We were at Universal/Islands of Adventure in February 2018.
Here was my take away.
Islands of Adventure is the better of the two parks, we did both parks in one day, and had been to Islands before, but my kids seemed to like it better. A lot of the rides at Universal/IOA seem to be inside 3D type attractions, thrill rides for sure.
Aside from the Diagon Alley and Simpsons area of Universal, we skipped the rest of the park. My kids just weren't interested. It seemed a little dated to me, but we do love Islands of Adventure. And the City Walk there is amazing too.
We also love Disney. If I had to rank the Orlando Parks, this would be my list.
Magic Kingdom
Islands of Adventure
Epcot
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios (but this will make a jump once all the construction is finished I'm sure)
Universal
Sea World (we haven't been in like 7 years though)
I also love Tampa, Clearwater, which is only about an hour from Orlando. Beautiful beaches.
Busch Gardens is awesome! It's probably in my top 3 theme parks, big thrill rides, and beautiful animals. Just a great park.
They have
Zoo Tampa (you have to see Manatees when you're in Florida)
And I've never been to the
Florida Aquarium, but it's suppose to be fantastic, also in Tampa.