Universal Newbie

[dvcnewgirl]

I could write a book about disney tips but I have not been to universal since the park opened. Honestly I remember nothing. So it is like I am going for the first time. Any tips would be appreciated. I will have a baby and a 4 year old. What would be the best things for us to do? Is there anything that is well known at universal that a newbie would wish they knew. TIA

 

[cbdmhgp]

first of all, one of the BEST things that you can possibly do, especially with little kids, is to stay at one of the onsite hotels (i would suggest the Royal Pacific Resort because it's a great family environment and also has a children's play area in the pool). here is a link to the RPR website for more information:http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_rpr_index.html as for the parks, my family always hits them early when they open, but with the express passes(if you stay onsite the room key works as express) you can go at any time. Our order of rides are as follows:
Universal
1. Back to the Future
2. Men in Black
3. Jaws
4. Revenge of the Mummy (though it is a rollercoaster and may be scary for children)
5. Shrek 4-D
6. Jimmy Neutron
Islands of Adventure
1. Hulk (also a rollercoaster)
2. Dr. Doom (shoots you up 150 ft. in the air)
3. Spiderman
4. Dudley Do-Right
5. Popeye
6. Jurassic Park
7. Dueling Dragons (also a rollercoaster)
8. and for the children, everything in Seuss Landing most likely

if you stay onsite, you can return to the hotel to rest or play in the pool at any time and then go back at night when it is cooler. My dining suggestions are: Mel's Diner, NASCAR Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, or NBA City. Hope this was of some help to you and good luck!!!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We were just there with our 2 yr old and 8 month old. It had been at least 9 years since we were there before that. Here are some things you might like to know:

I was expecting some of the rides to be more little kid friendly--more like Disney--some slow rides where you can have a lap child--but there are NONE like that. I take that back--the merry-go-round at IOA is the only one.

There are however big and really nice play areas for little kids. We spent a ton of time in Universal Studios Kid Zone. (Our favorite place of all.) There is a Feivel area where you feel like you are the size of a mouse. There is a huge Curious George area which is mostly water play and a big area all the way in the back of it where there are foam balls that you shoot or collect in various ways that can keep the little ones busy forever. There is also a Barney area where there is a show and an indoor playground. My 2 yr old didn't know anything about Barney before we went, but now he loves him! In the Kid Zone area there is also a Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster and a waterslide great for your 4 yr old. We basically spent all day here leaving only for lunch. Even our 8 month old had things to do here. Now the neat part is the park is not too big so my husband and I would take turns playing with the kids while the other one would go ride to rides then come back and switch. My 2yr old also really got into collecting autographs--even though he didn't know the characters. There were always lots of characters to be seen.

Briefly now because my 2 yr old is trying to help me type--there are several places in IOA where the little ones can play. We used the same strategy of taking turns and it was even easier because the play areas were spread out. There is "If I ran the Zoo" in Suess Landing where both your kids can play--more water play too. There are several rides in Seuss Landing for your 4 yr old. Me Ship the Olive in Toon Lagoon was our favorite play spot at IOA. Again many characters on hand for autographs all over the park.

I recommend going to Sea World too. There was a great kids area there and of course many of the attractions were kid friendly and both of our kids really liked the shows.

Both US and IOA had wonderful baby swap areas. We used them more at IOA since we toured together more often instead of just keeping the kids in the kidzone with one of us most of the time.

All of the restaraunts in the parks and City Walk are very kid friendly. We even ate at Mythos and they had a kids menu.

Have a great time! Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Thanks so much for the info I am trying to get my plans together and since I know nothing all of this info is very helpful. I do wish there were rides we could do as a family but knowing that in advance is VERY helpful. Seems like a lot to do for the 4yo. and the baby is just along for the ride. I cannot stay onsite because I will be staying at my DVC so I will make sure to get there as early as possible. Thanks!!