Is US/IOA worth it??

[sweetme71]

We are thinking about visting Us/Ioa for the first time in March and was wondering if it is worth giving up time from wdw? any advice??

 

[damo]

Everybody has their own opinions but our family doesn't do Disney anymore. We much prefer Universal/IOA and their hotels. The entertainment is more adult oriented and the prices are much more reasonable.

 

[Prince Eric1]

It is definately worth it. It has great coasters, simulators, and family fun rides. The Horror make up show is hilarious too.

 

[Tricia1]

We much prefer US/IOA over WDW.
The last 2 times we've gone to Orlando, we have skipped Disney and just gone to US/IOA.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I love both WDW and US - but we have had three US trips since our last WDW trip. It is FABULOUSLY FUN!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Yes! Yes! and Yes! They are different from WDW, but just as great!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

two words: Ghostbusters Show

Just kidding...but I HAD to say it!!

Anyway, the parks are great fun...a nice change from WDW. If you're too unsure...give up two days from WDW to experience IOA/US. I say two days because only one day will be too rushed, making less time to enjoy the park itself.

I agree that what makes Universal a great change is the adult nature of the parks-not that the parks don't have much for younger kids-but the whole atmosphere is different than the "youthful" one WDW offers.

Great rides, excellent shows, everything close to each other (both parks within walking distance...major plus ). Lots of fun.

 

[RescueRanger]

Sweetme welcome to the boards . Where in Texas are you from? We are also from Texas(Beaumont). I believe you will love Universal. We went for the first time in 2002 and are now going back this summer. We will be staying onsite for FOTL privileges. Oh yeah, we can't wait. Just remember that Universal and Disney are two different experiences. Many go there trying to compare it to Disney and sometimes set themselves up for disappointment. My family actually likes Universal better. We love Disney as well but you will be surprised at how much Universal has to offer. Be forewarned though, Universal can be contagious and future Disney trips may shrink as your Universal trips expand .

 

[Ripsaw]

Yes it is. My kids pick universal/ioa over wdw all the way.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Plus Universal doesn't try to stuff "magic" down your throat at every corner.

 

[Minnie Mare]

We love them all, WDW, US and IOA! This trip we are spending 4 nights at WDW and 3 nights at US/IOA. We can't wait. So, my answer is a definite YES

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
Plus Universal doesn't try to stuff "magic" down your throat at every corner.

The Universal commercials don't make me teary eyed when I'm extra hormonal like the Disney commercials.

Sweetme, you'll never know how much you like Universal if you don't give it a try. How many days will you be in Orlando? What types of rides and attractions do you like? Do you have children?

T&B

 

[bethnburke]

We spent 6 days at disney and 4 at Universal. DS (3) loved it all but I think he had more fun at Universal. The play areas were more fun for him, the lines were shorter and he loved the rides/shows/characters.

 

[wdwphanatic]

I always figured for the younger set (i.e. 5 and under) that Universal and IOA would almost not even be appropriate -- and Disney a hands-down favorite if they were compared... That is very encouraging, as we'll be going with our 5-yo DS and another family who have a 4-yo DD in less than 2 weeks... Glad to know that they'll find things they like! My family members are all total die-hard WDW fans, so I'm anxiously awaiting our chance to be immersed in the whole UO experience! We're giving it 4 days to completely get to know the parks and enjoy our hotel (HRH)... I just hope it warms up by then -- 60-degree weather is too cold for me to swim!!!!

Take care,
Sarah

 

[bethnburke]

since there is a lot that they cant do. But what they can do is great. IMO Universal has put a lot more thought into creating fun areas for the kids to play than WDW has. Just about evey area in IOA has a play area and they are all tons of fun. At Universal DS would have played in Fivels play area all day if we let him. And Suess Landing was a huge hit - we rode eveything 5+ times.

 

[sweetme71]

Thanks everyone!! We definitely will have to go!