Universal newbie here - which park do you typically spend more time in?

[rolshan]

Do you typically spend more time in Studios or IOA? Which would have more fun stuff for a family with a teen, a preteen and a toddler? Thanks.

 

[Amity 3]

honestly, it'd be 50/50. we park hop between the two each day based on the crowds and what we feel like riding or eating.

if the preteen is 54", that's a plus. the toddler will have no problem finding anything to do in either park.

 

[cbdmhgp]

We tend to stay in Universal more, because it has more shows, and more rides then IOA does.

 

[madduck]

Studios by far.

 

[robvia]

Most attractions at USF have a pre show. For example, on Twister you wait outside, then walk into a room and watch a little movie. Then everyone moves to another room to watch another movie. Then you move to the final scene with the live action.
Similar with EarthQuake. You watch a movie, watch a little stunt show, then go on the ride.
Shrek has the flogging room where you watch a movie, then go into the main theater.
The attractions can take 30 minutes from when you get in the door.

Whereas over at IOA, the only attraction that has a preshow is Posiden's Fury. For the rides, you get right on and go.

If you show up early in the morning, you can take a lap around IOA in 2-3 hours, whereas if you tried to do that over at USF it would take all day. When we visit, we do the highlites going on The Mummy, MIB, and ET. That can be done in a couple hours.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Before our trip a couple weeks ago, I would have said IOA, but now I have really come to find out that US has a lot for toddlers to do! It was awesome!

 

[kirbsam]

my family just got back from our first time at universal. our kids are 14 and 10, we probably spent about equal amounts of time at both parks.

 

[rockbottomsound]

IOA by far, but I happen to think that's the best park in the world. But both parks have things for younger kids and teens, and adults. But the architecture at IOA is so impressive, it really puts you in another world when your there. Studios is more about the rides. IOA has a lot more eye candy IMO.

 

[inkkognito]

Studios!!
We also love IOA, but we mainly just stick repetitively to Hulk, Spiderman, and Dueling Dragons while there. It's our "coaster" park. In the Studios, we rarely repeat rides because there is so much to do (with the exception of Mummy, which we always do multiple times). There is such a wide variety, too, from a coaster-type ride (Mummy) to a shoot-'em-up (MIB) to the ET dark ride to Terminator 3-D, which is my all-time favorite 3-D show, to Twister, which I'm not even sure how to describe...show, I guess, but not in the traditional sit-down-and-watch-it-for-20-mins. sense.
But for the kiddies, Suessland at IOA is absolutely adorable.

 

[F-L-A]

We tend to stay in Universal more, because it has more shows, and more rides then IOA does.

IOA has 14 rides. USF has 8.

I'm definitely an IOA person, though I enjoy Mummy, MIB and Jaws. But honestly, USF was my least favorite park in Orlando prior to the opening of MIB (2000.) I rarely went over there even though I had an AP to both parks. I definitely find it more appealing now.

 

[Soprano]

IOA by far, but I happen to think that's the best park in the world. But both parks have things for younger kids and teens, and adults. But the architecture at IOA is so impressive, it really puts you in another world when your there. Studios is more about the rides. IOA has a lot more eye candy IMO.

I agree. It has great feel to it. US lacks atmosphere when its quiet as there is seems to be a lot of long walks between attractions with nothing to do.

I dare say, too US is a little run down looking. I know the idea is for it to look rustic in places, but is has a dated feel about it.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Wow, aren't we all a bunch of help? I bet it's all clear to you now. Please, allow me to add to the confusion. I'm not sure which park we spend more time in, because we stay onsite & go to whichever park we're in the mood for at the moment. We've been known to go to USF for 1 ride, then over to IOA for 1 ride, then back to the hotel for whatever reason. I can add that if you asked my DS(15) which park he'd rather spend more time in, it would be a resounding IOA. We end up making way more trips to IOA for a quick coaster fix, before or after dinner, etc. He also loves Dr. Doom. As for the preteen, it depends on how daring they are. I never found it particularly difficult to entertain a toddler, so I think you'd be good with either park as far as the baby's concerned.