IOA at park opening

[123SA]

I'm planning on going to IOA at park opening on Aug 1. UF has early entry that day. We are staying at HRH, so we have UExp.

1. The park hours are 9am - 10pm. Is 8:30am a good arrival time, or should we arrive earlier?
2. We'd like to look around Hogsmeade and ride FJ and Hippogriff at some point. Should we head there first thing? (We are also planning to ride Kong, Spiderman, Jurassic Park Adventure, meet the raptor, Hulk) Or, should we stop at Kong first, then head to Hogsmeade?

Thanks for your help.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

hogs-mead first thing!!!!

 

[Captainkidd76]

With Express, I wouldn't worry one way or the other.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

I would do Hogsmeade first if you are planning on hanging around for the sites, shops, spells, etc only because it becomes crowded during the day.

You can do any of the rides any time with EP.

Arriving at 8:30 should be ok to get through the entrance.

 

[Robo56]

You can also do early entry at US and just ride the Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade. It typically starts running about 8:45.