Need advice--Universal with a one year old?

[harleyquinn]

Hi all,
We're planning a trip to WDW next August with our 1yo DD. We are WDW vets and are very confident in our ability to deal with her there.

We are also huge HP fans and assuming WWoHP will be open, we'd like to visit, but have no experience with Universal.

So would you vets consider taking a 1yo to Universal? Would it be a waste since there's not much for her to do and we'd be hampered in terms of the big rides?

We go to FL once a year, so we'll be back when she's older. I would probably also consider leaving her with the grandparents for a week and just doing Universal with DH and I in 2011.

I worry about the crowds in WWoHP and if it just makes more sense to wait.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

How do you feel about baby swap? Do you mind riding separately from dh? If you're ok with baby swap, I think Universal would work fine for you. Your 1 yr. old would definitely enjoy Seuss Landing at IOA; Barney, Curious George's water play area, and might like the animal actors show. There are other things she might like, too, but they also might scare her because of the loud noises, etc.

That said, I'd probably leave a 1 yr. old at home, just because I'd want the special time with dh, and I wouldn't want to be slowed down at all. There aer others who wouldn't leave the child, and would just adapt.

Can you do it? Yes! What are you trying to get out of this trip is the real question....

Sending Mummy Dust for you to make your decision!

Maria

 

[Poohbug]

I agree with the PP. If you have no problems riding the rides alone then you will have a great time. If you want to ride together, it would work out better to leave the little one behind.

There is still things you can do with a one yr. old at US but not nearly as much as a one yr. old can do at WDW. If I had the choice, I would go without her now and make sure to take her when she is older. I like to wait until the kids are 4/5 yrs. old before taking them to US.

We are planning on visiting US as a family next January. We will have two yr. old DS with us. We are well aware that we will not all be riding at the same time because someone will have to stay with the little one. We are also making sure that we make time for the playgrounds and shows that he can do. We are prepared to split up if needed. Hey, if I get to eat at Margaritaville (and have a drink) a couple of times, I will be happy.

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks!

I think just because it would be our first time there, we'd be better off waiting. Plus I want to focus on it being her first trip to WDW.

Thanks again!

 

[bigmama67]

We're also going to US next August with our 1 y.o.! But she is already 14 months so she will be 22 months when we go (closer to 2 y.o.) and I'm sure there will be some things she will enjoy. DS just turned 7 and this will be our first US trip. (I was there for one day many years back.)

Do people think this will work? We're excited about HP, of course, but we plan to do 2 days at US/IOA and the rest of the time go on other adventures - Sea World, Busch, Kennedy Space Center, and even a day (or two) relaxing by the pool!

We'll go back to WDW when DD is 4 (we took DS just before he turned 5).

So, do you mean you've decided to wait till 2011?

Rachel in NJ

 

[mvansear]

I went several years ago with a 7month old, 2yr old, and 5yr old on Christmas week. We moved over from Disney to Universal and had one of the most fantastic, relaxing vacations ever. Compared to Disney Universal staying onsite hotel was wonderful. Calm 5 min stroll to room, express pass for the rides, little one loved the bright colors in Suess and loved the pool.

 

[kristennn]

We're going at the end of feb for 1.5 days with a 9 month old! I didn't even stop to think universal might be less appropriate than Disney. We'll also have our 6 year old with us and neither I nor my 6 year old like the thrill rides anyhow. We do love the dr suess area - and the play areas and some of the other smaller rides. I've been to universal twice and never been bored so I am sure we'll find plenty to amuse ourselves while my husband rides the big rides.