How does Universal compare to Disney for a 2 year old?

[leopardspot]

Trying to decide if we want to switch and do Universal for a year....

 

[spiceycat]

US - doesn't have much for children - there is ET (but I think a 2 year old couldn't reach the petals....

they got rid of Yoga/friends ride.....

I think I would stick with the MK at WDW for a few years.

there is dr suezz land in IOA - but I think this is even more advanced that most 2 years old.

maybe put the child in child care that evening and then you and your husband go and enjoy the RR at IOA?

 

[SnowWitch]

We love both complexes, however, for kids < 5.... I would wait. My nephew will be three during our Dec trip and the big boys and their dads are going over for a day of fun. The three year old will be shopping with the moms at Downtown Disney. Just not a lot for the younger group.

 

[phamton]

Actually there is quite a bit for young kids to do at Universal. Here's an article that lists what they can do at Universal studios:
Kids at universal

Also Suess Landing at Islands of Adventure would be lots of fun for a child that age.

 

[Mainebound]

Our 2 year old had a great time at both parks in March. I think there is enough to do to make it worth it, as long as you and the others want to go. Don't JUST go for the 2 year old, but don't stay away on the 2 year old's behalf either.

Undeniably, WDW parks have more to offer that age group, especially MK. We went to Universal after a week at WDW. If we had to make a choice, WDW would win. But doing both is the best!

At IOA, our 2 year old loved Seuss Landing, which had 4 attractions for little ones, Camp Jurassic, Me Ship the Olive, and Storm Force Accelatron. At Universal Studios, he loved Shrek 4D, Animal Planet Live, A Day in the Park with Barney (and playground outside the theatre "Barney's Bak Yard"), E.T. Adventure, Curious George Goes to Town. At both parks we spent a good amount of time just enjoying walking around and greeting characters. He also enjoyed Mythos at IOA.

Have fun!

 

[sha_lyn]

Sure there is more at WDW for a 2 yr old, but WDW has 4 major parks, USO has 2.

DD's first trip was at 3 1/2. She loved it and still does at 7.
There really is a lot for the younger ones there.

 

[minijeanie]

my first response was to say WDW...but later as I thought about it...if you are staying onsite at one of the resort hotels it is so much easier to just walk back to your room if staying at HRH or PBH so he/she can take a nap

US and IOA are smaller, easier to get around.....and who knows each child finds amazement in so many things we as adults never even think about.


Rooms are so, so much bigger than at WDW and you can rent cabanas and hang out for the afternoon.

although I feel WDW is probably the better choice in long run, if you would like to visit US, I say go for it. I am sure they will love the pool, and all the excitement surrounding your vacation

 

[sha_lyn]

USO can be taken at a much slower pace which sometimes is very important little kids. As minijeanie mentioned, if staying onsite, it is very easy to go back to the hotel for a nap or a swim. In fact we did that on our first trip. DD actually started having a meltdown inline for a ride and we figured out she was tired. It was early in hte day but because of the excitement she didn't sleep well the ngiht before. So we headed back to the room for about 2 hours and it made a world of difference.

 

[MulanMom]

After a 1st time family visit to US and IOA, I thought there was actually more there for the younger set to do than at WDW. Especially with all the play areas for little ones. And I like US/IOA's child swap arrangements. With children now 5 & 7, we spent much time doing swapping at WDW. For some of the major rides, that can take a lot of extra time. At US/IOA, the newer attractions have a room just off where the ride loads where the non-riding parent goes with the children.

 

[the kabuki]

Is the child swap area you were talking about, where you can go right to where the ride loads on all of the "big" rides? I had planned on taking the 3yr old to the kiddie areas and letting hubby go with the older ones.

 

[flfun]

Tell the ride attendant at the entrance that you want to use the child swap. the adult and little ones are sent to the child swap room which is very close to the loading area while the rest of your party waits in line. once your party has completed the ride, they switch places with you. You will go directly to the loading area..and if you have a few in your group, one of those original riders can stay and ride with you again.

 

[MulanMom]

Is the child swap area you were talking about, where you can go right to where the ride loads on all of the "big" rides? I had planned on taking the 3yr old to the kiddie areas and letting hubby go with the older ones.

We only swapped on one ride and that was Mummy. Worked very well. But we saw the swap areas on other rides...MIB comes to mind. As the previous poster mentioned, ask a ride attendant.