Any suggestions for taking a "Disney" family for the first time?

[Snoopymom]

Scared! Dh, ds 10 and I love Univ / IOA! We breeze through with no schedule, no hassles, no worries, but my dsis, bil, and 2 nieces, 4 yrs old and 6 yrs old are coming with us for the first time.

We're staying off site, Thanksgiving week. Bil loves rollercoasters so we're at least good there The girls are easy, not fussy at all, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for planning I should do ahead of time for the girls, maybe characters, restaurants, shops, anything at all?

Really appreciate it!

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

I really enjoyed the I love Lucy tribute as did my mom. I think Universal is great because you don't have to worry about planning as much. There isn't a 50 hour wait to eat gross cheese soup or the need to call 7 years in advance so you can have breadsticks. We liked Citywalk though some of the shops were a bit pricey. The shops in the parks were nice and to me well priced. i will say that I didn't buy as much as i do at Disney.

 

[kellymonaghan]

How about a 25 cent fine every time someone says something like "Disney is better" or "This wouldn't happen at Disney."

 

[Snoopymom]

See, that's why I love Univ/ IOA, no stress, just like your answers. I think they're going to love Mythos and Finnegans and I can't wait for them to experience the more relaxed atmosphere.

I was afraid there wouldn't be enough to do for the girls, but they will have a blast just being able to spend time in the Cat in the Hat store without having to rush to the next thing. I am thinking we'll do Univ first and IOA second because of the theming.

Also, I think Jimmy Buffets is a great place to take kids in the early afternoon. The waiters are great with them, singing, balloon animals, so fun.

And Kelly Monaghan, best travel book ever, Thanks!!!!!

 

[NCtoFL]

How about a 25 cent fine every time someone says something like "Disney is better" or "This wouldn't happen at Disney."

I would love to collect those fines. I could quit my job.

 

[mollybeasley]

Scared! Dh, ds 10 and I love Univ / IOA! We breeze through with no schedule, no hassles, no worries, but my dsis, bil, and 2 nieces, 4 yrs old and 6 yrs old are coming with us for the first time.

We're staying off site, Thanksgiving week. Bil loves rollercoasters so we're at least good there The girls are easy, not fussy at all, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for planning I should do ahead of time for the girls, maybe characters, restaurants, shops, anything at all?

Really appreciate it!

I would read a little Suess and see some of the cartoons/movies. The Who family characters might be cute for them. Maybe there are outfits or hair things to make them look like Cindy Lou Who.

Grinchmas might be fun with all the songs, but I think Grinch might be a little scary for little girls. Maybe you could prepare them by watching him on TV, and making a point that he tries to scare people, but it's just an act. If they respond well to music, teach them the songs ahead of time. That way the music will make them feel comfortable when it comes on at the park.

 

[4greatboys]

Just stress to them it is not Disney and the 2 cannot be compared. They are totally different experiences.

 

[kellymonaghan]

And Kelly Monaghan, best travel book ever, Thanks!!!!!

 

[kellymonaghan]

I would love to collect those fines. I could quit my job.

Let's raise the fines to a dollar and we can all retire to suites at Portofino Bay!

 

[mysumi]

I love the idea of the fines! I think the boys might actually enjoy it more really, because the roller coasters are more fun there to me. It is definitely a more relaxed environment and yes the waiters at JB are a lot of fun actually!

 

[Planogirl]

Let's raise the fines to a dollar and we can all retire to suites at Portofino Bay!

Can we add even more to those who fuss about Universal when they have never actually been there? Those are the ones who amaze me the most.

But back to the new family...definitely stress that Universal is not Disney and doesn't even want to be. Tell them that it's a new experience and to just forget about Disney for a little while.

You could look into a character meal for the kids. I don't know much about them but I think that they are mentioned on the Universal website.

 

[Snoopymom]

Maybe I'll promise the girls they can order the Chocolate Hurricane at JB's if they promise not to use the D word. They'll have lots of fun with that, probably pop out of their rooms giggling the morning of, head to toe in Disney attire and mouse ears

and this is terrible, but they're going to Disney parks Wed and Sat and they've never gone during peak times before, and well, the comparison will obviously be favorable to Univ IOA, hee hee he.

and truly, I'm a library travel book junky and Kelly's books are honest and straight forward with a sense of humor. Besides the one I bought for Ireland, it's the only other one I own.