Universal for a 3 & almost 5yr old?

[LWatson]

We had planned to go in 2011 on a family vacation and do Universal, Legoland (when it opened) and maybe 1-2 days at Disney. Well, the military had a diff plan and we have to move our trip up to this year. Legoland wont be open, and DH doesnt want to do Disney again (we did it 2x last year). So, we were looking at maybe a week at Universal. My kids love the Marvel Comic heroes, Harry Potter, and unfort....some of the Nick characters. Is Universal going to be good for a LO who will turn 3 on the trip and my oldest who will turn 5 a month later?

Also where do you all suggest staying at too?

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Here's a link to the height requirements at Universal Orlando, which includes some of the kid's rides like Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Resort_Information/height_requirements.aspx

I know nothing about kids so I have no idea at what age they usually reach the 34" or 36" inch height requirement. But I do know between both parks, they have all the attractions in Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure like The Cat in the Hat, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Caro-Seuss-el," and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, plus Flight of the Hippogriff, Pteranadon Flyers, etc. Plus attractions everyone can enjoy like Poseidon's Fury and Eigth Voyage of Sinbad show.

Universal has Shrek 4-D, Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, the Barney show, Fievel's Playland, Curious George playland, E.T. Adventure, etc. for kids, plus attractions like Jaws, Twister, and Disaster that everyone can enjoy.

 

[LWatson]

from what you are saying it sounds like they might be able to do a good portion of stuff. That is good to know!!! We are really considering this!!!! I saw maybe 3 things my oldest couldnt ride and about 5 my youngest cant unless he hits a good growth spurt. But, hey its okay because there are a good amount of things at Disney he couldnt do this last time, so no big diff.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

from what you are saying it sounds like they might be able to do a good portion of stuff. That is good to know!!! We are really considering this!!!! I saw maybe 3 things my oldest couldnt ride and about 5 my youngest cant unless he hits a good growth spurt. But, hey its okay because there are a good amount of things at Disney he couldnt do this last time, so no big diff.

There is also the playground in Suess-land that would be good for the youngest....The ball pit/water area in US is great for both of them. My nephew loved the ball pit when he was 5. Its an area with air powered guns that shoots balls at ppl. If its busy its pretty fun.

As for where to stay...If you can afford it staying onsite is great. You won't need to worry about driving to the park in the morning and you get Express passes to make your waits in line easier. Imo would help a lot with kids that young who are usually fairly impatient.(I am almost 27 and I have not outgrown the impatience)

If not onsite and you want to look for a good budget way to do it you can check Hotwire. Thats the way I prefer to do it when I don't stay onsite. Have got some fairly good places and imo none that have ruined my trip and has saved me a decent amount of $$.

 

[MissyBrenda]

My daughter just turned 3 in February, and she'll be right around 38 inches when we go to US/IOA in May. I was wondering how many days we would need to get everything done at the parks. I was looking at park maps last night, and got a good idea of what she can and can't go on. Even though the shows in Universal allow all ages, I'm not planning on taking her into Twister, Terminator, or things of the like, 'cause I think that will scare the daylights out of her.

So, I guess my question is, are we looking at just 1 day per park? Or do you think it will take longer to tour?

Thanks for all of your help! My husband and I have done Universal before, only it was before she was born. Can't remember any of the kid stuff, and am very disappointed that she's too short for the Men in Black ride, since that was my favorite!

 

[Purseval]

We just took a 4-year old girl and a 2-year old boy, the $90 difference between the 2 was a total waste of money. Even though she was 40 inches tall she wouldn't go on rides that were too dark, or too fast, or whatever other reason they were scary. We couldn't even get her to go on Cat In The Hat until she saw her brother come out smiling and laughing. She did go on Woody Woodpecker's roller coaster and Jimmy Neutron but she wouldn't go into Shrek and barely got convinced to go on ET. Her parents didn't help things by saying in front of her that she wouldn't like that, it would scare her, etc. She liked Fievel's Playland, Curious George, the little playground by the rollercoaster, the merry go round at Dr. Seuss.... basically any child's ride for kids under 3. When my kids were that age they would beg to get on the older kid rides, it just depends on your kids. We did end up getting a lot more character autographs than expected because she did like meeting them, so you will find ways to fill the day and keep them amused no matter what.