5 year old at IOA

[solstice621]

We are busy planning our itinerary for our trip in 10 days, and we are planning a trip to IOA (for Harry Potter,of course). I am a little hesitant about this though. How much will my 5yo enjoy it, really? It doesn't seem like there is that much there for her to do. Not sure about giving up a day at Disney. I'm wondering if we should wait until she is slightly older? Any thoughts would be much appreciated Thanks!

 

[schumigirl]

There really is a lot for younger children at IOA and US.

Have a look at the Universal website.....it shows you everything that is in both parks.

 

[Metro West]

We are busy planning our itinerary for our trip in 10 days, and we are planning a trip to IOA (for Harry Potter,of course). I am a little hesitant about this though. How much will my 5yo enjoy it, really? It doesn't seem like there is that much there for her to do. Not sure about giving up a day at Disney. I'm wondering if we should wait until she is slightly older? Any thoughts would be much appreciated Thanks!

There are plenty of things your daughter can do...in both parks. At the Studios there is the Woody Woodpecker KidZone, Curious George Goes to Town, Barney and E.T. She might also enjoy Jimmy Neutron and Shrek 4-D. The Animal Actors show is really cute so that shouldn't be missed.

At IOA she will enjoy Suess Landing, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Me Ship The Olive and Camp Jurassic.

Here is a link to the website and has more information that will help you: http://www.universalorlando.com/OverviewPages/Rides/ridesforkids.aspx

 

[IdesOmarch]

That's a big misconception about Universal (that's there's nothing for little kids) there are tons of things to do. Suess Landing is so impressive it is maybe worth the trip on that alone and your 5 year old will LOVE Camp Jurassic at Jurassic Park. The theming and atmosphere is as good or better than Disney so I don't think you will be disappointed and in fact you will probably say as most do on their first visit "I can't believe that I have just now decided to give Universal a try" and kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

 

[LUVIOA]

The theming and atmosphere is as good or better than Disney so I don't think you will be disappointed and in fact you will probably say as most do on their first visit "I can't believe that I have just now decided to give Universal a try" and kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

I agree! By the time we took the kids, they were already too old for some things that they would have LOVED at that age.

 

[ladylinda65]

There is definitely alot to do for a 5 year old just make sure that you get a 2 park pass.

Shrek, Simpson, Curious George, Barney, ET all at USF.
Seuss Landing and HP at IOA

JP recently reopened the triceratops interactive area but I am not sure if that was just for the holidays. But Camp Jurassic and the Pteradon Flyers is a lot of fun. I wish that us grown ups could go on that ride without kids but alas...without a child you can't ride that ride.

Your 5 year old will love it!!

 

[solstice621]

Thanks everyone! We will only have time for one park, I think since we are only planning one day there. And since DH and MIL are dying to see Harry Potter, we're headed to IOA. All your posts made me feel better. I was beginning to think the kids and I would be standing around waiting for them to be done hahaha (Sorry, I'm just not into Harry Potter). But now I'm excited, so, Thanks!

 

[Bradsdadg]

There is a good amount to keep 5 yr olds entertained. We took my son there a few months ago. We hit Dr Seuss, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, then backtracked through them again for anything he wanted to do over. And that was only about half the park we walked through. Good luck!

P.S. I think there is more here then at DHS for a little one.

 

[GingerJay]

My son was 4 on our last trip and he had a ball! He met the height limit for most rides, but the park itself is fun for kids of all ages I agree with a PP that you'll ask yourself why you hadn't visited before. Now, we will add it to all of our trips to Orlando!

 

[Tink2Day]

Go across the bridge to JP. The Pteranadon Flyers are for kids. Check the Universal site for height requirements but I think it's designed for kids 36" to 56" in height. The TM told us if you're over 56" in ht you have to have a kid under that height accompany you in order to ride. We were looking for anyone with a spare kid
(not really)
Also that is the where Camp Jurassic play area is I think that's caves and such. Really I'd advise going to the website and you can get the map, descriptions of the attractions height requirements, age friendly attractions.