Universal Studios and IOA

[Feistygirl916]

Hey all,

How appropriate are these for a 5yr old girl and 6yr old boy? They are 44 and 46 inches tall... I can't seem to figure out if it would be worth the cost of admission for these lil ones? Thoughts please!

 

[TotoToo]

PLENTY of kids stuff for them. Be sure to bring a change of clothes as much of it involves water & they love to get really, really wet. Both parks have great interactive attractions for that age - better than Disney offers by far.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our kids love USO. Spiderman, Shrek, Jimmy Newtron, a whole section of Dr. Seuss themed rides. I think 1 day in each park would do nicely without rushing around. Popeye and Bluto is like Kali River Rapids.
It's not all thrill rides.
We started going when our kids were that age. Now they're 8 & 11 and we're AP holders.
Staying onsite at USO allows you to bypass the reg. lines. Your room key works like an unlimited fast pass. It will spoil you in no time!!
Even a 1 nt. stay gives you FOTL for 2 days, early on day of check in until closing of day you check out.
We love it!!

 

[mom2faith]

If you have time and money, go for the experience.

We did not like it. For some reason, it just felt like they were trying too hard and they missed the boat. It was an odd sensation, but the only words I can use was - there was no magic. It was just a bunch of rides at a place.

We wished we would've saved the money for Disney and will for next time. But, at the same time, we are glad we gave it a shot.

(PS We feel the same way about Sea World)

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I think if you go there looking for Disney magic you will be disappointed. Most of today's parents grew up with Disney so it's a warm fuzzy for us. Nick characters and movies (Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, Men in Black, etc.) don't really do that for us so, imho, that's where we feel like something is missing.
They're all theme parks and USO has fun themes too, just different from WDW. Personally I love Seuss's Landing and the Lost Continent theming (music, shops, sidewalks, etc.) Then again, I only get Disney magic at MK. MGM (or whatever it's called now) and AK just don't do much for me. They're parks with the Disney name. I go cuz the kids like it.

I didn't really love USO until I stayed onsite there. Hotels are all deluxe 4* and within walking distance to the parks. Kind of the same way that some people will only stay onsite at WDW or would rather stay home, I will only stay onsite at USO. jmho

Try it, try it, Sam I Am!

 

[kilee]

I'm going to move this to the Universal forum for you.

 

[Metro West]

Don't go looking for this so called Disney "magic" at Universal...Universal has it's own special atmosphere about it.

Your kids will love both parks and if you can...try to spend a full day in each park so you won't miss anything.

At the Studios:

E.T. Adventure
Shrek 4-D
Jimmy Neutron (40" height)
KidZone (Curious George, Barney & Fievel's play areas)
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster (36" height)
MIB (42" height)
Animal Actors show
and maybe The Simpsons (40" height)

At IOA:

They will enjoy all of Seuss Landing and the five rides they have to offer
Spiderman (40" height)
Jurassic Park River Adventure (42" height)
Camp Jurassic
Pteranodon Flyers (36" height with an adult)
The Mystic Fountain
and the water rides of Toon Lagoon

It should be a full two days of fun for the family.

If you have any specific questions, ask away. Many of us are very knowledgeable about Universal and Islands of Adventure.

 

[ChrisFL]

If you have time and money, go for the experience.

We did not like it. For some reason, it just felt like they were trying too hard and they missed the boat. It was an odd sensation, but the only words I can use was - there was no magic. It was just a bunch of rides at a place.

We wished we would've saved the money for Disney and will for next time. But, at the same time, we are glad we gave it a shot.

(PS We feel the same way about Sea World)

I disagree, especially about IOA, it has incredible theming and purpose, all of the attractions do make sense where they are and they tell a story, the same way that MK does, but with a bit more excitement and energy.

 

[mom2faith]

I disagree, especially about IOA, it has incredible theming and purpose, all of the attractions do make sense where they are and they tell a story, the same way that MK does, but with a bit more excitement and energy.

You know, I am tempted to give it another try...I think now that I know what to expect, I could be more open minded about the entire park. I think I went in thinking it was one thing and when it wasn't I decided I hated it. Not a very good feeling.

It was also our only rainy day, so the entire day was marred by that sense of gloom.

DD loved the ET ride and Simpsons (DH and I found Simpsons a bit rough).

Both DD and I enjoyed Suess Landing.

But overall, for the price, we did not enjoy ourselves as much as we though we would.

Maybe in a few years, when DD is old enough to enjoy more, we will give it another - more open minded chance.