Disney Studios or Universal

[mom in 2005]

I am trying to get unbiased opinions on this topic, which park would be better for a 3 year old? Thanks alot.

Rosetta

 

[TotoToo]

Neither is ideal for a 3 year old but, thankfully, a little entertainment goes a long way with that age group.

Back when our daughter was that young we discovered she preferred Universal as they had more run-around, interactive type attractions for the younger set rather than rides or shows that required long waits and a short ride. Be warned that most of the Universal kiddie stuff involves water so bring dry clothes.

I would vote for Universal at that age.

 

[spiceycat]

that is hard.

playhouse disney got changed - not longer the blue bear - now it is Mickey and friends. great if your 3 year old knows who mickey is.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...l?id=PlayhouseDisneyLiveonStageAttractionPage

do this one for activities for your child at all the WDW parks
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/experience/expLandingPage?id=PreKExpLandingPage


for universal studios or Islands of adventure
here is your us/ioa
http://www.universalorlando.com/prs_fun_w_kids.html

ioa
spiderman
water rides
cat in the hat

us
shrek 4-d
jimmy neutron's nicktoon blast

you know your kid the best.

 

[VAN]

I'd say your decision should be based on:

Are you staying on-site at WDW?
Do you really want to go off-site?
Do YOU want to go to Universal?

A 3-year old is not really going to know much difference. I'd say do what YOU want to do.

 

[KayR]

Whilst a 3yo will get enjoyment from both parks mentioned, I would probably go for Seaworld myself rather than the other parks.

If I had to choose between Universal Studios and Hollywood Studios, I think the Disney Park just has that bit of an edge for a 3yo, but only just!

My DD at 2 loved the Lights Action Motors stunt show. There is the bugs life playground, Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid Show, Muppet Show, Beauty and the Beast Show and the Fantasmic show. If your 3yo likes little Einsteins, s/he can meet them either as a charater greet or they have a character breakfast.

Universal Studios has Barney which DD loves. A great Fivels play area, ET, a animal trainer show, Curous George's playground (take a change of clothes!!!). There are characters too: Curious George, the animals of Madagascar, Scooby, Woody Woodpecker, Zorro, Barney,. Jimmy Neutron and Shrek shows are OK but can get a little scary for a 3yo. Most of the other rides/shows are too intense for most 3yos (Jaws, Twister, Earthquake/Disaster).

-Kay

 

[Darcy03231]

We were there last summer and my niece who was 3.5 at the time loved Universal/IOA. She had a great time in Suess' Landing, and loved the Curious George area.

 

[rheffelf]

Never been to Universal.

Hollywood Studios would be great depending on how much your 3 year old loves or is exposed to Disney. My 3 y/o loves the characters... Little Einsteins, Toy Story, Power Rangers, Monsters Inc., Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Incredibles are all there. He is not a huge ride fan in general, but he has alot of fun seeing the characters. I would say at his age, it is on par with Magic Kingdom b/c he loves the characters alot.

Otherwise, he doesn't really do any rides so that is not in the equation for us b/c he gets scared easily. He also wouldn't know any of the characters at Universal... so it is an easy choice for us.

 

[rheffelf]

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[JB2K]

Everyone has given a pretty accurate rundown of what goes-on at both parks.

However (there's always a "however"!)...

If your little one is familiar with "Playhouse Disney", then DHS would be a good, solid choice, as they will see more than a few familiar (character) faces...

As for Fantasmic, if your little one is skittish, I would avoid it, as there are some scenes of Mickey getting kicked-around by various Disney baddies (plus, a lot of fireworks and pyrotechnics).

As Universal goes, it would be hit or miss, as I very seriously doubt anyone under the age of 12 even know who Fievel Mouskewicz or Woody Woodpecker are...

 

[phamton]

s, as I very seriously doubt anyone under the age of 12 even know who Fievel Mouskewicz or Woody Woodpecker are...

That's true but many 3 year olds have heard of SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Barney, Dr Suess characters, Nick, Jr. characters, and might recognize the Simpsons, Spiderman, and Madagascar characters.

 

[mhmcduff]

I am so glad Playhouse disney changed- we have gone now with our kids 6 and three at least three or four times and cute but my kids will much prefer Mickey! We went in early Jan 08 and it was still Blue Bear- did it just change?

 

[jcc0621]

I am so glad Playhouse disney changed- we have gone now with our kids 6 and three at least three or four times and cute but my kids will much prefer Mickey! We went in early Jan 08 and it was still Blue Bear- did it just change?

Yes, it is now all the current Playhouse DIsney shows...Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friend's Tigger & Poosh, Handy Many amd Little Einsteins.

To answer the OP's question..I think it all depend's on your child. I think for my DS (4) there wouldn't be much at US.IOA for him to enjoy as he does not know who the Nick characters are. He likes Dr. Suess, so he would probably like that, but is a little skittish when things jump put at him etc...so I wouldn't take him on Spiderman. We really likes Universal the few times we went, but for us we will wait until DS is older to go back. Good luck with your dcision.