4 day Universal / IOA trip report

[loveysbydesign]

We took my son when he was 4 and had a blast. In June, we are taking him (now 8) and our DD who just turned 3. My plans for us include - WWoHP: touring the Hogwarts castle, then just the boys go on the ride and Flight of the HippoGriff for all. Also in IOA - Jurassic Park River Adventure (DS loved it at 4 and I know DD will too), Seuss Landing - lots of fun stuff here, the Popeye/Bluto raft ride, Poseidon's Fury and Spiderman. Over at Universal Studios - there is Barney - a MUST do for us (DD is HUGE fan), Animal Actors show, Fievel play area, Curious George water play area, E.T. . I think Men in Black will be ok to do and maybe even JAWS.

The main thing with little ones is to use child swaps, which most rides have, or just know in your head you won't be doing certain attractions and be at peace with that. It's easy for us 'cause my 8 year old hates roller coasters so I don't have to worry that he'll be bummed if we miss them. If I feel the need to go on one, though, I just do the single rider line while the rest of the fam gets ice cream or something.

Thank you very much for your input!
The problem I'm having with this trip is that we can only choose WDW or US/IOA(due to finances). I would LOVE to do both but it is simply out of our reach right now.
My older almost 12 y.o. ds has been dying to go to WWOHP, BUT my little guy is dying to see Mickey and go to WDW. Now that being said my older ds loves WDW and has agreed that if we need to wait one more year to go to US/IOA he is okay with that. Plus I told him that if we go next year we can afford to stay one night on-site at US/IOA to be able to get free express passes for 2 days. My little guy on the other hand will not understand why we are staying at the "Mickey House"(a pool home we are renting with my in-laws and the place we stayed at last trip)and why we can't go see Mickey and go on Dumbo and such. He talks about it constantly and asks every night at bed when we can go to Mickey's house and he can hug Mickey.

 

[damo]

We were thinking about trying US/IOA before we set sail on the Disney Dream, but OMG this trip report got me thinking. It sounds like a theme park from a nightmare.

I know this is only the opinion of 1 person but a little bit more research couldn't hurt either.



OP I know Mods have opinions too, but sometimes the word of a Mod are taken more seriously than that of an average Joe.

Read more trip reports and come on over to the other Universal forums. The key to having a great vacation is doing your homework before you go. We will answer all your questions and make sure you know exactly where to eat and how to plan your day. Universal and IOA are absolutely awesome!!!

Oh, and by the way, next year my Leafs are so making the playoffs.

 

[TallandGoofy]

Thank you very much for your input!
The problem I'm having with this trip is that we can only choose WDW or US/IOA(due to finances). I would LOVE to do both but it is simply out of our reach right now.
My older almost 12 y.o. ds has been dying to go to WWOHP, BUT my little guy is dying to see Mickey and go to WDW. Now that being said my older ds loves WDW and has agreed that if we need to wait one more year to go to US/IOA he is okay with that. Plus I told him that if we go next year we can afford to stay one night on-site at US/IOA to be able to get free express passes for 2 days. My little guy on the other hand will not understand why we are staying at the "Mickey House"(a pool home we are renting with my in-laws and the place we stayed at last trip)and why we can't go see Mickey and go on Dumbo and such. He talks about it constantly and asks every night at bed when we can go to Mickey's house and he can hug Mickey.

This is an easy one.

WDW this year. US/IOA next year. It's a win/win. I'd think you'll get alot more out of US/IOA with that one night stay onsite. And going to WDW this year ain't exactly torture for anyone!

Maybe you could do something extra special on the trip for the 12 y.o. for his patience. Let him pick any place he's always wanted to eat or get that special souvenir he's been wanting. Or heck, get him that new video game. $50 - $60 is alot cheaper than going to all those theme parks!!

 

[notaprincess]

We were thinking about trying US/IOA before we set sail on the Disney Dream, but OMG this trip report got me thinking. It sounds like a theme park from a nightmare.

I know this is only the opinion of 1 person but a little bit more research couldn't hurt either.



OP I know Mods have opinions too, but sometimes the word of a Mod are taken more seriously than that of an average Joe.

PLEASE go and judge for yourself. I love both Disney and Universal for their DIFFERENCES!!! and never had a bad experience in either.

Too many people hate one or the other and therefore go in with a set of mind and let that spoil their trip.


Life's too short...enjoy!

 

[Tink2Day]

Thank you very much for your input!
The problem I'm having with this trip is that we can only choose WDW or US/IOA(due to finances). I would LOVE to do both but it is simply out of our reach right now.
My older almost 12 y.o. ds has been dying to go to WWOHP, BUT my little guy is dying to see Mickey and go to WDW. Now that being said my older ds loves WDW and has agreed that if we need to wait one more year to go to US/IOA he is okay with that. Plus I told him that if we go next year we can afford to stay one night on-site at US/IOA to be able to get free express passes for 2 days. My little guy on the other hand will not understand why we are staying at the "Mickey House"(a pool home we are renting with my in-laws and the place we stayed at last trip)and why we can't go see Mickey and go on Dumbo and such. He talks about it constantly and asks every night at bed when we can go to Mickey's house and he can hug Mickey.

Not sure but I have a suspicion the younger one will want to go to WDW next year too. He probably doesn't know what there is to offer at Universal/IOA and basically just remembers WDW from the pictures and family talking about it?

The 12 year old will be 13 next year and we all know that is a difficult age and what appeals to them, being with family etc can change year to year when they hit that age. I'd also wonder who would have the best memories of the vacation this year.

If it was me I'd ask myself how I'd feel if something happened to preclude me taking a trip next year..............
Just some words of wisdom (or opinion) from someone who has been there both as the child and with the children.

Anyway I hope you have a great time whichever park you end up at.