Is Universal right for our family? Help!

[dizneefamily5]

I know you guys can help us decide. We are going to Orlando for 2 weeks in June. Our family is me, dh, dd's (11, 10, and 4). We have been to Disney 10+ times so the kids "know" Disney. We are considering Universal this year, instead. Is there enough for my 4 y/o to do? It looks like there would be much more for the 11 and 11 y/o but I'm not sure about the little one. Help us decide!!

 

[pandora174]

We went in Dec with our 3 year old DS & he had a great time. We usually go to Disney but my DH wanted to try Universal & stay onsite. We did lots for my DS. He loved the Barney show , Shrek 4-D movie, Jimmy Neutron, ET, Spiderman, Cat in the Hat rides & the Woody Wood Pecker roller coaster to just name a few off the top of my head. He even did Terminator & Jaws ! He loved the play areas in both parks + the Macy's parade & the Grinch since we went at Christmas time. There were also lots of character meeting & picture opportunites. We really loved how close the parks were to their onsite hotels. It was a few minutes & we'd be back in our room at the Portofino. It's a nice vacation, give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised, we certainly were.

 

[dizneefamily5]

We have already reserved a home in Windsor Hills so we won't be onsite, if that changes anything.

One question, is the grinch there all the time or just at Chrstmas?? I know it's crazy but my 4 y/o LOVES the grinch! I'd be willing to go there just to let her see him!!!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

the grinch is always there, just not as the same grinch as christmas time. a 4 year old isn't going to get the same experience as an 11 year old at the UO parks. I wish I'd started my daughter at UO at 4 years old.

how tall are your other two daughters?

 

[dizneefamily5]

THe 11 year old is 5 ft 2 (62 in) and the 10 y/o is 56 in. Both are into the high intensity rides. We live near Kings Island and have passes so riding roller coasters is something they enjoy!

 

[AllieKat]

The last time I went to Universal was in April/May 2004, my Niece was with us (she was just 2). We were in one of the shops in Seuss Landing and Grinch was right outside the shop getting his picture taken with some guests. My Niece spotted him through the door while we were in the shop and yelled out "It's the Grinch, I want to see the Grinch!". The Grinch looked over at her, waved and then walked up to her in the store to mess up her hair. She was "starstruck" and grinning from ear-to-ear. One of the park associates followed Grinch into the store and gave my Niece a necklace and a sticker and told her they were from Grinch. It was really cute & sweet. Even though my Niece was only 2 at the time, she still remembers the Grinch giving her a necklace and brings it up every so often. She doesn't remember anything else from the trip, just Grinch.

 

[bellelinus]

Since your older daughters are both into thrill rides, I think your family will have a terrific time at Universal! I probably wouldn't recommend going if you only had much younger children, but there will be plenty for your youngest to do while the older ones live on the wild side . . .

 

[sha_lyn]

My 8 DD has been going to US/IOA since she was 3 1/2. IOA has always been her favorite park, over anything at WDW. There is plenty for the little ones to do, you just have to look at US/IOA differently that WDW. With WDW the parents tend to enjoy th kiddie stuff because it is nestalgic. With IOA/US I think a lot of parents say there isn't much for the little ones, because it doesn't interest the parents.

 

[twoprincesses]

These replies have eased my feeling towards US/IOA. We'll be doing WDW for 3 days and US/IOA 2 days with DD 5 and DD 4. Will 2 days be enough? I'm just guessing because when I went without the girls in 2000 that's how long it took us.

 

[sha_lyn]

For us 3 days is perfect, but you can do everything in 2.