WDW or Universal/SeaWorld/Ocean?

[RN4Babies]

My kids and I just returned from a week at WDW. They both loved it, and we've started saving for another big trip in January 2011.

I know we're very early in the process, but in talking about our options of where to go, we've decided that it will again be Florida to break up our long Wisconsin winter. None of us have ever been to Universal or SeaWorld, and my kids have never been to the ocean. My ds will be 19 in 2011, and dd will be 10yo. They both enjoy rides and roller coasters, and we all think SeaWorld looks awesome.

Any thoughts from people who have been to the parks outside of WDW? TIA!!

 

[spiceycat]

do they like Harry Potter?

that part of IOA (US) should be open by then.

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/?intsrch=harry potter

just universal
http://www.universalorlando.com/amusement-parks/theme-park-overview.html

now if it is open and your kids like it would go with Universal/IOA

otherwise Seaworld.

 

[Metro West]

My kids and I just returned from a week at WDW. They both loved it, and we've started saving for another big trip in January 2011.

I know we're very early in the process, but in talking about our options of where to go, we've decided that it will again be Florida to break up our long Wisconsin winter. None of us have ever been to Universal or SeaWorld, and my kids have never been to the ocean. My ds will be 19 in 2011, and dd will be 10yo. They both enjoy rides and roller coasters, and we all think SeaWorld looks awesome.

Any thoughts from people who have been to the parks outside of WDW? TIA!!

I have passes to all the local parks and can tell you Universal/IOA and Sea World would be a wonderful trip for your family instead of another trip to WDW. By 1/2011, all construction on Harry Potter at IOA will be completed as well as the new Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit (HR3) coaster at the Studios. Sea World is opening Manta this Memorial Day weekend so there should be plenty of things for your family to do. Sea World has lots of shows for all ages and it's just a fun place to walk around and take in the animals.

You are welcome to come over to the Universal/Sea World boards and ask any questions you might have. We would be glad to help.

 

[yasuern]

first I want to say I LOVE WDW

Okay that said I would choose Universal Studios/Islands of adventure and Seaworld


ALL have shows rides for all ages and since the youngest would be 10 I think is a perfect age to tackle the larger rollercaosters offered - There is just a ton to do!


Which beach are you heading to? Its about 3 hours from Orlando but Sanibel Island is SOO beautiful and laid back and SHELLS GALORE - the gulf waters are wonderful. But there is lots to do - bike riding trails animal sanctuary, shell museum, you can do a dolphin cruise, watch the sunset Its a vacation in its self


Here is a link to a Sanibel board and many links can be found from here.

http://forum.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com/

Also if you can stay on the west end of the island your beach(most rentals/hotels on beach) is were you can watch the sunset - if on the east side you need to go to a west side beach to really see the sun set into the gulf its beautiful.



Enjoy planning

Sue

 

[roxannex]

I think that for older kids, you would all love Universal, especially Islands of Adventure, which has lots of big roller coasters.

Discover Cove is also pretty neat and different if you've never done it. You can get a package with Aquatica and Seaworld.

 

[Darcy03231]

I have teens (14 & 16) and they much prefer US/IOA over WDW. In fact, we're going to US/IOA for their April vacation.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

I love Sea World - I try and go every couple of years while at Disney. I went a couple of months ago and honestly we had better service there than at Disney (Disney was good too, just not as good). I really like Universal too, the spiderman ride for some reason is my favorite and the dueling dragons is a wild roller coaster. I have not been in 6 years, due to small children in tow, but hoping for next year when DD5 is tall enough to ride enough rides to make it worth admission. Have Fun!!! Discovery Cove is amazing also if you like up close animal interaction. While at Sea World eat at Shark's Grill, it is like Coral Grill, but all sharks and great food.

 

[webray]

Growing up in Wisconsin, Go Packers!!

Hubby and I both say plan for Unviersal/Sea World and ocean.
You and the kids will love it. Stay on property at universal! The parks are fabulous, great restaurants all around.