can't misses

[larklynn98]

If you have to do both parks in one day ages 6, 14, 17, and 21 what would be your can't misses

 

[schumigirl]

Without knowing your families likes and dislikes it's almost impossible to answer.

Have a look at the Universal Orlando website and see what types of things your family would enjoy. You wouldn't be able to do everything in one day visiting both parks.

 

[hpriamson]

Do you plan to let the 14, 17 & 21 year old tour separately? There's probably not a huge overlap between what they'll like and what the 6 year old will like.

 

[kelleybean]

I can't answer for the older kids but here are my 6 year old's favorites. Universal: Gringott's, Men In Black (LOVES that ride), and Minions. In IOA: Forbidden Journey and Spiderman. And the playground. He adores that playground and we always set aside at least 1/2 hour if not more for it. I wouldn't put it in the "must do" but he also enjoys the dinosaur center (can't remember what it's called - where the dinosaur eggs "hatch" and he can sort the eggs). I mention it because it's easy to overlook but a great place to be when it's really hot since it has good AC. He also loves it when we get a frozen butterbeer or ice cream in Diagon Alley.

He also loves the parades at Universal. They are not nearly as elaborate as the ones at Disney but we love that we don't have to stake out a spot an hour early and he always gets a lot of attention from the people in the parade.

 

[larklynn98]

Thanks Everyone! The 6 year old does tend to like most of what the older ones do with the exception she still likes the play areas alot more and is not always tall enough to ride the rides. We are going to do all the hp stuff and just was not sure about the rest. I'm more interested in finding out about US stuff because we have never been to that side although we have only done IOA once. They are all pretty much up for trying anything but want to avoid stuff that others may say to try only if you are staying a few days. I will probably do play areas with 6 year old if there is a height requirement more then 48 in.

 

[lazer]

My six year old loved everything. But, he really loved ET (we rode it too many times to count...and he hadn't seen the movie before we went), Transformers and Men In Black. He loved the HP stuff too (but I told him not to include it). Also, he said both Twister and Shrek were just ok. He also really enjoyed the Woody Woodpecker coaster and Despicable Me.

Not that that's much help, but I just asked as he sat next to me and thought I'd share his responses! He also really liked getting money from the Gringotts Bank.

 

[HM]

Here is what was a hit with our family, all adults-

Minions
Rip Ride Rocket
Disaster
Men in Black
Horror Show Makeup (so funny)
Terminator
Gringotts (sort of)
The whole Wizarding area needs a good bit of time to look through, and make sure you see the shows on the stage (three brothers story and Celestina Warbeck) if you can
Hogwarts Express

Forbidden Journey
the whole wizarding area needs time (we missed the shows )
Ollivanders
Dueling Dragons
Hogwarts Express again (do it each direction if you can)
Spiderman

IOA has great theming, but we are less than in love with the rides.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

If you have to do both parks in one day ages 6, 14, 17, and 21 what would be your can't misses

For all:

IOA (if the 6 year old is tall enough)
Spiderman
Forbidden Journey

For the 14, 17 21 year old
Hulk, Dueling Dragons,

Should dos:
Jurassic Park River Ride, Dudley Do Right, Bluto's River Barge

For the 6 year old
Dr. Seuss area, Storm Force

Universal Studios

For All (if the 6 year old is tall enough)
Escape from Gringotts
Transformers
Despicable Me
MIB
Simpsons
ET

For the 14, 17, 21 year olds:
Legend of the Mummy
Rocket Roller Coaster

For the 6 year old
Woody's kid area by ET.

 

[larklynn98]

This amazing and so helpful I will be going over this with them over the weekend!

Any suggestions on place to eat or snack?
I saw the butterbeer and we will be doing that

 

[lazer]

This amazing and so helpful I will be going over this with them over the weekend! Any suggestions on place to eat or snack? I saw the butterbeer and we will be doing that

Flaming Moes at Moes Tavern in the Simpsons area make for great photo ops. Basically just orange soda with dry ice, but fun for kids. We ate at Krusty Burger there too and it was decent for theme park food. My kids love The Simpsons, so they enjoyed being in that land.

 

[macraven]

my can't miss is the big pink donut.

 

[lazer]

my can't miss is the big pink donut.

duh! How could I forget! Totally get this! It's amazing! I also liked the tacos from the food truck in the Simpsons area.

 

[schumigirl]

Most of the ice creams from Florean Fortescues........lovely.....especially the soft serve toffee

 

[EvilQueenLiz]

I have a big age difference between kids. I normally take my son to Woody Woodpeckers Kid Zone in US and Seuss landing in IOA while the older kids go on things that he can't/won't ride. Bring a bathing suit, a freezer bag (for the wet suit), a small towel and pool shoes!

If I had only one day I would start in Hogsmeade, ride FJ and Dueling Dragons, do the IOA big ticket rides (mentioned above). Go back to the entrance of Hogsmeade. Take the train to London but don't go into Diagon Alley, ride the US rides and end your day in Diagon Alley.

I agree that the ice cream at Florean Fortescues is unique and delish!

 

[lazer]

I have a big age difference between kids. I normally take my son to Woody Woodpeckers Kid Zone in US and Seuss landing in IOA while the older kids go on things that he can't/won't ride. Bring a bathing suit, a freezer bag (for the wet suit), a small towel and pool shoes! If I had only one day I would start in Hogsmeade, ride FJ and Dueling Dragons, do the IOA big ticket rides (mentioned above). Go back to the entrance of Hogsmeade. Take the train to London but don't go into Diagon Alley, ride the US rides and end your day in Diagon Alley. I agree that the ice cream at Florean Fortescues is unique and delish!

When I first read your reply I thought you meant skip DA all together. I was shocked, haha. Glad I reread it to see you'd end your day there

 

[larklynn98]

I am getting more and more excited as you help me plan the day there I think we will totally be able to make it great and love the suggestions!

 

[macraven]

larklynn98
Earning My Ears

Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 70

crowds 2nd week in July
What do you think the crowds will be like the second week in July is there a day you recommend going?



i was looking at your other thread and wondered if you are doing two different trips.


if your other thread is for the 2nd week of July also, be prepared for crowds and waits.

go early before regular park openings.
have a great time in the parks!

 

[larklynn98]

Just one trip we are only spending one day at universal the rest of them we will be at Disney. We have 4 other people with us 2 of which who will be going with us to universal. The 2 year old and my bil are staying at the resort for the universal day.

 

[EvilQueenLiz]

When I first read your reply I thought you meant skip DA all together. I was shocked, haha. Glad I reread it to see you'd end your day there

LOL! Heck no! We did three days at USR last August and we spent at least half of our time in Diagon Alley! We'd leave, ride some other rides and wind up right back there! My favorite part was sitting on the steps of Gringott's, eating my ice cream, dragon hanging over my head and just looking at everything! We're doing four days in April and I'm sure that most of our time will be spent back there again!

 

[Planogirl]

Don't miss Revenge of the Mummy and Spiderman. If the Potter restaurants are too busy there's a good gelato stand in Louie's. There also a Starbucks in that area which often keeps me going.