US or IOA?

[suzydisney971]

We are coming in a day early so we can go to US. We are staying at the Dolphin (arriving 7/22 early evening) so plan to catch Mears on 7/23 early morning and head over. Which park is better for a 5 yr old? He's not into the Marvel comics (recognizes Spiderman and Superman). Is it possible to do both parks in one day? I know it will be hot, but how are the crowds? I don't really know much about the parks. I've only been once and it was years ago. We are not Harry Potter fans (I know blasphemous ) but if lines are not too bad, we will do it. Any opinions or advice on how to do the parks?

BTW, this is my husband's idea and since the rest of the week we are at Disney, I let him have his way this time

Thanks!!

 

[rschaen]

We are coming in a day early so we can go to US. We are staying at the Dolphin (arriving 7/22 early evening) so plan to catch Mears on 7/23 early morning and head over. Which park is better for a 5 yr old? He's not into the Marvel comics (recognizes Spiderman and Superman). Is it possible to do both parks in one day? I know it will be hot, but how are the crowds? I don't really know much about the parks. I've only been once and it was years ago. We are not Harry Potter fans (I know blasphemous ) but if lines are not too bad, we will do it. Any opinions or advice on how to do the parks?

BTW, this is my husband's idea and since the rest of the week we are at Disney, I let him have his way this time

Thanks!!

Depends on your 5yo. Is he pretty adventurous? I would probably start@US and then head to IoA late in day to do Suess, Poseidon, Spiderman and water rides and save Potter stuff for last 1.5 hours of the day when lines are shorter. FJ is probably the scariest ride b/w spiders and dementors. Take extra clothes and store in lockers@front of park. The parks are close enough that you could stash your stuff for later when you arrive. They are only $6/day vs. ride lockers which are free but only for estimated ride times. You will get soaked, but it is fun if you are prepared (ponchos won't save you, lol). There is so much more@US that is unique IMO.

 

[rschaen]

Also, if you get the early entry, I think you can do Transformers now (not positive) and early mornings@US are less crowded than WdW as I've experienced them, but, of course, Transformers could have changed that.

 

[suzydisney971]

Thanks!! I was thinking of starting at US and then heading over to IOA later in the day. Probably do a sit down meal at lunch to get out of the sun and cool off a bit. Thanks for the tip of the lockers and extra clothes. The water rides in the afternoon will help with the heat too. I just printed out a list of the rides especially for kids and dining areas. So I'll study that a bit more and figure out a game plan. I'm hoping to get the tix at the Dolphin early morning so we can avoid standing in line (I called the Dolphin last night and was told I could purchase them there) but I may just go to AAA myself and have them in hand so not to rush in the morning.

Anyone else have more tips? I don't know much about the parks as I do about Disney. So anything will help. Totally lost.

Thanks!!!

 

[Metro West]

Anyone else have more tips? I don't know much about the parks as I do about Disney. So anything will help. Totally lost.

That's a good plan you've got...stick with it. I would suggest looking at the website to see where everything is located so you can have an idea of where you're going. Also...check YouTube for ride videos if you want a sneak peek at some of the attractions.

 

[rschaen]

Check with Dreams Unlimited (they use Mears) for shuttle/ticket package. Many say they include unadvertised early entry.

 

[macraven]

We are coming in a day early so we can go to US. We are staying at the Dolphin (arriving 7/22 early evening) so plan to catch Mears on 7/23 early morning and head over. Which park is better for a 5 yr old? He's not into the Marvel comics (recognizes Spiderman and Superman). Is it possible to do both parks in one day? I know it will be hot, but how are the crowds? I don't really know much about the parks. I've only been once and it was years ago. We are not Harry Potter fans (I know blasphemous ) but if lines are not too bad, we will do it. Any opinions or advice on how to do the parks?

BTW, this is my husband's idea and since the rest of the week we are at Disney, I let him have his way this time

Thanks!!

if you are doing this one day at the darkside, i hope it is a place that you want to do also.
i really do.

try not to compare the park to the motherland so you can enjoy your day.


it will be hot and crowded.
all parks in orlando will have the summer crowds which slows peeps down.

check out the rides and shows at www.universalorlando.com and look for height requirements, ride descriptions, locations, etc.
check out some youtubes on the rides to see what would appeal to your family.

you might like the studios.
fieval playground is fun for a 5 years old, the animal actor show, ET, barney, the mini parades of the minionions throughout the day, are some things that might be fun for all.
many meet and greets during the day are fun for adults and kids.

ioa has seuss area which is amazing and colorful.
jurassic park discovery center is a place for the entire family to go to.
also, it helps you beat the heat on the bottom floor.
it is cool and interactive for children.

i'm with you on the parry hotter place.
not a fan but i do like to go thru it and ride FJ, love doing dueling dragons, and getting a butterbeer in hogsmead.

if you arrive early, you might want to do this first.
some report that they also hit parry hotter section in the hour before park closing for less crowds there.

use the child swap if you need to.
the family rooms are amazing and a/c while you wait.

you'll find Mears is a nice way to travel to the parks.

hope you have a fun day on the 22nd !

 

[macraven]

Check with Dreams Unlimited (they use Mears) for shuttle/ticket package. Many say they include unadvertised early entry.

i believe that perk stopped a year ago when using DU/Mears.
if a person stays at the partner hotel with a UO package, they do get the EE.

 

[RMulieri]

Dreams Unlimited stopped the early entry

 

[RockAndRollBallerina]

My mom and I found US to be geared towards younger crowds age wise, and IOA to be geared towards tween-adult. At the end of the day you know your child best.