ATTENTION IOA/US Experts Young Children Tips for IOA/US ??

[TwingleMum]

We are WDW fanatics. I am thinking of trying a day or two at IOA/US and a day at Seaworld. Any tips on attractions and tickets. Budget tips?? Dining?? Its weird to feel like this b/c we are soo comfortable at WDW and know lots of the secrets for a fabulous trip but we know nothing about "the other park who shall not be named" (as my DH refers to it ) Thanks from a real newbie.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

first of all don't fall into the trap of trying to compare US to Disney. They are not the same and are not trying to be the same in my opinion. US offers a totally different experience (and they do it very well IMHO).

If you stay at one of the Loews onsite hotels you can use the room key for front of line access. A great perk and the rooms a quick walk to the parks. (HRH is great and the pool area is to die for)

We have found that even if only going for 2-3 days, buying just one annual pass more than pays for itself with in park and room discounts. Unlike the WDW annual pass, which I am never quite sure where I get a discount, you get 20% off food and merchandise pretty much across the board. Depending on when you go the AP room discount will just about pay for the AP alone.

IOA - If you like thrill rides, the hulk coaster and dueling dragons are top notch in my opinion (both are at IOA), spider man is a must do as is jurassic park in my opinion. if it is hot try dudley do-right ripsaw falls (you will get soaked, be warned) Posideon is a great show/attraction well worth seeing

US - shrek 4D, Jimmy Nuetron, the Mummy, MIB alien attack, Jaws, and earthquake (all musts on our schedule) ET, monster make-up and twister are pretty good as well.

well thats just my opinion, but go with an open mind and don't compare everything to Disney and you will have a blast

sorry missed the young children part. Suess landing in IOA will blow away the young kids. Many of the others mentioned are still suitable for young kids (well not the coasters maybe )

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks Maine, I don't think the coasters would be good for the 4 yr olds but perhaps my then 7 yr old. Suess Landing sounds like it would be great. My 7 yr old is a huge Harry Potter fan and can't wait for it to come in 2009.

 

[bubba's mom]

We are WDW fanatics. I am thinking of trying a day or two at IOA/US and a day at Seaworld. Any tips on attractions and tickets. Budget tips?? Dining?? Its weird to feel like this b/c we are soo comfortable at WDW and know lots of the secrets for a fabulous trip but we know nothing about "the other park who shall not be named" (as my DH refers to it ) Thanks from a real newbie.

There are lots of "play areas" for the kids.... Kid Zone at the Studios with Curious George (wet play) and Fievels (wet also) and in Suess Landing (dry & wet) Suess Landing is it's own world alone. If you have AAA, that will get you a discount on everything: hotel, restaurants and shopping. If you're going during busy time, stay onsite for unlimited Front Of The Line (express)...room key is your "fastpass"...good for day of check IN and check OUT. I would read the "sticky" at the top of the page and buy Kelly Monaghan's book "Universal Orlando"...it is to Universal what the UOG is to WDW.

 

[RVGal]

We went with our 5 and 2 year olds and everyone had a great time. And, yes, don't fall into the "it isn't Disney" trap. It isn't Disney. Disney is unique. Universal is unique. That's not a bad thing.

At US: Jimmy Neutron, Shrek 4-D, Animal Actors show, Woody Woodypecker rollercoaster, ET, Barney show and playground, Curious George playground (has wet areas), Fievel's playground, Men In Black (has height restrictions)... I know I'm probably missing something...

At IOA: Me Ship, The Olive playground (has wet areas), Spiderman (has height restrictions), Camp Jurassic playground, Pteranodon Flyers (you only get to ride if you have a child with you), Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Flying Unicorn rollercoaster, Cat In The Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Caro-Seuss-el, High in the Sky Trolley, If I Ran The Zoo playground (has wet areas)... again, probably missing something...

My kids enjoyed eating at Circus McGurkus. We read a lot of Dr Seuss books, so they loved that whole section of the park.

There is some information on the Universal website:
http://www.universalorlando.com/prs_fun_w_kids.html

I know that's not real specific, but I hope it helps!

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks Bubba's Mom and Tricia. I appreciate the help.