Yes or NO - US with a 3 year old?

[staceywj]

Is there a lot for a 3 year old to do at Universal Studios or should we wait a few years? Any opinions are appreciated!

Thanks!
Stacey

 

[bubba's mom]

Define "a lot".... There are areas for the smaller kids at both parks (probably more at the Studios).... wet AND dry play areas and rides...how tall is your 3 yr old?

 

[staceywj]

Good question - by a lot, I think I mean to spend a few days there while making sure that DD is having fun, being occupied and entertained. We went to Disney in Feb and booked on Jet Blue and the price dropped so we had $ in our Jet Blue account. So, we could not resist booking another trip to FL, since our airfare was already paid for. But, since it felt like we were just in Disney and DD likes Curious George, I thought that this might be different. I just don't want her to be disappointed since she does love Disney. And, I don't want to have any regrets and for DH to say, "We should have just went back to Disney."

So, with all that being said, will Universal work for us or should we think about going back to Disney. Or, maybe doing 2 days at Universal and the remainder at Disney.

DD is almost 36 inches tall.

Thanks,
Stacey

 

[melanie18]

hmmmm, that's a tough question. We just took DD7 in June. Off the top of my head, you could do:

Curious George play area
Fievel's playground
Woody Woodpecker roller coaster (similar to Goofy's Barnstormer)
Everything in Seuss Landing (this is where we spent most of our time)

I guess it depends on how adventurous your 3yo is. My 7yo is on the non-adventurous side. 2 nights at Universal was plenty for us.

 

[RVGal]

US/IOA has a lot to offer for preschoolers, but it is different from Disney. We took our 5 and not quite 2 year olds on our last trip and spent 3 days at Universal and 2 at Disney. We had a lot of fun.

First, it depends on what time of the year you are planning to go. Off peak, obviously, you will be able to run through the rides and shows faster than a super busy day.

Second, there are height restrictions for several rides... but those would be inappropriate for a 3 y/o anyway. (Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, the big rollercoasters).

Third, there are great shows... like Barney and Animal Actors... that my little ones loved. There are great play areas... like Barney's Backyard (the BEST playground for little ones I've seen at any theme park), Curious George, If I Ran the Zoo, etc.

Personally, I like the different feel of all the parks... so I like to split my time between Disney and Universal.

 

[Prince Eric1]

Your three year old should enjoy at US

Barney
Animal Planet live
Woody Woodpecker coaster
ET
Fievels playland
Jimmy Neutron (possibly in staitionary seats)
If she has seen Shrek, she might enjoy it or it might be too intense
Lots and lots of characters like Scooby and Shaggy, Woody, etc

If you go to IOA, your child should like

Suess landing with the
Carouseussal
new train
Cat in the Hat ride
Characters from Suess

Good luck

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Hmm a 3 yr old? Kiddie rides, for sure.

IoA: Suess Landing, for sure. Lots of kid-type things there, and even adults have fun! My friend and I both went (and we're teens) and we liked it! Lost Continent, try Flying Unicorn roller coaster. Not sure on the height requirement, but it was really fun for a kiddie coaster! Try it if your DD is daring and tall enough. Jurassic Park might be too intense, but check out Camp Jurassic. Toon Lagoon has Me Ship, The Olive, which is a fun, interactive boat (i.e. Donald's Boat in Disney). Marvel Superhero Island really is for teens/older kids/adults.

USO: Let's see, Woody Woodpecker's KidZone is a MUST! Barney, E.T., Fivel's Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, and Woody's Nuthouse Coaster are here, as well as the Animal Actor's Show. Also, check out Jimmy Neutron (stationary seats) if she likes Nick.

I'd say, try Universal out! You won't regret it, that's for sure!

 

[staceywj]

Thank you for all of your replies! I printed them out and discussed it with DH and we are looking forward to spending at least 2 days there! I am off to purchase the tickets now!

Stacey

 

[damo]

go to http://www.universalorlando.com/prs_fun_w_kids.html

 

[kpartha]

Thanks for the question. Looks like you typed the question for me.

We'll also be going to Universal with a 3 Year Old (1 week before Christmas week) just because we have $$$ due to JetBlue Credit (we visited Disney in April)

I believe there are lot of things to see. Please see my other post regarding "Universal/IOA for Preschoolers" where others have given great information.

If you are going after December let me know, I'll give you a detail update.

 

[jmpellet]

When we were there in October 2005 my son was 4, my daughter 3, and the youngest was 18 months. Certainly the youngest didn't benefit too much from the fun but my kids really eanjoyed Spiderman (IoA), all of Suess Landing (IoA), Jimmy Neutron (UO), Shrek 4D (US), ET (UO), the kiddie play area. My son even liked Bluto's Bilge Barge (IoA). Even though they were big enough they didn't want to try the Pteradon Flyers

 

[melly]

Plenty to do, its a myth that there isnt.