Universal Studios vs Animal Kingdom - The DIS Discussion Forums

mccathy · 10-25-2009, 04:03 PM

So -
we'll be there in febraury. We've got Monday, president's day, "open".

I'm thinking we should call a cab (from the boardwalk villas) and go to universal studios - my two sons are BOTH obsessed with Curious George and I heard there's a little curious george play place there. And this will probably be the only time they're both into George and the Man With the yellow hat.

But - I also noticed there's not much else for a 2 and 5 year old to do there. The ET ride (my older son loves ET) and what else? Another little play place, right?

If we do universal I would sort of plan on heading back to the BWV after lunch and taking advantage of everything on the boardwalk.

Or - should we skip Universal this trip and go to Animal Kingdom?

Monday would be the only day of our 7-day trip that we would be able to go to AK. If we went to AK I would plan on the safari - and then really just use it as a relax day - checking out the animals and letting the boys play in the boneyard. Maybe trying to get in to see Lion King - I've heard great things about that show. Last trip we went to AK on our last day and didn't see much at all. I rushed the boys out of the boneyard to make our ADR at Tusker House and we didn't make the safari.

Opinions please!

GaSleepingBeautyFan · 10-25-2009, 04:24 PM

I love Universal and IOA.
Islands Of Adventure has a whole Suess Landing area. We can spend 1/2 a day in that section alone since my youngest is into Cat in the Hat. Maybe you would want to get a 1 day 2 park pass and see the Curious George stuff at US and then go over to IOA for Suess Landing.

I do think it would be much cheaper just going to AK though and your boys would like it just as much.

Mrs.Toad · 10-25-2009, 05:14 PM

The Curious George play area is water-oriented, so what the weather is like that day may help you make your decision. It's great, though, my kids loved it at 3 and 9.

The kids can also meet Curious George, Dora, Diego, Scooby Doo and other NickJr characters there. There's a Woody Woodpecker roller coaster - about the same thrill level as Goofy's Barnstormer, and a Jimmy Neutron ride that the older one might like. I'm not sure on height requirements, so don't know if your 2yo would be tall enough for those.

Suess Landing in IOA is awesome. My 3yo also loved the dinosaur play area and meeting Spiderman, Popeye and Betty Boop (although she didn't know who she was!

) at IOA. They both enjoyed the Flying Unicorn coaster there (bigger than Goofy's but still relatively tame) and this Pterodactyl ride. Again, you'd want to check out the rides and the height requirements to decide if they are right for your kids.

I agree with the PP that you could do the more kid-oriented attractions in both parks and have a great time. My kids, then and now, preferred those parks to AK. But then you have to balance that with having to rent a car or take a cab and drive over there when going to AK is easier.

Either way, you'll have a great time!

Planogirl · 10-25-2009, 05:32 PM

Have your kids seen Shrek? There's a stationary seating area in the Shrek attraction and the kids might really enjoy that. Do they mind spinning? (Think tea cups.) If they like the Buzz Lightyear attraction in MK, they might enjoy Men in Black. (There is one giant alien.) If they don't mind getting drenched the Bluto Bilge Barges in IOA might work too.

A lot depends on your kids but I agree that the Dr Seuss area is amazing and they can also play in the cartoon land (I can't think of the name!). There are a lot of places where water shoots up and so on and a lot of kids seem to love the area.

Purseval · 10-25-2009, 05:33 PM

Jimmy Neutron has stationary seats in the front for younger riders so there is no height requirement. The Flying Unicorn was taken out to make way for the new Harry Potter area. The Pterodactyl ride is for kids under 75 pounds. Every area that wouldn't allow a 2-year old on a ride would have a child swap anyway. Either Universal or IOA is better than AK as far as things to do and play, unless of course they are really into animals.

Feralpeg · 10-25-2009, 07:15 PM

Universal Studios also has the Fieval Playground and a Barney area. The Animal Planet show is also really cute. A lot of little kids were there the last time I went and they really seemed to enjoy it.

DisneyGerry · 10-25-2009, 07:21 PM

I like AK but probably put Universal Studio over AK.

Even for the animals, id put BGTB over AK.

DOOM1001 · 10-25-2009, 07:35 PM

It'll be cheaper to just stay and do AK,but Universal would be a must do for me.

cbg1027 · 10-25-2009, 08:49 PM

I've never been to Islands of Adventure, but I think Universal Studios sucks. I've been twice and I have no desire to go back.

