Clueless about US/IOA Help!

[liznboys]

Ok, we'll be staying in WDW for 13 nights next year, and it dawned on us that we could spend a day at US/IOA. (I don't feel the need to go there, but maybe my boys would enjoy it.) I know almost nothing about these parks, I'm just starting my research. Anyway, our boys will be 5, 3 and 1 at that time.

First question is, will there be enough for them to do to make it worthwhile driving there and paying for tickets??

Is one park better for young kids? Is it worth it to go to both?

How do the tickets work, can you get a 1 day pass that allows you into both parks? How much does that cost?

How far is it from WDW (we're staying at POFQ)?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Planogirl]

I would start with the official Universal Studios website and see what type of ticket media they currently offer. They did have a one day, two park ticket but I'm not sure if they still offer it.

With such young kids, I might just go for Universal Studios and skip IOA for now. There is quite a bit for even young kids to do depending on their tolerance level. The only thing is that IOA does have the Dr Seuss area which is really cute plus super heroes which are pretty cool for all ages.

A good guidebook is Kelly Monaghan's Universal guide. You might want to spend some time in a book store checking it out.

Good luck!

 

[kjcolv]

i would go with US. They have a Curious George section (that they can get plenty wet in, might i suggest some dry clothes????). They also have an Animal Planet show that is very entertaining along with Barney, and a kiddie coaster called the Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster. Fivel's Playland is also kid approved (always wanted to say that ). There will be charachter greetings where you can meet and take pictures with ppl like Woody woodpecker, the Flinstones, Popeye, olive oil, and various other characters. Check the times at the beginning at the day. HOpe this helps!

 

[WDWmaniac125]

I would definitely pick US over IOA because there is much more for your kids to do. Shrek 4-d, Woody the woodpecker, Fieval's playland, curious george playland, barney, etc. Plus, US does a great job with child swap.

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

I agree with the previous poster that if you wanted to spend 1 day it should be at Universal. IOA is better suited for older kids.

Now, if you plan to visit Orlando in the future and want to skip Univ, and my kids were your kids ages, I would do Sea World. It would probably be better use of your time/money and frustration quotient.

Have fun!

 

[liznboys]

Thanks everyone!

 

[msr709]

Originally posted by bexareaglecheryl
I. . . Now, if you plan to visit Orlando in the future and want to skip Univ, and my kids were your kids ages, I would do Sea World. It would probably be better use of your time/money and frustration quotient.

Have fun!

I definitely agree with this, you might want to reconsider and go to SeaWorld instead. It is much better for the ages of your children. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE USO but, I only go when I can stay onsite and have FOTL. With 3 as little as yours I would definitely wait to visit USO when I can stay onsite. Its a WORLD of difference. Since you do have 13 days it may be something you might want to consider, all you would need would be 2 days to see USO calmly with your boys (who, btw, are adorable!). I do this every year and its not as expensive as it sounds. I usually plan on staying onsite during the weekdays with the Entertainment Rate you can get a very good rate. For example, this year we're staying from 8/29 to 9/1 at RPR with a rate of $119, then we move on to ASMo for the rest of the week (AAA rate of $61.60). Loews Hotels are beautiful, the standard rooms come with 2 queen beds which would be perfect for you, and being able to walk back and forth to the parks is an added plus (there are also water taxis but most people walk, its faster) and FOTL cannot be beat! HTH and Good luck in your planning!

 

[liznboys]

Thank you SO much!! I really appreciate your advice!!! You've given us more to think about.... We'll probably change our plans a gazzilion times over the next 8 1/2 months till we go! LOL!!

 

[SeeDisney]

HI Liznboys Mom,



I'm too in a similar situation about US/IOA. I just don't know what to do about that park.

My eldest boy would probably love it there. So far, I haven't said anything yet about US/IOA. I'm clueless about their parks and I didn't see a trip planning video offered from their website.

It doesn't seem so child friendly as Disney for wee little ones.

I'll guess I'll probably be changing my mind a many times as well.

Have a magical day!