Talk me into or out of planning a first trip to UO this Feb!

ofcabbagesandkings

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Hello! We are frequent WDW park goers who have a DCL cruise planned this May. I haven't been to UO since Islands of Adventure first opened almost 20 years ago, and my mom and kids have never been. My mom just left after her Xmas visit and we don't have another get together planned until Mother's Day, so I've been researching this trip today to help alleviate post-mom visit blues. Our details are as follows:

Party: Me, Mom (birthday during trip), DS1 age 7 (HP Fanatic), DS2 age 2 (loves Dr Seuss and Dora)
Dates: Feb 7-12 2019 with 4 Park Days 8-11 using the buy 2 get 2 days free offer, PTP tickets
Hotel: Probably the Portofino because it is the cheapest one that offers free Unlimited Express Pass and mom loves Italy. They're having a great sale on hotels now for Jan-Feb trips.
Travel: Flying using miles, traveling 7th and 12th.

Things I'm wondering about:
-Weather? Will it be too cold to enjoy the parks, or pleasant? We've been to WDW in December and it was great, but we're originally from the Northeast.
-Mardi Gras entertainment - great for kids or crammed with local AP holders + tourists?
-Toddler fun - The little one is 35 inches and might squeak onto 36 inch rides by the time we go, but I don't even think I would try Flight of the Hippogriff with him even if he was tall enough. Is the Dr. Seuss land + Pterandon Flyers + playground areas enough?
-Dining - I would like to take her somewhere nice for her birthday and make reservations if they are required. We will definitely also want to try meals at Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks, maybe late breakfasts or lunch.

Is there anything else to consider? UO seems to be a lot more low-maintenance than WDW, but since is my first trip I want to make sure I don't miss anything obvious. TIA!
 
Weather: variable temps - I hit it perfectly this Feb with all 11 days in FL being 77-85, and rain only once... obviously YMMV and that is warmer than the average Feb. But really, even if the highs are mid-sixties that will be comfortable park touring, especially coming from Northeastern winter wonderland.

MardiGras - the parades were crowded but not ridiculous. Certainly fine for all ages. Concerts may be busy or very busy - popular artists will fill up the whole "viewing" area but you can always stand further back. I imagine the rest of the park is slower during the concert... We saw the Beach Boys last year, so there are definitely kid friendly possibilities. To be fair, it was wildly crowded, but it was a happy non-pushy crowd.

Check out the restaurant menus - I loved Toothsome, and there are lots of other great options throughout CityWalk, the resorts, and the parks.

If you plan to get up for early entry, that's the best time to explore the HP area with low crowds (typically there will be one park with EE during that time).
 
Some of the trip reports forum helps to enlighten you on park touring

Suggest you read some of the older besides newest posts there
 
We went in Feb 2017 and the weather was great. We loved that it wasn't hot and humid and that the parks weren't remotely crowded. We're going again Feb 2019, but I sort of wish I had waited until 2020 because I think the new Harry Potter roller coaster will be open by then, or so I have heard. If I had known that probably would have factored into our date selection since we don't get to go to the parks very often.
 

I don't think anyone here will try to talk you out of it! I was there last Feb (going back again this Feb) and the weather was gorgeous, but that is not a guarantee.

The playground areas are nice - Seuss, Jurassic Park, and there is a whole kid area area at US I haven't been into in years. There was an animal actors show nearby. Minions ride is fun, there are seats that don't move at all in the front. There are lots of characters to meet - I have photos with Hello Kitty and a minion, there are Scooby Doo, Simpsons, Superheroes, and the Cat in the Hat, Lorax, and Things. There were several street shows at the Studios with singing and/or dancing, and an afternoon parade with characters (Despicable Me, Spongebob, Secret Life of Pets, Dora)
 
February is my favorite time to go! The Mardi Gras parade is SO much fun for families! They have fun stiltwalkers and dressed up characters walking around before the parade and great New Orleans style food. The weather should be pretty good! There’s quite a few kid friendly rides in both parks and a great kids play area at the back of Universal Studios. They also have a super fun Animal Actors show that’s great for kids at Universal Studios and a fun parade that has Dora characters as well as some other kid favorites. IOA also has a nice play area and carousel in the Dr. Seuss section. If you’re looking for a nice dinner, I suggest a restaurant in Citywalk. Wide selection of nicer restaurants and super fun night time environment. Good luck!
 
We had our 3 year old on Tower of Terror, so I say Flight of the Hippogriff is perfect if height requirement is met. You may end up riding it a lot, I know I have ridden Woody Woodpecker coaster 100 times as it was perfect for my daughter near that age. If you show them no fear, they will follow suit.

Now, they are teens/preteens and ride everything. Ziplines, coasters, etc. - they are good with it all.
 
If you’re wanting truly upscale fancy dining, the expensive resorts have some options, plus Mythos seems to be a favorite. Toothsome is a lot of fun and the kids/teens would probably enjoy it, but while it is unique, it’s not fancy. You probably won’t need reservations, but if there is a location that accepts reservations that is a must do, it’s better to make one just in case. Your room key would give you quicker access at some locations if there is a wait.
 
Thanks everyone for the input! Ultimately I think our decision will hinge on whether I can pull the trigger on flying alone with both kids, I've flown with each of them on my own but never have been double-teamed on a flight and never one where I would have to make a short connection. (My mom already lives in Florida so I would be meeting her there.) It sounds like UO in February would be a lot of fun though!
 












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