Universal Studios Florida in Feb - any tips?

[MCos]

We are considering Universal Studios Florida in Feb - 8 day trip.
Am considering staying in Universal hotel, to get the early park access for HP rides.
What type of park tickets should I purchase?
Any recommendations for hotels? Anything else I need to know?
All tips will be gratefully received!

Hi - we stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort for two nights in October 2010, specifically so we could get early access to the parks. It was definitely worth it to be able to get into Harry Potter Ride an hour before the general opening times and we were also able to stay later in the evening knowing we were so close to the hotel (one of us took the dd's back while the other stayed for some more riding). You also get the Universal Studios equivalent of the Fast Pass which is for Hotel Guests only, which made getting on rides easier and quicker.
However I don't think I would do this for more than a couple of nights, the hotel itself is not great value for money compared to others in Florida. Personally I would do 5 nights in one of the Suites hotels like Homewood Suites and then 2-3 nights at the Universal hotel. Are you thinking of spending all 8 days at Universal? How about a couple of days in Busch Gardens - that's a great extra if you like big coasters etc. Without knowing the ages of your dc's I can't recommend Disney or not - personally I thought brilliant for younger children but the rides are certainly tamer.

Just come back from orlando and we found that universal was better for older kids 8 or 9+ whereas disney was better for the younger ones. Can't see that you would want to spend more than 3 days at universal tbh - we did them both islands of adventure and studios in 2 1/2 days and that was enough. if your kids are older go for busch gardens rather than disney. why not go self catering - we stayed at sunset lakes which was fab and only 20 mins drive away. are you going in school hols or outside. if school hols then be prepared for some longgggg queues. also buy the beyond disney book a great help with its touring plans etc

How did you book the rooms at the Royal Pacific Resort stranded? Through their website or is there a cheaper way?