IOA/Universal - Should we visit at all?

[GinnyFavers]

We are long time Disney nuts. We've been to WDW over and over again.

Next year, we are coming for the first time on Thanksgiving week. Our party will be myself, my husband, our 9 year old son, my 72 year old mother in law, and my 60-something parents.

All the grandparents are very active, but the 72 year old can't walk a whole lot all day long, and none of them want to ride big thrill coasters. In fact, the only person in the whole party who wants to ride "thrill" rides is my husband. Many in our party won't, for example, ride Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

But because it is Thanksgiving week, we know the Disney parks will be unbelievably crowded, especially on Thanksgiving day and the Friday and Saturday after.

We were wondering if it might be time to branch out, and do Sea World, Universal, and Islands of Adventure on the Thu, Fri & Sat of Thanksgiving week.

If this won't avoid crowds, then maybe nevermind, but I can't imagine the other Orlando them parks will be as crowded as Disney's.

Our son would love the comic book theming, but if it's all about "scary" rides he won't get on... He won't even ride Splash Mountain at the MK because of the drop.

I dunno. I am having a hard time justifying the extra $100 per person visiting Universal/IOA will cost, if we aren't going to find a whole lot we want to do.

Maybe we should just go to Universal and skip IOA? Would there be enough there to entertain our wide range of ages?

I'd love to hear everyone's feedback!

 

[Coach81]

My family and I have been going to Disney and US/IOA for the last few years, and we have just bought into DVC so we'll be going plenty more in the years to come.

We love both Studios and Islands! If you were only going to do one, I would highly suggest IOA. Your 9 year old can pass on the Hulk (my personal favorite coaster of all btw), and still love Spidey, Storm, and the rest. He will also (as will you) love Seusland (sp). We will be headed back to Orlando in February, and we'll do 4 days in Disney, and 2 at US/IOA, my kids can't wait!!!!

Hope this helps,
Coach

 

[ky07]

it true disney is busy during those times but you also have to remeber that uso/ioa will also be very busy and as far as seaworld I would have no idea.

 

[goofy!]

We are just back from Thanksgiving at Universal. If you are planning on going to avoid crowds - Universal will also be incredibly crowded. We actually left late on Thanksgiving day and the lines were already at 40 - 60 minutes.

Last year, we stayed the full week and the crowds were huge on the Friday, Sat. and Sun after.

I would encourage you to go because it is wonderful, especially for a 9 year old boy. As mentioned, the superheros and Suessland are great in IOA. So is Jimmy Neutron and Shrek on the other side. He will probably love MIB (like buzz but much, much better). And what 9 year old boy wouldn't love to be grossed out watching people eat pureed bugs in Fear Factor.

But be prepared for crowds.

 

[ky07]

We are just back from Thanksgiving at Universal. If you are planning on going to avoid crowds - Universal will also be incredibly crowded. We actually left late on Thanksgiving day and the lines were already at 40 - 60 minutes.

Last year, we stayed the full week and the crowds were huge on the Friday, Sat. and Sun after.

I would encourage you to go because it is wonderful, especially for a 9 year old boy. But be prepared for crowds.

Thanks Goofy I am glad that I wasn't wrong but even though I have only been during summer I assumed it being a holiday and school out one would have to assume it would be packed.

 

[Metro West]

All of the parks including Sea World are really busy during Thanksgiving so you won't spare yourselves any crowds over WDW. You will definately want to do both IOA and the Studios...there's too much to miss and going to just one park will do you a grave disservice.

 

[Darcy03231]

If you do decide to go make sure you see the Hollywood Horror Makeup Show in US. It was one of the highlights of our trip and was enjoyed by all ages (9-71). We actually saw it several times while we were there and enjoyed it each time.

 

[ky07]

Give Universal A Chance Yes They Get Just As Busy As Disney And You Can't Compare Universal To Disney Thats Like Comparing Apples To Oranges Just As Disney Is Geared More Toward Kids Universal I Think Is Geared To Both And Don't Get Me Wrong I Like Disney But Agree With Alot Of Other Post You Have To Also Do Ioa Too Cause It Has Some Great Rides.

 

[GinnyFavers]

We are just back from Thanksgiving at Universal. If you are planning on going to avoid crowds - Universal will also be incredibly crowded. We actually left late on Thanksgiving day and the lines were already at 40 - 60 minutes.

See, that sounds light to me! 40 - 60 minutes I would do, Disney parks on Thanksgiving day CLOSES to capacity and waits are up to 3 hours for popular things.

 

[goofy!]

See, that sounds light to me! 40 - 60 minutes I would do, Disney parks on Thanksgiving day CLOSES to capacity and waits are up to 3 hours for popular things.

Yes, but that was Thanksgiving day - which is typically a bit lighter. Waits will be longer on Friday and Saturday.

Move onsite for a night and your waits will be about 5 -15 minutes for anything you want to ride. Now that is beating the Thanksgiving crowds!