Best age to start going to US/IoA

[My2CrazyGirls]

My girls are 5 and 7. We will be returning to Disney this spring. I am wondering when we should try US/IoA? We only get to Florida once a year so it would be a week long trip. Out of 7 days, how many days would you do US/IoA? Would you also do SeaWorld or LegoLand in the week or would it be too much? We definitely would stay at a Universal Resort and would want to enjoy the pool.

Ages:
6 and 8
7 and 9
9 and 11
10 and 12
or older

What is your vote? I am sure they would enjoy some of the attractions at any age but I want to them enjoy as much as possible. TIA!

 

[mesaboy2]

"As much as possible" to me means being able to ride everything they want, which translates to being tall enough for the highest minimum height requirement. By this strict definition, then I would wait until the smallest is 54" tall. However, there are only two rides with that requirement and they are two of the most serious coasters (Hulk and Dragon Challenge).

As soon as both are 48" I think would be an ideal time to go, as that opens up two of the best rides there: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy.

But truth be told, I think they'd have a great time now. There's still lots of stuff for the kids, including kiddie-friendly rides and play areas. They just wouldn't be able to go on some of the more thrill-oriented rides. My DD first went she was a fairly new 6yo and had a blast.

Your call.

See here for UO's height requirements page to get a better idea: http://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Ride-Height-Requirements.aspx

ETA: Oh, and I forgot the other question about how many days. IMO, if you are going to be onsite, you could definitely get done everything you wanted in the parks in 3 days--I don't think any more is necessary if you're trying to fit in other things such as the pools, SW, or LL.

 

[Erica's Mommy]

We took my daughter when she had just turned 4 and she had a GREAT time. She has actually asked to go back this year (she's 5) rather than go to Disney. There's a lot for her to do and she's pretty tall for her age (45in without shoes) so she may be able to do The Mummy and Harry Potter this fall depending on how much she grows by then.

In my opinion, if you are staying on site, 4 or 5 days is plenty to get everything in.

Hope this helps!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

"As much as possible" to me means being able to ride everything they want, which translates to being tall enough for the highest minimum height requirement. By this strict definition, then I would wait until the smallest is 54" tall. However, there are only two rides with that requirement and they are two of the most serious coasters (Hulk and Dragon Challenge).

As soon as both are 48" I think would be an ideal time to go, as that opens up two of the best rides there: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy.

But truth be told, I think they'd have a great time now. There's still lots of stuff for the kids, including kiddie-friendly rides and play areas. They just wouldn't be able to go on some of the more thrill-oriented rides. My DD first went she was a fairly new 6yo and had a blast.

Your call.

See here for UO's height requirements page to get a better idea: http://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Ride-Height-Requirements.aspx

ETA: Oh, and I forgot the other question about how many days. IMO, if you are going to be onsite, you could definitely get done everything you wanted in the parks in 3 days--I don't think any more is necessary if you're trying to fit in other things such as the pools, SW, or LL.

Yes, of course I would bring them there now if we lived in Florida or within 6 hours of it. However we live 14 hours away and can only get down to FL once a year. So we would be skipping Disney to check out US/IoA. That is why I want to be careful and not go too soon. I like the idea of going when the youngest is 48 inches. The oldest is already over 48" but I would like to give her some time to enjoy Harry Potter which she is not into yet and at this point she would think the ride is too scary.

I really wish we lived in the south! There are so many things to do and see down there, plus better weather! We lived north of JAX for a few years in the early 2000's and loved it!

 

[mesaboy2]

Yes, of course I would bring them there now if we lived in Florida or within 6 hours of it. However we live 14 hours away and can only get down to FL once a year. So we would be skipping Disney to check out US/IoA. That is why I want to be careful and not go too soon. I like the idea of going when the youngest is 48 inches. The oldest is already over 48" but I would like to give her some time to enjoy Harry Potter which she is not into yet and at this point she would think the ride is too scary.

I really wish we lived in the south! There are so many things to do and see down there, plus better weather! We lived north of JAX for a few years in the early 2000's and loved it!

Me too.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Great info and answers to a question I have been pondering! I think we will wait a year or two. DD is the oldest, tall enough for all but a bit of a chicken. DS is a daredevil and would ride everything if he was tall enough! I think a year or two will get ds a bit taller and dd perhaps a bit more brave!