Should I add a day at Univeral to our DLR trip?

[IBLarsen]

We are booking a trip to DLR the 2nd week of October, and have been every year for the past 4 years. We never consider doing anything else in the immediate area, as we LOVE DLR. We have 2 children, ages 7 and 9. Trying to decide if Universal is worth it with kids this age? Or if our time and money is better spent at DLR. I personally could take or leave Universal, but if the kids would love it, I'd be willing to do that for a day for them.
What are your experiences with Universal and your kids?
Along the same lines, is there anything else in the area that you would consider a must do with kids in lieu of Universal. (Not San Diego, have done that, and want to just do a day trip).

fyi...We have 4 full days, and were planning on just doing DL, if we do add on something, it would be 3 days in DL.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[iKristin]

Universal could easily be done in one day. I'd do it. I used to go all the time when I was a little kid their age but that was before there was any actual roller coaster rides like now. So I'm not sure how they would react to that. But there is so much fun stuff to do there (my favorite's the tram ride). I'm sure they'd really enjoy it!

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

If you are planning to go to Universal too, you should purchase the CityPass instead of separate tickets to each park. CityPass comes with a 3 days DLand park hopper, a day at Universal (and a 2nd day free if you buy on the universal site), plus a day at Seaworld. Now I know you don't want to do San Diego, but you STILL save money buying the CityPass over Separate Universal/Disney tickets, even without taking the trip to Seaworld.

The other things in the area you may want to consider, particularly if your family enjoys thrill rides, is Knotts Berry Farm and/or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Something else to know about Knotts Berry farm, if you have older kids, is that they have a scary Halloween party Thursday-Sunday nights. Super spooky! Lots of mazes and gore! lol Disney also has their Halloween party too on Tuesday and Friday nights, which is not scary, but fun and adorable, just like the rest of Disney! LOTS of trick or treating for all ages at that one. Have an awesome trip!!

 

[IBLarsen]

Thank you both for the responses. DH and I are so narrow minded when it comes to DLR! We think nothing compares, but I think the kids may enjoy seeing other things as well.

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

Thank you both for the responses. DH and I are so narrow minded when it comes to DLR! We think nothing compares, but I think the kids may enjoy seeing other things as well.

LOL I am exactly the same way, but my husband thinks DLR is just ok...sigh...I know, I know, I'm working on him! So for now, I try to make sure we do things he really enjoys too (like thrill rides at other parks!) I have been to Universal once about 11 years ago, when I was a teenager. hehe I do remember it being really neat, I definitely enjoyed it...of course, it's NOT Disney though!

 

[Huff]

Universal is a great park and plenty to see and do for a full day. What types of rides do your kids enjoy or ones they would be scared of?

If your kids love splash mountain then they should be ok with Jurrasic Park ride. It has a large drop at the end. There is a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex head that roars from above just before the drop that maybe scary to some kids.

Most kids will love the animal planet show, water world stunt show, shrek 4d, special effects show, water play area and simpsons simulated coaster ride.

Our kids (10, 11yr) loved the backlot tram tour. It does go through a simulated earthquake sound stage and King Kong which the kids loved but some kids maybe frightened.

The Mummy ride is sort of a coaster but stays on ground level with only very small dips. There are no lifts or drops. It does move rather fast and is dark like Space Mountain.

 

[krispin41]

My DH and I went on 7/14 in the middle of our Disney trip. Now that I have seen it once, I don't really need to go back.

We did do the VIP Experience though, and the tour for that is amazing as you are in a smaller group and you get to get out and walk places you don't see on the normal tour. (Prop room, set of a TV Show.)

 

[limace]

I want to add that on some recent podcasts I've been listening to re Disney and theme parks, the UNANIMOUS opinion from all the podcast era is that, while Carsland is the best new area, Transformers is now the best single attraction at any theme park. It's tempting me to add a day.....