4 kids aged 4 6 9 & 11

[Nubiwan]

Was hoping to get a little advice on IOA and US please.

My kids don't seem to like WDW that much. Ride waits too long, and we don't care for the WDW crowds to be honest. In fact our kids all have a better time at Busch Gardens, or any water parks, than at Magic Kingdom. At the parks we usually have to split up into me and the two oldest kids, and wife takes the two smaller ones. We meet up every couple of hours. It keeps everyone happy, and entertained.

We plan therefore to take them to US and IOA this time around.

Just trying to get some feedback on following for Universal and Islands:

1) What rides good fall all ages and sizes?

2) My eldest can get an all rides, but my 2nd is about 1 inch short of mimumum height (think it is 54"). How sticky are they for the ride heights?

3) What are the best rides or theme areas for kids 4-7 (boys)? They love spongebob, spidey, avengers, transformers

4) Can you buy character dinners? Not interested in breakfast as it will 'eat up' the morning - unless someone suggests it shoukd not be missed.

5) Be there May 6-11. We plan to go Tuesday - Friday. Is there a best day for either IOA or US? What kind of crowds?

6) Probably getting the current 2 day/get 3rd free ticket deals. Best place to buy (UT)?

Think that should cover the basics. Looking forward to our 4th trip to the big O.

 

[Lynne G]

Was hoping to get a little advice on IOA and US please.

My kids don't seem to like WDW that much. Ride waits too long, and we don't care for the WDW crowds to be honest. In fact our kids all have a better time at Busch Gardens, or any water parks, than at Magic Kingdom. At the parks we usually have to split up into me and the two oldest kids, and wife takes the two smaller ones. We meet up every couple of hours. It keeps everyone happy, and entertained.

We plan therefore to take them to US and IOA this time around.

Just trying to get some feedback on following for Universal and Islands:

1) What rides good fall all ages and sizes? Check the Universal website and U Tube. All the ride height requirements are on Universal's website. Most of Suessland is good for all ages, the shows are good for all your age kids, most of Potterland, most of the simulators.

2) My eldest can get an all rides, but my 2nd is about 1 inch short of mimumum height (think it is 54"). How sticky are they for the ride heights?
I would hope they are very sticky. It's for safety reasons. I would never want my kid to "slip" in.

3) What are the best rides or theme areas for kids 4-7 (boys)? They love spongebob, spidey, avengers, transformers
Simpsons ride, Sidey ride, Despicable Me, Flight of the Hippogriff, Suessland.

4) Can you buy character dinners? Not interested in breakfast as it will 'eat up' the morning - unless someone suggests it shoukd not be missed.
No character dinners. Try a place in City Walk. See the sticky as to the menus.

5) Be there May 6-11. We plan to go Tuesday - Friday. Is there a best day for either IOA or US? What kind of crowds?
I would say that's a slower time of year. Only Friday may see more crowds, as the local high schools enjoy a park day on Fridays.

6) Probably getting the current 2 day/get 3rd free ticket deals. Best place to buy (UT)?
I would say yes, and use the mousesaver discount to save a few more cents.

Think that should cover the basics. Looking forward to our 4th trip to the big O.

Have a great time! So jealous.

 

[damo]

I'll add my two cents. There are character dinners at the hotels twice a week. They don't cost extra. There are only 2 or three characters that come and visit with the patrons.

Guess whos coming to dinner?

On various evenings you can enjoy special appearances by many of your favorite Universal Orlando Resort theme park characters during your meal. Its great food and fun for the whole family!

Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Friday nights from 6:30pm 9:30pm

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel Saturday nights from 6:00pm 9:00pm

Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort Monday & Wednesday nights from 6:30pm 9:30pm

There's an entire kidzone at Universal where your boys would have a blast. Make sure you do the superhero calalcade over at IOA and get autographs and photos with all of the superheroes.

 

[gayles]

Do they just cost what the Dinner is ???

 

[damo]

Do they just cost what the Dinner is ???

Yup.

 

[Nubiwan]

I'll add my two cents.
There's an entire kidzone at Universal where your boys would have a blast. Make sure you do the superhero calalcade over at IOA and get autographs and photos with all of the superheroes.

A superhero what? Where can I get more info?

 

[Nancy for Disney]

If you like water parks you should consider the $179 14 day unlimited pass to US/IoA and Wet N Wild. This way you can come and go as you please. It can be purchased through Undercover Tourist.

 

[damo]

A superhero what? Where can I get more info?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl_QrqkdlY0

Check your park map for times.

 

[Metro West]

A superhero what? Where can I get more info?

The Super Heroes come out throughout the day but it depends on the park hours as to when they appear. Check the park map on the day you're visiting for meet/greet times. They are a lot more accessible than at Disney and the lines aren't as long...except for Spiderman of course but he has his own area. Your kids will love the interaction.

 

[HarleyGirl514]

I'll add my two cents. There are character dinners at the hotels twice a week. They don't cost extra. There are only 2 or three characters that come and visit with the patrons.

Guess whos coming to dinner?

On various evenings you can enjoy special appearances by many of your favorite Universal Orlando Resort theme park characters during your meal. Its great food and fun for the whole family!

Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Friday nights from 6:30pm 9:30pm

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel Saturday nights from 6:00pm 9:00pm

Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort Monday & Wednesday nights from 6:30pm 9:30pm

There's an entire kidzone at Universal where your boys would have a blast. Make sure you do the superhero calalcade over at IOA and get autographs and photos with all of the superheroes.

Do u know some of the characters that visit during the RPR dinner? I'm sure it's not the same all the time, right? Anyone have any pics of this?

 

[damo]

Do u know some of the characters that visit during the RPR dinner? I'm sure it's not the same all the time, right? Anyone have any pics of this?

You can email the hotel and they'll let you know. They change around.

 

[No user names left]

In fact our kids all have a better time at Busch Gardens, or any water parks, than at Magic Kingdom. At the parks we usually have to split up into me and the two oldest kids, and wife takes the two smaller ones. We meet up every couple of hours. It keeps everyone happy, and entertained.

Hi OP, thanks for posting. We are the exact same as you and split up like you! Am absolutely delighted not to be going to WDW this time round - it is like a weight off my shoulders!! Posters here have really helped on the thread I posted too. Our 2nd week is the same as yours, so do say hello in Seussland if you see 3 little girls who look the image of each other! And thank you to all the people who replied to you, we are using these words of wisdom too!

 

[Seeker615]

At IOA the superhero's come out on ATV's and then pose for pics. As an adult I had a blast with Wolverine so I can imagine it must be twice as fun for kids!

At the studios it seemed there was always characters coming out. Look for the Mystery Machine and get pics with Scooby and Shaggy.

There was also Rocky and Bullwinkle, Woody Woodpecker, Shrek and Donkey, Madagascar characters and I got a great pic of me and Lucy and Ricky! (I love Lucy) Oh yes also SpongeBob and Curious George.

The characters in my opinion are more approachable and accessible.

At Universal do the Horror Make-Up Show. It's so much fun!

Also the kids would like the Men in Black ride as well as the Shred 4D show.

The animal actor show is cute and if you are lucky they sometimes bring out the dogs in the park to meet and greet!

Over at IOA - Dr. Seuss area is adorable.

If any of the kids are Harry Potter Fans or Dino fans don't miss either section of IOA.

Have fun!

 

[macraven]

the character hotel dinners last year and years past have had the simpsons or scooby.

i haven't been this year yet, go in the fall, so do call the hotel to check on which characters will be present.

the days of the week for the character dinners are on the UO website.
but, do call the hotel to make sure in case of changes.

 

[Nubiwan]

If any of the kids are Harry Potter Fans or Dino fans don't miss either section of IOA.

Have fun!

Dino fans - My son loves Dinosaurs. Sadly, I heard Jurassic ride is closed in May. Is there "another" dino thing you are referring to?

 

[damo]

Dino fans - My son loves Dinosaurs. Sadly, I heard Jurassic ride is closed in May. Is there "another" dino thing you are referring to?

Make sure you go to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. There are lots of cool things to explore here. Also, they should play in the Camp Jurassic where there are amber mine caves and other dinosaur things. They can also ride Pteranadon Flyers.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Islands-of-Adventure/Jurassic-Park-Discovery-Center.aspx

https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Islands-of-Adventure/Camp-Jurassic.aspx

https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Islands-of-Adventure/Pteranodon-Flyers.aspx



I suggest you go to www.universalorlando.com and explore all the attractions.

 

[gopherit]

Two words... Curious George. My kids love love LOVE this section of Universal park. And my kids range from toddler to teen! Best time to go there- an hour before park closes. It kind of clears out and you have it to yourself. It is not a ballpit in the sense you think of one- there are cannons and vacuums and the balls are flying everywhere! There is also a water play area. We go right near closing time, work up a sweat, get soaking wet, then squish squish squish on back to the hotel, LOL. Love it.

The Seuss area is nice BUT blazing HOT! Somebody should have planted more truffle trees or something. BE SURE to go by the talking fountain at IOA (please tell me folks that it is still there and still just as funny!). We once spent an hour there . It varies with whoever is doing the voice and running the controls of course, but usually they have someone who does quite a good job poking innocent, clever fun at the bystanders.

 

[jasonflk]

BE SURE to go by the talking fountain at IOA (please tell me folks that it is still there and still just as funny!). We once spent an hour there . It varies with whoever is doing the voice and running the controls of course, but usually they have someone who does quite a good job poking innocent, clever fun at the bystanders.

I believe it is still there, I hope so, I've been telling my kids about this special fountain and I know my son will love the sense of humour. Can't wait to go and see it!

 

[macraven]

I believe it is still there, I hope so, I've been telling my kids about this special fountain and I know my son will love the sense of humour. Can't wait to go and see it!

Mystic Fountain.
yes, it is still there

i spend time watching the peeps interact with it.
it's a hoot!

 

[mjohnson96]

Mystic Fountain.
yes, it is still there

i spend time watching the peeps interact with it.
it's a hoot!

DD now 10 loves the fountain, this trip I think the 3 year old will have a blast interacting with it.