Pixie Dust turned to Cement

[sonny]

Was it just me or is Universal just a lot of walking on cement, loud noises and water? Just got back from Orlando with most of my 7 day Universal pass still unused. Maybe it was just seeing it thru the eyes of a 2.5 year old who was terrified of all the rides and noises. Maybe it was that I kept waiting in the parking lot for my donald or goofy tram to pick me up and take me to the front gate and I finally had to walk and walk. And people going in with happy expectant faces came back out looking beat and mad. Universal Studios was just not appealing to me or my family. I would trade my 7-day pass to Universal for a one-day to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[dsmom]

Can I trade my annual pass from Disney for the 7 day pass to Universal? ( we don't need it anymore now that we have discovered Universal!)

 

[micksterlee]

What is it with all the debate all of a sudden?

 

[Melanie230]

Live and learn I guess.

 

[ls1222]

Hi, We usually go to both Univeral and WDW during our stay. I have to agree that I prefer WDW, its so magical.... I'm sure you would enjoy Universal more once your child(ren) are older. My 12 yr old loves it. What really does bug me though is Universals' commercials (they make fun of Disney) and I do think that if very tacky.

Maybe if you wait a few years, you will have a better experience. I find that staying onsite is very helpful as well.

Glad you had a great time at Disney!!

 

[Lynne1875]

I always visit both and love each for different reasons. Universal is more geared to adults, hence the thrill rides...something there is a lack of in Disney parks. Disney gears itself mainly to children (apart from Epcot, which is more of an adult theme park, IMO) so when I visit there I can be a big kid and drink beer into the bargain

 

[Dagny]

Was it just me or is Universal just a lot of walking on cement, loud noises and water? Just got back from Orlando with most of my 7 day Universal pass still unused. Maybe it was just seeing it thru the eyes of a 2.5 year old who was terrified of all the rides and noises. Maybe it was that I kept waiting in the parking lot for my donald or goofy tram to pick me up and take me to the front gate and I finally had to walk and walk. And people going in with happy expectant faces came back out looking beat and mad. Universal Studios was just not appealing to me or my family. I would trade my 7-day pass to Universal for a one-day to the Magic Kingdom.

I am sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to Universal Studios. I just returned from there and had a wonderful time. Everyone I talked to and met also was enjoying their stay.

I agree that the parks might not be the best for a 2.5 year old. My kids who are 7 and 16 absolutely LOVE Universal and especially Islands of Adventure. Perhaps when your child is older, you can try again. I would definitely recommend staying onsite, the resorts there are absolutely fabulous.

 

[lovetheparks]

Sorry you did not enjoy it. Sounds like maybe had you done some research and knew what to expect you could have enjoyed it much more, or would have at least known that it's not geared toward toddlers.

The folks here are friendly and help people make the most of their time at Universal quite often.

 

[ReallyFunMom]

I was actually able to have fun with kids as young as 2.5 doing Barney and play areas and a few rides. I did need a set of earmuffs for loud sounds that you are more likely to run into in US/IOA than Disney. Needed them occasionally for Disney too and fireworks and such. Nothing like those Marvel characters arriving with their sirens while you are watching a sleeping toddler while the others ride Spiderman. Try picking up a pair of these next time near a Bass Pro Shop or such, they really take the edge off for kids. They don't take up that much space in the backpack.

http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/ym22.html

With young kids doing a half day at the park and back to the pool each day over a few days might be the best way to get value out of 7 day pass.

 

[ChisJo]

So sorry you didn't have as good of a time as expected. I was thinking of taking my young neice their next year with me, but I personally don't think she will enjoy it as much as disney...but, I know when she gets a little older, USO will be the place for her. I personally did not like universal the first time I went - didn't get what I expected. But, after a second visit 5 years later, I LOVE universal more than Disney, but I am a thrill seeker and find the rides to be superior at Universal. I hope that in time, you will try it again.
Jo

 

[damo]

Oh well. I guess it isn't for everyone.

 

[calgarygary]

I understand what you are saying because WDW is a cement free zone except for the Castle, Space Mtn., Splash Mtn., Big Thunder, the Tree of Life,.......this thread really isn't worth commenting on.

