Are kids old enough to enjoy Universal? Should I take 2 days from Disney for UNI?

[amypooh]

We are staying off-site from Disney for the 1st time this coming June, and I'm thinking that the kids may enjoy some Universal in addition to the MK / Epcot stops we are planning.

They will be ages 6, 8, and 10, with current heights of 48", 54" and 57".

They all have no issues with coasters, action rides, etc, though the youngest is still currently afraid of loud sounds, some intense scenes, etc.

Are the kids old enough to enjoy Universal? If so, which Universal park(s) might they enjoy most?

The oldest is getting to the age where they might enjoy reading HP, but the others aren't that advanced yet, but wondering if they might still enjoy the theming and spectacle of HP land at US.

We currently are planing on being in Orlando a full 7 days, so 2 travel days + 2 Disney days + 1 Sea World day leaves 2 possible days at universal if others feel it is worth it over taking a 2nd 2 days at Disney.

Thoughts?

 

[GLaDOS]

With their heights, enjoyment of thrills, and ages, I think they would love both parks at Universal Orlando.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter is spectacular, even if you don't read the books or watch the movies. My mom had no idea what the place was about, but she still raves about it today.

You'll definitely want those 2 days, considering both parks should be very crowded this summer. WWoHP still packs people into Islands of Adventure, and by June, Transformers the Ride should be packing them into Universal Studios Florida. You could gamble and try to do both parks in 1 day, but at that time during the summer, I don't know how well that would work out for you.

I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have!

 

[wiigirl]

My suggestion is only 1 day at Universal, thats usually enough for us....

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think @GLaDOS covered it quite well.

 

[amypooh]

Thanks for the replies! I've heard that IoA is supposedly much better than the "original Universal", is this correct?

Would it be better to focus 2 days at IoA?

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Depends on what you mean by better. IOA is better themed and has the majority of thrill rides. However MIB, Simpsons and Shrek are all worthy of a visit.

 

[GLaDOS]

Thanks for the replies! I've heard that IoA is supposedly much better than the "original Universal", is this correct?

Would it be better to focus 2 days at IoA?

I prefer IoA as of now, but there are many rides at the Studios that are not to be missed. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black: Alien Attack, Disaster, ET Adventure, T2:3D, and Simpsons are all not to be missed Orlando attractions, IMO.

And as I said, the brand new Transformers the Ride should be open at that time as well.

IoA is the stronger overall park, definitely, but I think seeing both would be a better priority. Each one should only take a day each, even with summer crowds.

 

[amypooh]

Great responses!

If going June 8 - 15, would the lines at that time of year make staying at one of the Universal hotels for the "walk on" benefit be worth it, especially if it means adding $300 to my trip cost (compared to a 4 bedroom townhome) and cramming 5 of us into a 2 queen room?

 

[GLaDOS]

Great responses!

If going June 8 - 15, would the lines at that time of year make staying at one of the Universal hotels for the "walk on" benefit be worth it, especially if it means adding $300 to my trip cost (compared to a 4 bedroom townhome) and cramming 5 of us into a 2 queen room?

It all depends. IoA's water rides get you wet. Like REALLY wet. But they're also some of the best water rides in the business, and shouldn't be missed. Staying on site is nice because it's a quick walk or boat ride back to your room to change out of the wet clothes and then a quick walk or boat ride back to the parks.

I've never really needed the Express Pass, but it sure is nice to have. Takes a lot of the stress out, and unlike FastPass you don't have to criss cross the park if you don't want to.

Still, it's all up to you. Universal's hotels are all very nice and well run, so I would recommend them if you decide on that route.

 

[ParentsOf4]

IMHO, there are 2 determining factors.

First, 2 days is simply not enough time to experience WDW. It sounds like you are only planning to visit MK and Epcot, and that you've been to these before. If this is it and you've been there before, then why are you even going? Why not save WDW for another trip and do all 4 days at UOR instead?

