When to buy tickets?

[FigmentFan1975]

We are going to Disney from Aug. 10-18th. Have our disney package booked, etc. We want to go to IOA for one day only during our disney stay to see Harry Potter world mostly. Is it best to buy our tickets online before we get there? (I've heard ticket lines get really long?) Is it best to buy tickets directly thru Universal's website? We just want one day (single park) tickets for 4 "adults". I am not that worried about saving a few dollars trying to find a discount, but mainly just want to know when I should buy. We are not doing the express pass either. So should we wait until closer to when we leave or will ticket prices increase between now and August? Are tickets valid for any day? I don't want to wait until the last minute but I don't need to spend the money right now either. Will Universal mail me the actual tickets or is there a "will-call" ticket picku-up window, or do they give me a voucher to print that will act as our park tickets? I don't want to wait in extra lines when we get there.
If we don't have early entry, will the park still open a few minutes before posted time? How crowded will harry potter area be right when the park opens since onsite guests will already be in the park?
Thanks!

 

[macraven]

if you order online, you can do the print at home tickets or use the pick up at the kiosk outside the park.



you save a couple of bucks if you order from UT though.

 

[Metro West]

You should definitely have tickets in hand so you won't have to wait in the long, slow ticket lines. Either choose print at home or Will Call kiosk pick up through Universal or order through UT.

 

[Disworldluv]

I would definitely order tickets from UndercoverTourist. You will save some money and they are the best buy around. We have used their service for at least 10-12 years now. You receive genuine tickets.

 

[macraven]

if you do print at home tickets, your tickets are on that paper.

make extras in case they get destroyed during the day.

water rides can do that to them.