US or IOA for a preschooler?

[Natalie710]

We are thinking of making a one day visit to Universal before our WDW trip begins. I'm not sure if one park is better suited for a 4 year old boy so any suggestions are appreciated!!!

 

[Metro West]

Moving to the main board for more responses.

 

[TheDisney411]

We are thinking of making a one day visit to Universal before our WDW trip begins. I'm not sure if one park is better suited for a 4 year old boy so any suggestions are appreciated!!!

IOA has Seuss Landing and other things for the preschool set. Not much at Universal for preschoolers.

 

[acewashere]

IOA: Harry Potter, SusLand, Marvel(No Rides, but good boy area), Jurassic Park, Popeye
US: ET, MIB, Shrek, Despicable Me, Woody, Fieval

Both sides has stuff.

 

[justme88]

IOA: Harry Potter, SusLand, Marvel(No Rides, but good boy area), Jurassic Park, Popeye
US: ET, MIB, Shrek, Despicable Me, Woody, Fieval

Both sides has stuff.

The Studios has Barney as well.

 

[macraven]

animal actor show is also good for littles. (studios)

the characters meets, the minionions parade is also interesting for them.

 

[reelmom]

The first time we went, my boys were 3 and 4. We had a blast. There was plenty for them to do.

 

[mjohnson96]

I would go over to the US side, even though IOA has Suess Landing US has the parade and more characters that are for preschoolers. They have Dora, Diego, Minions, SpongeBob, etc.
They also a nice kids area with the Woody Coasters and then Barney as well. The animal show is fun for them too.

 

[derekburgan]

Both sides have a TON of stuff. I have taken a 2 and 3 year old in your family the last few years. IOA has the incredible Seuess Landing, with great rides and the If I Ran A Zoo play area, and then there is the INSANELY large Camp Jurassic play area. You will be SHOCKED how much there is to do there.

As others have said, USF has the Curious George play area, the Barney play area, the Fievel play area, the animal actors show, the parades and dance parties. I imagine they could also sit in at least the non moving parts of Despicable Me as well (our young one loved those characters).

 

[hermionesnape]

We are thinking of making a one day visit to Universal before our WDW trip begins. I'm not sure if one park is better suited for a 4 year old boy so any suggestions are appreciated!!!

IOA has Dr Seuss land that you don't want to miss. It was the favorite of my nephew along with the round family boat water ride in the comic section. He was also a big fan of dinosaurs so Jurassic Park was a hit (they have a small ride just for kids and a play jungle).

But you also don't want to miss the characters at US either. They also have the animal show as well as the ET ride that I loved when I was a kid. Plus the 4D movie.

I would buy the one day TWO park pass. The parks are literally right next door to each other (Hard Rock Cafe is the only thing separating the two entrances). And if you are by passing the big rides you will have plenty of time for both parks in one day.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Also both parks have shows that the little one could see.

IOA has the Sinbad show and the Poseidon's Fury show.

US has the Terminator 3D show, the Horror Make Up show (not scary) and the Beetlejuice Rock N Roll Graveyard review show. (my fav)

IOA has the Seuss area with several rides for the little ones and there is that over heard ride for little ones over in the Jurassic area. The ride where you can only ride it if you have a small child with you.

There is a whole area back there is US meant for the little kids.

I would get a park to park pass where you can go to both parks in one day. If you are just hitting the highlights meant for a 4 yr old you can do both parks in one day.

 

[glocon]

Honestly, the Horror Makeup and Terminator shows might scare a 4 year old, and the Beetlejuice show is just inappropriate for someone that age. I guess all kids are different, and most of Beetlejuice went over my 5 year olds head, but I felt bad taking him to that, not knowing it was more a teen/adult oriented show.

The Posiden show is dark and loud (like Terminator), only you will know if your child will like that. The Sinbad show should be okay (some expolosions). I know a lot of people here do not like it, but I like it fine, and I think a 4 year old will too.

Hope this helps!

 

[cieslack]

Honestly, the Horror Makeup and Terminator shows might scare a 4 year old, and the Beetlejuice show is just inappropriate for someone that age. I guess all kids are different, and most of Beetlejuice went over my 5 year olds head, but I felt bad taking him to that, not knowing it was more a teen/adult oriented show.

The Posiden show is dark and loud (like Terminator), only you will know if your child will like that. The Sinbad show should be okay (some expolosions). I know a lot of people here do not like it, but I like it fine, and I think a 4 year old will too.

Hope this helps!

Agree for the most part.


Terminator scared my little one, Horror Makeup did not (he wanted to go again and again). Beetlejuice he loved and the innuendo went over his head. Poseidon he liked fine.

 

[Emsymommy]

I would say IOA since they havethe seuss land and more hand on stuff rather than allthe animated rides

 

[glocon]

One of my sons favorite memories still (more than 10 years later) is of playing at Camp Jurassic at IoA. Gotta love that JP area.