Considering 1 Day Trip to Universal w/ small kids - worth it or wait?

[Penelope]

We will be going to WDW in spring 2015 w/ a 6 year old and 1 year old. We are DVC members and to not lose our points, need to stay on-site this coming trip. Is it worth it to try and do Universal during this trip given the age of our oldest, and all the "gear" for a baby? (We would taxi ourselves there for a day) She is 42 inches tall loves roller coasters and I know she'd love the Harry Potter stuff.

Any suggestions appreciated. We intend to return to WDW in spring/summer 2016 so if waiting a year makes more sense to stay on Universal property AND to have more time at the parks, please don't hesitate to tell us to wait! I haven't been to Universal since 1999.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

There is plenty of stuff at Uni a 6 year old can do.

I say do both. One day this year. More next.

 

[roodlesnouter]

Universal is the place to be at the minute and your 6 year old will love it,Harry potter (Diagon and Hogsmeade) the simpsons, seuss, Marvel and others are all areas your 6 year old will certainly enjoy. do you plan on visiting both parks? if so I would recommend 2 days at least especially with 2 young ones in toe. visiting for one day may be stressful as you will want to see and do as much as possible but as you know, plans do not always go to plan with little ones on board.

Take your time and enjoy one park per day is my advice.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

There are only 2 rides at USF that your 42" kid can't ride (Mummy/48", Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket/51"). IOA on the other hand has 5 (Hulk/54", Dragon Challenge/54", Dr. Doom's Fearfall/52", Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey/48', Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls/44"). For one day, I believe there would be plenty to do.

And by Spring 2015 she may be 44". That would get her on Dudley Do-Right's too.

 

[TubaGeek]

For those attractions that one or both kids CAN'T do, you'll find that their Child Swap system is significantly simpler than Disney's. EVERYONE can go through the queue, then the little one and an adult wait in the swap room at the end. Once the swap is made, BOOM! You are right there at the loading platform.

 

[nolatron]

Last year we did one day at IOA and my 5yr DD had a blast. She loved the Hippogriff coaster (or the chicken ride as she called it cause she thought it was a big chicken). Rode 3 times in a row. She enjoyed the Dr Seuss land too.

 

[Mouse_Trap]

Depends on how many days you have in Orlando I guess.

Personally, I think a minimum of 3 days between USF and IoA.

 

[mahnamahna101]

I'd time your trip for when Kong opens since that's an E ticket your 1 yr old can ride

Really, Universal is pretty well rounded when it comes to family-thrills balance. Once you're 42", you basically ride most things at the resort except the 7 mentioned above.

And they're planning to add more all ages stuff over the next couple years so the 1 yr old would have plenty to do if you decided to make a return trip.

I'd make a 3 day trip. One day for each park, then a day to explore CityWalk and to reride favorites.