Just got back from a week in Florida. It wasn't strictly a vacation but we did manage to squeeze some fun things in. The one day we had completely free was dedicated to going to the Universal Orlando resort. It was not planned to go there because of the obvious reason of only having one day. However, we bit the bullet and paid for it and we are so glad we did.
We got to Islands of Adventure right at opening and headed straight for Hogsmeade. I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd and both of the Harry Potter areas won me over big time. The theming is amazing and the atmosphere is incredible. I had been to Hogsmeade in 2011, but I had not been to the Diagon Alley section in the original park. The Harry Potter areas of the resort clearly outshine the other areas of the property. Since Diagon Alley was not open when I had been there in 2011, I also got to experience the Hogwarts Express for the first time. WOW. Such an amazing attraction and something so unique that I don't think any other theme park in America can match it. We rode it both ways in order to experience both versions of the ride.
I won't do a play by play trip report unless someone wants more details. But, I will say we were amazed at how light the crowds were. I guess it was the week before Memorial Day weekend, however the resort was still opening Volcano Bay just three days after we were there. We weren't complaining at the light crowds though. Without an express pass to skip the lines, we were still able to ride everything in BOTH parks, eat a sit down lunch in Hogsmeade, watch the parade at Universal (which was crap), and we still left an hour before the parks closed. The new Jimmy Fallon ride which just recently opened is a lot of fun. However, it is another simulator which Universal catches a lot of flak for. The "virtual line" is a cool concept, and one they are implementing in the new waterpark.
After our long day at the park (I had over 22,000 steps according to my Fitbit), we ate at the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at the CityWalk. Such a cool restaurant thematically, and the food (not just the desserts) was also really great. I would recommend it to anyone...prices are what you'd expect from a restaurant in that location, the signature shakes are $12 but do come in a souvenir plastic cup.
My family is planning on making a return trip to Orlando in a few years once Disney opens Star Wars Land. Universal might just have to be added onto that trip as well.