First family trip to Orlando- questions about Universal parks

[JPFamilyMom]

We are planning our first family vacation to Orlando for next March. We are traveling with two very small children, my youngest will turn 2 right before we go and my oldest will turn 5 a few weeks after we go. The bulk of our trip will be spend at WDW since my kids are so young. But we decided we wanted to add at least one day if not two to the Universal parks- mostly to see Spiderman, who my 4 yo is obsessed with.

After reading the IOA character breakfast thread, we know that we def. want to do that. I've been on the Universal site and the link here on the DIS for Universal, but I'm wondering how much is there really for young kids and how many characters can we interact with around the two parks? I was only planning on going to IOA for spidey, but after some research wondering if we should do the park hopper to take advantage of the kid rides in both parks.

I should also add in that my 4 yo has high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and his senses get overloaded quickly.

Are the two parks close together, like could we walk from one to the other?
Is there a hotel that is most recommended when going to these parks? (I was thinking of just extending our WDW resort reservation or going to the Nickelodeon hotel- so we can see spongebob).
Is there a place in the park like WDW had the baby spots, where it is quiet if my son needs some time to be away from all the noise?
How crowded is the park the first two weeks in March?

Thanks in advance for any and all help and advice

 

[Metro West]

There is plenty for little ones to do at both parks. At IOA, you have Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Me Ship, The Olive. If your kids like superheroes, there is a parade periodically with photo ops for each character and Spiderman has his own area. Your kids could spend hours in Seuss Landing and you might enjoy the rides too.

At the Studios, there is Animal Actors show, E.T., Barney, Curious George Goes to Town and the Woody Woodpecker Kidszone which includes Fievel's Playground. They might also enjoy Jimmy Neutron and Shrek 4-D...stationary seating is available in both attractions.

The characters are all over the Studios and are very welcoming of picture takers so don't be afraid to approach any of them. They are also very easy to spot.

The parks are located right beside each other so walking back and forth isn't an issue.

I think any of the onsite hotels will be great for the family. I haven't stayed there since I live so close but plenty of posters will give you their thumbs up to all of them.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I forgot to ask one question, looking on the website I didn't see if either of the parks did a backlot tour? I've been to WDW on my honeymoon but never been to Universal Orlando. I grew up in California and we frequented all the amusement parks there, in the Universal Hollywood there is a backlot tour, for a long time that was the main attraction... didn't see it on the Orlando sites pages?

 

[DOES THE SHOE FIT]

I'm not sure about any back lot tours, but I would definately recommend staying on-site at one of Universal's 3 hotels just to get a front of the line pass (which is your room key). I went last year with my kids (5 and 8) and LOVED being able to walk on to almost any ride that had the front of the line option. We stayed at PBH but any of the three hotels are nice. My DD (5) wasn't tall enough for many of the rides so we actually spent most of our time seeking out characters. At Universal we saw Spongebob, Shrek and Donkey, Madagascar characters, Scooby, Dora etc and at IOA there was much character interaction at Seuss Landing (even got photes of my DD dancing with Thing 1). You will find plenty for your kids to do at both parks.

 

[macraven]

I forgot to ask one question, looking on the website I didn't see if either of the parks did a backlot tour? I've been to WDW on my honeymoon but never been to Universal Orlando. I grew up in California and we frequented all the amusement parks there, in the Universal Hollywood there is a backlot tour, for a long time that was the main attraction... didn't see it on the Orlando sites pages?

the back lot tour at orlando, was discontinued many years ago.

i loved it !

it was a highlight for me and my sons.