Second, the cost is significantly different. WDW and UOR tickets are both heavily front loaded. You pay a lot more for the first 2 days than the rest of the days. How much do you really want to visit WDW? If it's a lot, then spend all 4 days there. If not, then consider 4 days at UOR.

As I understand your plans, these are your ticket options with price (tax included):

• 4 days @ WDW, 1 day @ SeaWorld - WDW 4-day no hopper tickets: $1327, SeaWorld 1-day tickets: $382. Total price: $1709
• 2 days @ WDW, 2 days @ UOR, 1 day @ SeaWorld - WDW 2-day no hopper tickets: $912, UOR 2-day no hopper tickets: $628, SeaWorld 1-day tickets: $382. Total price: $1922
• 5 Park Orlando Flex Ticket - This gives you unlimited access (for up to 14 days) to SeaWorld, USF, IOA, Aquatica, and Wet n Wild for $279/adult, $259/child. Thus, for example, you can spend a partial day at one of the parks on the day you arrive. You can hop between the parks however you feel like. Total price: $1355

 

[amypooh]

IMHO, there are 2 determining factors.

First, 2 days is simply not enough time to experience WDW. It sounds like you are only planning to visit MK and Epcot, and that you've been to these before. If this is it and you've been there before, then why are you even going? Why not save WDW for another trip and do all 4 days at UOR instead?

Second, the cost is significantly different. WDW and UOR tickets are both heavily front loaded. You pay a lot more for the first 2 days than the rest of the days. How much do you really want to visit WDW? If it's a lot, then spend all 4 days there. If not, then consider 4 days at UOR.

As I understand your plans, these are your ticket options with price (tax included):

• 4 days @ WDW, 1 day @ SeaWorld - WDW 4-day no hopper tickets: $1327, SeaWorld 1-day tickets: $382. Total price: $1709
• 2 days @ WDW, 2 days @ UOR, 1 day @ SeaWorld - WDW 2-day no hopper tickets: $912, UOR 2-day no hopper tickets: $628, SeaWorld 1-day tickets: $382. Total price: $1922
• 5 Park Orlando Flex Ticket - This gives you unlimited access (for up to 14 days) to SeaWorld, USF, IOA, Aquatica, and Wet n Wild for $279/adult, $259/child. Thus, for example, you can spend a partial day at one of the parks on the day you arrive. You can hop between the parks however you feel like. Total price: $1355

True, the kids haven't been to MK / Epcot since they were 6,4,and 2, so we would like to see the FE revamp and Epcot, and aren't so big on AK or DHS, but do see your note regarding the front-loading of the tickets.

It almost seems cheaper to do Disney this trip and return in 2-3 years and then do the 5 day Flex Ticket.

Sounds like time for a family committee mtg

Still, how bad are the lines at IoA / US? Would they make the additional cost to stay at the Universal hotels worth it?

 

[ParentsOf4]

It almost seems cheaper to do Disney this trip and return in 2-3 years and then do the 5 day Flex Ticket.

Exactly. Spend all 5 days at WDW or all 5 days somewhere else.

You might want to wait on UOR until all the kids can enjoy the 54" roller coasters and WWOHP2 is open.

Still, how bad are the lines at IoA / US? Would they make the additional cost to stay at the Universal hotels worth it?

When going June 8 - 15, lines won't be too bad but you'll still wait. HP FJ does not have a FP line; staying onsite only gets you into the park one hour early for that attraction. However, if you book one night, you get 2 days of onsite privileges. I've known people who have booked a single night, show up at check-in at 7:30 AM, and use their Express Pass privileges both days. This is perfectly legitimate; UOR allows it.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

It's alot of walking to try and do both Uni parks in one day, with three kids (and one six), that could be tough. I'd suggest day one day for each Uni park which would give you more time to do each at an easier pace.

 

[Tom Morrow]

If the crowds are light to medium, you can do the major attractions at both parks in one day, but you would need all day. To really see everything and not rush, you would need two days.

If you're not sure about it, you could always just start out with one day. Plan to go from open to close, and avoid Saturday and Sunday.