Universal with a 2yr old and 4 mo. old?

[treesinger]

I've got a trip planned for Dec 6 - 13 and was thinking about splitting my time between WDW and US/IOA. I was wondering if it woulkd be worth visiting US/IOA with a 2 year old and a 4 mo. old. I know WDW is pretty family-friendly when it comes to rides, and my wife isn't much for coaster or simulation rides. Being I've never seen US I don't know if it is a good fit for my family this time around. Please let me know your experiences in this type of situation. Thanks!

 

[Katy]

I would recommend saving your visit until your children are older. Many years ago I took a day from Disney and visited Universal with my three young girls - it wasn't worth it. There wasn't much for them to do. It made for a long, hot, crowded visit and I sat out with the kids while my husband rode the rides - my choice - but I still got cranky with him.

This August we're spending our whole vacation at IOA & Universal now that my kids are teens - they love it all. Take the time to enjoy your Disney vacation, there is more then enough to fill your time and you and your wife will enjoy the children more if they are in their own element. Have fun whatever you do - time flies and your children will be old enough before you know it!

 

[Debbie7452]

I tend to disagree. My youngest was just turning 4 and loved the Universal Parks (he told me better than Disney!?). The Seussland area of IOA is fabulous for a 2 y.o. and The water play area(Curious George goes to town) in US was their favorite attraction. There is also a playground type area at both parks and you can't beat the Barney show at US for that age. Now the baby won't care where you are so I am just referring to the toddler!
We did stay on site for the Universal portion of our trip and has FOTL access so that helped add to the enjoyment for all shows and rides. We baby swapped when our DS was too little so we both got to enjoy everything.

If you decide to go, I can't stress enough the benefit of staying on site (even just one night) to get FOTL.

 

[BarryHom]

Moving this to the Universal discussion board.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If your 2yo knows who Barney is a big wonderful surprise is waiting for him when he pops out of the stage. One of my favorite moments of my vacation.
We stayed at HRH which mom and dad enjoyed.

 

[4greatboys]

treesinger,

I'll post when we return from our trip end of Sept. I too have a
2 yr old (2.5 really) and a 5 month old. I also have 2 teens
12 an 15. I really think my 2 yr old is going go get a big kick
out of Disney and UA/IOA. My mil is coming with us to stay in the room with the little ones when they get tired. We are staying on site at Dis--YC and RPR at US. That way when the little ones tire and the bigger ones dont we can get back to our room quicker and easier........Good Luck on your trip

Deena

 

[sha_lyn]

IMHO I wonder if the people who say there is nothing for a small child to do at US/IOA have even been there. There is a lot, and I mean a lot for them to do.
DD (now 5, visited WDW at 4 and 2, US/IOA at 3 and 4) likes IOA better than WDW. When she was 3 we had to ride ET many many times. IT certainly was her favorite that yr. Now that she is bigger she loves Spiderman and she can't wait to ride MIB. However this yr she refussed to ride Jaws. I think it looks non scary to a little one so they don't prepare themselves for the shark. With DD she will ride almost anyting but needs clues from the que and beginning of the ride to prepare herself.