14mth old at Universal/IOA

[Newfiescotian]

Hi folks:
Any Moms out there with advice on doing Florida/Disney/Universal/etc with a baby? My doll will turn 14 mths old on the date we are looking at next year. Not used to travelling with a baby, as it will be our first time doing Fl with her. Any advice/tips? Would love to hear experience from the best teachers, AKA Moms!
Thanks

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Just returned from Universal on sunday with a 8, 5, and 5 month old. Have done Universal before when both girls were around 18 months each. We do Disney all the time and have done with them as babies many times. Do you have other children. IF you have older children like mine then I would still do Universal if they really want the big kid rides.If not I would stay far away from Universal. Now my son was younger than your daughter last week, but Universal has VERY LITTLE for Babies and Toddlers. He was not able to ride anything but the carousel, one fish two fish(which he did not because he would get squirted in the face. He could have done the shrek movie but it was way to loud dark scary. I spent one week at Universal desparetely trying to find shade and air conditioned stores to wait while the others finished their rides. Now when I went with my girls at 18 months which would be closer to your girl's age, they could also do Cat in the Hat, but it is very jerky and they are not allowed to sit in your lap. Their is also a water splashing area Curios George that is really nice and a small area with water in Dr. Seuss area. That is it. It was a dissappointing week after many trips to Disney with a baby. Disney is much more focussed toward little kids, they can ride in your lap for many attractions, see most shows, alot more character interaction and things to watch outside parades music etc. Disney is by far better for toddlers. In fact I did a random survey at Universal where I pointed this out. RE: our family our travel "attitude" is take the kids everywhere they are not too young to try anything and we don't dictate our schedule. we are very flexible. Disney is way more fun, especially with a little girl. I actually like Universal but it was pretty miserable with a baby expecially in the heat.

 

[Tizzy_Meliss]

Sorry but I have to disagree with the above post. I don't think Disney is necessarily better than Universal for a child that age. I think both parks have plenty to do for a toddler.

Hi folks:
Any Moms out there with advice on doing Florida/Disney/Universal/etc with a baby? My doll will turn 14 mths old on the date we are looking at next year. Not used to travelling with a baby, as it will be our first time doing Fl with her. Any advice/tips? Would love to hear experience from the best teachers, AKA Moms!
Thanks

My first tip would be try to avoid going in August. The heat is terrible, especially for toddlers. Second tip, stay onsite if you decide on Universal. That way you will have front of the line access to all of the rides you decide to go on. Plus little ones like the boat ride over to the parks, that alone is a ride to them. I would definitely bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and pool shoes for her. For her age, I think the play areas are where you will spend most of your time. At her age there aren't many rides for her to do. But it has been my experience that children at that age aren't interested in the rides at all and don't really want to sit still for them, they are much more interested in play areas and Universal has awesome ones.

In IOA your daughter will love Seuss Landing. There is the Caro-Suess-El and One Fish Two Fish, if you don't think she will like getting wet, make sure she sits on the inside and listen to the song, if you pay attention to the song you'll know when they squirt the water. Just stand by and watch the ride once or twice, you'll figure it out. One of my DD's didn't want to get wet, she rode it 5 times and didn't get wet once. They also have a High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, she might enjoy. I am not sure about Cat In The Hat, it is loud and it has some spins. It may be to much for her at that young age. But they do have If I Ran the Zoo an interactive play area she will really like. There is a little bit of water in the play area. There is also Camp Jurassic which is another play area and The Discovery Center. Me Ship, The Olive is another play area in Toon Lagoon.

At the Studios head for Woody Woodpecker's KidZone. If she likes Barney there is a sing along show and a play area to go after the show, plus Barney takes a few photos. Fievel's Playland and Curious George Goes to Town are both awesome interactive play areas with water and you will be lucky to get her out of them in a few hours. Or at least that is how it has always been for us when we went with little children.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Don't get me wrong I like Universal, I just spent 6 nights there and stayed onsite. But the only thing little ones can do is the playgrounds, this gets very boring for parents after awhile and honestly I have good water playgrounds not too far from my house. Check the height restrictions for both parks and you can see the difference. YOu have to be 40 inches for the trolley ride.

