small children at universal or ioa

[dismemaw]

we had planned to go in may with the grands but the oldest is 5 ranging down to 10 months but a friend of my daughter went last year with his 4 and 6 yr old daughters and said it was a waste of money because they were afraid of a lot of the rides and some they were not tall enough for would greatly appreciate opinions on this thanks dismemaw

 

[robvia]

I agree with your friend.
The kids will have fun in the playgrounds and kiddie areas, but they won't make the height requirements for alot of rides.
When they turn 8 is when they can really enjoy IOA/USF, plus they remember it. I don't remember much as a kid when I was 4 or 6. They just don't understand how much money and effort you're putting into making it happen.

 

[crazyme5kids]

My two younger kids love Universal. My daughter was 2 and my son was 5 when we were there in Aug. I think there is plenty they can do and see.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

My son has always enjoyed Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We were there when he was 18mo, 3yo, 4yo (a few weeks ago) and we'l be going again soon. I have older kids, also, and if we had of waited to go until Jake was 8 my oldest two kids would be out of the house.

At 4yo he can do almost all the rides, except for Ripsaw Falls, Dr Doom, and the big coasters. He's really at a great ago now for most everything. Last year he was still pretty cautious, but that all depends on the particular child.

If this is your one and only trip to Universal I would wait several years, but if you're planning on going on occasion I would say to go for it and do what the kids are able to do. You can do the baby swap for the things the younger ones are too little for.

T&B

 

[taylor1293]

We went last year and our then almost 3 yr old LOVED both parks! No, they can't ride everything. But there is plenty for them to do and enjoy.

Since we've been there she's talked non-stop about One fish two fish (ride at IOA), or "up up up, down down down" as she calls it. We just moved to the Orlando area a few weeks ago and just bought our AP's for Universal. Both kids are thrilled to be going back!

Teresa

 

[highlander447]

Because of the kiddie parks etc there are plenty to keep all ages amused and i also think due to the inexpensiveness of tickets its prety good value

 

[TallyTerri]

We went last year with 6 & 2 year old and were very pleasantly surprised. In spite of being too short for a lot of the IOA rides they both had a blast. The play areas are so good at both parks that the little ones will have a great day even without riding anything. We could have spent all day at the one outside Jurassic Park River Adventure -- they had to be torn away.

Also, will you be staying on-site? If you're on-site you can use FOTL to ride the ones they like or are tall enough for over and over again without waiting. If they can't/won't ride everything this makes it a lot more fun for them. I think we did Cat in the Hat 5 times in a row one day. I would go for it ... if you have a multi-day pass the tickets are such a good value it doesn't have to be a "perfect" experience.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

IOA has more height requirements than USF, and the friend of yours just had a bad experience. There is still PLENTY to do for all ages. Both parks have several areas designed for kids. The play areas are so fun that even adults like to go there and have fun.

As for the being scared of/on the rides, there's not much that can be done about that. Just go there knowing that all the attractions are fun and enjoyable and safe. They have nothing to fear.

 

[kaygela]

My 8 yr old loves both parks and he's been going since he was 4. Seuss Landing, in IOA, is great for little ones and the play areas are very good and would keep them quite entertained. The Studios have a nice kiddie area and they might enjoy ET. Also, there are some very good shows in the park to take advantage of.