Tips for going with an almost-4 and almost-8 year old

[lamb616]

I'm trying to plan how long we need for this trip. I haven't been to Universal or IOA in many years and never with kids so......
we'll be doing all the WDW stuff too of course and staying on Disney but I'm thinking about adding a couple extra nights and switching to a Universal hotel at the end of our trip.

We definitely must do IOA because DS (8) loves Marvel and Jurassic Park stuff, and DD (4) loves Dr. Seuss........ Anyways, my questions are:

Can we do IoA in 1 day? DH may go on a roller coaster or two but DS won't go any of those big coasters. We'll mainly be doing the "kid stuff"

What about US? Should we even bother? Again, DS won't do big coasters. I'm sure they'll both like ET, Shrek, etc. but It doesn't seem there's anything there that either of them are CRAZY about. Maybe we could do this a half day and then either go back to IoA or just have a leisurely afternoon by the pool?

I also want to do the character breakfast if anyone has any input on that.

Thanks!

 

[lamb616]

anyone? I'm getting buried by all the HP threads, lol

 

[damo]

I think you can definitely do IOA in a day with just little ones. It is really nice to do things slowly and spend time back at the hotel. You can probably spend half a day at Universal as well. Their play area is a lot of fun, so don't count that out.

 

[lamb616]

I think you can definitely do IOA in a day with just little ones. It is really nice to do things slowly and spend time back at the hotel. You can probably spend half a day at Universal as well. Their play area is a lot of fun, so don't count that out.

thanks. I haven't been to either park in over 10 years and I'm sure it's completely different now. Plus you have a totally different view when you're there with your friends as opposed to being there with your 4 and 8 year old.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

There are great play areas at US (typed that before I saw Damo already told you!) -- Fievel's Playground and Curious George's Water area are really nice. Does your little one enjoy Barney? The Barney Show is a cool and comfortable place to pass some time, and your older one could enjoy Woody Woodpecker's Coaster while you attend the show.

The animal actors show is great for little ones. There are also opportunities to meet characters -- I think US is a great place to spend a day or half day.

Maria

 

[damo]

The other good play area is the room when you exit Jimmy Neutron. Is is filled with good photo op things.

 

[lamb616]

bumping for any more tips. Of course I pick the day Harry Potter opens to post this, lol.

 

[Skuba2]

I would do them in 2 days if you can. It will make it all for a much more relaxing time and any of the hotels are destinations in themselves.

My son was 6 when we went last and is 8 going on 9 with the trip we just did. He loved ET, Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, Dr. Seuss, Cat in the Hat, Woody Roller Coaster, Back to the Future (which is now the simpson ride) and I even think he went on MIB, Earthquake and Jaws. So far, Jaws seems to freak out my pre-teens more than anyone else. The older ones know better and the younger ones just don't seem to care. My son only now got on the roller coaster in Woody land and the old unicorn one which is the Hippogrif now. I think we even got him on Spiderman at age 6 because we thought it wasn't a roller coaster kind of ride. He has sensory issues and was petrified of a lot of the rides this time around but still went on them---no, we didn't force him. He just had that pull of both wanting to go with us but being scared. He came off of every ride with a "yeah--that was awesome" mentality. Even Forbidden Journey he did twice.

In other words, your son may be just on the cusp of getting into the bigger rides. Don't write him off. Start small like the Woody Woodpecker Roller Coaster and work up. Don't push though. My oldest at 16 detests Roller Coasters---hates the sinking feeling. But, loved all of the rides that weren't truly pure Roller coasters. We even got her on Mummy although I did not remember just how much of a roller coaster it was. Honest mistake. In other words, he may surprise you.

If you switch hotels, you may not get a room until 4 pm and you need to check out by 11. You do have FOTL with your hotel key card for both days. They will hold your luggage for you on either day and I believe you will have access to a place to shower and change. Things to check on. Portofino has a great beach pool with a nice water slide.

I know my kids never lasted a whole day at the park. They enjoyed a half day there then some pool time. Then maybe going back to hit a favorite ride. We did one park each day. Given the walking, the riding each ride multiple times with the FOTL pass, bathroom breaks and other breaks, being able to take our time and not feel like we had to run thru everything just reduced the stress level tremendously.

Have fun.

DG