A HOT CROWDED July 2014 Universal trip suggestions please

[wonderfulworld]

Yes I am crazy for planning a Universal Orlando trip in July 8-14 with heat and crowd. Son has high school obligations during vacations. This is our only option.
I would like recommendations for the following:
Whom to buy tickets from? Packages with 3 well known sources ALL the same $ down to the 27 cents so I know I am not getting any discounts which leads me to just doing hotel myself and buying ticks from discount source. Which btw do you think it is wise to pay extra to buy tickets from Universal or Dreams Unlimited...will they adjust price if a deal comes up or is there never a deal in July?
Definitely staying at hard rock for the express early access, will either do 4 day park to park or 3 park unlimited
Recommendation for Breakfast and dinner? I think Mykos and the Kitchen?
lastly With first day check in later in day recommendation of what to do first?
one more question Simulator rides...which ones spin? Any? Like Mission space at Epcot. I have someone who got sick afterwards from that. 3 adults 2 teen boys
Any other suggestions open armed welcomed! Thanks!!

 

[Metro West]

I would check Undercover Tourist...they are very popular and very reliable. Their tickets are a bit cheaper than buying from other sources. There are rarely ticket deals during the busy summer vacation season and will Diagon Alley opening this summer, it will be even more true.

Food recommendations are here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

Since you are checking in late, plan to spend that day/evening at CityWalk. You can have a nice dinner, play mini-golf or watch a movie.

The parks are open late during the summer so depending on what time you arrive, you might be able to spend some time in one of the parks...if you wanted.

 

[wonderfulworld]

It is now June 2015 and never read this post sorry. Im not that techie and didnt check inbox. Only checked b/c planning Disney. Well did the trip and staying at HardRock with the fast pass was well worth it. I was ok with the heat but older mom couldnt hack it and stayed in room during hot hours. Was fun, but didnt love Universal. Im not crazy about simulator rides, I like the real thing. Food in park...meh. Not immersive enough for me. Diagon Ally was immersive, but I dont remember the ride, only the bank part and just before the ride! Teen boys really liked. We stayed 5 nights. 3 would have been fine. We even did SeaWorld against my conviction.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

just bought an annual pass here. Last two years I've gone to Florida (for both Disney and Universal) twice, first in July and second early December. I love both parks about evenly. Conversely I love simulation rides so that's probably why I enjoy it.

 

[macraven]

this thread has been dead since jan 14, that's almost 18 months ago.

i guess there are threads i read and posted on and never went back to such as wonderfulworld did.