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Gavrie Watkins is in vacation heaven. A huge Harry Potter fan, the 11-year-old joyfully traversed the cobblestone paths of Diagon Alley, Universal Studios' year-old addition to its "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" experience. Diagon Alley now is connected via the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade, which is located next door at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

"I feel like I'm part of the story," said Gavrie. "It's awesome."

But unlike many who come to Orlando, the Watkins, who are from Clarksville, Tenn., spent all of their time at Universal Orlando Resort. "We've done Disney," said Gavrie's mom, Amy.

Other Harry Potter fans, like Wendy Wilson and her son Evan, 7, were back for the second time in as many years because last year, she explained, "We couldn't get on a lot of the rides. It was so crowded."

Certainly it's still crowded and hot (be prepared for both, if you are planning a summer trip and check out the Taking the Kids (hashtag)BestSummer section for more ideas!), but Wilson said it was worth the second foray. The shop windows are full of surprises, like the self-knitting needles. There's the towering dragon that breathes fire, the Escape from Gringotts ride through the Gringotts vaults and the chance to chat up the Knight Bus conductor and the shrunken head hanging from the rearview mirror -- the Knight Bus, provides emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Stop at the extremely popular Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, which offers flavors like Butterbeere and Lavender.

Then pass through the brick wall at King's Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9-3/4 and board the Hogwarts Express, encountering magical creatures as you travel to Hogsmeade. (As long as you have admission tickets to both parks, of course. Check out the discounted deals from Undercover Tourist that give you two-day park-to-park tickets, plus an extra free day, a $36 savings.)

"It leaves me breathless," the Massachusetts mom said, adding she and her son weren't going to visit any other parks either.

As Universal celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special concert series this month, it has clearly come into its own as a full-scale destination resort rather than an add-on to a trip to Disney World. I met more visitors than at any previous time who are content to spend all of their time here. Besides Harry Potter, which draws fans from around the world, and all of the other attractions at both parks, there are now four on-site hotels to choose from, including the recently opened (and affordable) Cabana Bay with family suites, a bowling alley and elaborate theming to evoke a '50s beachfront motel. Evan Wilson is a particular fan of Cabana Bay's water slide and lazy river. His mom appreciates the rate. "The best hotel we've stayed at -- and a great price," Wendy Wilson said.

(Loews Summer Like a Local campaign offers special deals, breakfast for two, and early admission to the parks. Ask which hotels also offer front-of-the-line access to most attractions with a stay.)

Universal CityWalk, which connects the two parks with restaurants, clubs and shops, now has more than 20 dining options for guests, including the new and very popular Cowfish offering combination sushi and burger Bento boxes and special Burgushi Rolls (lobster and cucumbers topped with seared filet mignon). I was a fan of the kids' Bento Box of PB and J sushi. You can see the Blue Man Group, head to a club, a movie, or shop till you drop -- a new skateboard perhaps -- without ever leaving the resort.

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