Universal for a Toddler?

[katied]

Let me start by saying I've never been to Universal myself. I'll be going to Orlando in Oct. with my MIL and DS. I'm going because of work, but plan to turn it into a vacation trip too. The plan is to fly down Friday, and have Friday - Sunday for fun, work Monday & Tuesday, and then have fun Wednesday before we all fly home.

The work conference is at Portofino Bay at Universal Studios - which is why I'm asking about Universal. I was originally planning on just renting a car and then we can go to Disney. But, since we're at Universal, I was wondering, does it make sense to visit one of the Universal parks for a day? MIL does not like roller coasters. DS will only be 18 months for the trip. Is there enough at Universal for us to do to be worth it (and if so, at which park), or would we be best just visiting Disney as originally planned?

I know I'm posting on the Disney section, but I thought some of you might have small kids and have been to Universal.

Any input is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[iluvtig2]

He rode in the stroller most of the time at both parks. He is now 8 and enjoyed it, but still not tall enough for some of the big coasters, and too scared of some of the others.

There is not much for a little one, except for Seussville at Islands of Adventure. IOA has many roller coasters, wet rides, 3-D rides, etc.

Universal has the Woody Woodpecker area, but still not a lot.

We, and he, still love WDW, and it is definitely more youngster friendly, imo.

Hope this helps!

iluvtig

 

[ChristusG]

We've done Universal when DD was 13 months old, 21 months old, and 25 months old.

Universal is a bit more kid friendly. They have Scooby Doo, Dora, Spongebob, Shrek, and Curious George characters. Kids seem to recognize those the most.

Our trip when DD was 21 months old was the most memorable. Even at such a young age, she was obsessed with Dora the Explorer. She carried Dora toys around everywhere, loved Dora on TV (though she only got to watch one show a day, it was always Dora), and wanted everything Dora that she saw in the store.

You should have seen her face light up when we met Dora at the parks. I got plenty of photos and even a video. My normally very shy little girl, who wont go near a stranger, just walked right up to Dora with the biggest smile on her face and immediately gave her a hug. We got in line to see her two more times after that because DD just didnt want to leave her. It was priceless! That was the most memorable character experience ever!

She loved playing at Fievel's Playland. She loved the Barney show and the interactive area after the show. She loved going on ET, the ride. We went on the Hanna Barabara show and sat on the non-moving platform, though the moving one probably would have been fine since it is pretty mild. We went on Jaws with her, and then she danced to the Beetlejuice show. She loved the Animal Actors show and was in awe the entire time. Curious George land was a big hit since it is a water play area. She loved playing in the fountains. The singing/dancing Scooby Doo and friends show was great for her!

So we really had a great time at Universal with our toddler!

We did Islands of Adventure when she was 25 months old and she loved Seuss Landing. But most other areas have only fast rides. So if you are going to do Universal, I definitely would do Universal instead of Islands of Adventure.