If you book in advance you avoid the line totally. We were there last year, and there was no line for tickets reserved in advance -- you just went to a separate ticket window and picked them up. The line for buying unreserved tickets stretched around and out the door.

As for time, when I took my daughter at age 8 we went early and then had the rest of the day to play. There are lots of steps, well over 100, so be forewarned.

If you get to Fuessen via the bus, you'll miss the long lines for cars to get into the parking lots, too.

Definitely save yourself the hassle and get the tickets ahead of time. It also guarantees you the tour time that you'd like rather than being stuck with what's left.

Just keep in mind it will take 20-40 minutes to walk up the hill to the tour start location - longer if you take pictures on the way up, so be sure to factor that in.

Have fun, it's gorgeous.

I visited Neuschwanstein with my 8 year old daughter in Aug 2007. We had reserved tickets, which is definitely the way to go. I, too, wanted a beautiful day, but we got rain. The castle was spectacular anyway. Reserve in advance and choose the first English speaking tour of the day to avoid the crowds. You will have to pick up your tickets an hour before the tour starts. After you pick up your tickets, walk uphill to the bus station and take the bus up to the top. It is worth the extra 2 euros to ride to the top. If you don't, you will be carrying your 3 year old and dragging your 7 year old up the steep path. The bus drops you off uphill from the castle and a short walk from Mary's bridge. If you arrive an hour early for your tour, you will have enough time to see Mary's bridge first, and avoid the steep walk back up the hill after your castle tour. Mary's Bridge is worth seeing and the best view you will get of the castle. Don't miss it. Choose to walk down from the castle - it is a pretty walk - rather than up. You will be glad you took the bus up.

If you don't have the book already, get a copy of Rick Steve's Europe. He has some great tips for Bavaria. There is a fun mountain luge on the drive between Reutte (Austrian town near Fussen) and Innsbruck - my 8 year old loved it, and so did I. The three year old can ride on an adult's lap. Take the Zugspitze from the Austrian side - less crowded, shorter ride and cheaper (but not cheap). Also, don't miss the Plansee. On a clear day the view of the mountains in the water's reflection is incredible. You will pass the Plansee on the drive to Linderhof. In Innsbruck there is a cute alpine zoo. Last Aug, there were baby animals everywhere. Don't be tempted by Crystal World - it is a bust. Have a great time. Bavaria is a magical place.