We did the non private tour and it was okay. We had a group of 3 young adults 18-19, a young 20 something couple and Us, in our 40s. We sat around a bit while "the kids" rode some of the more violent rides, and there was definately a pre planned route with not a lot of wiggle room. She asked us what our priorities were and it was Harry Potter for all three groups, but it did not seem to change what we did whatsoever. We all wanted to ride the raft ride and it was obvious it was not part of the guide's itinerary, but when we just kept asking, she let us do it. She explained that every time people say they want to do it they complain afterwards that they got too wet...?? We did get ponchos, they were a nice touch!
Anyway, she was mild mannered and pleasant, but not memorable. My hubby who remembers everyone's name, does not know it. We got to go to the MiB immigration area which was really cool. Also the way we got on the gringotts ride was very inventive....up and down back staircases...what a maze that building is!! We also got to go in the ground floor of the mummy. It was not really a behind the scenes type of tour.
It was not a Woohoo! Experience, but it was not bad. If you have a limited time to go to the parks and want to check out a bunch, but not nearly all, of the rides, go for it. Also if you have some non riders and a really gungho rider, it will give that gung-ho rider someone to ride with...others in the tour!
Tours are not allowed to do certain things, like go both ways on the Hogwarts train, as per our tour guide, and you can only do that if you go on the much more expensive private tour.
The tour ends with a parade...if you do not want to do the parade then you split off beforehand.
Now, even with this mediocre review, we are doing it again with our 13 year old nephew and my 80 year old dad this upcoming September. (He ballroom dances 6 times a week- don't judge...lol) My dad wants to see Harry Potter land...as he puts it, and might ride a few rides. He is springing for the VIP tickets. His idea...