 

[robvia]

Obviously, people in this forum are going to defend Universal.
We'd need more info on exactly what happened.
The universal play grounds are nice. Kid could have been tired and cranky, that usually happens in the afternoon.
Plus if you don't stay onsite, you don't get the full effect, thus the long walk from the parking garage to the gate.
Once the kid turns 8 and can make the height requirement for the coasters, they like Universal.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Was it just me or is Universal just a lot of walking on cement, loud noises and water? Just got back from Orlando with most of my 7 day Universal pass still unused. Maybe it was just seeing it thru the eyes of a 2.5 year old who was terrified of all the rides and noises. Maybe it was that I kept waiting in the parking lot for my donald or goofy tram to pick me up and take me to the front gate and I finally had to walk and walk. And people going in with happy expectant faces came back out looking beat and mad. Universal Studios was just not appealing to me or my family. I would trade my 7-day pass to Universal for a one-day to the Magic Kingdom.

Seems to me that someone went in expecting disney, and was disappointed when it wasnt.
The great thing about Universal is that you dont have to walk that much....in fact the furthest spot in the parking garage to the front gate, is just about 5 steps further away then the "closest" parking spot at Magic Kingdoms parking lot to the front gate where you are then herded onto either a monorail or ferry for more walking.
There is plenty for a 2.5 year old to enjoy at Universal, but the question will always be will a parent still enjoy it because its not riddled with nostalgia like disney is? I dont really recall too many questions coming from the OP, though we do see plenty its easy to forget, but the OP is real quick to come over to this side and sound off with their displeasure. If I am going to go somewhere I've never been, especially with kids, I ask alot of questions and read a lot of boards...oh and very helpful FAQ threads.

 

[bubba's mom]

Well of course pixie dust turned to cement.....Universal has mummy dust!!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Too many Disney comparisons. Universal isn't Disney and those that want it to be should just stay at Disney. You set yourself up for disappointment with your inability to visit and experience Universal for its own merits. Instead you compared it to Disney and Universal didn't live up to your expectations. You were knocking it before you even entered the park. At least you know now and dont have to repeat the mistake.

 

[macraven]

sorry universal wasn't your thing.

next time you plan a trip there, drop over to the universal forum for some tips that might make your trip more exciting.

there is a section on the UO website for activities, rides, etc for the younger set under 5 . also, there have been threads last month that gives former guests at UO statements for what activities and rides they went on for their littles.

did you try Barney while at the park?




universal roxs.....

 

[Melanie230]

Good point. My little one asked when we were gonna go to Disney. I told her no way in the summer because it is too hot and there is no FOTL. She is only 5 and LOVES Universal! So does Mommy and Daddy....onsite hotel beats out a Value Hotel at Disney anyday!

 

[jewell]

I haven't been to US/IOA since 2000, my son was six when we went then. We went to Disney that week and US/IOA, my son loved both Disney and US/IOA!!! At six yrs old he was totally into dinosaurs, so he loved IOA! In 2004 we went to Disney for a week and stayed at Pop Century, it was a great trip but we went in the middle of may--crowds weren't bad at all. This year we are heading back to FL the middle week of AUGUST!!!! So this trip will be devoted entirely to US/IOA, we are staying on site and having a relaxing vacation. I love both places and really couldn't choose one over the other, I'm sorry that your trip to US wasn't what you expected. I just can't imagine anyone not liking US/IOA, but hey we are all different I guess.

 

[ChrisFL]

Was it just me or is Universal just a lot of walking on cement, loud noises and water? Just got back from Orlando with most of my 7 day Universal pass still unused. Maybe it was just seeing it thru the eyes of a 2.5 year old who was terrified of all the rides and noises. Maybe it was that I kept waiting in the parking lot for my donald or goofy tram to pick me up and take me to the front gate and I finally had to walk and walk. And people going in with happy expectant faces came back out looking beat and mad. Universal Studios was just not appealing to me or my family. I would trade my 7-day pass to Universal for a one-day to the Magic Kingdom.

What would you prefer to walk on? marshmallows?

Tell me, what attractions DID you see while there? I'm curious