Debating on Disney or Universal....what would you do?

[TommyTutone]

I love Universal, and there was plenty for my 5 year old son to do there last year. The only thing that scared him was the Neptune show between the skeletons and it getting dark. He was a little uneasy with the T2 show as well, but he loved everything else, between ET, Pterodactyl flyers, Blue Man Group, Men in Black, and the Flying Unicorn. He did not do the thrill rides, but he was not bored. In addition, with only the two parks there, we had plenty of time to relax, enjoy the pool, and even go out for a drive to see what there was to see (having not driven down I-Drive in YEARS).

That said, because you are comparing on-site Disney with off-site US, and because I don't know what kind of rides would work for your kids, I'd lean towards Disney. Perhaps this time around, since you've been so much, focus on something different with Disney. Definitely hit the Magic Kingdom, but maybe spend a day doing the Kidcot stations at EPCOT, and then get back for an early swim, or spend one day not at the parks at all, but just visiting some of the hotels, taking a break to play mini-golf, or just window shop at Downtown Disney. This will help keep Disney fresh and make for a relaxing trip.

 

[tzolkin]

Ok so I have come up with another question.....WE have been to Disney for the past two years. This would make our third year in a row. How do I keep it from getting boring for them??? My 2 yr old DS isnt the problem, I know he'd love it. but my 5 yr old (6 at time of travel) Im not so sure.....

Does your 5 year old not seem interested in going back to Disney? Has s/he said something about it? Or are you just not exicted to go to Disney again and want to try something new?

We just went in May and all three of my kids are completely thrilled with the idea of going back. They talk about it all the time and are always interested in making plans. We were there for 9 days, but did not see a fraction of what is there. (We only went to AK for 3 hours and didn't really see any of the shows at any of the parks, for example.) I can't imagine that they could be bored. We could go several more trips and just do things that we missed. Maybe your touring style was more intense than ours and you were able to see everything. (We took lots of naps and went to bed early.) I don't think my kids would be bored even just doing all the same things we've already done, though. Every kid is different, and you know your child best. I would talk to him/her about it first. Talk about attractions or things you may have missed (was s/he tall enough for the thrill rides last time?) and see if s/he is really interested in going again.

 

[cruiserkaren]

Ok so I have come up with another question.....WE have been to Disney for the past two years. This would make our third year in a row. How do I keep it from getting boring for them??? My 2 yr old DS isnt the problem, I know he'd love it. but my 5 yr old (6 at time of travel) Im not so sure.....

My dd5 has been four times (which isn't much on this board) since 2005 and still asks to go back just about every day! I wouldn't think at that age it'd get boring.

 

[daleswife]

Does your 5 year old not seem interested in going back to Disney? Has s/he said something about it? Or are you just not exicted to go to Disney again and want to try something new?

We just went in May and all three of my kids are completely thrilled with the idea of going back. They talk about it all the time and are always interested in making plans. We were there for 9 days, but did not see a fraction of what is there. (We only went to AK for 3 hours and didn't really see any of the shows at any of the parks, for example.) I can't imagine that they could be bored. We could go several more trips and just do things that we missed. Maybe your touring style was more intense than ours and you were able to see everything. (We took lots of naps and went to bed early.) I don't think my kids would be bored even just doing all the same things we've already done, though. Every kid is different, and you know your child best. I would talk to him/her about it first. Talk about attractions or things you may have missed (was s/he tall enough for the thrill rides last time?) and see if s/he is really interested in going again.

She seems interested. But again we'd like to do different things. It would be really hard for us to pass it up right now. Money wise right now, I know it would be better if we wait.....but my DH gets a bonus in February which is really good and then our tax return will be there too so we will have a good amount NEXT year....its just so up in the air....I wanted to go in June to take advantage of the buy 4 get 3 deal..... but you have to book by Dec 20th and Im just not so sure that would be the thing to do.....my mind is going nuts and honestly im beginning to feel a little flustered....

