Disney vs universal, 8 yr old

[pitmindi]

Hi, I am staying at CBR Nov. 1-9 but am thinking of spending last 2 nights at Universal hotel because they allow hotel guests to go express to avoid lines. Any opinions on this strategy? How is Universal for 8 year old? How does Universal compare to Disney? Does Universal have parades and fireworks? Thank you all for your help. Mindy

 

[DiscussDisney]

Hi,

We purchased Express Plus Passes from Universal which also allow front of the line access. Hope this info helps....Steve

 

[wdwrich]

Our 6yo grandson loved all the Disney parks, and at Universal his favorite park was Islands of Aventure. Spiderman was his favorite attraction in that park- we must have done it at least five times, but there were plenty of other attractions to his liking as well. So of the two Universal Parks, Islands of Adventure is probably better suited to an 8yo.

 

[jerseydizdreamer]

Both parks obviously have a lot to offer, and if you're hitting all the Disney parks plus Universal/IOA, I think you're going to have one very happy kid on your hands!

One thing to be aware of: Islands of Adventure has several big thrill rides, such as the Incredible Hulk coaster. A kid takes one look at those and says, "Wow, we have GOT to do that!" But of course, he may not meet the height requirements... not to mention the fact he might well, depending on how well he handles such things, freak out on the ride itself! This is less true, in my opinion, at Disney or at Universal than it is at IOA.

For example, in MGM, it's pretty easy to avoid a kid who might not have the height or temperment to ride Rockin' Roller Coaster... after all, it's at the back of the park, in a separate building, and you might be able to steer him clear so that he doesn't even see it. But with something like Hulk or Dueling Dragons, it's right there, and there's no hiding it!

Richard