14 days!! Disney & Universal..is it too much?

[mguilford1]

We are taking our 8 yo granddaughter to Disney for 2 weeks. This will be her first trip. The first week we rented a house, the second week we are staying AKL. She is tall and loves all thrill rides. She does have ADHD and sensory issues. She loves to be on the go, but sometimes I worry if it is too much. We have a 10 day Disney park hopper ticket plus we have 1 day waterpark ticket. That leaves 3 "other" days. In your opinion should we get a 3 day pass to Universal? We dont care about Harry Potter stuff never even watched the movies! Or should we just leave 3 random days to do whatever? Are the rides at Universal and the experience that different from Disney? Or is it just really more of the same with different characters? The 3 day tickets to Universal will cost almost $600 more which I dont mind spending if it is worth it? Any information you can give would be appreciated!
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[macraven]

i do 17 days with a split stay of disney/universal.


i haven't read any of the parry hotter books or watched the movies.
but, i still found the parry hotter section of the park marvelous.
you don't have to read or see a movie to enjoy those sections of the parks.

they are very well themed and easy to figure out what it is all about.

i see a lot of children in that section at UO.
it really is great for famiies to enjoy together.

if time and money is not an issue, try universal.
you can plan a one day trip and only buy a one day 2 park ticket and add days while you are there.
if your granddaughter enjoys the park, make the decision to upgrade your tickets at guest services for 2 more days.

if you decide that one day is enough, then explore other options for entertainment for your family.


universal has the GAP/guest assistant card if that is a necessity for your granddaughter to use.
guest services at the park is where you would obtain this card.

check out the website at www.universalorlando.com and explore what is in the park.
you can read up on the rides and shows and make a decision if this is a park you want to explore.

 

[jon18uk]

Might be worth looking at SeaWorld and Legoland as well.

She will be too young to get Harry Potter, generally that is aimed at 11+ years (children should be the same age as Harry for each book, book 1 age 11, book 2 age 12 etc). Although there is many other things at Universal such as Dr Seuss, ET, Animal Actors, Minions. But 8 is also a great age for visiting LegoLand.

 

[KorbensMomma]

Might be worth looking at SeaWorld and Legoland as well. She will be too young to get Harry Potter, generally that is aimed at 11+ years (children should be the same age as Harry for each book, book 1 age 11, book 2 age 12 etc). Although there is many other things at Universal such as Dr Seuss, ET, Animal Actors, Minions. But 8 is also a great age for visiting LegoLand.

Why would she have to be the same age as the characters in the book??? That's not exactly how books work.

Op your Granddaughter doesn't have to know anything about HP. If she likes thrill rides all that matters is if she is tall enough. There are 2 big coasters in the HP section of IOA called Dragon Challenge, then a small coaster called flight of the Hippogriff, the the Forbidden Journey this is a really cool thrill ride.

Universal has more thrill rides than Disney, if she likes thrill rides and is tall enough I would definitely go.

 

[jon18uk]

Why would she have to be the same age as the characters in the book??? That's not exactly how books work.

I understand that J K Rowling designed the books such that the language and themes used were suitable for around age 10-11 onwards, with the language, words and themes being suitable for more mature readers with each book.
And generally if a child's vocabulary isn't developed enough, they won't understand the book (that's how books work). I'm not saying an 8 year old can't read or understand the Harry Potter books, just that they are more aimed at 10+.

As you said, younger guests will still enjoy the Hippogriff coaster whether or not they have read the books. But I still think an 8 year old will find Legoland a better park overall.

 

[lorie13]

We are going in September for a 2 week trip that includes 5 nights Disney, 3 nights Universal and 6 nights Disney. Four adults and three children ages 3, 9, 12 . This is the children's first trip to Orlando.

Disney and Universal do offer different experiences and even though I believe 10 days is a good number for theme parking, because they had never been there before, they wanted to add Universal. One thing we are doing is staying in one of the on site hotels at Universal. This gives you front of the line passes for most of the rides (not including Harry Potter experiences, for this you do get in an hour earlier than the general public) which we should be able to see everything in about 2 days.

