re: Planning to take my family to Universal this November.

I've made 2 trips in the last 6 years. If you plan to purchase the express passes/fast passes (whatever the heck they're called), it is a no brainer to book through Universal at one of the 3 top tier hotels that include the express passes.

I have stayed at Royal Pacific and Hard Rock recently. The walk from Hard Rock to City Walk is much shorter than the walk from Royal Pacific. Royal Pacific is cheaper than Hard Rock.

I went during the week of Thanksgiving 2 years ago and the express passes were definitely needed unless you like waiting in excessive lines.

I have not visited since the opening of Epic Universe, so im not sure how that may have changed anything