Ticket and EP question for family of 6

[twoplustwins]

We are planning a Universal trip for Dec 18-22. We have four children, so we can't stay in a deluxe hotel without getting a suite or getting two rooms, neither of which we can afford. I know we'd prefer to have EP. Just not sure what to do.

I looked at the seasonal tickets and annual passes. What's the big difference here? Are the seasonal ones only good through the end of the year?
We plan having four park days and want the park-to-park for all the HP stuff.

 

[damo]

Tickets are good until you use them. Watch block out dates for annual passes since not all are valid for all of your dates.

 

[agavegirl1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you buy the tickets outright (no payment plan) they are not activated until used the first time, then good for one year. There are different levels and blackout dates and events. Your dates of Dec. 21 and 22 fall into the blackout periods for Seasonal and Power Passes. A Preferred Annual Pass would be required.