Sea World or Universal with 4 and 7 year olds?

[bonoah]

Hi all,

Been to Disney many times - want to branch out on our next trip Halloween week and hit Sea World/Aquatica or Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure for a couple days. Can anyone tell me which might be better for 4 and 7 year old boys (neither is 48 inches) but both love rides AND water? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Bonnie

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I'd pick SW. They have great shows and a nice kids area( Shamu's Happy Harbour). Universal, even though I've not gone, seems to be for older kids and adults. Not sure how many rides your kids could go on there and some would be too scary for a 4 year old. Sw has a deal where you get the next day free, too.

 

[MissionMouse]

I would recommend SW if you are selecting between these two based upon it being around Halloween and the age of your children. Universal gets pretty serious in the scary themes around Halloween. There are still great rides at Universal and IOA for the kids though (i.e. Shrek, Seuss Island rides, etc.)

 

[bonoah]

Was leaning towards SW - now I have been convinced. Gotta love these boards!

Thanks!

 

[pandora174]

Was leaning towards SW - now I have been convinced. Gotta love these boards!

Thanks!

I tried both with DS 6 & SW hands down his favorite ! Universal has a lot of dark loud rides. He loved the movie Terminator but was hysterical on the ride, same thing with Men in Black. Even the characters walking around he wouldn't take pix. We did Shrek & Dr Seuss. But SW he loved Shamu Harbor, feeding the dolphins, he'll do a few of the shows & I even got him to ride Atlantis ! He was never scared. I think the atmosphere at SW is more relaxing & Universal there isn't alot of greenery, gardens, water fountains etc. Also the animals at SW are a big plus for kids that age. He learned alot about the large turtles ! I personally love just walking around SW & enjoying the shops, resting areas, animals & the shows are Awesome. Good luck !

 

[bonoah]

just ordered our SW tickets!

 

[eeyoremommy]

I would agree with everyone here. SW is more geared to your kids' ages. I have a DS 5 that we have never taken to US because there just isn't that much that he can do or would like. I view US as more a tween or teen thing.

 

[Narnia]

I would never take my kids to a US halloween night though as it's crazy with drinking which I have a big isue with, sorry but shots being sold like popcorn bother me ( although I did have a jello shot at a show that came in a large needle just cus it was cool

 

[RabFlmom]

I would agree with everyone here. SW is more geared to your kids' ages. I have a DS 5 that we have never taken to US because there just isn't that much that he can do or would like. I view US as more a tween or teen thing.

I took 4th graders there on a field trip once. They loved the park. Basically they were too old for Fievel but every kid in the group loved the playground. In the Kids zone you have Barney, Woody woodpecker , and Curious George.

AT IA you have the Dr. Suess area so there are good things for kids to do too.

Of course everything depends on your kids and what they would enjoy.