Which park(s) for 4 and 6 yr old kids? US or IOA, or both?

[laughinplace199]

We're thinking of visiting Universal early Dec. 05. We haven't been in years and when we were there last, we didn't have kids. Our kids will be 6 and 4 by the time we go.

Is one park better than the other for that age group? Should we do both?
Can we do it in one day?
How is early December, as far as crowds go? Are certain days of the week better than others?

Thanks in advance for your help! We're looking forward to seeing what Universal has to offer.

 

[fiveforall]

We just got back with a 4, 6(turned 7 while there), and a 9 year old. We spent five days enjoying both parks. There is plenty in each park for the kids to do. In IOA, my kids adored Seuss Landing and also the Flying Unicorn. In US, they loved Curious George's and Fievel's play areas. They also enjoyed A Day in the Park with Barney, ET, Nick Studios, Woody's Coaster, Animal Planet, Jimmy Neutron, and Shrek. So, probably US had more for them. I wouldn't try to do two parks in one day with a 4 and 6 year old. It took us about 3 1/2 days to see everything in both parks. I think you could do almost everything in one park in one day if you have FOTL.

My advice: STAY ONSITE!!!!!!!!

 

[phamton]

Early December is a great time to go. The crowds are non-existant. I'd plan on 2 days and go to both Universal and Islands of Adventure.

Here are two informative articles that tell what kids can do at Universal and Islands of Adventure:

Universal Orlando for Kids

Islands of Adventure for Kids

 

[sha_lyn]

IMHO there is plenty for them to do in both
DD has always enjoyed IOA more, even when there was more she could do at US

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for the helpful info everyone.

 

[sha_lyn]

I was too tired last night to say everything I wanted to.

IOA has always kept DD's interest more, Seuss Landing initself will keep them going for a long time. I think it is more of a factor of it the parents will repeat rides or take the time for the play areas, such as the one in Jurrasic Park.

US has more things that the kids can do, but a lot of it won't hold there attention for long. However the Barney show and indorr playarea are high a most preschoolers list of must do's.

 

[trstno1]

I'm replying just to get subscribed to this thread.

 

[littleprincessmom]

Phamton -

Thanks for the articles for young kids. Those are great!

Do you think UO will be as crowded as the Disney parks the Mon. and Tues. after Easter? Reading this thread has made me want to go back to UO again and I'm thinking of tacking 2 more days onto our Easter trip.

Thanks!

 

[phamton]

Phamton -

Thanks for the articles for young kids. Those are great!

Do you think UO will be as crowded as the Disney parks the Mon. and Tues. after Easter? Reading this thread has made me want to go back to UO again and I'm thinking of tacking 2 more days onto our Easter trip.

Thanks!

It won't be as crowded as Disney, that I can be reasonably sure of. Monday will be more crowded than Tuesday though at Universal/IoA. Just get there early as the Universal parks almost always open the gates 15-30 minutes early. You will have a great time!

 

[Michelle2]

We were planning to be there in early December of 2005 as well. We were thinking of December 3-7th. I am so glad Phamton that you reassured me about the crowds. We are having the hardest decision about whether to go in early December or late January for lesser crowds at both WDW and USO. Which of those times would you recommend? We will be staying onsite (LOVED THAT) but due to the limits of the FOTL I would like to go at a time when it is slow regardless! LOL I like to have my cake and eat it too.
Are there more ride closures in January that we should take into account? We only have been there at the end of September 2003 to compare it to, and while it was slow, it could be a little busy then at times too....
Any of you USO experts? Beginning of December or end of January? Thanks so much for the imput!

 

[phamton]

Both times are very slow, late January a litle more so. I would pick early December though as the weather will probably be better and less or no ride refurbishments in December. You may even catch some of the Christmas decorations.