Unlike WDW going to Universal does not require a lot of planning. My first recommendation is just to go to the park map on Universals website and get the lay of the land.
Second as a onsite guest you will be able to get into the park (depending on which one opens early on the days your there) one hour before it opens to general public. You will also have have Express Pass if you are staying at RPR, HRH or PBH. Express Pass is not included with Cabana Bay. This will make getting on rides significantly easier.
If you want to make resturant reservations it very easy through Universal web site. Click on that resturant and it will guide you through the steps. Much easier then WDW. Mytho's in Islands of adventure takes reservations as well as Lombards and Finnagen's in Universal studios. You can also make reservations for some resturants on City Walk. Also as a onsite quest you are supposed to get priority seating at resturants on City Walk. Three Broomsticks Hogsmeade and the Leaky Caldron in Diagon Alley are both counter service no reservations required.
As far as touring plans go getting around these two parks is much easier than WDW. IF Islands of Adventure is the park that opens early head straight to Hogsmeade do Forbidden Journey, Duelling Dragons, small coaster Flight of Hippogriff and you are done with rides in Hogsmeade. Check out shops and the be on the Hogswarts Express to Diagon Alley when it starts running over to Diagon Alley. Do Escape from Gringotts and take in the shops and you are done with Diagon Alley.
There are neat little nooks and crannies in Diagon Alley. So really walk around and take it all in.
Take in Ollivanders wand show also.
Have a butterbeer and a meal at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade or Leaky Caldron in Diagon Alley.
The Express Pass cannot be used on FJ or Escape from Gringotts.
Hope this helps enjoy yourself
