We are going for the first time on June 24. How busy is it usually during that time? Would we need the fol pass? We are planning for just a day at Universal. Also need a good hotel to stay near US.
Hard to say since the whole park is in a state of flux. Check wait times at http://ushwaittimes.com/ a few weeks before your arrival to get a feel of how things might be.
As for hotels the closest are a Sheraton and Hilton on site.