Hollywood Studios for a 9 year old?

[vitani88]

Hello all!! I go to Disney world often, but I've only been with a kid once and we only went to Magic Kingdom. My mother- and sisters-in-law are coming to visit in October with my niece, who will be 9. We're definitely planning on spending a full day at MK, Epcot, and DAK, but I'm wondering about whether it will be worth it to take her to DHS. Having never been there as or with a kid, I can't really think of many things that are kid-friendly. I'm considering doing a day at Universal instead. Thoughts?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Does she like Star Wars?

If Y, go to HS at rope drop. Sign her up for Jedi Training Academy. FP+ on Toy Story, Star Tours and something else. Single-rider Rock-n-Roller Coaster if she likes thrill rides, because I'm assuming she is 48". Stick around for the new Star Wars stage show and fireworks.

If N, there's less excitement around HS for her and you might think about doing a day at Universal, or a second day at Epcot.

 

[vitani88]

Does she like Star Wars?

If Y, go to HS at rope drop. Sign her up for Jedi Training Academy. FP+ on Toy Story, Star Tours and something else. Single-rider Rock-n-Roller Coaster if she likes thrill rides, because I'm assuming she is 48". Stick around for the new Star Wars stage show and fireworks.

If N, there's less excitement around HS for her and you might think about doing a day at Universal, or a second day at Epcot.

I don't think she's particularly into Star Wars, actually... I think we might end up either doing another day at MK or Universal. Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I don't think she's particularly into Star Wars, actually... I think we might end up either doing another day at MK or Universal. Thanks!

Realistically, the shows still at HS are still fun, but she may not be at the sweet spot for age for the Frozen Sing-Along. Beauty & the Beast and the Little Mermaid shows are nice and all, but I think if one isn't a Star Wars nerd, it seriously limits the appeal of DHS right now. (She's also old for Disney Junior.)

 

[cel_disney]

My 9 year old boy really likes DHS - and would never agree to a trip where we didn't go!

If not a Star Wars fan - enjoy TSM, Beauty and the Beast Theatre, Tower of Terror and R&R...if before April 2, definitely go to LMA also - perfect age for that even as a girl as they are at the age in school where they start to put things together with technology which shows a lot in the LMA show.

Definitely hit up Sum of All Thrills in Epcot - as well as all of the standard future world attraction recommendations!

We have not been to Universal for 3 years but if she is into Harry Potter, that would of course be a huge hit! We will go back in 2017 when DS is 10 and has hopefully read the first 3 books to appreciate the scenery! The rest of Universal has great rides but not as much scenery - so

My kids also REALLY liked Seaworld - it's more low key, has GREAT thrill rides and they really enjoyed the animal experiences. We have heard great things about Discovery Cove and Aquatica as well but have never been.

I'm not sure what I would recommend for a 9 year old who has never been but I would probably just ask her about it to see what things she really wants to see and go from there.

 

[leebee]

At 9, our girls all rode/saw RnRC, ToT, Beauty and the Beast, Muppets, Little Mermaid, Star Tours, Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones, sometimes LMA, and Fantasmic. Now there is TSMM, a Frozen Sing-along, and a fireworks show in addition to the stuff I listed. If you don't think she'll enjoy RnRC and ToT, I would definitely NOT go to Universal. Other than Hogwarts and Seuss, I think most of the attractions there involve some aspect of roller coaster/drops, speed, and/or darkness - and water!

Honestly, I can't justify the cost of a Universal ticket in addition to a multi-day Disney ticket, so for us, Disney it is!

 

[cel_disney]

Honestly, I can't justify the cost of a Universal ticket in addition to a multi-day Disney ticket, so for us, Disney it is!

We have a similar rule - we generally do 'Disney vacations' or 'everywhere else in Orlando vacations'...It doesn't make sense to us to buy expensive passes to both in the same trip - plus. I really prefer to stay at Uni to get free express pass on those days!

 

[sdomino11]

We're spending two days at HS with our DS9 this Spring. We're not too big on Star Wars, but we still enjoy Star Tours. And Beauty and the beast, Indiana Jones, Little Mermaid and frozen shows. Also the muppets movie, rnr, and tsmm. It's a great place for a 9 yr old!

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

My nine year old daughter loves HS. Last time we were there she wanted to ride ToT four times in a row. We did. Got there at RD and rode it four times with practically no wait.

She also loves IJ, BatB, LM, and the Frozen sing along. She is not a huge Star Wars fan, but she enjoyed meeting Kylo Ren since she had seen the movie. She also likes Star Tours (the first time she rode it last year, she really liked it, and she had never seen any of the Star Wars movies). She really enjoys the Great Movie Ride and Toy Story MM, also.

She loves Fantasmic. It is one of her favorite shows.

I think it is definitely worth spending the day with a 9 year old. My daughter and I spent an entire day - from open to close - and did not quite do everything. There is plenty to fill up the day.

 

[epcotty]

That's actually how old I was when I first went there and DS and DD have liked it for years now

 

[Nancyg56]

There are plenty of attractions to keep a 9 YO busy IMO. I know fols think that since so much closed that all there is left is Star Wars but I do not think that is true. A PP listed the attractions that are left, but I think one aspect of DHS that people do not mention is the atmosphere. We like walking through this park and catching the M&G that take place though out. They are set up as if they are on a set, and that is fun just to see, even if you do nto get in the lines.

 

[keepswimming76]

It really depends on what her interests are. Even if she is not that into SW, Star Tours is pretty cool for anyone. Tower of Terror and Rock n' Roller coaster are also great if she likes thrills. Also, Toy Story is a lot of fun for kids.

Beauty and the Beast and Frozen Sing-a-long are nice for little girls. She may say she's over princesses but might actually still enjoy them.
My niece was 8 our last trip and still even enjoyed the Disney Jr show! (I'm actually trying to talk my 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter into NOT seeing it again this trip! )

My kids also enjoy the Great Movie Ride.

 

[pooh4evr]

Our youngest was just shy of 9 when we went in October- YES go to DHS. Rock n Rollercoaster is DD #3's absolute favorite ride in all of WDW, Toy Story, Star Tours, Great Movie Ride, Tower of Terror... all are wonderful. We have always felt DHS is a more relaxing park than MK or EPCOT too. If you've never been then you will enjoy the shows too- Indiana Jones, Beauty and the beast and Famtasmic are all worth it! I agree with the previous poster the price to add another Disney day vs a ticket to Universal is a big difference.