 

[brockash]

So Im debating on where to go for vacation next year.......DH has given me full planning authority...LOL. We have done WDW for the past two years straight...We were thinking of going to Universal this year, however.....WE have a 5 yr old and a 2 yr old. I think my 5 yr old would like universal but I don't think my 2 yr old would have a good time. I dont like the fact that they would have to wait while we rode all the big rides...but I know that would happen in Disney too.... Ive been there before and I dont recall much for younger children to do. I know there is sussvile or what ever its called, but thats it. He LOVES mickey mouse so I was thinking we could do disney world one more year so he could have a good time too. Its practically the same price for the week we want to go....here are some pros and cons

Disney world is only $132 more for a week. (unless we get the dining plan, which i think we would). BUT we will be staying at Pop and get to use the buses and the early entry. If we go to Universal we would have to stay off site cause the on site hotels are way out of our budget and we would have to drive every day and pay for parking......AND buy food.

I personally think that Disney would be a better choice for my 2 yr old, but will my 5 year old like Universal better????

any advise would be welcomed.....TIA!!!

I would absolutely choose Disney over Universal and I'm 27. But in all seriousness with a 2 and 5 year old I'd do Disney again.

 

[nessz79]

Didn't have time to read all the posts, but go with your gut and go with WDW again. There are many years that US/IOA will be a blast for your kids- like the tween and teen years. I say save it for later when they can appreciate it.

Maybe just go over for a day trip? I know Mears offers transportation there. I think it's even free at certain times (or it was at one point in time).

We've been a few times, but never with the kids. We are still taking our kids to Disney for now.

 

[nessz79]

Ok so I have come up with another question.....WE have been to Disney for the past two years. This would make our third year in a row. How do I keep it from getting boring for them??? My 2 yr old DS isnt the problem, I know he'd love it. but my 5 yr old (6 at time of travel) Im not so sure.....

Oh, and I don't think it can be boring. Have you done all the parks? All the rides at the parks? All the shows? I think you get my point . Don't stress about it- just get in the things you haven't done yet and redo the things they love.

 

[nicki.momof3]

We alternate every other year - a week at Disney one year and a week at Universal / sea World (2 days) the next. Last year we went to Universal for a week - stayed on site at royal pacific - loved it. My kids were 1,4,6 and there was a TON for them to do betweek the 2 parks and 2 days at sea world. They could spend days alone in Suess Landing and days in woodywood pecker and fival goes west water areas. Disney is GREAT and we love it but a change is always nice. This year we are going to Disney again and a Disney cruise this summer.

Tip - if you go universal do the spiderman / thing one and thing two breakfast is is wonderful. Much more individual attention than any of the disney character meals - and we have done a ton.

 

[LovePug]

We just returned from Universal a couple of weeks ago, but we managed to also do MVMCP and a couple hours at Epcot. My son was 21 months old, my DSD is 15 y/o.

At your kid's ages, I'd stick with WDW for a little while yet. When they're a little older, try Universal. We had a great time at Universal, don't get me wrong, but the little one really only enjoyed himself at Dr. Seuss Landing. This trip was more for DSD because she's probably done her last trip with us as a family. It's more difficult for her to miss school and she's lost a lot of her interest in WDW now. . Our next trip will be all Disney and I'm very happy that I have a bunch of years ahead of me before I have to worry about going through the trauma of a child actually not wanting to go there, again.

If/when you do Universal, I highly recommend staying onsite. Walking past long lines by flashing your room key is awesome.

 

[daleswife]

We just returned from Universal a couple of weeks ago, but we managed to also do MVMCP and a couple hours at Epcot. My son was 21 months old, my DSD is 15 y/o.

At your kid's ages, I'd stick with WDW for a little while yet. When they're a little older, try Universal. We had a great time at Universal, don't get me wrong, but the little one really only enjoyed himself at Dr. Seuss Landing. This trip was more for DSD because she's probably done her last trip with us as a family. It's more difficult for her to miss school and she's lost a lot of her interest in WDW now. . Our next trip will be all Disney and I'm very happy that I have a bunch of years ahead of me before I have to worry about going through the trauma of a child actually not wanting to go there, again.

If/when you do Universal, I highly recommend staying onsite. Walking past long lines by flashing your room key is awesome.

id love to stay on site, but my bank account says NO!!! its just soo expensive. but I guess if im payin for disney, i can pay to stay onsite...

 

[LovePug]

id love to stay on site, but my bank account says NO!!! its just soo expensive. but I guess if im payin for disney, i can pay to stay onsite...

