Never been to Universal/IOA- input???

[leebee]

Hi! We've never been to Universal/IOA as vacations have been too short and Disney too alluring. However, we will be in Orlando 1/15-1/25, so are considering Universal/IOA. DD is 9, loves roller coasters, but won't do the ones with 360 degree turns- just won't go upside down, but loves huge coasters, both wooden and steel (Magnum 200? at Cedar Point was a favorite!). I HATE roller coasters, not even terribly fond of Big Thunder, won't do Splash or Space mtns., although DH likes 'em, and DD loves 'em-and nobody will do ToT. Nobody is too big on "dark" rides either, where things leap out from the darkness, stuff drops on your head, etc. Now that you know where we're coming from, do you think it would be worth our time/$$$ to do Universal/IOA? Which park? DH and I went to Universal in LA 10 years ago- liked alot of the movie themed rides, like Earthquake and Backdraft. I appreciate your input/opinions- thanks!

 

[robvia]

Since you're spending 10 days in Orlando, you'll have time to do both parks (IOA/USF), plus the Busch parks Sea World Florida/Busch Gardens Tampa (SWF/BGT). Rent a car so you can drive everywhere.
All the parks have a mix of family and thrill rides. There is something for everyone. Seems like the flex pass would be your best bet. It lets you into all the parks for 1 fee for 14 days. You pick whether you want 4 or 5 parks (BGT included). Go on the Universal web site for info. Don't buy length of stay passes at Disney, because you'll be going to the other parks a few days. Once you've been to IOA/USF, you'll plan your next trip to spend more time there.

 

[bananiem]

We went in early December. We found Universal and IOA rides to be too "extreme" for our 6 1/2 year old and I. I don't do coasters either. My dh loves coasters though and liked several of them at IOA very much. We felt that if they weren't making you go upside down, they were spinning you, or getting you wet, or scaring the pants off you. None of the cutesy, It's a Small World rides.
At Universal Studios the kids liked the KidZone. It was a lot of fun. Be sure to go to the very back of Curious George town. The kids did ET and dh and dd-8 did MIB. Nick Studios wasn't filming and they couldn't have shoved the kids through any faster. Really a BIG dissappointment! The kids liked doing character autographs too. The Wild West show was a hit with our kids too.
At IOA our ds-6 only rode the stuff in Dr. Seuss Land. I rode nothing all day. DH and DD rode all the "wet" rides and you get soaked, even with a poncho on. Take dry socks.
As long as your child likes some coasters I think you'd do OK in both parks. I wouldn't suggest Hulk, but you can see it and it does go upside down.

 

[USO2003]

I would say it worth the money to see, after all Universal Orlando is ranked the #1 Theme Park in the World. Although Disney fans say Universal bought that title. IOA is the most technologically advanced theme park in the entire world with some of the #1 ranked rides in the world. So I would say with those honors IOA would be a park you might want to see.

There is plenty for kids and adults, in my view IOA it's self is a childrens park. The only reason I see it being imaged as a "Teenager's" park is because of the 3 Coasters and Dr. Doom.

The rest of the park in my view is a kids playland.

USF I don't see at all as being "Too Extreme" as I seen, that is full of kid rides. I am not a kid of 5, but when it opened I was 11 and I went on everything and loved it.

I was 6 the first time I went to Disney and Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Snow White were rides I was scared on. So I guess a good parent would know what their kids will be affraid of. My father forced me on Haunted Mansion, I had my eyes shut and all he did was pull my hands from my eyes, then hit his hand on the buggy to scare me and then did devilish laughs and boos to scare me.

So use your own judgement.