Which park would be better for my family?

[3littlecuties]

We are planning to go to Universal for one day and I don't want to spend the money for park to park tickets for my family of 5. They won't last all day so it really won't be worth the money.

I have a 9 year old who is really into Harry Potter but he also isn't into big roller coasters or scary rides. Then I have a 7 year old daughter with Down syndrome who isn't adventurous with rides at all and a 4 year old son.

Which park would be better for my Harry Potter loving 9 year old as well as have the most to offer for the younger ones?

 

[damo]

I would suggest Universal since the Gringotts ride would be better suited for all of you than the Forbidden Journey ride in IOA. There is a great play area in Universal that your younger two might really enjoy.

 

[schumigirl]

I would also say Studios as Gringotts is easier to ride than FJ in IOA.

Have a look at www.universalorlando.com

They have maps of the park layout and you can see what your family will enjoy most or be able to do.

 

[wookiebeck]

Studios. Your little ones will like the kids area with the foam balls and Curious George play area. They might even want to try the Simpsons ride since it is not a roller coaster and not as scary a setting as Mummy or MIB.

 

[johde]

I'm going to agree with everyone else on the recommendation of the studios. In additions to the items mentioned above, the 7 and 4 year old could do the non motion seats on Despicable me while the 9 year old rides in a regular seat. At 4 years old, E.T. is a ride the whole family could probably enjoy.

 

[macraven]

the fieval play area would be great for both of your kids.

the mini float street parade near Mels/Horror make up show, would delight both of them!

more rides for that age bracket the entire family can enjoy together.

go to the studios.

 

[caroline1851]

It's been a few years since I've been, but what i'm remembering:
IOA would have: Spiderman, Dudley Falls (?), Flying dinosaur one, Maybe Jurassic river one, Harry Potter whole area for your oldest shouldn't be missed; there's that smaller roller coaster and the Forbidden Journey is the most amazing ride ever, and then the Dr Suess area for everyone.
US would have: Shrek 4d, the new minions thing, Men in Black, Simpson.
I think you should do both. Overall, my vote would be for IOA especially with your kid who loves Harry Potter!

 

[Planogirl]

Definitely the Studios IMO. Diagon Alley is amazing and there are plenty of characters elsewhere for the kids to enjoy. Plus Despicable Me is a hoot.

 

[bethy]

Great question! I have a family of 5 and we are going to US only because of HP although I am sure we would enjoy everything. But a full visit just isn't in the cards this trip. Sooooo I am thinking of saving a few bucks by buying just a one park ticket for me and my 4yo. And then doing park to park tickets for my 2 Harry potter crazed older kids and my husband. It's that or I'm thinking of not taking the 4yo to US at all. But this is a family vacay sooooo

I'm thinking we hit the studios at opening all together. Visit a couple of rides plus Diagon Alley. Then DH and the older girls take the train to Hogsmeade and the castle and spend a couple of hours over there doing just HP? The 4yo would be more than happy to hang at US the whole day - plenty of entertainment for her there and she is super active and would not enjoy "sightseeing" in the HP very much. This would be on the Saturday before Halloween and we would need to leave the parks for a long drive to the beach at about 4pm at the latest.

To the experts does this sound like a reasonable way to save $100? We are spending a lot on our trip in October and I'm trying to save where I can. This is our very first trip to Florida. We are Disneyland vets, though (and are hitting WDW before this and the beach and DCL after! )

 

[macraven]

you can make it work!

do have the rest of the family return to the studios side where you and the little will be at.

all of you can use the child swap room together at the studios.
this way you can experience some of the park together.

you all go through the lines together and one adult and the little waits in the child swap room.
when they get off the ride, then you can switch with your husband and do the ride.
nice thing about it is the older 2 children can repeat that ride with you.

for that saturday in october, it will get crowded later afternoon.
many will come to the park to hit the rides before the park closes for hhn.
those doing hhn can stay in the holding area/stay and scream to wait for the hard ticket event to open.

with you leaving by 4pm, will be a good thing.
i can imagine the studios will be very crowded at that time.

saving that $100 can be better spent on butterbeer......

 

[bethy]

Thank you!!

 

[macraven]

i hope you have a great day at the darkside!