First time at US and IOA...Please help!

[knelson2440]

We have been to Disney several times over the years, but just couldn't handle all the planning anymore. My kids are a little older now at 8 and almost 6. They both love Harry Potter and a lot of the movies. We will be in Orlando 5/23-5/28. We have the whole week, but want to relax and not have to be on a schedule where every minute is planned out the entire week. I have a few questions.
1. I am trying to choose between the 3 day park to park or the 14 day unlimited at 3 parks. There is only $100 difference. We could go for 1/2 a day and not feel like we have to get a full day at the parks.
2. Do they allow you to bring food in the park?
3. Are there any must see things at night?
4. Do they have shows that are must see?
5. Neither of my kids are huge roller coaster fans. They loved the Mine train and the mountains at Disney. I know some of the coasters are too much - Hulk, etc. They do not like to go upside down. Are any of the indoor rides bad?
Sorry for all the questions -

 

[wookiebeck]

1. The 14-day ticket also gives you admission to the water park, so yes, the $100 for essentially four more days of entertainment sounds worth it. Also, if staying on-site, doing leisurely half days while going pool hopping etc. is bonus points for relaxing.
2. This is one area that is different at USO. The more you carry, the more issues with certain rides that won't let you have bags. But yes, you can bring waters and snacks.
3. Night time is special in my book. I love walking through both HP lands. Also, the Jurassic River Adventure is a better ride at night.
4. There is entertainment. I am not a song and dance guy, though.
5. I think 6 is a little young to enjoy Spiderman and Transformers. Your 8yo could love it. HP Forbidden Journey is intense and whips your body around, but not upside down.

Enjoy!

 

[macraven]

You can bring in snacks but no glass bottles/containors

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

We are very partial to the Animal Actors show, and I love love love the Blues Brothers (make kids dance and deal with it, my singular indulgence each visit)!

I have a very adventurous nine year old who I could not keep off of EVERYTHING she was tall enough for through the years, so only you know your child. We have some great pictures of her at 3 years old on Tower of Terror. She didn't love the hot room on Mummy, but she kept wanting to ride again. And I can recite the entire Transformers script as we have ridden it over and over and over....love EP.

We also love the 3 park unlimited for extended stays as we appreciate the fact that you can have an absolute blast at Universal, but still come home relaxed, no need to plan and go commando.

 

[RocketCityMama]

You guys are going to have a great time! I think each ride depends on each child! My 5 yr old last Summer did Spiderman and it scared her at parts due to the 3D stuff, not the actual ride itself. She ended up riding again but closed her eyes when it got to the scary scene she didn't like. She LOVES spiderman in general lol She did great on the Simpsons Ride and DM which are all kinda similar in my opinion. ET of course, the Suessland, Simpsons, she was too small for FJ but she did Gringotts, and MIB fine too. We skipped the Mummy ride though for her. There is so much to see and do outside of the rides, but no major planning like Disney is really required. I would go ahead and do the 14 day deal it sounds like you get a lot for just $100 more!