I can only add that most of the advice here is spot on. Cashflyers link shows you which hotels allow you fast pass access just by staying there.
If the budget allows stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, the pool is great, it is a very short walk to the parks and the experience there is pretty cool.
If you like craft beer, Universal has a few that are only sold in their parks and brewed just for them. They have Duff beer on tap and Duff light on tap. They also have Duff Dry which is a Stout and only comes in bottles.
There are also various Harry Potter themed beers.
In case you have not figured it out yet, you can drink your way around the parks.
This link has a lot of good info.
Party Through The Parks - Universal Studios
Having been to Disney and Universal in the same weekend I have noticed a big difference in the typical park attendee. Disney seems more hectic to me, the travel paths are narrow and they have a lot more people in motorized wheelchairs at Disney taking up space.
There are plenty at Universal too, but they travel ways are much wider in most places so it does not feel as claustrophobic.
At Disney the new thing to do is to send the kids running to the next ride to get in line or to send the kids to get concessions while part of the group hold a place in line, there is a constant flow of people pushing their way past everyone to catch up to the group. It is annoying and goes unchecked.
I saw none of that at Universal.
Going early is the best plan the parks tend to fill up around noontime.
I, for one, cannot go on the Harry Potter ride at 8 in the morning on the Islands side. I almost puked last time on it.
The one over in Universal is fine it does not toss you around as much. I typically opt out of the Islands ride, go find a hot pretzel and buy a Beer sit and people watch.
I have taken a multi year break from theme parks, I was a season pass holder at Universal for 3 years straight up until 2 years ago. I am burned out on theme parks.