Which park would you choose for our family?

[calena]

If you have a 2-year-old, I vote for IOA. The Seuss Landing is just so magical for little kids. DS, then 4, did not want to leave the place and it is just great. A play area, several rides and places to eat.
My sons were 4 and 8 when we went and enjoyed both places, but I think IOA won out because of Seuss Landing. They also liked the various play areas.. one in Jurassic Park, the Popeye one and of course at Seuss Landing.
Both places are great, but IOA has a magical feel to it. As you walk through each island the music changes. Great theming. They also do a good job with having play areas around the park so if you or DH want to ride one of the big rides on your own, the family is not too far away to be reunited.
Your older child would probably enjoy Spiderman too. I think that was the biggest thrill for DS,8.

 

[ms.ojo]

If you have a 2-year-old, I vote for IOA. The Seuss Landing is just so magical for little kids. DS, then 4, did not want to leave the place and it is just great. A play area, several rides and places to eat.
My sons were 4 and 8 when we went and enjoyed both places, but I think IOA won out because of Seuss Landing. They also liked the various play areas.. one in Jurassic Park, the Popeye one and of course at Seuss Landing.
Both places are great, but IOA has a magical feel to it. As you walk through each island the music changes. Great theming. They also do a good job with having play areas around the park so if you or DH want to ride one of the big rides on your own, the family is not too far away to be reunited.
Your older child would probably enjoy Spiderman too. I think that was the biggest thrill for DS,8.

Sounds like a lot of fun!!!!

 

[4greatboys]

Based on what you said about your family I would pick US or both. You said you guys dont do the big thrill rides so at IOA that would leave out: Hulk, Jurassic Park, Spiderman (must be 40 inches so that leave the 2 yr old out), and Dueling Dragons. I have no idea of the height requirement on the other 2 water rides but I want to say its 42 on JP. But they can do the Dr Suess stuff and Storm Force. I also dont know if you know this but on the Pteradon Flyers its only 1 person to a seat so you wouldnt be able to sit wit your 2 yr old and you wouldnt want them to ride in their own seat.

At US you can do Jimmy Neurton, Shrek, Jaws, ET nad the kids play area. Terminator, Twister and Earthquake are loud and some kids may be scared. Mine have done all of those and it didnt bother them but some kids dont care for that loud stuff.

So if you get the 2 park ticket you can do the things at each park your family likes.

 

[Universal FReak]

Giving your situation I picked Universal for your vacation spot. With the mummy you can still experience a roller coaster thrill ride and since it doesn't go upside down I think your 8 year old would enjoy it if he is tall enough. Universal has those rides for more of the whole family along with some thrills while IOA is the park for more intense thrills. In my opinion pick Universal for this trip, but really go to IOA when your kids get older.

 

[MrsMud]

I also vote for IOA. It is much more visually appealing than US, IMHO. Especially Seuss Landing, WOW! There are plenty of rides that both kids would enjoy, and good play areas, too. We went last year when my kids were 6 1/2 and 8 1/2, so a little older than yours, but both of them much preferred IOA (US was a little boring for them). I'm sure that a 2 year old would be in her glory at Seuss Landing!

Oh, and I forgot to say that you "grownups" will love Hulk and Deuling Dragons, and Dr. Doom (maybe your oldest can go on that, too). At US there is only one grownup rollercoaster, the Mummy. It's a good ride, but not a thrill coaster like the ones at IOA. And you should not visit Orlando theme parks without riding Spiderman, the best ride in Orlando!

 

[Planogirl]

Universal is my pick. You have so many simulated shows and rides there that I think will work better for your age group. I can't recommend Shrek enough and my son adores Jimmy Neutron. Plus he thinks that the Terminator show is just one step away from heaven. The playground area at Universal is wonderful and the kids may love ET, Jaws (if not easily frightened by a rubber shark), the kiddie coaster (I can't remember the name) and some of the musical acts. There's always lots of characters out and while the theming at IOA is way better, we always enjoy poking around the New York area in Universal.

I think that going for the 2 day pass is the best idea. You can't go wrong if you do that.