US/IOA with a 5 yr old?

[left210]

Can any of you who have taken a pre-schooler tell me if there is enough things for them to do and if it is worth it to take him this young? We went to Disney last year and he enjoyed it but it looks like US has alot more bigger rides that we will not do. How many days do we need to spend in the parks to really enjoy it. We would be going the last week of March so I have heard it will be a bit more crowded due to spring breaks. Also, what character meals are there. The only one I see on the US website is Spiderman/Cat in the Hat but I saw on DIS where someone mentioned Scooby Doo meal. All the help you can give is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mainebound]

We took our 5 year old son, and his 3 year old brother last year. We also took them the year before that, when they were 4 and 2. And we just bought our tix for this May. Universal parks are not as crowded as WDW parks. In the last two years we went in mid-March and found the parks nearly empty until noon. We spend three days at least, one for each park, then return to hit highlights of both parks the third day. The two parks are very close together -- easy walking distance, but they are large, as large as WDW parks, so I personally would not try to do two in one day.

We personally love these parks, but it is hard to say whether it will be "worth it" to you. We spend another 6 or 7 days at WDW parks, so we do not feel like we are missing a day at WDW to go to Universal. I don't have time to list all of the attractions your child might like, but if you search there are threads on this and I'm sure others will chime in.

I tried to tell my now 6 year old that we would not be going to Universal this year (in a lame attempt to cut costs) and he threw such a fit that we relented. Every year he looks forward to trying the rides he could not do the last year. this year its going to be Men In Black!

 

[phamton]

I would suggest you look at these two articles and decide if there are some things there that your son would like:

Kids at Universal

Kids at Islands of Adventure

 

[left210]

Thanks so much for the info. I am sure my son will like it but my DH was worried that there wouldnt be enough for him to do but my theory is if that is true then we can just take our time and enjoy the things he can do rather than rushing to do everything which is what we did at WDW last year. We were at WDW last year for 7 days and still didnt get it all in because of the long lines and stopping for parades, etc. We had a great time at WDW but I am looking forward to US this year. Do they have parades or anything like that? Also, what about autograph books? Is it as popular there as WDW? How far of a walk is the parks from Royal Pacific? Length and/or time wise. Thanks so much.

 

[robvia]

Are you kidding, there's lots to do.
Bring a change of cloths, and rent the stroller. There are water play grounds where the kids can spend hours. Bring a good book to read while you watch them.

End of March is actually ok because the Orlando kids have spring break in the beginning of March, and other schools have it mid April.

 

[left210]

Thanks - I am getting excited now. I do plan to rent the stroller this time. We brought one last year at WDW and it worked great but I was thought renting might be better this time around because our son is pretty big and most traditional strollers do not hold him like the ones at the parks. I saw someone mentioned you could see a list of spring breaks - do you know where to see that?

 

[G&J's Mom]

I have never been and just decided yesterday to plan a surprise trip next month for DS's 4th birthday. The great ticket offer was too much to pass up and I got a great hotel rate. I also have a 5 year old DD. I think they are going to have a blast. They like the Disney characters, but they "love" so many of the characters at these parks. DS is a Scooby Doo fanatic!!! I didn't think twice about taking them. I am really looking forward to it

Any ideas on something special to do with the birthday boy???

Have a great trip!!

Denise

 

[Mainebound]

You guys are really going to love it. We were shocked at how much we enjoyed these parks, having only been to WDW (every year since I was a child). They are quite different from WDW, more of a hip, irreeverant attitude, but very well done.

and as I said upthread, we find the crowds MUCH more manageable, and these parks MUCH more relaxing than MK, DS/MGM, or AK (We find Epcot pretty laid back usually).

 

[robvia]

The school calendars are here.
http://www.fldoe.org/districtcalendar/

Orange and Osceola are for Orlando.
Tampa would be Hillsborough
Dade is for Miami
Broward is for Ft. Lauderdale