What will my boys like more?

[Torontogal]

My boys are 4 and 7. We are going to FL in March and looking into Universal or Islands of Adventure. '
What would younger children enjoy more? They are not really into the scary ride thing.
Thoughts?

 

[daisax]

Oddly enough, I'd say Islands of Adventure. I certainly saw more characters out and about there, and Seuss Landing will be especially good for the 4 year old. And even if they don't want to go on Spiderman or Jurassic Park, the theming in those areas is so cool they'll probably appreciate it.

There's also a water park area which I personally skipped, so I can't comment on how appropriate it is for their ages.

I think even the mild adult rides (Jaws, Back to the Future, Shrek) at US might be scary for kids who don't like being scared. Jimmy Neutron was fun, but might be a lot, depending on how you define "scary."

The Seussville rides in IOA are totally mellow.

Oops, just remembered there is a kiddie area in US that we skipped. Nevermind! (We did see a good animal act show there -- but then the Sinbad show was fun at IOA, too)

I think either way you can find a way to entertain everybody.

 

[Mainebound]

Oddly enough, I'd say Islands of Adventure. I certainly saw more characters out and about there, and Seuss Landing will be especially good for the 4 year old. And even if they don't want to go on Spiderman or Jurassic Park, the theming in those areas is so cool they'll probably appreciate it.

There's also a water park area which I personally skipped, so I can't comment on how appropriate it is for their ages.

I think even the mild adult rides (Jaws, Back to the Future, Shrek) at US might be scary for kids who don't like being scared. Jimmy Neutron was fun, but might be a lot, depending on how you define "scary."

The Seussville rides in IOA are totally mellow.

Oops, just remembered there is a kiddie area in US that we skipped. Nevermind! (We did see a good animal act show there -- but then the Sinbad show was fun at IOA, too)

I think either way you can find a way to entertain everybody.

It's true that the superhero factor is there at IOA, plus you have Seuss Landing with several rides and water play area, but if I had to choose one, I think it would be the Studios. Kidzone at the Studios has an enormous mini water park (Curious George Goes to Town) which my kids can literally spend two hours in. It also has the E.T. ride, a coaster for kids (Nuthouse Coaster), the Barney show with an indoor plaground at its exit which your 3 year old will love (and the most awesomely decorated and painted kids bathrooms in any theme park in the United states, bar none. Yeah, I know, only a mother would appreciate these things!) , a great live bird show, and an outdoor playground kind of like Honey I Shrunk the Kids at MGM Studios with its own mini flume ride. Just that area could take your whole morning.

Venturing beyond that, your boys will love the Jimmy Neutron and Shrek 4d rides/shows. The 7 year old will love Men In Black, which is like Buzz Lightyear but darker and a littel more intense. they may also like Jaws, which my boys could handle last year at ages 4 and 6.

Last year we had lunch at Finnegan's and emerged to watch the terrific Blues Brother's show right outside the restaurant.

there's more I'm forgetting, but that would be my choice for my boys ages 5 and 7 -- and it will be come this March!

 

[yaytezIOA]

Islands of Adventure has Camp Jurassic with Pterradon Flyers, and a huge playground. You have the Discovery Center with lots of activities. Lost Continent has the Sinbad show, Posiedons Fury..a walkthrough show and the Flying Unicorn. Marvel has Storm Force which is a much cooler version of the teacups. In addition to everything else said, they will love both parks equally, as there is plenty for the little guys to do.