I know what you mean. I would not have been able to stay onsite had I not gotten decent rates and had my income tax return to use. When you decide to give Universal a try, watch their website for some good rates and call back to change your ressie as needed. They also don't put AAA rates on their website (I don't think), so you have to call and ask for them. Maybe book somewhere offsite and book onsite. Watch the rates and, as the trip gets closer, cancel whichever hotel you're not going to stay at. I've seen people get really good rates on the Universal board going in off season. We stayed at the HRH and it is beautiful. One of my favorite things was being able to simply get up and walk to the parks!

I guess I babbled on long enough....

 

[nessz79]

I know what you mean. I would not have been able to stay onsite had I not gotten decent rates and had my income tax return to use. When you decide to give Universal a try, watch their website for some good rates and call back to change your ressie as needed. They also don't put AAA rates on their website (I don't think), so you have to call and ask for them. Maybe book somewhere offsite and book onsite. Watch the rates and, as the trip gets closer, cancel whichever hotel you're not going to stay at. I've seen people get really good rates on the Universal board going in off season. We stayed at the HRH and it is beautiful. One of my favorite things was being able to simply get up and walk to the parks!

I guess I babbled on long enough....

Plus, you have to take into account how much cheaper tickets at Universal are. I think for a week it's the cost of 2 days at Disney, isn't it?

 

[nicki.momof3]

Staying onsite at the least expensicve hotel (Royal Pacific) is amazing. The facilities are great. The transportation is wonderful. I love the water taxi's - very quick and little wait. Before you decide put all the expences on the table.

Universal on site resort cost more but you get the WONDERFUL front of the line pass that is GREAT with young kids. You never have to wait for anything. It is so great with little kids.

Universal tickets are so cheap compaired to WDW. We did 2 days at sea world - got 2 free days at wet and wild and it was still a ton cheaper than disney.

No rental car needed at either place if staying on site.

With all things accounted for we spent less on universal and stayed in a great hotel for a week. The pool alone is great and you can spend days in it playing - my little kids loved it.

I like to switch our vacations up - WDW every year would get old. We go everyother year and it keeps the magic alive.

Have a great trip either way.

 

[daleswife]

Staying onsite at the least expensicve hotel (Royal Pacific) is amazing. The facilities are great. The transportation is wonderful. I love the water taxi's - very quick and little wait. Before you decide put all the expences on the table.

Universal on site resort cost more but you get the WONDERFUL front of the line pass that is GREAT with young kids. You never have to wait for anything. It is so great with little kids.

Universal tickets are so cheap compaired to WDW. We did 2 days at sea world - got 2 free days at wet and wild and it was still a ton cheaper than disney.

No rental car needed at either place if staying on site.

With all things accounted for we spent less on universal and stayed in a great hotel for a week. The pool alone is great and you can spend days in it playing - my little kids loved it.

I like to switch our vacations up - WDW every year would get old. We go everyother year and it keeps the magic alive.

Have a great trip either way.

Well I talked it over with DH last night and I assume he DOES NOT want to go to orlando.....AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! Give me the planning go ahead and then change his mind...and they say women are bad.....Grrrrrrr. Stay tuned, im sure there will be more drama!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

WDW! Our nieces are in love with WDW and the older one is too scared to ride the hard core rides so WDW works out so much better

 

[gopack]

I di not read any other responses but with your kids ages I would say stick with Disney for a few more years. We have visited both parks many times. I prefer Universal over Disney and so does my DH and DD15. However, my DS9 still likes Disney better. Unless your children are daredevils there will be much more for them to do at Disney.

 

[dancin'girl]

I am scared of some of the rides at Universal - never mind such small children!!!!
We went to Universal before we had kids and my husband really loved it. He enjoys the thrill rides and thinks Disney is rather tame. But, he does agree that it just isn't designed for little kids. So, we take our family to Disney. We do plan to go back- just the two of us- to Universal and stay on-site there. And when the kids are closer to the teenage years we'll plan a family visit.

 

[Helene]

I'll add one more vote for Disney. My kids are 9 & 10, and they finally are old enough to enjoy US/IOS. That being said, a day @ each park is enough and so when we go there, we combine it with Seaworld, Aquatica & a day @ the beach to fill a week's vacation.

Have fun planning!!