Universal Studios CA worth it with kids?

[Meemoo]

I recently worked out that taking a trip to Universal Studios will work out at least $500 for the 4 of us. 2 adults, 2 kids. Last time I visited, some 9 years ago, I was kidless! Do you think it is worth the trip for our family (kids 7 & 8) or would it be more suited to older kids? They do like minions and Spongebob, but when you have a 10 day Disney pass, which would they rather be doing?

 

[PrincessInOz]

@Meemoo When are you thinking about heading back to the US next?

If you're thinking 2016, Universal should have WWoHP opening on the West Coast and it might be better then with your 2 kids.
If you're not heading back for a while, then I would consider going. It does depend on whether your kids are adventurous or not. I did take my son when he was 8 to US with his 9 year old cousins. There was enough to fill a day there for them. But one of his cousins was not very adventurous and didn't want to get on most of the bigger rides. At least there were lots of show to take him to see.

Otherwise, if you're thinking about heading to Japan, Singapore, Orlando...in the next couple of years, you could always go to a Universal in any of those areas. Japan opened up WWoHP last year.

 

[Meemoo]

We're heading there in October this year. We're not really Harry Potter fans so I'm not concerned that we will miss that. I remember it had a fun atmosphere. I liked the tour of the movie sets, I think they'd enjoy that, the minion ride and the spongebob merch stores!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The one in Orlando has more rides; and two theme parks. So, if you are heading towards Orlando, I would save your money and a visit to Universal for that location.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

I would have thought they were old enough for plenty of stuff. All the 3D rides like Minions, Simpsons and Transformers in USF (if they can't handle simulated motion as much then leave Simpsons out), Men in Black, Shrek, ET, may still like (at least the 7 year old) Woody Woodpeckers water zone area, Terminator (at least the 8 year old) and you don't have to be a fan of HP to enjoy the new Gringotts Ride and the dragon blowing flames, as well as all the shows and mini parades. In IOA the stuff in Suess Land, Jurassic Park ride if they do Splash at WDW, Popeye's Bilge Rats, Poseidon's Adventure, admittedly not very good Sinbad, and Spiderman, though I would think they might be ready for the tamer Buckbeak ride in Hogsmeade too. I would just be leaving out the "big rides" which we left out anyway like Hulk and Ripsaw. What do they and don't they ride now at Disneyland? That can be a guide as to what they might and might not like at US.

 

[dollarmite]

The last time my kids visited US California they were 8 and 12, and loved it. There seems to be rides and attractions for most age groups and I think 7-8 year olds would enjoy meeting the characters there.

 

[Meemoo]

I'm not sure how they will be with motion type rides, I might play it by ear and see how we're going at Disney with similar rides then make the decision.

 

[aussie shaz]

I took 2 10 year olds and a 12 year old, but we did the VIP tour. We absolutely loved it. My kids (10 and 12) love big rides, but the other 10 year old was a bit cautious. She didn't like Pirates at Disneyland and wouldn't go on Haunted Mansion, but she did all of the rides at Universal. There's no really scary ones.
I have never had any problems on any rides ever, but the Simpsons ride made me feel a bit queezy. I just closed my eyes every now and then, and I was fine.
Do you not have a car? Will you have to do a tour from Anaheim? Otherwise tickets only wouldn't cost $500.
It really depends on if you will regret not going. We love Disneyland, and would pick it above Universal any day, but with 9 other days, maybe spend the money. We did.

 

[jacs1234]

It's been a while since I've been, 2008 We had our 8 year old and 6 year old with us and although we did enjoy it we thought it was a one trip park and havent been back in any of our 6 trips after that. We are going to Florida this year and will give it a try there but the first time it just felt like the kids were to little to enjoy it fully.