Universal with a 4 year old

[mrocco90]

Hi were going to Disney in December and thinking of adding 3 days on at universal first. I have never been before and I'm wondering how good it is for a 4 year old boy. Is there alot for him to do? Also we are thinking of staying at hard rock for the express pass, would that be useful even tho he can't do alot of rides? Thanks

 

[mcraven]

We just returned about a week ago from Universal with our 16 year old. I honestly do not think there is enough for a 4 year old at Universal. If you are going to do it, the Hard Rock is wonderful, and we loved the express pass. We never did early entry, and never felt like we should have.

 

[RMulieri]

while there are play areas for little ones, there aren't a lot of rides and attractions there geared for little ones.Alot also depends on how tall he is and how timid he is.

 

[macraven]

you could use the child swap for rides your child would not be able or interested in doing.

i didn't take my kids until they were 6 years old to the darkside.
i do see littles at the parks with families so maybe someone that has experienced the darkside with young children will be able to help you with your question.

 

[FargoBear]

My 4-year-old son loved Universal last October. Loved, loved, loved it.

That being said, with his thick-soled shoes on, he was 42 inches. So we were able to do the Popeye water ride, the Jurassic Park ride, Men in Black, rides like that with a 42-inch requirement.

Rides we went on included: Despicable Me, Transformers, Spiderman, Shrek, Men In Black, Popeye, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss, Flight of the Hippogriff, Simpsons.

He wasn't able to do Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, but we're headed back in November when he's 5 and he'll be able to reach the 44-inch requirement then.

He's also a huge superhero fan, so we did the meet and greet with Spider-man, Captain America, Wolverine and Cyclops.

Also, Gringotts is 42 inches. So he'll get to experience that for the first time. Lots to do for a 4-year-old, especially if they're 42 inches.

 

[deeluvsdisney]

We took two four year olds last year and have another trip planned for Dec. They really enjoyed the characters and the rides in Seuss Landing and some of the other rides had stationary seating which is an option. With Express passes they can ride the ones they like several times which makes for a fun day ! We love Universal, love Disney also just much more relaxing

 

[pcstang]

My 4-year-old son loved Universal last October. Loved, loved, loved it.

That being said, with his thick-soled shoes on, he was 42 inches. So we were able to do the Popeye water ride, the Jurassic Park ride, Men in Black, rides like that with a 42-inch requirement.

Rides we went on included: Despicable Me, Transformers, Spiderman, Shrek, Men In Black, Popeye, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss, Flight of the Hippogriff, Simpsons.

He wasn't able to do Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, but we're headed back in November when he's 5 and he'll be able to reach the 44-inch requirement then.

He's also a huge superhero fan, so we did the meet and greet with Spider-man, Captain America, Wolverine and Cyclops.

Also, Gringotts is 42 inches. So he'll get to experience that for the first time. Lots to do for a 4-year-old, especially if they're 42 inches.[/QU

I agree with the above! My daughter absolutely loves Universal! We have been going since she was 3. She just turned 5 on our last trip in August and is finally 42". She loves the coasters she can do and all the other rides she is tall enough for.

 

[mrocco90]

Thanks everyone! My son isn't a fan of dark rides so I know that will rule out some rides. I'm thinking we will do one day instead of three. Do you think we can do all the children's rides and see the characters in one day? I'm debating if one will be enough because now we will stay on Disney property and use mears transportation to get there and no longer have the express pass. It will be in the beginning of December, I'm hoping crowds won't be terrible.

 

[Imagineer5]

Not that it is the same thing, but I just returned from 2 nights at RPR and 8 at disney with my 2.5 year old DD.

2 nights at Universal was great, and we had a wonderful time. It doesn't replace Disney but I would definitely do it again for 1-2 days.

I have started my TR for that trip (link in siggy) if you're interested!