So excited to be invading again. I hope all you wonderful chaps are OK :-). I must remember to safe guard my tea, so there is none of that chucking it in the Lake malarky. 
I need a bit of advice on staying one night in a Universal property solely to get early access to the parks for Gringottās.
I know that if I turn up on the day of arrival early, I can check-in, and leave backs and get express passes for that day and then next. Anything else I should know?
Welcome back! Itās so great to see you again!
I havenāt been to Universal yet, but Iām sure someone can chime in with an answer.
Remember you donāt get Express Pass at Cabana Bay, only at the deluxes. You do get early entry though.
Read this page:
http://touringplans.com/universal-orlando/resort-benefits
@Skubersky - I have a question about the āFree parking at the main CityWalk parking garageā benefit of staying on-site. Can you use this to avoid the Resort parking fee, e.g. drive up to drop off bags and check in, and then drive over to the main complex to park for free?
Yes, I have done this myself but itās a pain in the neck. In theory you arenāt supposed to leave your car in the garage long-term, but if you moved your car every day it shouldnāt be a problem.