AK on the other hand, is an AMAZING park. There are lots of things for small children there too. Almost all the attractions are things the whole family can enjoy together - the Safari, all the shows, the animal exhibits. It is also the most beautifully landscaped place I've ever seen. You really feel like you're in the African savannah or the jungles of India.

Some people don't like AK because it's so different from the other Disney parks. It has a different vibe, and you have to have a "stop and smell the roses" mentality when touring it. If you like Animals, definately go to AK!

mccathy · 10-25-2009, 09:28 PM

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaSleepingBeautyFan

I love Universal and IOA.
Islands Of Adventure has a whole Suess Landing area. We can spend 1/2 a day in that section alone since my youngest is into Cat in the Hat. Maybe you would want to get a 1 day 2 park pass and see the Curious George stuff at US and then go over to IOA for Suess Landing.

I didn't realize I could buy a 2 park pass for 1 day - is there a transportation system between the two parks that is free - similiar to WDW? buses or something? otherwise that's another cab ride, unless I rent a car for one day!

That might make the decision easier. Oh - and I'll watch the weather report. I did read that the Curious George play place was all water stuff, but since we'll be coming from Chicago and most likely a few weeks of close to zero temps - my kids might just think it's hot enough at 70 degrees to play in the water! (And I'd probably agree.)

mccathy · 10-25-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbg1027

AK on the other hand, is an AMAZING park. There are lots of things for small children there too. Almost all the attractions are things the whole family can enjoy together - the Safari, all the shows, the animal exhibits. It is also the most beautifully landscaped place I've ever seen. You really feel like you're in the African savannah or the jungles of India.

Some people don't like AK because it's so different from the other Disney parks. It has a different vibe, and you have to have a "stop and smell the roses" mentality when touring it. If you like Animals, definately go to AK!

We do love animals - we actually go to our local zoo about every other month. It's such a great zoo that last time my husband and I were at AK we were a little disappointed with it. We sort of felt like it was a zoo with some disney thrown into the mix. OF course, I know about way more shows and things now than I did 10 years ago, and I understand that they wanted to "do it right" and introduce animals slowly - so it's probably way better than what we saw of it.... I think I'm leaning towards US, and mostly because of Curious George! But also because I know next time we're going to WDW we're planning on staying at AKL and spending at least two days at AK!

WDWTeri · 10-25-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccathy

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

I didn't realize I could buy a 2 park pass for 1 day - is there a transportation system between the two parks that is free - similiar to WDW? buses or something? otherwise that's another cab ride, unless I rent a car for one day!

That might make the decision easier. Oh - and I'll watch the weather report. I did read that the Curious George play place was all water stuff, but since we'll be coming from Chicago and most likely a few weeks of close to zero temps - my kids might just think it's hot enough at 70 degrees to play in the water! (And I'd probably agree.)

You can walk between the two parks. I love AK, but we always go to Universal on the "holiday"(Thanksgiving last year) because it is definitely less busy than a WDW park. Get the 2 park one day pass and you will have plenty of options for the little kids. Take ponchos so you can do the water rides without getting too wet. If they like Dr. Seuss they will love Seuss Landing. Universal isn't as good at theming as WDW, but Seuss Landing is very well done.

DOOM1001 · 10-25-2009, 10:06 PM

The parks are right next to each other,like a 5 minute walk.Everything at Universal is connected,you park at the parking garages that lead to Citywalk which is in between both parks.If you're staying at one of their resorts you can walk or take a boat to the resorts.

mccathy · 10-25-2009, 10:33 PM

My gosh! we can WALK between parks. Okay - I think I'm sold.

That - and you go on holidays because it's less crowded than WDW - sounds good to me. =)

Mrs.Toad · 10-25-2009, 10:46 PM

Also, if you and your dh like thrill rides, the Mummy at US is awesome! Take turns riding it alone while the other watches the kids at the Curious George or Fievel Play areas.