If the adults survive this experience, I will be back to report on it. LOL

 

[kwdw]

We are taking our 8 yo granddaughter to Disney for 2 weeks. This will be her first trip. The first week we rented a house, the second week we are staying AKL. She is tall and loves all thrill rides. She does have ADHD and sensory issues. She loves to be on the go, but sometimes I worry if it is too much. We have a 10 day Disney park hopper ticket plus we have 1 day waterpark ticket. That leaves 3 "other" days. In your opinion should we get a 3 day pass to Universal? We dont care about Harry Potter stuff never even watched the movies! Or should we just leave 3 random days to do whatever? Are the rides at Universal and the experience that different from Disney? Or is it just really more of the same with different characters? The 3 day tickets to Universal will cost almost $600 more which I dont mind spending if it is worth it? Any information you can give would be appreciated!
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I would wait until you get there to decide. Do each of the Disney parks, then decide if you want more down time or more thrill rides. If she is tall enough, there are definitely more thrill rides at the Universal parks. Depending on when you are going (the crowd level) you can do a one day park hopper and hit the big attractions. Or, spend two days. If not a big HP fan, I wouldn't get a three day ticket beforehand. If you love the place, you can add a day as long as you do that before you leave the park. The experience is different, IMO. But, I also don't think it's necessary. But, if you do decide to visit Universal, order your tickets online to skip the long line and save money. But you can do that purchase on the same day!

I also would suggest a no park day the day you switch lodging. That will be a bit hectic and you can definitely spend time exploring AKL and go to the pool or Downtown Disney that day.

To me, 10 day hoppers plus water park is plenty to do in two weeks. Everyone is going to get tired If you are in "go mode" the entire time and a couple quieter days may be needed.

 

[rnorwo1]

I understand that J K Rowling designed the books such that the language and themes used were suitable for around age 10-11 onwards, with the language, words and themes being suitable for more mature readers with each book.
And generally if a child's vocabulary isn't developed enough, they won't understand the book (that's how books work). I'm not saying an 8 year old can't read or understand the Harry Potter books, just that they are more aimed at 10+.

As you said, younger guests will still enjoy the Hippogriff coaster whether or not they have read the books. But I still think an 8 year old will find Legoland a better park overall.

Yes, interest will be very child specific. My 8yo son is reading the books right now, he loves them and we talk about going to Universal almost daily (we have to wait until our Mardi Gras vacation, though ) to see everything. OP, I would ask your grandchild if she likes HP, but like others have said, she may really like it even if she's not into the books or movies. We went to Hogsmeade a
Few years ago and my then 6 yo loved it, and he knew nothing about HP then. And there are so many other things there that our 3 kids love!
If she's into thrill rides, skip legoland, unless she really likes Legos. Sea World is awesome, too!

 

[agavegirl1]

OP, you mentioned your 8yo granddaughter has ADHD and sensory issues but loves all thrill rides. I think Universal would be a good fit for her. I also would urge you to have plans for your days instead of "playing it by ear". One thing that was especially helpful for me and my ADHD/sensory issue son on our theme park vacations was having more detailed plans so he knew what to expect and when. If he were to have asked "what are we doing next" and I answered with "what would you like to do?" He would have had an indecision meltdown.

 

[mguilford1]

Please keep the opinions coming! I am reading them all and carefully considering what we should do! I will definately need to decide at least a couple of days ahead of time or she will have a "meltdown". At this point I will tell her we are only going to Disney and if I decide differently I will give her a couple of days notice to think about it.

 

[kwdw]

Please keep the opinions coming! I am reading them all and carefully considering what we should do! I will definately need to decide at least a couple of days ahead of time or she will have a "meltdown". At this point I will tell her we are only going to Disney and if I decide differently I will give her a couple of days notice to think about it.

Good idea!

