Should we visit Universal Studio?

[biggroofy]

I know this is a dumb question. We will stay in Orlando for two weeks. First 10 days are basically Land (WDW) & Sea (DCL). After that we will stay in SSR for 4 more days before heading home, and we will have a rental car. Initially we plan to spend the 4 days in outlets, swim @ resort and use the water parks (BB, TL).

Our party consists of myself (33), DW (32), DD4, infant (6-month), Grandpa (66), Grandma (69). Would it be an overkill to visit Universal Studio for one day?
How long is the drive from WDW?

DD4 is Disney-oriented - she loves princesses, McQueen, Playhouse Disney characters etc. I'm not sure if she likes (or knows) any characters from Universal.

Shall we go?

 

[BrownDalmatian]

IMHO, yes, if you have the money and time, you should go. For a 4-year-old there are a lot of fun things to do at both US and IOA. I think she'll recognize many of the characters there, like Shrek for example.

It's really up to you though. I just like Universal a lot so I typically respond to questions like this with "yes!"

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I think for a change of pace after or during the 10 days, you'd all appreciate a visit to Universal. There's a lot the whole family can do together and between Shrek and the Nickelodeon characters, there should be a few familiar faces.

I say yes.

 

[CPanther95]

Just be prepared for the Universal atmosphere that will make you question why you spent 10 days at Disney.

 

[biggroofy]

Thank you for the replies. I will discuss with DW and see what she says. I have been to Universal Studio in Japan years ago (but DD4 was not yet born).

If I plan to spend a day there - shall we drive and park there, or take Mears/towncar? Which one is faster and less walking?

 

[gohogs34]

If you have the money, ok. But if I had a 4 year old I would only choose Universal Studios. If you happen to buy a hopper pass then go to IOA. It is mostly set up for teens in my opinion, upside down roller coasters, ect. There is a kid section and some show are great, I would not spen the $$ if I was you. On the other hand, a 4 year old would like sea world.

 

[biggroofy]

Thank you gohogs34 - that's the reason I want to get opinions.

This will be our 3rd trip to Orlando - and every time our Orlando trip = WDW. Just wanted to take DD4 to some non-Disney attractions for a day.

 

[ky07]

Thank you for the replies. I will discuss with DW and see what she says. I have been to Universal Studio in Japan years ago (but DD4 was not yet born).

If I plan to spend a day there - shall we drive and park there, or take Mears/towncar? Which one is faster and less walking?

Mears you will have to do less walking due to if you drive you will have to park and can be a long walk and with mears they drop you off right out front and not that long of a walk.
Also since you have a 4 year old surpised no one said anything about the ball factory or barneys playland which may be fun for your little one that is in the Universal Studios side.

 

[BrownDalmatian]

Also since you have a 4 year old surpised no one said anything about the ball factory or barneys playland which may be fun for your little one that is in the Universal Studios side.

Can't believe I forgot about that. GREAT IDEA!

 

[angela3676]

My family alway does US when visiting Disney. They are all great parks but totally different atmosphere's. There are some things to do for small kids but I warn you, once you go you'll start including it in every Disney visit. Thats just my opinion.

 

[tnkr mom]

Our family didn't like Universal! They actually asked to leave and go back to Disney, so we did! Now we went New Year's Eve night, it was filthy, public drunkeness, girls throwing up in the landscaping - gross, girls barely dressed up in cages dancing placed around the park, PACKS of teens. Needless to say it didn't appeal to us after being in Disney! Could've just been a bad night I dont know we didnt stick around long! And we probably wont go back for a long while - Just venting and giving my opinon!!!

 

[BrownDalmatian]

Our family didn't like Universal! They actually asked to leave and go back to Disney, so we did! Now we went New Year's Eve night, it was filthy, public drunkeness, girls throwing up in the landscaping - gross, girls barely dressed up in cages dancing placed around the park, PACKS of teens. Needless to say it didn't appeal to us after being in Disney! Could've just been a bad night I dont know we didnt stick around long! And we probably wont go back for a long while - Just venting and giving my opinon!!!

Sorry you had a bad experience! I would give it another chance though. I honestly think that it's because you went on New Year's Eve. I tend to avoid Halloween Horror Nights nowadays for the some of the same reasons (public drunkenness, people butting in line, etc.).

Did you go only at night or during the day too? The difference between night and day is like, well, night and day. During the daytime it's better for families I think.

 

[phamton]

New Year Eve is completely different and I certainly wouldn't judge any park by the crowd at New Years Eve.

 

[bubba's mom]

Our family didn't like Universal! They actually asked to leave and go back to Disney, so we did! Now we went New Year's Eve night,

Sorry you had a bad experience! I would give it another chance though. I honestly think that it's because you went on New Year's Eve. I tend to avoid Halloween Horror Nights nowadays for the some of the same reasons (public drunkenness, people butting in line, etc.).

Did you go only at night or during the day too? The difference between night and day is like, well, night and day. During the daytime it's better for families I think.

I agree....NYEve would certainly have more "partiers" and less "family" friendly than during the day or any 'ordinary' night.... I'm guessing it was just a bad night....try again, you shouldn't see that!

If you have the money, ok. But if I had a 4 year old I would only choose Universal Studios. If you happen to buy a hopper pass then go to IOA. It is mostly set up for teens in my opinion, upside down roller coasters, ect. There is a kid section and some show are great, I would not spen the $$ if I was you. On the other hand, a 4 year old would like sea world.

There is Suess Landing for the kids at IOA also.... I don't think the second park is much more money...maybe about $15 more??? But, I would agree....Studios has more for the younger kids

 

[wwessing]

New Year Eve is completely different and I certainly wouldn't judge any park by the crowd at New Years Eve.

I was thinking the EXACT same thing!

Also, I want to put in my vote for Universal. Take your kids to the Curious George Goes to Town. . . just have swimsuits, towels or quick drying clothes. Your children could, and probably would, play for hours here. My children were 4, 7, 11, 14, 16 when we last went and they ALL liked playing here. The younger ones for a longer time, like hours, but they all enjoyed. Matter of fact, we are going with the 3 youngest, dd's now 8, 11, 15 and they have requested to play here. There is plenty to do for families. . . all ages included!

P.S. I've never once seen half naked or drunken individuals throwing up anywhere. As for line cutters. . . you're gonna have that. . . stand up for yourself and don't let them through.

 

[BrownDalmatian]

As for line cutters. . . you're gonna have that. . . stand up for yourself and don't let them through.

That's what we did.

 

[wwessing]

Our family didn't like Universal! They actually asked to leave and go back to Disney, so we did! Now we went New Year's Eve night, it was filthy, public drunkeness, girls throwing up in the landscaping - gross, girls barely dressed up in cages dancing placed around the park, PACKS of teens. Needless to say it didn't appeal to us after being in Disney! Could've just been a bad night I dont know we didnt stick around long! And we probably wont go back for a long while - Just venting and giving my opinon!!!

My kids had the same reaction. . .but to Disney. The lines were way too long for any kid to enjoy standing in them, the parks were packed from open to close, folks were rude, all kinds of people yelling at their kids and parents arguing; food was not very good and you had to wait in a very long line for it too. The stroller brigade should be cited and given fines for the way they ram through that place and my older kids thought the park too "babyish" and were done by 11:00 and wanted to leave! But maybe it was a bad day. . . perhaps if we went back at a different time it would be better.

Now our visit to Universal was wonderful and our entire family enjoyed themselves. They wanted to go back the next day.

So, I guess my opinion is you should most definitely try it.