DD hates thrill rides - is Universal a bad idea?

[MTMom]

We've done WDW 3 years in a row, and have visited all the parks many times. This yr we will be in Orlando for a few days prior to our cruise and are staying at the Marriott Orlando World Center, instead of our usual WDW resort (Poly & WL). My 11 yr old DD doesn't like thrill rides at all, but loves just about everything else w/o exception. Is doing Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure a bad idea? Of the two, which park would be best/worst and why?

 

[Immelman]

IOA is one of the top thrill parks on earth. camp jurassic and the discovery center in JP, and all of suess landing are about the non-thrill rides in the park, along with the bilge rat barges. US has jimmy neutron, shrek, jaws, MIB, BTTF, the animal planet live show, the fieval/curios george play areas, and terminator is a great show. so I'm going with US.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

If you can only visit one park, I vote for Universal as well. There are more of the less intense rides and attractions than what you would find at IOA.

Not knowing your schedule, budget, etc., I would also suggest getting a two park pass. There isn't a whole lot for your daughter to do at Islands of Adventure, but it is a fabulous park to just look at. Split you day, starting at Universal and finishing off at IOA. I would say start at US because Nickelodeon Studios is there. Check their production schedule first thing - it's cool for the preteens to see (or even participate) the filming in action!

 

[Disney Dee]

I would also do both parks. I am not a thrill ride person myself and have done plenty in both parks.

 

[phamton]

She will probably like Men in Black, Shrek, Earthquake, Jaws, Back to the Future, Twister, Jimmy Neutron, Terminator, ET, and Horror Makeup Show. All of these are at Universal.

At Islands of Adventure: If she likes Splash Mountain, she will enjoy Dudley and Jurassic Park, rpoviding she doesn't mind getting wet and having the big drop. If she likes Kilmanjaro River Ride at Animal Kingdom, she will like Popeye's. Otherwise the non-thrill rides at IoA are: Storm Force (like the teacups), Spiderman, and all the rides in Suess Landing.

 

[phamton]

Forgot to add:
Read this for what kids can do who don't like thrill rides

Universal Orlando for Kids

Islands of Adventure for Kids

 

[MTMom]

Great info, thx everyone! I am definitely going to look into getting a two park pass because we'll be in Orlando for two days prior to our cruise.

 

[sha_lyn]

IOA also has Flying Unicorn (kiddie coaster), Pytrodon Fliers (might be too tall for) and Poseidon's Furry (walk through attraction/show)

 

[Immelman]

...and Sylvester McBean, no wait, forget I said that. make it happen IOA !

 

[d4est]

Just a side note...we stayed at the Marriott Orlando world center last Feb. We just loved it. Such a beautiful hotel. My son, then 6, couldn't have cared less if we never left that place. He just LOVED the pool with the slide and hot tubs. Very nice place to stay if you are "off site." We got it thru priceline for $83/night and would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[MTMom]

We're really excited about staying at the Marriott World Center. We talked about the possibility of not even leaving the hotel, and that very well may happen because the thought of WDW in July isn't very appealing, we've always gone in February (like you). Have fun during your stay next month!