Family gathering Universal newbies

[MARY-IN-OH]

Haven't visited universal in 13 years. . For a visit beginning August 2, 2020 we have multiple people coming and going. My husband and I are Florida residents and are arriving from our home about 2 hours drive from universal with 3 grandchildren who are teens who are not florida residents. They depart August 6th.

We have 2 adult children who are likely arriving and departing same dates but midnight arrival on August 2nd. And another daughter and 6 year old grandson still on the fence if they can come. They are also non Florida residents

I'm thinking...

2 cabana bay suites, we will keep just one on Thursday night due to different departure times for all of them. Question here is would this be ok with current crowds, meaning we should be ok not buying express pass, or needing to upgrade to deluxe?

And should I get the unlimited ticket deal I have read about on here for those who will be at universal partial days on arrival and departure dates? And get 3 day passes for those who are only able to be at park 3 days?
And get AP for either just me or maybe my husband and me. I guess we need preferred annual pass to include volcano bay and summertime correct? We will definitely be going to volcano bay in addition to parks.

And should I do room and tickets separately rather than package? I'm a disney whiz but new to universal. It's a once in a lifetime if everyone can make it, but would like to make smart decisions. Thanks everyone

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Answered one of my own questions! The 14 day ticket is a 3 day good for 14 days.

 

[macraven]

Check if your dates for the AP rate availability.

You can book the rooms prior to buying the ap and save some money.
Run the numbers to compare which is cheaper in the long run, package or book everything separately
( room/tickets)

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

The ticket promotion for florida residents looks like a deal. And I can get that for my minor grandkids also, even though they're not residents (like at disney), right? The deal ends June 30th, but I would be able to get it refunded up to a day before arrival I think. 3 day park to park for $232.99

 

[macraven]

I believe there have been past posts grandparents have done that.
Buy resident park tickets for their grandkids they take to the park.