Took 12 year old to Universal at the end of July. We got there early (half hour after open) and still found good parking. BUSY! LONG LINES! Definitely spring for the Express Pass. It only allows you to express once for each ride/show, but we didn't really have time to go on more than that. ( We would have if it wasn't for the long lines - 100 to 150 minute wait times). I hoped to be there all day and get our money's worth, but the crowds were just too much and we (mom and dad) were pooped by 7 oclock!
Didn't use our cell phones during this trip to avoid charges, which made it impossible to download the universal app, no paper maps in sight!
VERY EXPENSIVE! (Cost $11 for 2 bottles of water) But we expected that going in.
Staff were all very friendly! They are definitely there to make sure you have a good time!
I wish we would have NOT listened to online advise telling us to head straight to the Lower Level for the cool rides, and instead just looked around at first. We should have saved our Express Pass for later in the day when it got really busy.
The Lower Level rides were awesome, but there is not much there for actual rides. If you want roller coasters, and other rides, go to Six Flags! The "rides" at Universal are more for the experience (3D, virtual..)