Exploring could take just an hour - but immersing yourself in the entire experience could take up to 3 hours. Seriously, I took the whole ass day to do the other par rides and experiences, and didn't even get a chance to properly shop at HP land, because I had to stand in the queues for the rides you cant miss - them queues is LONG!

We went when the park opened, went straight to the ride and got on straight away no waiting.

There is a shop easy to find that is right under the castle. That is the simple one to explain how to find and I know that it is in that one. But sure that you can find in the other gift shops as well.

There was lots of interactive wand spots and lessons going on around hogwarts

If you have older kids or adults, consider the single rider line. No, you won't get to ride together but the wait time is considerably shorter and you don't have the additional FastPass cost. Not a good option for groups/families wanting a group experience.

We just went on the rides and did not purchase anything while there.

The wands work at both locations.

I was there in December over the Christmas holidays and the lines are not too crazy so you shouldn’t need the VIP pass as long as you are happy with say 20-30 min wait per ride.