What Age for Toddlers & Annual Pass Questions

[JZCubed]

I love going to Disney, but am thinking about expanding my families vacation experience to include Universal.

Finances - I am very fortunate and plan to stay on-site for the convenience and Express Access. I know this plays into some folks analysis.

Age - I see there are two parks at Universal - are both good for toddlers? At what age does the Universal experience really start to mushroom? For instance, Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom are good for young children and both improve as the child ages. On the other hand, I do not find Epcot enjoyable yet for my toddler; I feel this gets better once children are actually school age and understand more about learning. Lastly, Hollywood Studios just needs a few more things for young children to do. Again, at what age do/did you find Universal a good experience for your young child?

Annual Pass - my read on Annual Passes is they offer many discounts (I like 10% off dining; Tables in Wonderland is 20% discount). Also, it appears that an Annual Pass holder can purchase discounted regular park tickets for the rest of the family. While I'd be paying a slight premium above my actual needs, the value of all the discounts seem to make up for this excess. Am I missing something? Thoughts?

Lastly, for all the Disney snobs (I include myself), how often do you go to Universal?

In advance - thank you for your assistance!

 

[Metro West]

Annual Pass - my read on Annual Passes is they offer many discounts (I like 10% off dining; Tables in Wonderland is 20% discount). Also, it appears that an Annual Pass holder can purchase discounted regular park tickets for the rest of the family. While I'd be paying a slight premium above my actual needs, the value of all the discounts seem to make up for this excess. Am I missing something? Thoughts?

Lastly, for all the Disney snobs (I include myself), how often do you go to Universal?

In advance - thank you for your assistance!

I don't have children so I won't answer the question regarding young children in the parks. However, there are plenty of things for youngsters to do at both parks but Universal has more height requirements than Disney.

AP discounts are great and Universal offers more discounts than Disney. You get discounts on dining, merchandise and additional park tickets for friends and family. BTW..Tables in Wonderland is at Disney...not Universal. The discounts you will receive make up for the cost and if you come back and don't stay onsite, you will receive free parking at the garage. Only one person needs to have the AP to take advantage of the discount and you can pay monthly if you don't want to have the expense all at one time.

I go to Universal more than Disney since it's closer to my house. I enjoy Halloween Horror Nights so I go a lot in October and again...the AP discounts are great!

 

[JZCubed]

I knew you'd answer very quickly. Thank you.

Rides - I have seen other posts regarding height requirements and it looks as if 36" (Hippogriff, Woody Woodpecker, & 34" for Trolley Train) is the first real milestone at Universal. Of course all the Dr. Seuss stuff appears age appropriate for toddlers. I am also reading that the Swap program at Universal is better than Disney. Ironically, we've never even tried to swap at Disney.

Shows - Barney & Dr. Seuss look like fun.

Play Areas - My wife will very much enjoy the many Play Areas at Universal - Curious George, Fievels, Jurassic Camp & Discovery, If I Ran the Zoo, and Me Ship, The Olive.

Discounts - I am aware that TIW is at Disney, I was merely fishing for a similar program at Universal (TIW discounts alcohol too up to 9 people). By the way, there are many discounts for Annual Pass Holders at both Universal & Disney, but the ticket discount is very good at Universal. You answered my question - only one family member need purchase the Annual Pass at Universal to provide discounts to the entire family.

We're booked for Disney this year, but maybe we'll make a short trip to Universal in late September (I've been eying the same for some added trip).

You'll know if I'm coming to Universal because you'll see me here with more questions......until then.....

 

[Metro West]

Shows - Barney & Dr. Seuss look like fun.

Play Areas - My wife will very much enjoy the many Play Areas at Universal - Curious George, Fievels, Jurassic Camp & Discovery, If I Ran the Zoo, and Me Ship, The Olive.

Another show you would enjoy is the Animal Actors show at the Studios. It's not very long but really cute.

Don't forget the Curious George Goes to Town play area is a water play area so make sure you bring a suit for the little one.

If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.