First time visit with AP and Harry Potter fans- Where to start?

[robfamily]

We leave next week for our first visit to Universal. We are going to Disney first and then heading to Universal for 2 days. We are buying an annual pass and plan to make a few more trips back this year. So my question is where should be start in the parks? I have a 8 yo and 10 yo who are huge Potter fans and like thrill rides. 10 yo can handle any ride and 8 yo can handle most (he says he likes Rock N Roller at DHS, but is a little scared). We plan to go Universal on Thurs Oct. 6 and Fri Oct. 7. My kids do not like to wake up early so I guess that we won't make it into the parks until about 1pm. I also know my 8 yo wants to buy an interactive wand and use that in the parks. Since we won't have much time in the parks I am thinking about starting out with the Hogwarts express and then heading over to Ollivanders. After that walking around diagon alley and watch a show. Then try to ride Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. Is this feasible for the the first day? Also what rides are a must for the first trip? I know my 10 y.o. is most excited about thrill rides. I want them to have a memorable first trip, but don't want to be too rushed. Any suggestions?

 

[StarWarsJez]

I personally would start over in Diagon Alley, do Gringotts there and then get the train over to Hogsmeade.

IF (big if I know) you could get the train over to Hogsmeade early evening then it would be incredibly immersive as the train attraction video has you arrive at Hogsmeade at night. So your kids would be coming off the train and entering the village under darkness. Amazing!

 

[pcstang]

Are you staying deluxe onsite at UO?

 

[robfamily]

Are you staying deluxe onsite at UO?

No we are staying at disney and commuting over for 2 days.