10-25-2009, 04:03 PM	#1
mccathy Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 436	Universal Studios vs Animal Kingdom So - we'll be there in febraury. We've got Monday, president's day, "open". I'm thinking we should call a cab (from the boardwalk villas) and go to universal studios - my two sons are BOTH obsessed with Curious George and I heard there's a little curious george play place there. And this will probably be the only time they're both into George and the Man With the yellow hat. But - I also noticed there's not much else for a 2 and 5 year old to do there. The ET ride (my older son loves ET) and what else? Another little play place, right? If we do universal I would sort of plan on heading back to the BWV after lunch and taking advantage of everything on the boardwalk. Or - should we skip Universal this trip and go to Animal Kingdom? Monday would be the only day of our 7-day trip that we would be able to go to AK. If we went to AK I would plan on the safari - and then really just use it as a relax day - checking out the animals and letting the boys play in the boneyard. Maybe trying to get in to see Lion King - I've heard great things about that show. Last trip we went to AK on our last day and didn't see much at all. I rushed the boys out of the boneyard to make our ADR at Tusker House and we didn't make the safari. Opinions please! __________________ Cathy Quinn (5 yrs old) Liam (2.5 yrs old) Mike Check out McCathy's Disney Daze: http://www.mccathysdisneydaze.blogspot.com Check out McCathy's Tub: http://mccathy.blogspot.com 1980 My First Trip to DW - no idea - I was only 3! 1992 High School Band Trip - off site 2001 Honeymoon - off site Oct. 2008 Caribbean Beach with Friends Hopefully - our first trip " home" - March, 2011

10-25-2009, 04:24 PM	#2
GaSleepingBeautyFan DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,739	I love Universal and IOA. Islands Of Adventure has a whole Suess Landing area. We can spend 1/2 a day in that section alone since my youngest is into Cat in the Hat. Maybe you would want to get a 1 day 2 park pass and see the Curious George stuff at US and then go over to IOA for Suess Landing. I do think it would be much cheaper just going to AK though and your boys would like it just as much. __________________ Me DD10 DS14 DH Connie WDW: 12 family trips, 1 solo trip US/IOA: 4 family trips

10-25-2009, 05:14 PM	#3
Mrs.Toad The poster formerly known as AnaheimGirl A frequent eye-roller and one who has also, um, danced in a cage Likes to catch the early edition of Poo Watch in the morning Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,088	The Curious George play area is water-oriented, so what the weather is like that day may help you make your decision. It's great, though, my kids loved it at 3 and 9. The kids can also meet Curious George, Dora, Diego, Scooby Doo and other NickJr characters there. There's a Woody Woodpecker roller coaster - about the same thrill level as Goofy's Barnstormer, and a Jimmy Neutron ride that the older one might like. I'm not sure on height requirements, so don't know if your 2yo would be tall enough for those. Suess Landing in IOA is awesome. My 3yo also loved the dinosaur play area and meeting Spiderman, Popeye and Betty Boop (although she didn't know who she was!) at IOA. They both enjoyed the Flying Unicorn coaster there (bigger than Goofy's but still relatively tame) and this Pterodactyl ride. Again, you'd want to check out the rides and the height requirements to decide if they are right for your kids. I agree with the PP that you could do the more kid-oriented attractions in both parks and have a great time. My kids, then and now, preferred those parks to AK. But then you have to balance that with having to rent a car or take a cab and drive over there when going to AK is easier. Either way, you'll have a great time! __________________ ~~Aggie Hidden Mickey, Maui style

10-25-2009, 05:32 PM	#4
Planogirl BAM! I have a crush on Emeril Lagasse! Oh well, let's look on the bright side. If I hadn't been so wiped out I would have kissed my anesthesiologist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Frisco,Texas Posts: 27,870	Have your kids seen Shrek? There's a stationary seating area in the Shrek attraction and the kids might really enjoy that. Do they mind spinning? (Think tea cups.) If they like the Buzz Lightyear attraction in MK, they might enjoy Men in Black. (There is one giant alien.) If they don't mind getting drenched the Bluto Bilge Barges in IOA might work too. A lot depends on your kids but I agree that the Dr Seuss area is amazing and they can also play in the cartoon land (I can't think of the name!). There are a lot of places where water shoots up and so on and a lot of kids seem to love the area. __________________ PG

10-25-2009, 07:15 PM	#6
Feralpeg Diet coke lover Can now visit the parks anytime My DD, the movie star Sean Bean...is he related to Mr. Bean? Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 13,849	Universal Studios also has the Fieval Playground and a Barney area. The Animal Planet show is also really cute. A lot of little kids were there the last time I went and they really seemed to enjoy it. __________________

