I am with the "stay at the Premier Resort and get the Express Pass" group. As others have stated already, depending upon how many are in your group the cost of a Premier Hotel can be signifigantly less than staying elsewhere and purchasing an Express Pass. If waiting in line or using the Single...
Hard Rock, my favorite of the Premier hotels! Though you may or may not need the Express Passes during that time of the year, having them will get you through the parks faster and give you more hotel time (at least that's how I look at it).
Universal Studios Florida
Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit
Men in Black: Alien Attack
Revenge of the Mummy
Transformers: The Ride
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (this single rider line has been not in use at times for us)
Islands of Adventure
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Doctor...
I agree with the others so far, look into an annual pass even if it just for one of you. There are many discounts that will open up to you.
I have found that the Universal Resorts do not post any discounted rates much further out than 6 months. You can make your reservations now if you would...
Typically I would suggest to stay at Royal Pacific and take advantage of the Express Passes but mid-week in October for 3.5 days should be enough time to do both parks without much stress of not being able to do everything you want to do without an Express Pass for the day portion of your trip...
I myself would go for the Express Passes and I am a big Cabana Bay fan.
Late June crowds can be finicky. The luxury of the Express Passes is such a relief. A few things to consider though. How many are in your party? More than 4 and you will have to pay $25 extra per night at the other 3 hotels...
To avoid Halloween Horror Nights you would have to go on a Monday or Tuesday.
On Halloween Horror Nights Studios Closes at 5 pm and Islands of Adventure closes at 8 pm
On Non-Halloween Horror Nights Studios Closes at 8 pm and Islands of Adventure closes at 7 pm
As always park hours are subject...
If you are going for only one day then get there as early as possilble, I know it probably doesn't really need to be said but I am always amazed at those who said they couldn't get much done in one day then reveal they didn't get to the park until noon. In order for you to do as much as possible...
You can purchase them online from Universal Studios website.
If you'll have access to a printer then you can print them out. Also you can just pick up at a kiosk out in front of parks with the same credit card you used to purchase with online.