Universal Studios- should we go?

[goodferry]

I can't believe I am even considering this, but dh is wondering if we should go to universal one day. We are only going to be there seven nights, and I lean towards not wanting to go, but he thinks the kids will enjoy it. The kids are 12, 8, 5, and >1, any opinions?

 

[karylrocks]

That is a tough question because it depends on what your kids like. My DS12 is totally Disney. He has never been interested in going anywhere else and the times we did go to US and IOA he hated it, although I think he liked SeaWorld but would not want to give up a day at Disney for it again. IMO there is not as much for younger kids at US and it just doesn't have the magic - we love the magic and atmosphere of Disney. I would save the US experience for when your kids are older if that is an option.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by goodferry
I can't believe I am even considering this, but dh is wondering if we should go to universal one day. We are only going to be there seven nights, and I lean towards not wanting to go, but he thinks the kids will enjoy it. The kids are 12, 8, 5, and >1, any opinions?

If your 8 and 12 year old are big fans of roller coasters, or if the 5, 8 and 12 year olds are big fans of Nickelodeon, then yes, you should go for a day. If not ... then it probably won't have the kick for them that Disney does.

Check out their website (www.usf.com) and take a look.

 

[goodferry]

They are big Nick fans, but not big coaster fans. is the nick area worth making the trip?

 

[Cindy'sCastle]

US really has some great stuff for the kids. My kids would be very upset if we didn't visit US at least one day while at Disney. I think it's a really nice park, we usually do both parks IOA and US. This year I think we're gonna combine both into one day. My kids aren't big roller coaster fans but DH is. He loves the ones at IOA, but there is a lot more to do there than just the coasters. You ought to consider one day there. Our first trip there, they were 9 and 1, now they're 16 & 8 and still excited about going to Disney and US.

Cindy

 

[meganbear]

We love Universal!!! We went in May 2000 when my DS was 6, neither of us are roller coaster fans, but you don't have to be. They have the neatest water play area in Univeral (George's water park--or something like that) my son had a ball there. He also is wild about Dinosaurs so we all loved IOA, rode the dinosaur ride, it was so much fun.

In US we also love the Jaws ride, ET, T-2 show, Back to the Future and Spiderman is one ride NOT to be missed!!! I know this is a Disney board and I LOVE Disney, but honestly for the rides I tend to think Universal/IOA is better. Since I'm going with a young niece and my 72 year old Mom on this trip in May, we have decided just to stay in Disney, but I'm trying to talk hubby into going to Universal the week of Thanksgiving because it's killing me to be in FL and NOT going to US and IOA.

 

[Disney Debbie]

Go to the Universal Board and read some posts and ask this question. I love Universal, but I never "mix" my trips. We've been to Universal twice for shorter trips and stayed on site and loved it. One of the best things about that is we got Front of the Line access all day since we were hotel guests. You've got quite a variety of ages there and there would definitely be something for everyone - but not necessarily the same things and not all in the same park! IOA is beautiful and has great coasters and Spiderman which is the most awesome ride around IMO and lots of wet rides that are really fun. US has the best 3D in T-2 and while I'm not a huge fan of it most people love Men in Black. Both IOA and US have really fun kids areas - especially US with Curious George goes to town where you can get completely soaked! We went one afternoon - and this was last year when I was 42!! and wore our suits and just did wet rides IOA and then Curious George in US.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Yes, and IOA too!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You'll be shocked! You just may love it more than Disney.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

If you only have one day to spare I would spend it at Universal Studios. There are a lot of things that your 1yo can do with the family, even if you wouldn't normally do them with a 1yo, such as Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, a lot of the other rides and shows, such as Jaws, Twister, etc. We did those, at least the things that were open then, when my youngest was 1yo (and my other kids were 7, 10, and 13) and we all had a great. Like others have mentioned, the Curious George water area is a lot of fun and there is a soft ball room behind it that my middle children love. Don't forget the Barney show for the youngest (or do forget it if they don't see it ) and the ET ride. All fun things. After our first combo WDW/UF trip my whole family has not returned to WDW (I did bring my youngest, now 4yo, to WDW last month).

I posted a thread yesterday about my youngest son. He was watching the WDW planning video yesterday and I asked him which park was his favorite and he told me Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I knew that they were my older kids favorites, but I thought Jake would say Magic Kingdom. He knows the height restrictions for all the rides, even Mummy, and talks about the parks every day. Give it a try and when you have more time go to Islands of Adventure.

I would also suggest 1 night at an onsite hotel to get the front of the line privledges. It would make your stay much easier with a little one.