Sponsored Links
DIS ad Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000+	<div align="center">This information cannot be displayed because your browser does not support inline frames.<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com">Click Here</a> </div>

10-25-2009, 05:33 PM	#5
Purseval DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,804	Jimmy Neutron has stationary seats in the front for younger riders so there is no height requirement. The Flying Unicorn was taken out to make way for the new Harry Potter area. The Pterodactyl ride is for kids under 75 pounds. Every area that wouldn't allow a 2-year old on a ride would have a child swap anyway. Either Universal or IOA is better than AK as far as things to do and play, unless of course they are really into animals.

10-25-2009, 07:21 PM	#7
DisneyGerry DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 541	I like AK but probably put Universal Studio over AK. Even for the animals, id put BGTB over AK. __________________ On endless holiday! BTDT: CSR, POFQ, Y&BC, WL, POR, SSR, CBR, GF, BWV, OKW, HH, and DCL. Also, AP, DVC, D23, & Tables in Wonderland.

10-25-2009, 07:35 PM	#8
DOOM1001 DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: 233 miles away Posts: 2,380	It'll be cheaper to just stay and do AK,but Universal would be a must do for me. __________________

10-25-2009, 08:49 PM	#9
cbg1027 I knew I had converted him when he started pointing out hidden Mickeys to me! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tallahassee Florida Posts: 1,361	I've never been to Islands of Adventure, but I think Universal Studios sucks. I've been twice and I have no desire to go back. AK on the other hand, is an AMAZING park. There are lots of things for small children there too. Almost all the attractions are things the whole family can enjoy together - the Safari, all the shows, the animal exhibits. It is also the most beautifully landscaped place I've ever seen. You really feel like you're in the African savannah or the jungles of India. Some people don't like AK because it's so different from the other Disney parks. It has a different vibe, and you have to have a "stop and smell the roses" mentality when touring it. If you like Animals, definately go to AK! __________________ Abby Jacques Georges Peter A Drinker and a Dessert Fiend Dine Around Disney in December The "I Can't Come Up with a Catchy Title" Disney Food Review Abby and Estelle's Birthday Wish: A Food-Centered Disney Trip A Veteran Shows a Novice the Disney Ropes: Abby and Mark's December Disney Trip

10-25-2009, 10:06 PM	#13
DOOM1001 DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: 233 miles away Posts: 2,380	The parks are right next to each other,like a 5 minute walk.Everything at Universal is connected,you park at the parking garages that lead to Citywalk which is in between both parks.If you're staying at one of their resorts you can walk or take a boat to the resorts. __________________

10-25-2009, 10:33 PM	#14
mccathy Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 436	My gosh! we can WALK between parks. Okay - I think I'm sold. That - and you go on holidays because it's less crowded than WDW - sounds good to me. =) __________________ Cathy Quinn (5 yrs old) Liam (2.5 yrs old) Mike Check out McCathy's Disney Daze: http://www.mccathysdisneydaze.blogspot.com Check out McCathy's Tub: http://mccathy.blogspot.com 1980 My First Trip to DW - no idea - I was only 3! 1992 High School Band Trip - off site 2001 Honeymoon - off site Oct. 2008 Caribbean Beach with Friends Hopefully - our first trip " home" - March, 2011

10-25-2009, 10:46 PM	#15
Mrs.Toad The poster formerly known as AnaheimGirl A frequent eye-roller and one who has also, um, danced in a cage Likes to catch the early edition of Poo Watch in the morning Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,088	Also, if you and your dh like thrill rides, the Mummy at US is awesome! Take turns riding it alone while the other watches the kids at the Curious George or Fievel Play areas. __________________ ~~Aggie Hidden Mickey, Maui style

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Overweight at Universal	andee515	Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure Forums	44	01-21-2010 08:59 AM
Our Lady of the Universe	akmlingo	Transportation	4	10-31-2009 12:35 AM
which studio at BCV	wwaleye	Disney Resorts	6	10-26-2009 11:53 AM
Some Animal Kingdom Queries	joesupra	Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies	11	10-25-2009 03:27 PM
Any point in requesting a savannah view if in a value studio?	FloFlo71	DVC-Planning	5	10-25-2009 02:18 PM