 

[Magpie]

I understand that J K Rowling designed the books such that the language and themes used were suitable for around age 10-11 onwards, with the language, words and themes being suitable for more mature readers with each book.
And generally if a child's vocabulary isn't developed enough, they won't understand the book (that's how books work). I'm not saying an 8 year old can't read or understand the Harry Potter books, just that they are more aimed at 10+.

As you said, younger guests will still enjoy the Hippogriff coaster whether or not they have read the books. But I still think an 8 year old will find Legoland a better park overall.

Not disagreeing with you - Legoland's awesome and possibly a better fit in this case! - but I have to say... this makes it all the more entertaining that my daughter read the Philosopher's Stone when she was four. Proof (of a sort, since you can't see the cover of the book):

I don't know how much she understood, but she did say it "makes a Harry Potter movie happen in my head". And she's kept rereading the books, over and over, in the years that followed.

For what it's worth, I also really like the idea of getting a 2-park, single day pass and then just adding days on, based on how much the child enjoys it and whether she wants to go back.

 

[lazer]

My five year old has been read all the books and has seen the movies. He's now a huge fan. He's very excited about HP stuff, he's also a super hero kid...so he's pumped about that too. He's tired if Disney, but in the past we would go for about 10 days and he was never tired or bored. I think you'd be fine with just Disney!

He's also a Lego fan. We visited a smaller scale lego land and it was a total waste of time and money (totally different animal I know, but the one in orlando looks generic to my husband, so we're skipping it. Also, my son is smaller so there are quite a few things at legoland he wouldn't be able to do.

 

[zebsterama]

We are taking our 8 yo granddaughter to Disney for 2 weeks. This will be her first trip. The first week we rented a house, the second week we are staying AKL. She is tall and loves all thrill rides. She does have ADHD and sensory issues. She loves to be on the go, but sometimes I worry if it is too much. We have a 10 day Disney park hopper ticket plus we have 1 day waterpark ticket. That leaves 3 "other" days. In your opinion should we get a 3 day pass to Universal? We dont care about Harry Potter stuff never even watched the movies! Or should we just leave 3 random days to do whatever? Are the rides at Universal and the experience that different from Disney? Or is it just really more of the same with different characters? The 3 day tickets to Universal will cost almost $600 more which I dont mind spending if it is worth it? Any information you can give would be appreciated!
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If you're really planning on skipping the Potter attractions .... but your GD really likes "thrill rides" then I might take another day (maybe two)off of my Disney time and add it to Universal. I really think you can get on all of the thrill stuff repeatedly with 3 or 4 days at Uni. 5 days might be overkill IMO.

I know Potter may not be a big thing for her, but if you're onsite, definitely check out Forbidden Journey -- it's a great thrill ride IMO .... our family's favorite. The Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket are awesome as well for thrills.

I would also very strongly suggest staying on-site at Uni and taking advantage of the express pass ... it will also give you early entry (and getting on FJ is all the more fun!!) without the heavy lines.

Have fun!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi, a fellow grandparent here.

Are any of your granddaughter's parents or any other adults going with you? I ask because you might need a break every few days or so. ...you will need days (or at least half days) that you do nothing but enjoy the pool and skip the parks. I'm speaking from experience, lol. I was thinking that if other adults are going with you, you could stay at the hotel sometimes while the other adults go to the parks with your granddaughter. That is what my sister did with her grandkids and their parents. It takes it's toll on you, believe me.

I would skip Universal and stick to Disney since this is her first trip. If you do go to Universal, I would not let your granddaughter ride Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey. It's very intense.

We just got back from a 6 night trip (SeaWorld/Universal/Disney) and my feet still hurt! lol

 

[scoobydooby]

