Best for Young Kids?? - US/IOA

[luvdiz]

I'm interested in either/both parks...

We're staying off site so no FOTL for us...

We'll have a 5,4,3,2 & 10 month old (no, not all mine). All are boys except the 2 year old.

We're new to US/IOA so ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

[Laurabearz]

I think US is better. All my kids love the Woody woodpecker play area and my older ones (5 and 4) love shrek and Jimmy newtron. Stay away from Twister and Jaws... lol

 

[lauran cameron]

deffinately Universal Studios

although, now that I think about it; IOA has a lot to offer too...hmm...

I still vote for US for young children

 

[dlaushey]

My vote is to take them to US.

We just got back from 3 days at US/IOA with 4 kids (10,9,7, 9mths) - not all mine. Our 9 mth old could only ride the Caro-Seuss-el and One Fish, Two Fish (although he fell asleep just before we were to ride so he didn't ride One Fish) at IOA. If the child can't walk 3 steps w/o help they can't ride The Cat In The Hat or ET (at US). Other than 2 shows and the 2 rides mentioned, 9mth old couldn't do anything else which means you are child swapping (takes up a lot more time) or someone isn't riding.

He (9mth old) could do most things at US. I think he sat out of BTTF, MIB, ROTM, ET and Woody RC. Not bad considering all of the other attractions.

Have fun. We will be back in May!

 

[luvdiz]

Thanks SOOO much. I don't mind sitting out some, but it sounds like I'd be out a lot at IOA.

We're new to US/IOA so I feel so helpless right now, I like to get it all planned!

 

[phamton]

I would suggest you look at these two articles and decide if there are some things there that your little ones would like:

Kids at Universal

Kids at Islands of Adventure

 

[calena]

I think both parks have a lot to offer kids and the baby swap system is also great for rides that the 10-month-old can't go on.
My kids LOVED Seuss Landing at IOA. I can't imagine taking that many preschoolers and not going there. The play area is great there (if I ran the Zoo) and the Carouseessel is fun. My DS,4, LOVED Cat in the Hat and if they know all the stories of Dr. Seuss, it is just a great place. The colors there are just great and the kids loved it. You could easily spend three hours there - if anything you will have to DRAG the kids away. Also at IOA DS4 really enjoyed the play area at Jurassic Park (camp Jurassic I think) and the play area at Olive Ship. SO, there is stuff for them to do.
At UO he loved ET, Curious George and Men in Black. He survived Jaws and Twister but refused to go on many of the rides!!!! We refused to go near Barney! At the Mummy he was even scared in the childswap area!
Anyway, it is a great place for kids and the baby swap runs well and smoothly. They usually have a designated spot to sit and wait so that is nice.