major advice needed for IOA/US trip

[disneymom2one]

Hi all. We (dh, me in our 30's) and our daughter (just turned six) will be arriving in Orlando in two weeks for vacation. We are major Disney vets, having been to WDW about ten times in the past four years but this year are taking a break to see US, IOA, and Sea World. The $99 annual passes for IOA/US were just too good to pass up. I usually have complete plans drawn up months in advance but not this year. I really am clueless. We're staying six nights, with the first three at the Wyndham and the second three at the Radisson (by US), both through Priceline. I have several questions.

1) Any tips for park touring at US and IOA? My dh and I like thrill rides, but our daughter definitely does not. Because we'll have plenty of times and the ap's, we plan on each spending time alone to ride much of what we won't with her, although we've always kid-swapped too and she's comfortable with that.

2) Any must sees for a first grader at the parks?

3) What about dining? What are some of the best restaurants either in the parks or along I-Drive? All three of us are pretty adventurous eaters.

4) Any other tips?

Thanks so much!

 

[Robinrs]

Welcome, disneymom2one!

I would suggest to you and all newbies to visit www.theotherorlando.com and pick up a copy of Kelly Monaghan's book, Universal Orlando:
The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure. It's must reading for a planner like you! I had been to the parks 10 times before reading it and I felt like I'd never been there. He goes into everything you need to know and more AND he's a regular poster right here on these boards!

And I did NOT get paid to say that!!

Seriously you will learn more than you could possibly want to know and more!

Check Barry Hom's post on
what can kids do in IOA on this board. It will give you some hints for your first grader! At Universal she will LOVE the Curious George area and the Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster. It's fun and not a thrill ride!

As for restaurants, do NOT miss Mythos. It is an awesome upscale restaurant in the Lost Continent in IOA. It also has some great kids meals!

Again, welcome!