Here is a sample day at the park from Universal when my daughter was 18 months. Curious George Water park for a while, Barney(beware it scared her at the beginning it goes dark and they start the show with loud exploding confetti) Barney is the whole reason we went to Universal. Did not do Feivals playground because it is the same as Curious George to me. O.K. done with Universal over to IOA. Cat in the hat(Very jerky she crashed into her dad and I who were seated on each side of her. Carosuel, If I ran the Zoo Splash Area, One Fish Two fish, got water in face even sitting on inside and hated it. Talking fountain in lost continent. Camp Jurasic is for older kids Almost everything is too high for little ones to reach, spent an hour there on Saturday with my older kids. Ship Me Olive another playground. I spent alot of time at the playgrounds because there is nothing else to do. No parades etc. Boat ride from hotel is great and food at Universal hotels is better. Also great pools.

Sample day at Disney with 18 month old-Jungle Cruise, Aladdin(also might get squirted), TIki Room(loud but my kids liked it), Pirates of the Carribean, Country BEar Jamboree(loved it), Woody street show, TOm Sawyer Island, playground by Splash Mountain(not great), Haunted Mansion, It's a Small WOrld, Peter Pan, Mickey's philharmonic, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, Carousel, Pooh's playground, Mickey's Toontown and their houses, Donald's water playground, train, Tommorland Transit Authority; Carousel of Progress, Buzz light year, Monster's Inc COmedy Club, SPectromagic, daytime parade, fireworks. There are also many child friendly things for toddlers at the other disney parks. I disagree that toddlers don't like rides. Mine loved all of the above, except getting squirted on Aladdin. What makes Disney so great with a toddler is the memories you make with your child. Seeing your daughter see It's a Small World for the first time is priceless. At Universal yes you could entertain your daughter at the the splash areas but that is about it and if there is any sign of rain/thunder they close the plash areas( This happened at some point to us almost everyday last week. Disney still has alot to do if it rains.
You are really far from Disney and I would want the most bang for my buck. I am not trying to be biased ,I just gave Universal all of our vacation money for the year, we were there onsite for a week instead of Disney. My older kids loved it, I would be disappointed to think I chose it over Disney if you don;t get to go frequently and you have a fourteen month old, there is much more to do/ride together as a family at Disney. Universal you sit at a playground and do baby swap pretty much.

 

[damo]

Since the baby really doesn't care, do what you want to do and use the baby swap.

 

[Tizzy_Meliss]

But the only thing little ones can do is the playgrounds, this gets very boring for parents after awhile and honestly I have good water playgrounds not too far from my house.

Boring for parents, not for toddlers. My suggestion was for toddlers, not parents.

You may have very nice water playgrounds around your house, where I live I do not, also the OP may not, and her children, like mine, may love US/IOA playgrounds and never want to leave them.

All children are different at that age, I've been to Disney with my 2 children in the toddler stage as well as friends and family with toddlers, and some of the rides you mentioned scared them. Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh (this one scared my 4 year old.)

I also never said "toddlers don't like rides." I said "it has been my experience that children at that age aren't interested in the rides at all and don't really want to sit still for them, they are much more interested in play areas and Universal has awesome ones." It has been my experience that a toddler would much rather splash around in Curious George or Fievels playland, than stand for an hour waiting to get on a ride. Again, this has been solely my experience. Your lucky that you have had a different experience with your child.

I am not looking to argue with you over Disney being better than Universal, OP asked for tips on Florida/Disney/ Universal, since this is the Universal forum I gave her advice and tips on going to Universal with a toddler. So lets just agree to disagree.

I hope what ever you decide Newfiescotian you have an awesome vacation, take lots of pics, and come back here to tell us all about it.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

That is the beauty of the threads, agreeing to disagree and being opinion based. Re: doing what parents want to do my husband and I actually want to do all the toddler friendly attractions. We would ride all these things even without children with us. Yes we like thrill rides, that is why we do Universal but we really prefer Disney. I agree that some rides scare toddlers(mine are not because they have been riding them about every 6 months since the were 1 1/2. My youngest daughter now 5 ran from all characters from 2-3 years of age. At 1 1/2 there is not much of a concept of fear with the exception of startling noises. Re: attractions the benefit of having small children is traveling off season, so lines are really short we have never waited for anything more than 10 minutes or we have had a fast pass. I agree a child this age would hate long lines and no ride is worth a 30 minute wait with a childe this age. A big benefit to Universal is staying onsite and doing the Front of the Line pass, but having just returned 2 days ago with a baby I felt the need to share that I was bored with the lack of activities for younger children. I basically melted in the heat while we either did baby swap or I watched them play at the water playgrounds. They liked the hotel pools more than anything. I would have begged for mercy and cried uncle to be able to ride It's a small world 10 times in a row. Twice we put on our swimsuits and headed specifically to Curious George and a different day If I ran the Zoo and were not allowed in because of the sound of thunder in the distance. My five year old was really bummed. I love Universal, that is why we went. OP wanted our advice and experience re: Disney/Universal/IOA with a 14 month old and I have taken both of my daughters to both parks at the age of 16 -18 months so I've included my two cents.

