Universal Studios and IOA with young kids

[annie1995]

My neighbor is going in a few months to Orlando. She is thinking about taking her soon to be 3 and 4 year old to both parks. Her youngest who will be turning 3 in May is scared of everything. Her son who will be four this spring also, is not much better at trying new things. Should she just skip these parks and stick with Disney? I have never been to anything other than Disney and Seaworld, because I always thought it would be better for older more adventerous (sp?) kids. Any advise would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[annie1995]

Bump, come on, anyone have an answer? Please?????

 

[andromedaslove]

Ok, well I haven't actually taking my 4 year old yet, but I am planning to in March. From looking at the website it seems like there will be alot that he can do, however mine is a tough little booger. He loves TOT, Splash, Thunder, and is eating as much as he can so that he will grow tall enough for Space by our next visit. There are a few things that don't seem too scary though.

Has she already planned to go to Disney World and just thinking about adding US/IOA? If so I would suggest that she do Disney first and see how her kids are handling those rides (more kid friendly) and if they seem to be ok then she can go to US/IOA and buy her tickets at the front gate.

I hope this helps.

Dana

 

[annie1995]

Ok, well I haven't actually taking my 4 year old yet, but I am planning to in March. From looking at the website it seems like there will be alot that he can do, however mine is a tough little booger. He loves TOT, Splash, Thunder, and is eating as much as he can so that he will grow tall enough for Space by our next visit. There are a few things that don't seem too scary though.

Has she already planned to go to Disney World and just thinking about adding US/IOA? If so I would suggest that she do Disney first and see how her kids are handling those rides (more kid friendly) and if they seem to be ok then she can go to US/IOA and buy her tickets at the front gate.

I hope this helps.

Dana

Thank you so much! I'll pass it on to my friend!

 

[robvia]

The answer is so subjective for a 3-4 year old. They could be happy with a card board box in the hotel room. Or a movie on the TV screen.
Yet think nothing of a 20 million dollar ride.

There are playgrounds at IOA/USF, and places to get autographs. There's even an amazing nerf ball area, the Barney show, and the pet show at USF. There's stuff for the kids. But IOA/USF is really meant for kids over 8 years old.

If you ask me, most kids aged 4-8 would do better at Disney/SWF. Once the kids reach the age of 8 years old, they get bored with Disney.

That's not to say you have to completely ignore one or the other. Rather, mix them up and see what the kids like the most.

 

[etink67]

If they are really into characters then they may enjoy Universal too. US has Shrek, Fiona, Spongebob, Woody, Curious George, Dora the Explorer, Jimmy Neutron and more

IOA has the Seuss characters, marvel superhero's, Betty Boop, Olive Oyl and Popeye, Bluto, etc.

The Seuss landing area in IOA is great for kids. They also have the Woody Woodpecker area in US. We really enjoyed it with our somewhat brave 7 year old and somewhat scared 4 year old.

 

[the kabuki]

Our family went to US/IOA for the first time this year. We did have a great time, and like the above posters said, there are some good areas for the younger set. But we basically went for my older two children. Had we only had DD4 with us, then no, I don't think we would've gone . IMHO, there's just not enough for that age group to justify the money and time spent.

 

[phamton]

There are lots of things for young kids to enjoy at both Universal and IoA. I suggest she look at these two articles and make a decision from there:

Kids at Universal

Kids at Islands of Adventure