Universal or Island with 6-7 year old

[8migue8]

Hi, we are going to Orlando in Sept and we are going to be staying at a Disney Resort. So are plan is to go to Universal or Island on Sept 6(tuesday), but im going with my wife, son(6) and daugther(7). I dont know wich park to visit or just do both in 1 day this is are 1st time, we just want some advise from you guys. Thanks

 

[macraven]

there are great things for kids your ages at both parks.


go to www.universalorlando.com and check out the map of both parks.
read the description of the rides and shows at both of them.

that might help you decide.

there are water rides at both parks.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I asked DD8 which she preferred and she had a hard time deciding but finally said that if she could only go to one she would pick Universal Studios. There was plenty for her at both parks, though. Her favorites include:

US - Simpsons, MIB, ET, Woody Woodpecker Coaster, Small Fievel Water ride/ play area, Shrek and meeting Scooby, Shaggy, Spongebob and the Penguins of Madagascar

IOA - Spiderman, Flight of the Hippogriff, Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, ride that is like the tea cups (Storm Force Accelerator?), Dudley Do Rights Rip Saw Falls, Pteranodon Flyers

 

[Metro West]

there are great things for kids your ages at both parks.


go to www.universalorlando.com and check out the map of both parks.
read the description of the rides and shows at both of them.

that might help you decide.

there are water rides at both parks.

Yes and also read some of the trip reports for more personal experiences. You might check YouTube for ride videos as well.

 

[carmiedog]

for my 6yo dd it was US by a longshot. Fell in love with ET. Loved Woody coaster, Curious George area and ball factory, animal show, characters, etc. The only must-do for her at IOA was Pteranodon Flyers. She wasn't that impressed with Seuss area. (I must add that my daughter, although a fish in the pool, doesn't like any water rides or rides where you might get splashed in the face, even One Fish Two Fish.) eta: She really liked the hollywood make-up show and Jaws at US, too.

 

[8migue8]

Thanks guys, I think the only thing is stopping me is Marvel at Island because my 6 year old son. He love superheros.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Thanks guys, I think the only thing is stopping me is Marvel at Island because my 6 year old son. He love superheros.

If meeting a superhero would make his day, then go to IOA. They are only young once! I know they had meet and greets with Spiderman. They also had a pretty cool thing where a bunch of superheros came zooming through on some ATV's? and drove around making a lot of noise. Then they stopped for photos. I don't know which characters they were as we didn't stick around since none of my kids are into the superheros.

Also, Spiderman gets my vote for coolest ride in either park. It can be a little scary the first time through, but if your kids can handle the milder Disney thrill rides such as BTMRR, Star Tours etc... then they should be fine.

I don't know how familiar your kids are with Harry Potter, but I listened to the first book on CD with DD last year before we went. The rest of us were big fans and I knew we would be spending a lot of time in that section. Hearing that first book really increased her enjoyment of and appreciation for the area.

Reading a bunch of Dr. Seuss books before you go is helpful, too. There are character meet 'n' greets in Seuss landing (Grinch, Things 1 and 2 etc...)

Good luck with your decision.

 

[macraven]

i hear ya.

it is hard to give up spidey when you are that close to seeing him......

 

[bumbershoot]

My son (6 at the time, 7 for the upcoming trip) loved both parks.

But we gave it 4 days for our very first trip, so we could do both! I don't know how we could decide if we could only do one.