1 Day/2 Parks and 2 young kids - Help me plan!

[caribear]

I haven't been to Universal since 2000 and before I had kids so I have no idea which rides are appropriate for the young ones. We are only going for 1 day and would like to visit both parks. I have a 6 year old (only 44 inches tall) and a 21 month old. Obviously we are not planning on any roller coasters.....but I am looking for all the help I can get in planning out my day! When I think of Universal I think more thrill rides than family rides. I do remember Suess Landing at Islands of Adventure, but other than that I am clueless. I am hoping those of you with kids and Universal expertise can help me out with a plan! Thanks!!

 

[barbarah]

I am not an expert, but am taking a 6, 4 and 19 month old soon too.

From what we have planned the Suess area, ET ride, Curious George water area as well as Woody Woodpecker. But these last ones are in Universal Studios but worth a visit for small ones.

You dont say if 6 year old is a boy or girl, but our 6 year old grandson wants to go on Spiderman too as he is into the action hero stuff.

 

[Metro West]

I haven't been to Universal since 2000 and before I had kids so I have no idea which rides are appropriate for the young ones. We are only going for 1 day and would like to visit both parks. I have a 6 year old (only 44 inches tall) and a 21 month old. Obviously we are not planning on any roller coasters.....but I am looking for all the help I can get in planning out my day! When I think of Universal I think more thrill rides than family rides. I do remember Suess Landing at Islands of Adventure, but other than that I am clueless. I am hoping those of you with kids and Universal expertise can help me out with a plan! Thanks!!

There are several great play areas at both parks and rides your kids will enjoy. At IOA, Seuss Landing is great fun for all ages and they could spend hours there. Camp Jurassic is like a big playground in the jungle, Jurassic Park Discovery Center has the dinosaurs and interactive activities and Me Ship The Olive is an interactive play area on several levels...it's kind of like a mutli-level playhouse.

At the Studios, the attractions for kids are: E.T., Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse coaster, Barney, Fievel's Playground and the Curious George water play areas. Also...the Animal Actors show is really cute.

You will definately have plenty of choices at both parks and your kids should have a ball!

 

[caribear]

Thanks so much for the suggestions!! I do appreciate the help!! I have read a couple of threads...so I think we will try to be at the parks an hour before they open so we can get the most out of our day. Do you know how early the parking lot and guest services (ticket booths) open?? We have some vouchers that we need to redeem and I am hoping this will not hold us up. Thanks!!

 

[macraven]

parking lot opens one hour prior to park opening.

suggest you arrive for the line to park around 7:40.
you should be the 45h or 5th car in line.

it opens promptly at 8 and you will be in and parked within minutes if you are there early.

you could be at the turnstile at ioa by 8:18 and have a head start on others.

there are many times guests are let in prior to the official opening time of 9 if the lines are long at the turnstile.

there are more rides/attractions opened at ioa than the studios when you are allowed in early.

the gs window outside of the parks should be open around 8ish........

 

[caribear]

parking lot opens one hour prior to park opening.

suggest you arrive for the line to park around 7:40.
you should be the 45h or 5th car in line.

it opens promptly at 8 and you will be in and parked within minutes if you are there early.

you could be at the turnstile at ioa by 8:18 and have a head start on others.

there are many times guests are let in prior to the official opening time of 9 if the lines are long at the turnstile.

there are more rides/attractions opened at ioa than the studios when you are allowed in early.

the gs window outside of the parks should be open around 8ish........

Thanks so much for all of the information!! Is it easy to get from one park to the other?? I can't remember if you can just walk to the other park....or if there is more to it than that....... Thanks again!

 

[Metro West]

Thanks so much for all of the information!! Is it easy to get from one park to the other?? I can't remember if you can just walk to the other park....or if there is more to it than that....... Thanks again!

Yes...the parks are right beside each other. It takes all of five minutes.