We just went over fall break. spent one day at Epic Universe and 3 days at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We stayed at Hard Rock as get Express Pass, but you have to buy Express pass for Epic if you want it.
We used express pass on certain things depending on wait time, and also the once you use Express pass on a ride in epic you can not use it again.
We spent our first day between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
Tuesday we went to Epic Universe went to Super Nintendo world to ride Bowsers challenge first since we get in 1 hour early with staying at Hard Rock, the Ministry of magic is not open yet. went to Dark universe next to rid e a few rides there without express pass, then went to Ministry of Magic to ride there but used express pass. went to Isle of Berk and back to others how we felt. Had good food at Isle of Birk.
Next two days back at Island and Universal.
We had park hopping as well for the Islands and Universal.
Get a water bottles and just refill them if you do not want to by the freestyle cups. We did this and then got other specialized drinks when we felt like it.
This is just a bit of the info from when we went. If you have specific questions, please ask and I can see what I remember or my daughter can tell me as she was the main researcher
We liked all the parks. I specifically like all the Harry Potter themed areas, they do a very good job of recreating what you may have seen in the movies. Epic does not have a lot of shade but in December that may not be an issue.