Is it REALLY the dark side?

[pinoke]

We've never been to US but are thinking about it for a couple of days this fall. We have an 11 year old son. Advice? Will we love it? What do I need to know? We aren't big coaster people and don't ever wait a half hour for a 3 minute ride in WDW…..Is October super busy so we should stay in one of their hotels? Thanks!

 

[damo]

Does your son like Dinosaurs? Superheroes? Transformers? Living inside a video game? Harry Potter? Minions? Animals?

If so, he'll like Universal/IOA.

October can be busy with Hallowe'en Horror Nights. Staying onsite always makes for a vacation that is more fun and relaxing.

 

[TLinden16]

Even without going on the coasters, I think there is plenty there that an 11 year old would love, especially if he is a Harry Potter fan. There are a lot of fun rides based on superheroes and characters that your son most likely knows (like Spiderman, the Transformers, and the Simpsons). You will find plenty to do.

I think it's worth staying at one of the Universal resorts that offers the Front of the Line access (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific). It's great to be able to go through the express pass line and get on the rides without a long wait (I think the most I've ever waited in line using the express pass was 15 minutes, but usually it's just a few). You also get to enter the Harry Potter area an hour early (this perk is also available with a stay at Cabana Bay).

 

[agavegirl1]

We did a Universal Only Orlando vacation when my kids were 14 and 15. They had "been there done that" at WDW four years prior. After their vacation, they proclaimed that WDW is for little kids. US/IOA is still in their memories as the "coolest" theme park ever. We have also been to others across the country.

Nothing beats watching the Mardi Gras Parade with your DD while your son is texting you with updates of the J Zee concert he is at about where to meet for dinner at City Walk when you are done. They were soooo...happy.

Staying at the HRH in the middle of everything was great. We could hang at the pool because...we had unlimited Express entry. If we went to the park later, it was still good.

The Dark Side? It's only dark in the fact that there aren't princesses, plush and little kid focus everywhere...just in some lands.

 

[mrsabbott]

We adored Universal! Our kids are 9, 7, 6, & 2. All of them loved it! On the Tuesday we went, several rides we just walked on with no wait. Some rides had a 10 or 15 minute wait posted but I think it was less. The longest we waited was 30 min for Despicable Me and that was early in the day. We couldn't miss cause my kids love that movie!

Anyway, you will love it!

 

[RMulieri]

My daughter is the most UN-ADVENTUROUS person...NO coasters for her and DH barely rides them either..BOTH of them LOVE Universal..so much that when given the option on our 2nd trip whether we visited Disney or Universal...they both chose Universal...
Stay onsite..Even in low crowds, the express pass is fantastic and CAN NOT be beat!!! ( express pass for resort guests is a perk only at Hard rock ,Royal Pacific or Portofino Bay)

 

[Seeker615]

I agree with everyone here. Universal is awesome!

There is nothing like staying onsite and being able to WALK back to your hotel for a break if you want to.

Citywalk is well themed and has great food choices.

Front of the line passes for staying onsite is the best perk ever! I will never stay offsite again.

The parks are well themed and I think there is a ton your son would love. Check out Universal's web site and you will find a lot of info on both parks.

 

[keishashadow]

We've never been to US but are thinking about it for a couple of days this fall. We have an 11 year old son. Advice? Will we love it? What do I need to know? We aren't big coaster people and don't ever wait a half hour for a 3 minute ride in WDW…..Is October super busy so we should stay in one of their hotels? Thanks!

umm, not sure how have you escaped waiting in line @ WDW, however, FOTL perk via one of the onsite hotels will guarantee a shorter line for most attractions.

You may want to check out reviews of the attractions before you make a decision, many far more 'thrilling' than WDW offerings.

 

[deide71]

We are Disney vets that just had our first trip to Universal. We stayed on site at the Royal,Pacific. Let me tell you the hotel was absolutely beautiful. I hate to say it but I think it is prettier than the Polynesian. Certainly cheaper.

As for the parks we are not coaster people either. We found plenty to keep us busy. I think the Simpsons ride is my all time favorite in any theme park.

The theming in both parks is spectacular. City walk has much better dining and entertainment options than Downtown Disney. We loved Pat O'Briens.

Definitely give it a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. i know we were.

 

[Metro West]

Check out Universal's website and you will find a lot of info on both parks.

Absolutely...and also check out YouTube for ride videos for a preview of what's to come.

 

[macraven]

The Dark Side? It's only dark in the fact that there aren't princesses, plush and little kid focus everywhere...just in some lands.

i always referred UO as the darkside as it is the unknown.

things always are changed/updated/or new things brought into the park.