T&B

 

[wallytosa]

I agree with most...Universal is great. It's not which is better...WDW or US/IOA, they're both great and different in many ways. We love both. I would attempt to do it one day while there. However, crowds are going to be bad and if you're not staying onsite, it may not be worth it. We leave for Disney next week for 4 days at CBR. However, I also booked two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel, for FOTL access. A VERY nice perk for staying onsite. I would highly recommend your next trip to stay onsite for a night or two, just for this reason....not to mention the 3 beautiful hotels, which compare to Disney's luxury hotels for half the price. Have fun.

 

[msr709]

As much as I love Disney I wouldn't dream of going to WDW and not visiting US/IOA. Its apples and oranges, I love them both for their uniqueness. Go and have a good time, you won't regret it. I always visit both and I feel I get more out of the vacation that way. Enjoy!!

 

[Prince Eric1]

The characters, theming, rides, its a great park. Don't go expecting it to be Disney though, as its very different. I think you have to try it to find out how great it can be.

 

[wendypooh]

You kids will love US........... if you only spend 1 day, then US is the way to go. If they are Nick fans, they'll not want to leave!!! My son LOVED it!!! We rode Jimmy literally 25 times in a row!!!!

You'll have a great time!!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I think the biggest mistake is not giving it a shot. How will you know if you never go? I'm sure you'll want to limit your stay at US/IOA and keep your Disney trip long, that way, if you are unpleased with what Universal has to offer, you still have WDW to look forward to!

someone made a comment about there not being much for young kids to do at Universal. I strongly disagree with this, but I guess comparing it to Disney, it may be true?

There is a section in Universal Studios called KidZone. Name says it all. They have the Animal Planet Live show, ET's Adventure ride, Barney Show, Curious George Play Area, Fieval's Play Area, and Woody Woodpecker's Kiddy Coaster.

But then....you have Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and Shrek 4-D which may appeal to the younger kids. If they aren't big enough to ride, there are stationary seats available, so they can still enjoy the show. They have a Nickelodeon Studios Show/Tour thing for Nick fans.

In addition, there are many other shows at Universal. Extreme Ghostbusters, Street Breakz, and Blues Brothers are kid-friendly. Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue and Horror Makeup Show have a PG-13 rating, but some parents believe this isn't an issue (in their case).

Don't forget character meet and greets!! From Spiderman to Spongebob, Scooby to Cat in the Hat!

IOA offers some fun play areas, including If I Ran the Zoo, a small water play area, that's colorful and FUN (kids of all ages enjoy this. I had a blast back when I was 12-years old...4 years ago!). Also in Suess Landing is a Caro-Seuss-el...a carosel (sp?) made up of Suess characters instead of horses. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is similar to Dumbo at Disney..only the fish can squirt water. There is Cat in the Hat ride, which is very cute, and tells the story of the Cat in the Hat.

Jurassic Park area offers some VERY nice play areas. Plus a special ride JUST for kids. Yes...kids have to ride with an adult, however an adult cannot ride without a child. lol. This is the Ptronadon Flyers (sp?). There is also a kiddy coaster at IOA called the Flying Unicorn.

But most of all....see the Mystic Fountain! This is a hit with many kids. The fountain interacts with people...adults and kids alike. But be careful, for it may squirt you with water!!!

I think you will all enjoy it. Expect it to be completely different from Disney. Completely. US/IOA are great parks....I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Selina]

I have to agree with everything Flyfly said!! Some of the earlier posts in this thread are just sooooo way off and inaccurate as far as what there is to do for children. My two now 8 and 10, were 7 and 9 last time in Orlando. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel (on-site) giving us front of the line access to all the rides and priority seating at the restaurants. My children loved it. We went every other day either to Universal or IOA or both and disney parks.busch gardens etc in between the every other days - comng from the UK - we have to see it all! We are going back soon - and the children want to stay at an on-site hotel - but if we cannot afford that at the nearest hotel to Universal/IOA as they are their FAVOURITE parks!! Absolutely true - and they don't even ride coasters yet!!!

 

[disneyfanforever]

We just got back from Disney and US/IOA last weekend. My boys are 6 and 2 (well he turned 3 the day we came home). I just asked my oldest if he would want to go back to US/IOA on our next trip and he said "Oh, Yeah". He loved seeing the superheroes and jurassic park area at IOA. My youngest loved the superheroes as well and was thrilled by Seussland. At Universal, we met Scooby and Shaggy which was great. My 6 year old also loved the Nuthouse Coaster and Fievel Playland. Oh, meeting Jimmy Neutron, the Rugrats and The Wild Thonberrys was a big plus. He also loved the Jimmy Neutron ride. We had a great time there. Disney is still my favorite place in the world but Universal/IOA was great and I can't wait to go back there as well.