Universal can get busy certain times of the year, but not always. EP is a good way to make the lines disappear in all but the most crowded days.
There are some tricks to saving money:
1. Look for an APH rate for the onsite hotels. Can save 30% off the regular price just by having one Annual Pass. The don't always come out far in advance, so keep checking.
2. One night at a deluxe hotel gives you EPs for 2 days for up to 5 guests. Can save a ton of money that way. So even if you stay elsewhere, keep this option in mind.
3. Consider annual passes instead of per-day tickets. $305 for the Seasonal Pass costs only a little more than a 2-day park-to-park ticket, and gives you year round access (minus blockout dates).
4. For a long trip (or if you can make a second trip within 12 months on an annual pass), consider upgrading one to a Preferred Pass. It has some good savings at the nearby stores and restaurants. We definitely saved the $40 upgrade over the Power Pass (needed that to get in for Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras blockout dates) on our first trip, so we'll come out ahead on our second trip for sure.