 

[macraven]

That is the beauty of the threads, agreeing to disagree and being opinion based. Re: doing what parents want to do my husband and I actually want to do all the toddler friendly attractions. We would ride all these things even without children with us. Yes we like thrill rides, that is why we do Universal but we really prefer Disney. I agree that some rides scare toddlers(mine are not because they have been riding them about every 6 months since the were 1 1/2. My youngest daughter now 5 ran from all characters from 2-3 years of age. At 1 1/2 there is not much of a concept of fear with the exception of startling noises. Re: attractions the benefit of having small children is traveling off season, so lines are really short we have never waited for anything more than 10 minutes or we have had a fast pass. I agree a child this age would hate long lines and no ride is worth a 30 minute wait with a childe this age. A big benefit to Universal is staying onsite and doing the Front of the Line pass, but having just returned 2 days ago with a baby I felt the need to share that I was bored with the lack of activities for younger children. I basically melted in the heat while we either did baby swap or I watched them play at the water playgrounds. They liked the hotel pools more than anything. I would have begged for mercy and cried uncle to be able to ride It's a small world 10 times in a row. Twice we put on our swimsuits and headed specifically to Curious George and a different day If I ran the Zoo and were not allowed in because of the sound of thunder in the distance. My five year old was really bummed. I love Universal, that is why we went. OP wanted our advice and experience re: Disney/Universal/IOA with a 14 month old and I have taken both of my daughters to both parks at the age of 16 -18 months so I've included my two cents.

at universal, the baby swap rooms are in a/c rooms with seating arrangements/chairs.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

THe inside rides and some of the bigger outside attractions did have air conditioned baby swap. They are usually at the exit or beginning of the ride and are a bench of some sort in a concrete room. My five year old quickly complained because there was nothing to do in the baby swap room and felt it was an unfair way to spend her day. We tried waiting in the many gift shops and swapping off but were usually in the way as it was also the ride exit. Plus I find that if the stroller isn't moving my kids get fussy if they can't get out and run around. We got around this because we were staying for six days so one day my husband would ride with my 8 year old while I found something to do with the younger and the next day we would go back and switch. It really depends on what type of vacation the OP wants. IF it is thrill rides or if she has older kids and they don't mind riding rides by themself or with older kids Universal is great. If they want to ride rides together or are not into thrill rides Universal may not be the park for them. My signature does not reflect all our trips to Universal but we are Loews platinum members just from our stays at the Royal pacific. I know Universal well and intentionally just spent a fortune to spend a week there with my family instead of Disney even though I have a baby, but am being slammed for giving what is my honest opinion. I am certainly not a Universal hater. I have had AP's to both parks.

It would be helpful to the OP for those that have been to Universal with a child of the same age to answer her question and post their experiences and comments. My opinion that Universal is not as toddler friendly as Disney was not intended to high jack a thread. Her initial post mentioned both.

 

[nascarcheshirecat]

I actually saw a lot more happy toddlers at Uni than Disney.

 

[3mmm]

I don't want to get into the Disney - Universal debate here (we love both), but I can speak to the question asked. I have five children and we started going to Disney when my two oldest were 2 years old and 14 months. My other three have all been to Disney as infants or young toddlers. We always had a great experience.

We went to universal the first time when child number 4 was 10 months old. I hated it. My older kids and husband loved it, but there was nothing that I could do with an infant. They wouldn't even let him on the carousel because he was a non-walker and yes they have playgrounds, but they all seem to be water related. At one point, I was so unhappy, I swore I would never go back - that it wasn't family friendly, etc. I had this mini-meltdown in the middle of the park. My husband and older children loved it and of course we all love FOTL perks

Fast-forward to child number 5 at 16 months and we had a much better experience. He was able to do a few of the kiddie rides, the water playgrounds were a hit, and I went with much lowered expectations for the young children. I still say Disney is better for little ones, but you have to balance what your entire family is looking for.

