Sea World or Universal with 7 yr olds?

[RCMommy]

We have never taken our 7 yr old twins to Universal Studios and are considering it for this trip. The last time I was there was yearssssss ago. What I am wondering is, will young kids enjoy it? Are we going to get enough bang for our buck? We are not Harry Potter Fans so we won't be off to the WWOHP.

Or are we better off going to Sea World? Appreciate any opinions of those that have kids around the same age and have gone to either.....

 

[ccgirl]

Subbing as we are considering Universal with our DD7 and DD2.

 

[Purseval]

There is a forum on these boards specifically for Universal/Seaworld questions. While you may get an answer here you will probably get more answers asking there. And yes, you can have a great day at US/IOA with 7 year olds without setting foot in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 

[RCMommy]

There is a forum on these boards specifically for Universal/Seaworld questions. While you may get an answer here you will probably get more answers asking there. And yes, you can have a great day at US/IOA with 7 year olds without setting foot in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Ah, okay. I just saw "Orlando Attractions" and thought this is the best place to ask.

Is it possible to move this thread there?

 

[Purseval]

A mod may notice it and move it there eventually. If they don't here is the forum:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

[kinghorse]

I have a 7 year old but don't think she would enjoy Universal as much at this age. Sea World also is running great specials, kids only $5. We enjoy Sea World since there is nothing like it at Disney.

 

[RCMommy]

I have a 7 year old but don't think she would enjoy Universal as much at this age. Sea World also is running great specials, kids only $5. We enjoy Sea World since there is nothing like it at Disney.

I just spotted the $5 child's ticket but they are not offering it to Canadians

I do know I can cash my airmiles in for tickets though

 

[taliategan]

It may depend on what your 7 yr olds like - SeaWorld is primarily show oriented - they would likely be to small for the two coasters, probably feel that they are to old to ride the kiddie rides which would leave only the Atlantis water flume ride and the simulated helicopter ride as the only two rides for them. Not sure if you would try to both parks at Universal - but the Studio side would probably a little better for 7 year olds - the only ride they could probably not ride is the new coaster which opened last year. The IOA side has few more rides they would not meet the height requirement and the water rides are all on the IOA side which may be a factor if your visiting in the winter months. The Universal rides/attractions have a little more of scare factor to them than similar rides/attractions at Disney - so if either of your kids scare easily that could also be a factor in your decision. Bascially it comes down to a decision between shows at SeaWorld vs. rides at Universal.

 

[steve76]

Difficult to say without knowing your kids. While I love both Universal and Sea World, I always think of Sea World as being a completely different experience to Disney - a counterpoint - whereas Universal is a bit more like Disney. Sea World is a much more relaxing day, partly because of the subject matter and partly because of the shows. It may be nice to have a more relaxing day.

I agree with the other poster that if you're going to only do one park at Universal, then I think the Studios probably have more for your kids (but then I've not been to Harry Potter yet).

 

[katie111]

I agree with the previous poster that Sea world is more shows & Universal is more rides. We went to Seaworld when my kids were 1, 5 and 6 and they absolutely loved it. We went again this year when they were 2, 6, and 7. They still really liked it but the older ones were definitely disappointed in the lack of rides for them. They still went on all the kiddie rides but all of the big rides were too big for them. And I think because we had seen the shows the previous year, they weren't as exciting the second time around. My kids love Universal. We went 2 years ago and they couldn't (or wouldn't) go on too many of the rides but this time they loved it when they were 6 & 7. I would do the Studios as I think there is more there for them and also because the Islands of Adventure is so crowded right now because of the Harry Potter opening. My kids loved the Simpsons, Jimmy Neutron, ET, the Woody Woodpecker coaster, and Shrek. They also loved the Fievel and Curious George play areas (may want to bring bathing suits or a change of clothes). Also, don't miss the Make up show, it is hilarious and one of my kids favorites (not at all scary but still very un-Disney).

 

[kathy884]

Of course it depends on your child, but it was a much better park than Universal for my son at age seven. It also happens to me my favorite Oralndo area park.

 

[crazelion]

Just took the 7 year old twins and 3 year old to US and Sea World they love it. But the heatwave from h@ll made it bad.


I still wondering when the hit is break to. It still hot outside.

 

[pmiranda]

Just got back from IOA/USO vacation. We only did 3 days at the parks and that was plenty, especially considering the light crowds. DS7 loved, loved, loved WWofHP. We ate at the 3 Broomsticks 2 days for lunch, food was really good and plentiful. Absolutely gorgeous theming, and Forbidden Journey has really set the bar high for Disney. That has got to be the worlds best queue for that ride. If you miss WWofHP, you are really missing THE best part of the park. However it is small. DD9 and DS7 loved spiderman too, and DS7 wanted to ride Hulk but was not tall enough DD9 would not go on it, but did everthing else with zest. Seuss Landing was a bit babyish for both of them, though. They liked USO too. DS7 liked Mummy, Simpsons, Nuetron, Shrek, Disaster, Twister....

They did Seaworld in San Diego last year, and were bored to tears, except my DD liked Atlantis.

 

[RCMommy]

Just got back from IOA/USO vacation. We only did 3 days at the parks and that was plenty, especially considering the light crowds. DS7 loved, loved, loved WWofHP. We ate at the 3 Broomsticks 2 days for lunch, food was really good and plentiful. Absolutely gorgeous theming, and Forbidden Journey has really set the bar high for Disney. That has got to be the worlds best queue for that ride. If you miss WWofHP, you are really missing THE best part of the park. However it is small. DD9 and DS7 loved spiderman too, and DS7 wanted to ride Hulk but was not tall enough DD9 would not go on it, but did everthing else with zest. Seuss Landing was a bit babyish for both of them, though. They liked USO too. DS7 liked Mummy, Simpsons, Nuetron, Shrek, Disaster, Twister....

They did Seaworld in San Diego last year, and were bored to tears, except my DD liked Atlantis.

My two do not even know who Harry Potter is! lol

Hence, why I wondered if we should even go to US/IOA

 

[Darcy03231]

If your children really like rides I would do Universal/Islands of Adventure over SeaWorld. If they really prefer shows, then do Seaworld.

I'm a certified ride chicken. I won't ride anything that spins too much, goes upside down or has huge drops. I hated Expedition Everest. There are 7 year olds that will ride things I won't get on. Having said that, I'll ride/do everything in Universal with the exception of Rip, Ride Rockit (roller coaster) and the Simpsons (its a 3d ride and I get motion sick on it). There's lots for 7 year olds - Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, Twister, Disaster, The Revenge of the Mummy, Jaws, Men in Black, ET. They'd also like the play area (my niece had a great time there and she was 9 at the time).

In Islands of Adventure I'll go on everything except for Hulk, Dueling Dragons and Storm Accelorator (sp - think teacups). Spiderman is one of my favorite rides.

Seaworld is definitely more shows than rides. We've done it a couple of times on different trips, but my kids really prefer theme parks and rides.