My family is considering a trip to Universal before heading to WDW. We'll be traveling in late August, and have some questions:

1. How are the crowds?
2. I'm confused about the "backpack policy" - can someone explain?
3. Give me your top 5 restaurants in the parks and at City Walk.
4. Kids are 16 and 14 and love rides and coasters...do we need 1 day in each park?

Any other pointers will be helpful - thanks!