Univeral or SeaWorld

[jtdl]

After spending 5 days at WDW and 2 days in Daytona watching a NASCAR race we have two extra days to spend in Orlando before heading to Silver Springs in Ocala. There are two kids, 13 and 3. The 13 year old and myself have been to SeaWorld before. The 3 year old is VERY active. Which would be better for him Universal or SeaWorld. I'm thinking that maybe SeaWorld would be too "boring" for him. Then on the other hand, SeaWorld is not as busy as the other parks and he may be able to have a little more freedom - he will be in a stroller or on a wrist leash at the other parks, otherwise we'd be spending most of our days at the Lost Child place! Is there much for a child of that age to do at Universal? Any opinions, especially those with parents of young children, would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Sandyincanada]

Have you checked the Universal forum on this site? Similar questions have been posted there. If I recall, there were even a few links regarding young kids and Univ/IOA. Dr Suess is great for active 3 yr olds if your leaning towards Univ/IOA.

 

[jtdl]

Thanks for letting me know there is a Universal board. I usually only go on WDW, Budget and Canadian Visitors and had never scrolled down far enough to see the Universal board!

 

[iluvflorida]

I,d go the Seaworld route myself. My grandkids love it. Also depending on when you go they usually have Cdn At Par.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I think in your case it may be the other way around. Your 3 yo. would probably enjoy SW more, and your 13 yo. would probably enjoy US/IOA more. Have you considered splitting your days between SW & IOA, and skipping US. I think these two parks would come closer at keeping both your kids entertained. If you opt for SW, both of your kids would probably enjoy a meal at the Shark's Underwater Grill. Mytho's is a fun place for kids & adults to eat at IOA. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask. Have a great trip!

 

[jtdl]

Originally posted by tarheelmjfan
If you opt for SW, both of your kids would probably enjoy a meal at the Shark's Underwater Grill.

Shark's Underwater Grill must be a new restaurant at SW, is it? I don't remember it from previous trips (it's been awhile). What's it like and what kind of food is served there?

SeaWorld tickets are CND @ Par through CAA now.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Shark's Underwater Grill is part of the new Waterfront. The tables are surrounded by an aquarium, similar to Coral Reef Rest. in Epcot. We aren't going to eat there until next month, but unlike Coral Reef, I have read nothing but good reviews about this restaurant. You can find the menu at http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/swmensug.html I have also read that they don't have a problem with adults ordering off the Young Adults Menu for lunch, since the menu is the same at lunch & dinner. We are really looking forward to it. By the way, we have eaten at Mythos, and think it's wonderful, if you're interested. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[jtdl]

Thanks for the info. I checked out the menu and we will definitely eat there if we go to SeaWorld, which I'm leaning toward.

 

[jctwizzer]

There is virtuallly nothing for someone under 5 to do at Seaworld. The first "big fish" might hold their attention but after that its just more big fish. They are almost shut out completely on rides. Of course they might enjoy feeding the porpoises with one of those $2 sardines. I'd say skip it.

 

[Trinacar]

I have to disagree with the previous post. My little one loved Seaworld. It wasn't crowded so she was able to walk around. She loved being able to walk and crawl over the fish in the floor tank off the gift shop (gems of the sea?). That gave her dad a great opportunity to hit the scary rides in the area. She still gets excited when she sees penguins on tv. Our only problem was she became hysterical when she saw people feed fish to the sea lions. We went to a small local aquarium before hand to confirm her interest and watched nemo even more than usual. I guess it does depend on your kid but this park is just so much more manageable and friendly that a parent can create a good time for everyone.

 

[Figment22]

Let me say up front that I personally like SeaWorld very much but keep in mind that a great deal of the attractions at SeaWorld are shows. You need to get to the shows say 10-15 minutes in advance (More for the Shamu show) and then sit through a 30-35 minute show. I don't know about your 3 y/o but when my boys were that little there was no way they were sitting still to watch anything, no matter how enjoyable, for that length of time.

My vote is for either of the Universal parks. If you go to IOA they have three interactive areas for the kids, If I Ran the Zoo in Seuss Landing, Me Ship the Olive in Toon Lagoon and Camp Jurassic in Jurassic Park. Just keep in mind that there are some water activities in each of these so bring a change of clothes. The downstairs area of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center is also great for the kids. There is a section where the kids can watch "dinosaur" eggs hatch, which my kids have always enjoyed. Seuss Landing's attractions are all wonderful for young kids. The Flying Dragon in Lost Continent is a family coaster along the lines of Goofy's Barnstormer at MK.

Should you choose USF, the Woody Woodpecker Kidz Zone is loaded with things for kids to do. The Barney show is just wonderful for the little ones and there is an indoor playground at the show's exit. (It's also accessible without seeing the show). Feival's Playground is in the WWKZ as well and then there's the Curious George play area. Once your kids get here, you will have a hard time getting them out, and trust me, even the 13 y/o will be happy here. The CG Ball Factory is addictive even to the older ones. The water area of CG will get them SOAKED, however, but a great deal of fun. The ET Adventure is in WWKZ also. Up front at USF is the new Jimmy Neutron attraction which also has an interactive play area at its exit. Across the street is the Shrek 3D attraction, which is wonderful for the whole family.

Overall, my vote for your whole family goes to USF/IOA.

Have a wonderful time no matter what you choose to do.

 

[TinkBoo&ElliesMum]

Since you'll be doing Silver Springs (which we also did on our trip a few weeks ago) I'd say US/IOA. You'll get plenty of nature at Silver Springs!!

Our almost three year old loved US/IOA and I'm hoping at some point she'll stop complaining about not going on the Hulk!