Which 2 of 3 - US, IOA, seaworld

[pharmom5]

We are starting our WDW vacation with 2 days at a hotel near SeaWorld. The kids want to do 2 of 3 - US, IOA, and SeaWorld, but since we've never been to any, which 2 would you pick? We'll be there 6/23 and 6/24 and the kids are 19,16,14,11 and 4. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

At those ages, definitely US and IOA.

I really like Sea World because I like the coaster Kraken and the water ride Journey to Atlantis. The rest of the day is spent watching shows and visiting animal exhibits.

But honestly, with that age range, I think there'd be a lot more to do at US and IOA that everyone will enjoy together.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

If I could only do 2 of those I would choose IOA and SW. The older kids would love IOA because of all the thrills, and the little one would love Seuss Landing and probably be tall enough to ride Spiderman.
SW is great because they have a couple of thrill rides, they have great shows (the new Shamu show is amazing) and they have a huge kids play area where they just opened three new rides. My 9 year old prefers SW over any of the other parks besides MK.

 

[babieemelly]

Definitely Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We loved both parks on our last trip, and are actually only doing them (and the Disney resorts) on our next trip. On our first trip back in 1992 I was 5 and my brother was 3 and a half, and we loved Sea World. However, last summer we both hated it, along with our parents. It was a glorified aquarium. The two thrill rides, Kraken and Journey to Atlantis, were less than anything special, and the aquarium exhibits were nowhere near as good as the ones at the NY Aquarium. The biggest difference? It costs $10 to get into the NY Aquarium right on Coney Island, and $65 to get into Sea World It wasn't at all worth it.

 

[Typhoon Tilly UK]

What a dilemma

All are brilliant, but Sea World is more of a place to "chill" than USF and IOA. You could actually try all three by doing SW one day and on the other day doing both IOA and USF as they are walking distance from each other and you would not need to move the car as they share the car parking facilities. However you would need to be there early, I mean real early, so you are at the gate before the park officially opens. Sometimes in summer they open the gates early apparently. You should be able to walk on some rides early before the lines get long. If you only rode each ride once you may be able to get around both IOA and USF in one day. Personally if I had to choose between IOA and USF I would choose IOA as it has more atmosphere and the rides are more upto date, it also has more themed areas, there is something to suit all ages.

All the best and have a great time!!!

 

[ozarkmom]

If I had my kids and we could only do 2 it would be US and IOA. Seaworld is a beautiful park but I'd hate to only do US or IOA. Do those 2 and next time maybe you can fit SW in.

 

[Ltl Mermaid]

I vote for Sea World and IOA. However, last time we went we managed to do IOA and Universal in one day and actually got almost everything in (we missed a few attractions at Universal but got to all the big ticket attractions). Honestly Sea World is beautiful and amazing (I do not think it is a glorified aquarium) and my fave of the 3. The animals are truly inspiring and the shows are unbelievable. The rides are also great for the thrill seekers . I also recommend doing one of the mini-tours at Sea World. I have done a behind the scenes look at predators, arctic animals, and endangered animals. The best was the arctic tour (you get to pet a penquin and see the backstage habitats of polar bears, seals, and belugas and even see the "kitchen" ) followed by the endangered animals (mostly about manatees, get to see the backstage rehab center..so neat and inspiring). All 3 were great though and only cost about $10-$15 per person and it is all behind the scenes which is really cool! I know that wasn't your question and I am sorry about the tangent. I guess since I seem to be the minority here who loves Sea World I felt like I needed some "evidence" to get my point across . You will have a great time doing whatever you choose!! Good luck!

 

[poohmomof3]

IOA and Sea World! We went to US for the first time in May, and wouldn't go back. IOA and Sea World are much better praks in our opinion.

Have fun!

 

[cbdmhgp]

US and IOA for sure. the kids will love it.

 

[flatline]

IOA and SW.

 

[damo]

The Mummy and Men in Black are big hits with the teens as are all the rides at IOA. At Seaworld the only big draws are Kraken and Journey to Atlantis for teens.

I think they would enjoy IOA and USF best if they are anything like my two kids (20 and 17).

I asked my son what he recommends and he replied that it completely depends on what the kids like. If they like animals and shows more than rides, then he says they should go to Seaworld.

 

[pharmom5]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I think it's going to be SeaWorld, because hubby has his heart set on that - he's always wanted to go, and IOA because the teens have been doing their own research and think it sounds good to them. I'm sure we'll have a great time whatever, and I'm sure we'll be back to catch up on whatever we miss. Thanks again!
Laurie