Which would you choose - Island of Adventure or Universal studios

[Parker Clan]

I don't think I could choose! For four years we just did IoA and once Diagon Alley opened in 2014 we've done Universal the last two years and we couldn't believe what we were missing!! So many amazing rides.
Spiderman and Jurassic are really awesome in IoA so your boys would love those. If I had to pick between the HP lands I'd say I like Diagon Alley better and IMO Gringotts is the best ride in the park.

 

[tinydancer09]

We went last week to both parks. All 9 of us unanimously liked USO over IOA. IOA will be better when everything is open (Hulk, Kong, Jilly Fallon, Toothsome). Nothing compares to Diagon Alley! We could've easily spent 2 or even 3 days in USO. IOA needs to do some serious upgrades in Toon Lagoon. Yes, those are classic cartoons, but nobody under the age of 40 has a clue who any of the characters are.

I do! I know who all of them are. Did I watch them regularly? No, but I do know them! I'm 25. Even if you don't they're still fun. None of us really know Splash mountain characters do we? Well, unless you have one of the Song of the South movies that are banned lol! It's still fun even without the prior knowledge

 

[Disxuni]

I do! I know who all of them are. Did I watch them regularly? No, but I do know them! I'm 25. Even if you don't they're still fun. None of us really know Splash mountain characters do we? Well, unless you have one of the Song of the South movies that are banned lol! It's still fun even without the prior knowledge

Hear, hear! I'm the same age as well and I know these characters well. It reminds me of how I'll listen to The Doors, or Jimi Hendrix and someone goes, "How do you know that?" It's because we don't just live in the bubble of what is around us, we do have parents who can influence us and raise us on things they enjoyed while growing up. Also, there's also something called re-runs.

Back on topic... I personally would go with Universal, as like everyone else said, there seems to be more things to do. I personally think there is a little more variety of things for people of not just all ages, but all sorts of people who might be able to handle this, or handle that. There are coasters, there are simulators, and there are plenty of shows. Plenty to see and plenty to shop for as well. And as a huge HP fan, I was simply blown away far more with the reveal of Diagon Alley than I was of Hogsmeade (although both places are quite amazing). It also seems more open, more to interact with, and more spread out.

 

[nkereina]

We're two adults and prefer US over IOA. There are more rides that we prefer there, we like the dining options better, we like Diagon Alley better than Hogsmeade, and we just spend more time there. We like IOA too, but always skip Seussland so that takes a chunk out of that park for us.

 

[keishashadow]

I do! I know who all of them are. Did I watch them regularly? No, but I do know them! I'm 25. Even if you don't they're still fun. None of us really know Splash mountain characters do we? Well, unless you have one of the Song of the South movies that are banned lol! It's still fun even without the prior knowledge

Not quite 'banned', just buried deep in the Disney vaults, like gringotts deep lol. Btw, Copies can be found UK sites I still believe. Movie & characters, derived from series of compiled stories. No political ruffling of feathers intended, it's of the Gone with the Wind era. Disney has thankfully choosen to focus on the characters and vague theming.

OP - I'd miss Spidey, Raptor encounter and Poseidon but my vote is for US. IMO it has the better version of HP and is easier to navigate back & forth across the park.

 

[agavegirl1]

If I had to choose, and I would never choose, I would pick US. It is the original and classic "ride the movies" park that MGM attempted to copy WDW. It has great themes and an actual "Studio" vibe. There are many great rides.

 

[vanjust14]

Another vote for US! If you had asked me a few years ago I would have said IOA but I just came back from the parks on Sunday and Diagon Alley is so amazing and definitely worth seeing. Plus, like others have mentioned, Hulk and Kong aren't open at IOA yet. US has some really awesome rides. My husband's favorite ride was Transformers. Gringott's was so cool and you can't go wrong with MIB or Mummy!