I have come up with the best solution this year. We are only taking the three older ones and staying on-site at Universal. I know, I will love it this time. We don't normally leave half the family behind, but this is a quick trip for my husband's work, and I know from experience it will be better with just a 10, 9 and 5 year old.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 

[3mmm]

And to further answer the OP's question. The best piece of advice I can give is bring your own stroller. Make sure it is a good, sturdy one that can recline for naps and make sure your child is used to it and will actually sleep in it. Check it out at home and "practice' napping your child in it. My children have always slept in their strollers in the middle of a busy, noisy park, but each one was different. One I had to lay flat and cover with a blanket and walk. For another, I couldn't recline the stroller all the way. Another was more distracted by the blanket over the stroller. My fourth always fell asleep to a musical toy on his crib, so we brought it with us and when it was nap time, I played it.

And to bring Seaworld into the debate, it's another one that I had a few issues with initially. We love Seaworld, but the first time we went there I had an infant and a toddler in a double stroller. I thought it would be the best park, but more than a couple of exhibitions are not open to walk through. You have to actually enter a gate or door and they will not let you bring a stroller in. Well, with an infant and a toddler, one of them was sleeping most of the time, so I missed out on a lot. And it is me who misses out every time because if I leave a sleeping child with my husband, they never stay asleep!!!

We love Seaworld, but I just want you to be aware - I was surprised by the layout

I'd be happy to answer any other questions the OP has - just ask away

 

[RVGal]

The OP hasn't booked anything yet and is asking for advice. Advice. Not the Universal vs. Disney debate that seems to break out Every. Single. Time. the two words are put in the same post.

Sigh.

Okay, here is my experience. My sons were 5 and 22 months on our first trip to Universal.

Positives? The best playgrounds (wet and dry) are found at Universal. Hands down. They are smaller and well staffed. You don't lose your kids. Kids can't accidentally leave the play areas without you. The Barney's Backyard play area is fabulous. I can't say enough good things about it. It is indoors, air conditioned, and TMs are at the exits. FABULOUS. There are a lot of shows and things where you can take a toddler. There are not anywhere near as many babies and toddlers at Universal, so I found that TMs bent over backwards to make my visit pleasant.

Negatives? If you want to take your toddler on a ride, there aren't many. Even on the rides that a toddler meets the height requirement, they have to be able to sit independantly beside you in their own seat. There is no lap sitting allowed.

My oldest son was 3 for his first trip to Disney. Since that doesn't apply here, I'll skip to the next trip which was the same where we did Universal. My sons were 5 and 22 months.

Positives? You can take a toddler on lots of rides. There are lots of kid movies represented that a toddler will probably have seen. There are lots of characters that a toddler will probably recognize. There are some shows and some movies where you can take a toddler. Mine napped through Mickey's Philharmagic and that was great. Lots of groups that include babies and toddlers visit WDW, so they are prepared for anything and everything you could need.

Negatives? Just because you can take a toddler on a ride, that doesn't mean they will enjoy them. My 22 month old was scared on Pooh. He didn't like the dark or the motions of the hunny pot. He was also scared on TTA. That one took me completely by surprise. What scared him? The pitch black tunnels. You will have to do lots of research about the rides and decide what your toddler can and can't handle. Try to prepare your toddler by showing them what rides are like by getting the free planning Disney dvd or one of the "day at the park" type dvds that are available (probably have to get them from eBay or one of the park souvenir stores online). Play the movies and music that will be represented in the rides. Toddlers do not usually like to be surprised. They want to know what to expect. If your toddler does like a ride, expect them to want to ride it over and over.

The playgrounds at WDW are big. Too big for a toddler. I'm not even comfortable letting my now older children loose in them. There are too many places where I can't see them or tell where they are going to wind up. There are play caves and slides where the exits on them are all over the place. Fun for a kid and fine for an older child that can fend for themself, not so much fun for the parent trying to keep up with them and not fine for a child that is too young. There is CM at the entrance/exit, so I assume they would catch escapees, however.


August in Florida is hot. Brutally hot. If you choose a beach desination, you will get a shore breeze, but it will still be hot. You'll have to prepare for the toddler to be in the sun with sunscreen (I like Water Babies because it protects, is waterproof, and it doesn't stink like most sunscreens do), hat, water shoes, etc. Keeping them hydrated is always a priority. Sand will get everywhere, but that is true of any beach vacation. You will probably want to choose a location that has a kiddie pool/wet play area because a toddler can't handle the ocean. My boys always had fun as toddlers just sitting in the sand and playing, or sitting in the kiddie pool and splashing. Good simple fun.

The sunscreen/hat/hydration rule, of course, applies to any and all locations in Florida. You'll have to prepare for that no matter where you decide to go.

Hope that helps and happy planning!