Universal Studios...Islands of Adventure..or BOTH?

[melbiel]

Hello,

I am in the planning stages of our May trip, and I can't decide what parks to visit! We went to IOA two years ago and absolutely LOVED it, so I think I know we're going back - especially for Harry Potter. BUT, I'm not sure if going to Universal for a day is worth it. We have three daughters, ages 8, 6, and 3.. I don't know much about Universal, so if anyone has suggestions, I'd really apprecate it. We were thinking two days in Magic Kingdom, 1 day at IOA, and that's about as far as we've gotten. Thanks for any help!

Melissa

 

[Planogirl]

How long will you be in Orlando? You could get one-day two park passes and maybe wander over to check out what Universal Studios has. It's a hard call when you have kids that young.

By the way, don't rule out Epcot. That was a favorite of my son's when he was very young. It just depends on your kids.

 

[bumbershoot]

We only have a 6 year old, and he didn't ride anywhere near everything (none of us rode everything), but he (and we) LOVED both parks! We spent 2 full and 2 partial days in the parks (on one day we "hopped" between parks) and still wanted to stay longer. I'd say do both.

 

[SmallWorld71]

By the way, don't rule out Epcot. That was a favorite of my son's when he was very young. It just depends on your kids.

I agree.
DD7s rankings:
1) Magic Kingdom
2) Epcot
3) Universal Studios
4) Islands of Adventure
5) Animal Kingdom
6) Disney's Hollywood Studios

On the other hand, DS11 loved Animal Kingdom second only to MK when he was that age, so you just never know. Good luck with your decision.

One thing that DD loved about Universal was the characters. They are more with her current interests than some of the Disney ones. She loved meeting Sponge Bob, Scooby and Shaggy, Curious George, Penguins of Madagascar, Shrek Characters and her old favorite: Dora.

 

[tiggy52winkle]

We're going in early March and because of time constraints will only have 1 day to spend at IOA. Just going there because we are all HUGE HP fans so plan to spend a lot of the day visiting Hogwarts and surroundings. Can't wait!