Since you haven't been to Universal since 2010, buy the 2 day, get a day free pass from Universal they are promoing (have to use within 14 days, though). Visit for two days, keeping an eye on how much fun you are or aren't having vs Disney. If on, the third day you realize this is pretty good stuff, before you leave the park, head to Guest services and upgrade your ticket to an AP. But why are you even needing the $429 pass and not the $299 Florida Resident ticket. Do you really need free valet, the halloween horror night ticket, and the after 4 express pass?
On my last day at Universal, we accomplished 17 attractions within the two parks, the majority of them I would consider E-tickets, and I loved having not to stress about ride reservations or lines, or where I was going to eat or any of those things. It is so much more of a "carefree" experience. But some people just love the Disney stable of characters and things like Haunted Mansion or Small World, which are areas that Universal has not begun to challenge Disney. Only you can decide that.
Edit: I see you say it's been awhile since you've really done WDW either. Find a day or a partial day when you can use your Maingate and see how that's like too.
