Is Universal right for us?

[NWDMD]

We'll have 3 in our party, 33, 33, and 2. We've been to Disney several times per year and have stayed off property, values, moderates, and deluxe resorts. Last year we branched out and went to Sea World for a half day. We didn't really enjoy it, it was busy and there didn't seem to be a whole lot to do (some stuff was closed). I rode the Manta and didn't enjoy it, it made me kind of sick. I also don't generally enjoy Six Flags because the roller coasters give me headaches and make me a little motion sick. I have no issues with gentler roller coasters like Expedition Everest, The Mountains, and Rock N Rollercoaster. Although, the intense version of Mission Space makes us sick too...

Our next vacation will be in Jan 2014. We're considering planning a longer vacation and checking out Universal. My question is... am I going to get sick or is there still stuff we'll enjoy? Is it worth it to stay at Universal for us (with a small child and not riding intense rides)? How do you manage a small child, do they have a system where one parent can ride and the next can ride immediately after? Are there any books or breakdowns of rides/entertainment options and how intense they are, or how kid friendly they are? Thanks!

 

[Zweiland]

I'd say you should do Universal, if only for a couple days. IOA has a whole section for small children (Seuss Landing), and there are many other rides and shows you can do without getting sick. You have to visit WWoHP just for the incredible theming and atmosphere, and if you don't mind gentler coasters, go on Flight of the Hippogriff. In USO, there are dark rides such as E.T. Adventure.

Universal does have child swap. Each ride has an area where parents can wait with the kid and then switch places after the ride.

Some useful links:
https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Traveling-with-Kids.aspx
https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Rides-For-Kids.aspx

 

[JillC LI]

I don't know anything about child swap with a young child, but as far as rides go, I think there is plenty for you to do there.

Starting with Islands of Adventure, if you are Potter fans, the whole Wizarding World of Harry Potter area is worth a visit just to see how true to the story it looks and check out the shops and Hogwarts Castle. If you don't like bigger coasters, you can skip Dragon Challenge. I wanted badly to try the new Forbidden Journey ride, and I'm glad I did although I will admit it did make me a tad nauseous. Flight of the Hippogriff is tame. Then of course there's the Seussical Landing area where a young child could do plenty.

As for US, there's ET, Men In Black, and even the Revenge of the Mummy is a tame enough coaster for me. There is a show over the lake in the evening. There are parades. And I'm just hitting a handful of highlights. You can definitely find books describing all the attractions.

Overall, I think there is plenty to entertain all of you. On our first visit there, I stayed with then-7 yo DD who did not like thrill rides, and my hubby stayed with 9 yo DS to hit all the big thrillers. We all had a blast. If you're looking for something different to do on one day of your trip, I definitely do recommend Uni.

 

[cheezbat]

If I were you I wouldn't bring a 2 year old to Universal...heck, I wouldn't bring a 2 year old to any park except maybe the Magic Kingdom.

There are things for smaller ones to do, but aside from Magic Kingdom I really don't see too much any any of the parks to do, unless your kid is like 4 or 5.

 

[Clyde]

I have been bringing my son to Disney and Uni since he was 2 yrs old. There is obviously nothing out there for that age like Magic Kingdom but that doesn't mean there aren't some things to do for the kids. First Suess landing is wonderful and there are a few rides there that are not height restricted. One fish two fish was really fun. Then there are the next tier of rides where the height restriction is 36". I'm not sure where your child would fall with that but flight of the hippogriff and the Jurassic park flyers are quality rides at that level as is the Woody woodpecker roller coaster in the US side of the park. There are numerous play areas like the curios george area and are a lot of fun for the kids.
Here is a link to the kiddie information page and the child swap options.

I love Uni and think you should go if only to experience it once. It's well worth it IMO. Have fun!!

https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Traveling-with-Kids.aspx?Intsrch=ride swap

 

[danpam1024]

I think there's plenty to do for little ones- Despicable Me, Barney, Curious George, Fievel's Play area, The Animal Planet show and that's just at the Studios! IOA has Storm Force Accelerators (think tea cups), Camp Jurassic, Me good ship Olive, WWOHP, All of Suess Landing. You won't regret it

 

[Ginzuishou]

I say have the 2-year-old stay with family and go have a blast yourselves

 

[luv]

The only park I'd take a 2yo to visit would be the MK. I am not a fan of taking babies and toddlers to parks. It's a headache and there isn't much for them to do. Plus, 2 year olds are just as happy in the bathtub. Probably happier.

I will take little ones to Sea World for short visits. "Flamingoes! See the flamingos?! They're pink and they stink!" "Look at the seals! Are they hungry?" "Shamu is a whale! He's so big!" If they're in a good mood, maybe take in a show. But I won't stay all day.

I vote No on Toddlers at Uni. Or Disney, except for the MK. But if you must, there are a few things to do for tiny tots in all the parks.

 

[TubaGeek]

If you do take a little one to Uni, take comfort in the fact that their child swap system is INFINITELY more convenient than Disney's.

 

[RandomPrincess]

We took our just shy of 3 yo and 11 mo to IOA for the day. My husband and I wanted to check out the Potter area. The kids had a great day (of course the 11mo was happy anywhere). My DD loved the Seuss Area and rode her first coaster (Flight of the Hippogriff). We had been to IOA before so we didn't ride everything just The things my DD could go on plus the Hulk and Forbidden Journey. I think my DH went on the Jurassic Park ride too.

 

[HTF]

You need to go! I assure you the little one will have a blast.