While visiting both parks, take time to just absorb the atmosphere and architecture. The architecture at both parks (particularly New York, Hollywood, and San Francisco/Amity at Universal Studios, and Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure) is incredible.
Also, the lines for 95% of Universal rides and attractions are heavily themed. Take the time to read all the signs, look at all the props, and again, soak up the atmosphere and themeing, even if it means letting people pass you in line. After all, you've got four days, and it's well worth it because the themeing really immerses you in the action.
Now that I've covered things YOU will enjoy, time for your son.
As you've already learned, Curious George Goes to Town and Feivel's Playland at Universal Studios are great for younger children, and If I Ran the Zoo, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and Me Ship, the Olive are great play areas at Islands of Adventure.
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, The E.T. Adventure, Shrek 4-D, and possibly (depending on your child's height and tolerance level) Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time, The Simpsons Ride, Men In Black Alien Attack, Jaws, Disaster! and Beetlejuice's Rock & Roll Graveyard Revue would be fun things for both he and you at Universal Studios.
The Cat In the Hat, The High In the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, Pteranodon Flyers, Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Storm Force Accelatron, and possibly (again, depending on your child's height and tolerance level) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, and Jurassic Park River Adventure would be fun things for both he and you at Islands of Adventure.
Also, all throughout both parks there are little jokes, sight gags, and visual effects to enjoy. At Universal Studios there are two matte painting illusions (one is in front of the Pantages Theater, i.e. Horror Make-Up Show, in Hollywood, and the other is in San Francisco/Amity, looking directly at The Simpsons Ride. Also, stroll through New York and Hollywood and read all the window signs and look in at all the store fronts. Again, great themeing and attention to detail. At Islands of Adventure there's Horton's egg in Seuss Landing where your son can actually perch on it for a picture. Sneetch Beach (down by the water's edge of the Great Inland Sea) is another great sight gag. Toon Lagoon is absolutely full of these things and the list would be too extensive to post here (although I do have an affinity for Li'l Abner's Skunk Works building, complete with a swinging crate of skunks, and the Aesop & Son and Marmaduke photo oppurtunities.)
Sorry if this was a long and tedious post to wade through. I just want you to be aware of what both parks offer for a nice, relaxing, leisurely trip through the Universe!
Above all, have fun!
-Andy
We have 4 days and would like suggestions on things to do when you have all the time in the world... Things to see that you might otherwise overlook, hidden gems etc... Thanks!
