Florida/Disney/Universal/Harry Potter Summer 2015 tips please

[Keepcalmanddrinkwine]

We have already booked flights, villa and car and are now looking at tickets for stuff. Would it be worth paying for a night at Universal to get in early for the Harry Potter rides?
So excited for this trip. :)
Any other Florida tips gratefully received, we've never been.
We'll be there for 2 weeks in August before going on a mini-cruise.
The DDs (and me) also want to go to a proper shopping mall at some point.

Hi. Shopping...definitely The Florida Mall, The Mall at Millenia is gorgeous but mostly high end shops Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton etc, after that you need to go to The Designer Outlet Malls (Google for maps and shop guides) and don't forget Walmart. Hardly take anything with you, you'll need the space in your luggage on the way back.
We often stay at Universal and get early entry and free fast passes, The Royal Pacific is best as it's in walking distance if you need to get back...don't stay at the new and cheaper Cabana as you don't get park benefits.
Maybe it would be easier for me just to come with you then I can show you where everything is lol xx

Good idea, a personal tour guide. Do you include the odd bit of babysitting?
:)

Yes of course....I'll babysit, taxi drive, carry your shopping...I draw the line at ironing tho haha

We are going next year and have booked a night at the royal pacific at universal to get early access and fast passes

buy the books WDW with kids and beyond WDW with kids. best money we have ever spent. also look at the DIBB website lots of help and ideas.

We will be there in August too, generally not busy last two weeks, don't pay extra just to stay at universal but if you can build it in great. Depending on the ages of the group blue man is worth seeing whilst at universal it's a good night out for all ages except very little ones. Mall at millennia all the way....although I'm lucky ( or not depending on viewpoint)as DH loves to shop so we go to every mall and outlet mall ( twice)