Is two days enough?

[DDreamer]

We are planning a trip down to FL to visit my grandmother next spring (2005) and are thinking about doing Universal instead of Disney. We have 3 kids, ages 11 (twins) and 4. We will be doing a BIG trip to Disney in 2 years when our youngest turns 6, so we thought we might do Universal this time instead. We've never been to universal. Should we do BOTH parks? And is one day per park long enough? Where can I find good prices? What about hotels? Sorry for all the "newbie" questions, and Thanks to all you Universal veterans!

 

[Disney Dee]

Yes, 2 days is enough time to do both parks. I think your kids will like IOA better though. My family actually spent the most time there when my son was 11. The adults enjoyed US more. Have fun!

 

[ILOVEPOOH1]

There might not be enough for your youngest, although when my son was young he loved the Curious George water part. I say go to Disney, at least for awhile. I couldn't imagine being in Florida and not being at Disney. It's magic is so much better than Universal.

 

[robvia]

Two days is enough, but I'd suggest you split up and let one take the 4 year old to the kiddie play areas, and let another take the twins on the big kid rides. Most play areas have water, so bring a change of cloths and a good book to read. Use cell phones to stay in touch with each other, even if you pay long distance.
Where to stay? You'll have to lurk the hotel/resorts board. Staying onsite costs more, but you can literally walk to the parks, which would make splitting up easy. The best offsite hotel to me is the Hilton Garden Inn, because I just stayed there and it's new. So of coarse I'm going to recommend it. Read about it here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2004.htm

 

[DDreamer]

Thanks for the info! I think we might have decided to only do Islands of Adventure and instead of Universal Studios Park ( I don't know the correct name of the park ....I'm a total disney fan) we are thinking about doing Sea World instead. This trip we are trying to cater to the older kids because in 3 years we'll be doing a really big trip to DW, and that one will be catered to our youngest. I know there won't be as much for our youngest to do at Islands of Adventure, but that's ok, she's young anyway.

 

[phamton]

There are tons of things for your little one to do at IoA. Check this page out: http://www.usoinfo.com/Parkinfo/kids.html I am sure your youngest will have a magical time while the older kids will have a day of thrills.

 

[DDreamer]

Great info! Thanks again!

 

[lovetheparks]

I'm going to go against the grain and say if you can, do both! USF has so much more you can do as a family and all ages can enjoy together. DH & I actually prefer it over IOA if we have to choose just one. The older ones can still get their thrills with the Mummy and MIB is always a great time. If you stay onsite with FOTL you can easily to each park in a day.

Whatever you decide have fun!!