Park to Park with 2 small children? What rides? Also info on nut allergy accomodations....

[irishtwins1112]

My husband and I did Orlando last year but we didn't take the kids or do any "kiddie" stuff. The kids love Disney. We just went last week. We were thinking about trying Universal with them when we come to town in August. What suggestions would anyone give for them to do. They will be 3 and 4 and don't have any problems with coasters (i.e. they like them). The older one is 40 inches now so if he hits a growth spurt he might be 42 by the time we go....but I doubt it, lol. Open to all suggestions. Thanks.

Also, does anyone have recommendations for places to eat with a peanut/tree nut allergy. I feel super comfortable dining at Disney but don't have a lot of info for restaurants at Universal. Thanks.

 

[HM]

Truthfully, I personally chose not to do Universal until my youngest was 8 years old. I wanted them to be at an age where they wanted to and could do most of the rides. We just kept visiting Disney until then.

We did see people with young children and babies in the parks during our trip earlier this month. You don't see many strollers there though. Hopefully someone that has taken younger kids will answer you about the attractions available to youngsters.

As far as allergies are concerned, no one in our family has any, but the servers in TS restaurants often did ask if there were any allergies to take into consideration.

 

[Queen of Oakville]

my son has peanut allergies.

we told every server, and didn't have any issues. Many of the dessert items will be off-limits. But I'm sure that you (like me) always find a way to compensate your little one when they have to go with out. If I could see that dessert was going to be an issue, I'd suggest we have dessert later and get churros in the park.

Cinnabon had binder that they showed me which identified all allergans. Of course, some of their product contains nuts and there can/will be cross-contamination.

We didn't have any issues while in the park.

 

[schumigirl]

We have friends whos children have allergies and they found Universal To be excellent with all their needs.

As for rides look at www.universalorlando.com and see what you think your family will enjoy or be able to ride.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I am taking my 8 year old and 2 year old in May for the first time. Because our kids are so far apart in age, it is hard to decide which parks to do (Disney or Universal?). My 8 year old loves The Simpsons and The Minions and I think she is old enough to really enjoy Universal this year.

One of the reasons I chose Universal in May is because my little one turns 3 in July and I find it hard to justify paying child ticket price for a 3 year old at Universal, based on what I have read and seen about the two parks.

I will be leaving my 2 year old at the resort with my mom while my older daughter and I tour the parks. I will take the little one to the parks for a little while because I think she will enjoy most of the shows and the play areas for children. She will like ET and Seuss Landing. She might even enjoy the Hogwarts Express, the Woody Woodpecker coaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff. I think there is a lot for little ones, but I'm not sure it is worth over $150 per child, which is the minimum you would pay for each of your children to get in on a park to park ticket ($142 + tax). $300 for a train ride, a carousel, and some shows. Hm.

 

[macraven]

I am taking my 8 year old and 2 year old in May for the first time. Because our kids are so far apart in age, it is hard to decide which parks to do (Disney or Universal?). My 8 year old loves The Simpsons and The Minions and I think she is old enough to really enjoy Universal this year.

One of the reasons I chose Universal in May is because my little one turns 3 in July and I find it hard to justify paying child ticket price for a 3 year old at Universal, based on what I have read and seen about the two parks.

I will be leaving my 2 year old at the resort with my mom while my older daughter and I tour the parks. I will take the little one to the parks for a little while because I think she will enjoy most of the shows and the play areas for children. She will like ET and Seuss Landing. She might even enjoy the Hogwarts Express, the Woody Woodpecker coaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff. I think there is a lot for little ones, but I'm not sure it is worth over $150 per child, which is the minimum you would pay for each of your children to get in on a park to park ticket ($142 + tax). $300 for a train ride, a carousel, and some shows. Hm.

how wonderful you have your mom to help you!
you are so blessed with that.

your little will have a good time doing the things you listed above.
the play area/fieval near ET will be a delight for her and gma.

perfect planning in taking the trip before the 3rd birthday.

your 8 yo will have a blast with you on the rides.
as long as the height requirement is met, you'll be doing so many rides with smiles.

 

[Luvzmy3boys]

We went 2 yrs ago (before DCL cruise) when youngest was 2yrs 10 months since older two were 7 and really wanted to see Harry Potter stuff and so did extended family-- and let's be honest, yours truly too. DH and I and DM took turns during our 2 park days sitting it out with him. We did take advantage of rider switch on Forbidden Journey so all adults could ride. He did One Fish, Two Fish at least 3 times and the carousel twice but those were the only rides he did. He still had fun playing in the Barney area and Seuss land. We just went to Universal Hollywood (practically in our backyard) and got him on the Minion ride because he loves Minions-- he was scared with the "drops" and motion of the simulator and the back lot tour (also some simulation). We r going back to Orlando in August (pre cruise) and are debating whether to go back to Universal (my vote) or try Epcot or another Disney Park. My kids actually are not fans of Disneyland and not interested in Magic Kingdom (sacrilegious on this forum, I know)--too much waiting in line for them.

Regarding allergies, youngest DS also has pretty severe tree nut allergy and it hasn't been a problem in the parks. We just ask if there nuts in he food and when in doubt, don't give it to him. We also bring snacks that we know he will like. I also bring prepackaged Benadryl spoons (bought online because you can't always find them in stores) and epi pen. Bring a change of clothes for kids as there r plenty of places they may get wet-- my youngest is unhappy when wet. Also, Stroller- either your own or rental -- is a must for preschoolers IMHO.

 

[DCDisney]

They have all the same allergy info at Universal as they do at WDW with ingredients and kitchens ready and able to prepare food for allergies. Desserts are hard to come by but honestly it's the same way at WDW. That being said I wouldn't bring young kids there as there are not that many rides they can ride. I would save it until they are a bit older and will both be tall enough for the really fun rides. Have you ever done Sea World/Aquatica/Discovery Cove? Those are a great way to do something other than Disney and that have lots of fun things for younger kids.

 

[caroline1851]

I wouldn't take kids that little....there 's not enough to do for them imo to justify the cost. Many of the rides have a 48 inch requirement.