Add on experiences help?

[PeopleMovin]

im a TOTAL universal newbie and we got the opportunity to go in december. My daughter will be 5 and (hopefully- she’s close) 42”. We are dvc members and do Disney often. We love doing “extra” experiences like dessert parties, character dining, behind the scenes or after hours events, etc. I’m having a hard time finding information- what are some universal add on experiences that could be along the same lines to the ones we do at Disney? If you were splurging on something special for a 5 year old (especially experience related) what would it be?

We’ve even considered a vip tour but because she’s not tall enough for thrill rides I’m not sure if she would spend most of her time on the side of a rollercoaster waiting lol. We are staying at royal pacific so we already have unlimited express pass built in. We will be there for a while so give me as many ideas as you can! Thanks!!

 

[georgina]

im a TOTAL universal newbie and we got the opportunity to go in december. My daughter will be 5 and (hopefully- she’s close) 42”. We are dvc members and do Disney often. We love doing “extra” experiences like dessert parties, character dining, behind the scenes or after hours events, etc. I’m having a hard time finding information- what are some universal add on experiences that could be along the same lines to the ones we do at Disney? If you were splurging on something special for a 5 year old (especially experience related) what would it be?

We’ve even considered a vip tour but because she’s not tall enough for thrill rides I’m not sure if she would spend most of her time on the side of a rollercoaster waiting lol. We are staying at royal pacific so we already have unlimited express pass built in. We will be there for a while so give me as many ideas as you can! Thanks!!

There is some character dining, I've never done any of them. There is a Marvel character dinner at Islands of Adventure. There is a Despicable Me character breakfast at Sapphire Falls. During December there will be a Grinch and Friends breakfast. Information for those can be found on the Universal Orlando website under dining - https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/character-dining/index.html We don't splurge on extras so I'm not much more help. Sorry!

Maybe she would like the Blue Man group show?

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

If you are there in December, you are there for Grinchmas - which totally rocks! Great time of year. The Grinch breakfast is Seussland is fantastic - but this is the Jim Carey version of the Grinch - make up is great, but my daughter was a bit scared at first - she got over it, now she loves him. Character interaction was great - we were there in early December, crowds were light and we had the first time available - so we got about 3-5 minutes with each character. There is a special Grinchmas show as well, part of your ticket into Islands, but takes place in an "outbuilding" with entry to it in Seussland. If you like the Grinch, it is a must see. If you don't see the line, ask a cast member - but remember they are very much in character and afraid of "Grinch."

You will see many of the Macy's floats from the NYC parade there.

If you are there on the right days, the Despicable Me breakfast at Sapphire is great (at least it was when it was in Universal), but I am a total Gru fanboy, so anything with him is awesome. I am on the fence for the Marvel Dinner, not sure if it scratches where I itch.

Since you have Express and may not hit all the rides, don't forget Curious George area in Universal and If I ran a Zoo/Jurassic Park kids area in Islands, they are more fun than you would think...

 

[macraven]

You will enjoy the child swap set up the darkside uses

No waits when exchanging peeps in the swap room to ride

If dad takes the Kids on the ride while you wait with 5 yo in the child swap room, your turn will be next

He returns and switches with you
The others in your group can reride again with you

 

[pattyw]

We did the Minion character breakfast at Sapphire Falls in May. It was wonderful! The food was a buffet and very yummy! The character interaction was wonderful! The characters were Gru, the girls, and 2 minions. The pictures were included in the price. Here are a couple:

 

[only hope]

Universal doesn’t offer many extras. Express pass, vip tour, and two/three (depending on time of year) character meals are pretty much it. They may do some kind of dinner/reserved viewing thing for the night show once it officially starts; they have in the past. In the past you didn’t need it as there was plenty of good viewing; don’t know how the new show will be. They do have mini golf at Citywalk. You can buy a one day photopackage. If you are Harry Potter fans, you can get “moving pictures” aka video taken of you at Shutterbuttons in Diagon Alley. They use a green screen, record various scenes, and insert pre-set magical backgrounds behind you. If there are enough team members avaliable, anyone can get a free mini tour at Mummy and Men in Black. I don’t know where they take you on Mummy, but MiB takes you down to the control room you see from the queue.