IOA or universal studios FL?

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KevinK

Earning My Ears

Joined

Jun 15, 2013

• Sep 1, 2015

• #1

Going to Disney this November and are venturing out for one day at Universal. Trying to decide which of the two Universal parks to spend the day in.
We are a family of 5 with three kids, ages 10, 10, and 9. My wife and I were there once over 15 years ago (pre-IOA). Kids are not big into thrill rides though they do like Thunder Mountain and Test Track at Disney but will not ride Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, or Tower of Terror. They are not into Harry Potter. We are staying on Disney grounds. Both Universal Parks have attractions my kids will do, just not sure which would be the best choice. Any pros and cons of each park based on the above info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

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macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Sep 1, 2015

• #2

i'd check out the website (www.universalorlando.com) and see the descriptions on all the rides and shows.
you'll be able to figure out which rides your kids would enjoy doing.

also go to youtube for videos of those rides.

you know your children the best and always watch some of the movies the rides were based on.

 

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erocrobro

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 28, 2011

• Sep 1, 2015

• #3

If you are cutting out Harry Potter as well as potentially cutting out several big rides, I think you could do both parks in one day.

 

schumigirl

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

Joined

May 15, 2007

• Sep 1, 2015

• #4

Good advice from macraven above........

Check out the website and see what would appeal to your family the most. Both parks are amazing........I couldn`t choose just one park out of the two........

I know you said you are not interested in Potter, but even non Potter fans have been blown away by what Universal have done in those areas......you should consider checking that out too.

 

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madduck

Mouseketeer

Joined

Aug 26, 2000

• Sep 1, 2015

• #5

schumigirl said:

Good advice from macraven above........

Check out the website and see what would appeal to your family the most. Both parks are amazing........I couldn`t choose just one park out of the two........

I know you said you are not interested in Potter, but even non Potter fans have been blown away by what Universal have done in those areas......you should consider checking that out too.

Click to expand...

 

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madduck

Mouseketeer

Joined

Aug 26, 2000

• Sep 1, 2015

• #6

If you want a full day of activities I'd say Universal Studios. IMHO Islands is not a full day park and I would be upset if I had ever paid for a 1 day ticket to that park. I have left that park many times before noon having done every adult ride(except Poseidons Fury, waste of time), many of them more than once. I like the park, but it still needs a few more rides for me to consider it a full day.

 

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Milla4Prez63

Earning My Ears

Joined

Aug 27, 2014

• Sep 3, 2015

• #7

You're honestly better off with the 2 park ticket for the price difference. But if you are totally set on just one day, you are better off with USF. IOA is a bit more thrillish of the two and if you don't want to get wet or do Potter then it's a complete waste of time for your family. Capacity will be a bit weird since one of the park's biggest people eaters (Hulk) is down for refurb. USF is going to be down Disaster (and probably Twister) but you have Despicable Me, Transformers, Men in Black, ET, Simpsons plus a lot of shows and things to check out.

 

dixonsontour

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 14, 2008

• Sep 4, 2015

• #8

With the age group of your kids you may find they are suddenly into Harry Potter when they see it. My dd was almost 9 last trip and had read 1 book and seen a film or two. It absolutely blew her away and we go back next month with her having read all the books/films watched. The Harry Potter areas are so well themed. I'd try and do both parks if you can. Ride wise my Dd also enjoyed minions and mib. Her fave thing was the interactive wand spells in Harry Potter - if your kids like sorcerers in mk look into that.