Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure

[Bridget375]

We only have time for 1 when we are on vacation and I can't decide which to do. There will be 3 adults and a 6 year old in our travel party. One of the adults really wants to see the new Harry Potter attraction. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[becky1960]

IOA has Harry Potter and larger coasters...

 

[mjohnson96]

I would also go with IOA, that way you can see the new WWOHP and the 6 year old will love Spiderman, Toon Lagoon, and Suess Island as well. There is alot to do over at IOA and something for everyone. My DD (7) loves IOA and had a great time this year there.

 

[Bridget375]

Thank you! I think I'm leaning more toward IOA....

 

[skifast22]

I cast another vote for IoA. While I love both parks, IoA is my favorite. The attention to detail on each of the islands is amazing. Couple that with cutting edge rides and coasters, and the best theme park restaurant 7 years running, it's a park that can not be missed!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Thank you! I think I'm leaning more toward IOA....

Ya know I was going to suggest do both parks and just do what you think you might enjoy but its $30 extra for a single day add a park? Thats crazy...

US has more "ride the movie" type rides and you will be staying together more through shows, bench seat rides, stuff like that. Also has better shows imo Beetlejuice and Horror show.

IoA has the water rides and the rollercoasters. If your family will take advantage of those then perhaps that is the best way to go.

It all depends on what you want more and what interests your family.

If I had one day I would chose Universal simply because I love MiB and Terminator, The Simpsons is also very good and my Nephew loves that one also. I would get my moneys worth out of Universal.

 

[Hombre59]

Universal is more of the movie rides, really laid back (the additions of the mummy and rip ride rockit are awesome for it), but I prefer IOA. With my annual pass though, I go over to US just for the mummy and HRRR. I would def. go to IOA for harry potter, the hulk, dragon challenge, fear fall, ripsaw, and then that other water ride.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I am a huge movie fan and I personally prefer Universal over IoA, but with a 6 year old, I would go IoA. IoA is a great park and would be more enjoyable for a 6 year old than Universal is.

 

[janetkay272]

If your more into rides do IOA. I think that universal studios is more like shows and stuff. IOA has more rides coaster while universal has shows like shrek terminator animal stuff but universal does have some rides as well. universal is also a lot less busy

 

[finucane]

We just went with our 6yo this past June and he enjoyed both parks, but his favorite things were in IoA. His favorite overall was Flight of the Hippogriff and we couldn't drag him away from the Mystic Fountain. Couple that with Seuss Landing and the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and that would have been enough for him.

He did brave FJ once, but that was enough for him (there is one part in particular that bothered him, but I don't want to spoil that here.) Spiderman he did twice, but he balked when we asked if he wanted to do it again on our way out.

Anytime we wanted to do something for the adults he had no problem waiting in the child swap areas. He actually liked the one they have set up for FJ and asked if we would ride it again so he could cool off in there.

Overall, for the mix of things for kids and adults, plus if you have any desire to see Harry Potter, I don't think you'll go wrong with IoA.

 

[kellymonaghan]

I would def. go to IOA for harry potter, the hulk, dragon challenge, fear fall, ripsaw, and then that other water ride.

That "other water ride" is Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges and your 6 year old will love it!

 

[mjohnson96]

we couldn't drag him away from the Mystic Fountain

This is so true for our DD (7) she could not wait until our trip this year so she could go and argue with the Mystic Fountain She was ready and even stipped down to her bathing suit, I don't even know how long she spent there but it was quite a while on a couple of occassions.

We did witness one group of kids who starting saying pretty rude things and the fountain decided to take a nap kinda stunk for all the other kids who were trying to have fun.