SeaWorld vs Disney Hollywood Studios for a 6 & 4 year old

[Scoutdog]

Any recommendations? We're staying in New Smyrna and are only coming over to Orlando for one day. Both parks seem to have mostly shows and only a handful of rides. We've done Magic Kingdom 3 times already, so that's why we're thinking of branching out. Plus the kids just saw Free Willy the movie

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[steelebug]

Our kids love seaworld and DHS. It is a tough call. If they love animals go to Sea world there is a pretty good childrens ride area. My son 3 loves the dogs and cat show. He would watch it over and over. DHS has American Idol, and lots of Playhouse disney characters. The Toy StoryMania ride is great. I don't know if that helps. Either way I think you would have a great time!

 

[MinnieGi]

I have an 8 & 4 you and although both are great parks, for us DHS only fills up a morning. They love TSM though!!! Its probably our least favorite Disney park right now as they don't do TOT, RnR. And although they have seen the shows and liked them, they were not interested in seeing them AGAIN this past year as opposed to Sea World where because of the live animals they do like to see the shows AGAIN!

 

[Scoutdog]

Thanks for all the advice. I have a follow-up question regarding SeaWorld...

Adutls can fit on the rides with kids, correct? Several of the kiddie Happy Harbor rides at Seaworld Orlando say 42" minimum height. Flying Fiddler (42 in. minimum height) Jazzy Jellies (42 in. minimum), Ocean Commotion (42 in. minimum). That's the minimum to ride alone, correct? Anyone but a handheld infant can ride with an adult, correct? I just want to make sure our 3-1/2 year old who is 39" tall can ride everything at Happy Harbor as long as I ride with him.

 

[sympatico]

Thanks for all the advice. I have a follow-up question regarding SeaWorld...

Adutls can fit on the rides with kids, correct? Several of the kiddie Happy Harbor rides at Seaworld Orlando say 42" minimum height. Flying Fiddler (42 in. minimum height) Jazzy Jellies (42 in. minimum), Ocean Commotion (42 in. minimum). That's the minimum to ride alone, correct? Anyone but a handheld infant can ride with an adult, correct? I just want to make sure our 3-1/2 year old who is 39" tall can ride everything at Happy Harbor as long as I ride with him.

Correct, adults have to ride with kids under the limit. The limit if for riding alone.

 

[MinnieForMe]

My kids are very close in age to yours and I would definitely say SeaWorld. There is Happy Harbour to play in and lots to see and touch throughout the park. The shows are really geared towards everyone. My toddler loves Pet Ahoy or something like that. Clyde and Seamore would also be a huge hit with this age group.

Don't forget to walk through Wild Artic (forgive me if the name is wrong) even if you decide not to ride it. The polar bear is worth seeing to a little one.

 

[saratogadreamin09]

Seaworld

DHS doesnt have a lot of rides for little kids

 

[Lucky'sMom]

If you are going in the summer (or when the temperatures are expected to be high) I would choose DHS over SW. Almost everything at SW is outside. I literally almost passed out at SW last June, the only day of our 14 day Orlando trip that I really felt sick from the heat. We had to leave by mid-afternoon. The waiting areas for the shows are outside in the heat, the shows are almost all outside, etc. At DHS, more attractions allow you to be in the A/C. For example, Playhouse Disney, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Muppet Vision 3D. If you're going in the cooler months, then I do think SW is a good choice.

 

[spiceycat]

Correct, adults have to ride with kids under the limit. The limit if for riding alone.

I though it depended upon the ride?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I though it depended upon the ride?

I agree. Most rides that have different height requirements will state height one can ride with an adult and a height one can ride alone.

I'd call SW to double check. You know what happens when you assume...
and makes for a disappointed child.

eta: forgot to mention, I'd vote SW. My kids and parents enjoyed it a lot. There's something for everyone!

 

[Shleedogg]

We really enjoyed the whale show (got drenched) but everything else was pretty boring. The rides were also in need of some refurbishment, very shabby and cheesy. It felt lilke a huge waste of money and a day we could have spent at Disney. I think your kids would love DHS. Lots of great shows, rides and chances to meet Mickey and the gang! Have fun w/ whatever you choose!!

 

[redrosesix]

I think a lot of it depends on what your children are interested in -- I spent a day at SW in Feb. with DD9 and we didn't do a single ride. I'm planning to do 3 days there next year and I think we might be able to pull her away from the animals long enough to do a couple of rides.

There are not as many rides for little kids at DHS, but there are a lot of shows that they might enjoy. If you do go there, good luck getting them out of the playground. That will be their favourite thing.

 

[collcass]

Thanks for all the advice. I have a follow-up question regarding SeaWorld...

Adutls can fit on the rides with kids, correct? Several of the kiddie Happy Harbor rides at Seaworld Orlando say 42" minimum height. Flying Fiddler (42 in. minimum height) Jazzy Jellies (42 in. minimum), Ocean Commotion (42 in. minimum). That's the minimum to ride alone, correct? Anyone but a handheld infant can ride with an adult, correct? I just want to make sure our 3-1/2 year old who is 39" tall can ride everything at Happy Harbor as long as I ride with him.

Yes. My 5 yr old is 39 in. We had to ride with him. We spent a week @ Sw, Aquatica and BG this February. Both my 5 & 7 yr olds loved, loved, loved SW! Dine w/ Shamu was fabulous

 

[4crzyboyz]

I vote Hollywood Studios!! We just came back three weeks ago and are going back this summer. We have one day left on our passes for a park and out of the four parks my boys (ages 9,6,5) all picked DHS!! We live in San Antonio and have been to Sea World a few times and they loved DHS hands down. The Indiana Jones show and the Stunt show with the cars (sorry I can't remember the name) they loved and want to see again. Either way you will have a great time!!

Jody