I've only had my band scanned at MK for parking. Been to AK, Epcot and DHS by just flashing my magic band. Also, when you get your magic band in the box it has the AP slide for your Magic Band. If...
Also my favorite ride at night is probably Thunder mountain , especaillyyyy when you go up the second time for the second drop you can see all of MK and the castle lit up
I always feel if you can skip the parade and firework show do it. The lines are really cut shorter for the most part, sometimes 15-20min especially at MK since on Saturday they open till Midnight
Unfortunately for both Harry Potter rides there is NO express pass, but, if you want to go quickly the best solution is to go as a single rider at Islands