Universal with Scaredy Cat Kids?

[HeatherC]

Hi Everyone - We are heading to Disney in November and would like to do one day at Universal IOA. Our problem is that my kids are shall we say not the bravest. They are 2, 5 and 7. Let's just say the oldest (my dd) goes to movies and holds her hands over her ears the whole time!!!

I've heard Universal is awesome but that the rides can be pretty intense. I've also heard it suggested that I should wait until they are a little older. Any opinions would be really helpful. The day will probably cost a couple hundred dollars, so if they are going to be frightened most of the time should I wait?

Thanks so much for all your input!!

Heather C

 

[A Mickeyfan]

but I don't think I would take them. Honestly, you may be wasting your money. Yes, there are things for them to do in Suess Landing, but that may be about it. I don't think I would spend that much money....not yet. When my kids were younger, IOA wasn't built yet. I took them to US and other than ET, Barney & Nick there wasn't much for them. I would say you would be better off at Disney in the Magic Kingdom. This is just from my experience and I know others are not going to agree with me.

 

[Seahag]

I know I will be slammed for saying this...

No way !!! Now if it was the other way around.......................LOL (that's a joke)

It depends on what kind of scared she gets.........

Let's just say the oldest (my dd) goes to movies and holds her hands over her ears the whole time!!!

At what movie ?? If she is scared of pretty tame movies, then actually I agree with A Mickeyfan - (GASP - & I'm a diehard Universal fan!) the rides & attractions at Universal and Islands can be pretty intense & they may not enjoy themselves. The stuff that they would like would be few & far between & may not be worth it.

On the other hand......................I have seen young children at both parks enjoying themselves beyond belief !




HTH

Haggy

 

[the Dark Marauder]

If they're not as brave as you say, then I recommend skipping IOA and going next door to USF. They'll probably enjoy that more, as the attractions in the Studio aren't as intense.

 

[Robinrs]

I'm afraid I agree with Sharon.

US has lots of dark movie ride with lots of sound. Twister, Earthquake, BTTF, Shrek and T2 would probably scare your DD if she holds her ears during a movie. Jaws may be a problem also for a jittery child.

Being a mother, NOTHING bothers me worse than to hear a child crying during a ride. I will actually get off the ride. It is supposed to be fun, not traumatizing.

 

[HeatherC]

Thank you so much for all your advice! I love these boards!!!

I think we will wait and go to Universal when they are a little older. After all...vacation is supposed to be fun for everyone, right?

I think SeaWorld might be the perfect thing to do before we "do Disney". They love aquariums and zoos and this might be the perfect way to ease into our vacation.

Thanks again!!!
Heather C

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Hey!
I agree that waiting is the best decision. IOA is geared toward teenagers and Universal for adults (me being the exception ). Kids wouldn't have much to do at either.

I don't like Disney at all. I used to love it as a kid and think your kids would get more out of there (I also like your idea of Sea World...I loved that place when I was younger!!).

and lol @ Seahag for the comment. I know exactly how you feel...advising someone to DISNEY instead of Universal?! It's plain nuts!!!

 

[robvia]

I've noticed that lots of scaredy cat kids do it for attention. It seems they like complaining about the ride over and over.

If I we're you, I'd have a talk with my kids telling them there's nothing to be scared about. That the rides are fun, instead of scarey.

My daughter was scared of Dr. Doom, went thru the line, then chickened out. She waited outside, we told her the ride was easy and fun. Later in the day, we went back, and this time she rode it. Tell your kids they're going to go thru the lines, and if they want to chicken out, they can wait on the exit side, where there's usually a ride op that will watch them.

2 and 5 years old is kinda young for IOA. The little ones will enjoy the play ground areas, but are not ready for the big rides. You may want to split up if possible and let someone take the 7 year old on the big kid rides.