hear moaning myrtle. If she changes her mind about forbidden journey she can walk through the castle.

We love Cabana bay. There will be films by the pool often harry potter ones and the lazy river is fun.

 

[macraven]

Go to www.universalorlando.com and see what rides, eateries , first aide, restroom, etc are in the parks

Read the descriptions of the rides and shows so you will have a better idea of what you don't want to miss

Hope your vacation is super for both of you