I look at them as yes, they are both "fruit" but they are "apples & oranges". The minute you stop trying to compare them, you can then enjoy Universal for what it is. Do I love it like Disney? No. Do I feel like it's home like Disney? No. Do I have a relationship with it's "characters/IPS"? For the most part no, though I love dinosaurs!
We didn't go until our youngest wanted to go, no sense wasting money if she wouldn't ride anything. We had a great time. Myself and two sons have had APs off and on, currently we all have them because entire family went to Orlando in July and DD wanted to go to ALL the parks. DS2 had an AP and made sense for DS1 and I to buy rather than tickets since we go regularly to Orlando.
I've not read a HP book, I had not seen the movies but from the minute those lands were build I was so impressed. This summer DH and I watched all the movies so he would be ready and I learned so much about what I had enjoyed there. The detail and quality of those lands is IMPRESSIVE!
They have some great rides, more thrill rides, some meh rides, a few kid rides and don't rely on shows or characters. They depend on quick service and the lines for food is horrid. Both in July and November I really felt they have dropped the ball on food service. NOW the food is good, sometimes better and bigger portions than Disney, but the lines .....
If you like thrill the Velosicoaster is a whole new level! and Hagrids! Thrill and creativity hard to beat. I'm still figuring out the ins and outs there, but we do have fun, a different kind of fun but that's okay.
NOW while Disney has done their best to alienate people, and guests are feeling a bit put off with spending at Disney - NOW is the time to give Universal that chance, and any other parks. Just go in with an open mind that it is it's own experience and not to be compared. Disney will always be there.
Christmas at SeaWorld is the best, beautiful at night!
Also check this out
https://www.gktw.org/lights/