Hi there. Frequent visitor from the UK here. My son was 8 the first time we visited Orlando (DD5). They are now 12 and 15 and have been numerous times. They still get worn out. Even having been before as adults only before our first kids trip DH and I didn't properly anticipate the sensory overloads and sheer exhaustion factor of touring the theme parks for young children. The likely fact of the trip is, that the pool, wherever you are, will be their favourite thing! That's not a bad thing if you expect it and factor in plenty of time for it There is a LOT of walking, a LOT of stimulation and a LOT of need for adult 'common sense' to be exercised on these trips IMHO. I genuinely think you will get more out of the trip if you do less. In your case skip Universal and IoA. The HP parts are wonderful. But much more so of you have seen the films or even better, read the books. (The books are much more detailed and fulfilling than the films). And if you've read/watched neither it's worth waiting until you have. The best way to tour the parks is to get up early and do rope drop. But you can't do that every day. So if you factor in 6 rope drops (two at MK, one at Epcot, DHS and AK and a water park), by the time you've added in your sleep in days your trip will be full and wonderful. Remember you need three late nights at Disney to enjoy the fireworks so that's three lie in days you need with and 8 year old.

 

[mguilford1]

We are going in September for a 2 week trip that includes 5 nights Disney, 3 nights Universal and 6 nights Disney. Four adults and three children ages 3, 9, 12 . This is the children's first trip to Orlando.

Disney and Universal do offer different experiences and even though I believe 10 days is a good number for theme parking, because they had never been there before, they wanted to add Universal. One thing we are doing is staying in one of the on site hotels at Universal. This gives you front of the line passes for most of the rides (not including Harry Potter experiences, for this you do get in an hour earlier than the general public) which we should be able to see everything in about 2 days.

If the adults survive this experience, I will be back to report on it. LOL

Sorry it took so long to reply, but I am reading all posts tonight and now that my FP are done and touring plans almost finished I can relax a little. If you could come back and report your thoughts on both parks that would be awesome!!! We do have one night booked at Universal, but we also have another room for the week so not sure if it is worth paying $325 just to get express pass.

 

[mguilford1]

Hi, a fellow grandparent here.

Are any of your granddaughter's parents or any other adults going with you? I ask because you might need a break every few days or so. ...you will need days (or at least half days) that you do nothing but enjoy the pool and skip the parks. I'm speaking from experience, lol. I was thinking that if other adults are going with you, you could stay at the hotel sometimes while the other adults go to the parks with your granddaughter. That is what my sister did with her grandkids and their parents. It takes it's toll on you, believe me.

I would skip Universal and stick to Disney since this is her first trip. If you do go to Universal, I would not let your granddaughter ride Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey. It's very intense.

We just got back from a 6 night trip (SeaWorld/Universal/Disney) and my feet still hurt! lol

No its just us three and should be interesting! Took our kids 15 years ago for 2 weeks and did everyday open to close and we all had a great time!! Then 3 1/2 years ago husband and I went for our 25th Anniversary and we missed all the fireworks because we were tired and went to bed!! LOL Our granddaughter has lived with us for the last 1 1/2 years though so I think I might have built my stamina back up

 

[mguilford1]

Hi there. Frequent visitor from the UK here. My son was 8 the first time we visited Orlando (DD5). They are now 12 and 15 and have been numerous times. They still get worn out. Even having been before as adults only before our first kids trip DH and I didn't properly anticipate the sensory overloads and sheer exhaustion factor of touring the theme parks for young children. The likely fact of the trip is, that the pool, wherever you are, will be their favourite thing! That's not a bad thing if you expect it and factor in plenty of time for it There is a LOT of walking, a LOT of stimulation and a LOT of need for adult 'common sense' to be exercised on these trips IMHO. I genuinely think you will get more out of the trip if you do less. In your case skip Universal and IoA. The HP parts are wonderful. But much more so of you have seen the films or even better, read the books. (The books are much more detailed and fulfilling than the films). And if you've read/watched neither it's worth waiting until you have. The best way to tour the parks is to get up early and do rope drop. But you can't do that every day. So if you factor in 6 rope drops (two at MK, one at Epcot, DHS and AK and a water park), by the time you've added in your sleep in days your trip will be full and wonderful. Remember you need three late nights at Disney to enjoy the fireworks so that's three lie in days you need with and 8 year old.

This sounds like some good advice, but part of me is still saying you dont want to miss anything you might not go back! I am pretty sure if we go to Universal we will not do the Harry Potter stuff.