Universal with small kids - is there really nothing for them to do?

[yaytezIOA]

Play areas alone: IOA-Me ship the Olive, Camp Jurassic, If I ran the zoo
UO-Fievels Play area, the Barney play area outside the show, and Curious George's hose and ball pit (I know, it's not called that but that's what it is).
Don't listen to the haters, there's plenty to love.

 

[Mikelly1221]

Play areas alone: IOA-Me ship the Olive, Camp Jurassic, If I ran the zoo
UO-Fievels Play area, the Barney play area outside the show, and Curious George's hose and ball pit (I know, it's not called that but that's what it is).
Don't listen to the haters, there's plenty to love.

No hating here, just calling it like I see it. YMMV.

 

[theallens5]

It has already been said but I would like to reiterate the love that our young childen had with the Suess landing and the Curious George Water play area. There is something about that water play area that will occupy my kids for hours at a time - a great "cool off" period. Don't foget to pack swim suits and a towel!!

 

[2tink4u]

My son loved Universal at 3 years old. There was plenty to do and we swapped a few rides. The Barney show is really brilliant, feels so real. Our little guy loved it. Recently we ran into the entire cast from Madagascar and got great pictures, we put the wild hats on in the Dr. Seuss store and got funny pictures until the Grinch showed up and got more pictures. My son loved everything he could get on and met Spiderman after the ride and had a picture shoot with him.
You can make it great or grumble there isn't enough to do. We always create our own excitement and generate our own fun. There is certainly enough to do.

 

[Trena]

We are going in September and my youngest will be 5 then. Have any of you taken young ones on the Forbidden Journey ride? I know there is a height requirement. How is the scary factor? Can I put my arm around him if he gets scared? or will we be separated by a divider and/or a harness?

Its been a while since he was in a park (he was 3 maybe?) and he wasn't too brave then. He was scared of Test Track but didn't cry...he didn't want to do it again. I guess we will have to try a ride a see how he likes it. I hope is is more brave now. What should we try first? How is Spider Man for scary?

 

[damo]

We are going in September and my youngest will be 5 then. Have any of you taken young ones on the Forbidden Journey ride? I know there is a height requirement. How is the scary factor? Can I put my arm around him if he gets scared? or will we be separated by a divider and/or a harness?

Its been a while since he was in a park (he was 3 maybe?) and he wasn't too brave then. He was scared of Test Track but didn't cry...he didn't want to do it again. I guess we will have to try a ride a see how he likes it. I hope is is more brave now. What should we try first? How is Spider Man for scary?

There is a divider between each rider. You will be able to hold his hand but that is about it.

 

[HLAuburn]

We are going in September and my youngest will be 5 then. Have any of you taken young ones on the Forbidden Journey ride? I know there is a height requirement. How is the scary factor? Can I put my arm around him if he gets scared? or will we be separated by a divider and/or a harness?

Its been a while since he was in a park (he was 3 maybe?) and he wasn't too brave then. He was scared of Test Track but didn't cry...he didn't want to do it again. I guess we will have to try a ride a see how he likes it. I hope is is more brave now. What should we try first? How is Spider Man for scary?

You really can't see or talk to the people next to you on FJ. I was able to put my hand on my daughter's knee during the ride...but I think it was more to comfort myself than her! It's a great ride!

 

[CdnCarrie]

I wish I knew how US gets the reputation that it's not for little kids.

We have been to Florida 3x with our now 4 and 7 year old and visited US on every visit. So they have been at all different ages.

US kicks WDW butt when it comes to playareas.

Even if they aren't into Barney his backyard playground will keep them entertained for a solid hour or more.

Two smaller rollercoasters - Woody Woodpecker's and the rethemed one in HP land are great for smaller kids. Kind of like the Barnstormer at MK.

The ball pit area in the Curious George area will keep my boys busy for hours.

Also the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre in IofA is often overlooked. Really cool as you can hear a dinosaur sneeze and even being hatched.

If you have a Dora or a Diego fan in the house they can meet them at Universal Studios. Plus spend a fortune in Diego/Dora merchandise!!

The Barney show is very well done so if you have a younger child it's well worth a visit.