What age best for Universal IoA?

[lllovell]

Before we decided to add on to our family this year, we were considering getting a U/IoA pass to give it a try (getting a blacked out pass is actually pretty inexpensive if you plan on going more than once - kinda like the SeaWorld FunPass - which is a GREAT deal if you are going to go more than once in a calendar year).

What age do you think is best for enjoying those parks? My boys are coming up on 4 and 6, they LOVE WDW but we have skipped some of the more advanced rides (but they want to try them on our next trip). They are both over the 40 inch mark at this point. (younger guy is a big boy and almost as tall as his brother).

When would you think most kids are ready for Universal or Islands of Adventure?

Laura

[sandar]

hi Laura,

You can find stuff at each park for younger kids to enjoy, I think. You might consider these:

Universal

Shrek
ET
Zidzone
Animal Planet Live
Men in Black?

IOA

Suess Landing - every nook and cranny
Flying Unicorn
Jurassic Park playground
Jurassic Park discovery center
Bilge Rat Barges
SpiderMan?

I want to put in a word for the JP playground -- it is FABULOUS! I see a lot of kids rushed through here in just a few minutes but it is worth planning on an hour or more (IMHO). There are many levels, with caves, water cannons, climbing rope thingies, secret passageways, a waterfall, an amber mine, roaring dino footprints, and so on. It's all beautifully detailed, with lovely plantings and lots of places to explore. Whether or not your kids are into dinos, it's great fun; if they ARE into dinos, it will be a new favorite spot on the planet.

Please let me know if you have more specific questions about a ride or attraction and I'll try to help you out.

Happy planning for your trip!

Sandi

[Tagrel]

We have found plenty to do there since the girls were 4 and 6. We did even more this year since they were 6 and 8, but they still aren't ready for the big coasters yet.

Beyond Sandi's list, these are also great for the young ones:

Universal:
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast
Men in Black - Ours LOVED this at 4 and 6.
Back to the Future is bumpy fun
Even Earthquake wasn't too bad if they are old enough to understand it isn't real
In the Kidzone you will find:
A Day in the Park with Barney. (Although PAINFUL for the parents, the little ones REALLY love seeing Barney in PERSON) ;)
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster
Curious George goes to Town - (Hint - have the kids in a bathing suit!!!!)
Fievel's Playland

And various meet and greets including:
Meet and Greet with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey outside exit of Shrek
meet and Greet with Sponge Bob at exit of Jimmy Neutron.

Islands of Adventure:
me Ship, The Olive
Our two have liked Spiderman since they were tall enough to ride. OK - Maddy won't wear the glasses, but .... ;)
Storm Force Accelatron - Think Teacups
The Mystic fountain is fun
Sinbad show is fun and LOUD. Ours enjoy it. They did NOT enjoy Poseidon which is quite intense.

Sandi - we will have to hit the playground next year. We have skipped that thinking it wasn't that much, but I'll have the girls try it out next time! :)

[ddoll]

My personal feeling is that Uni does more geared towards boys. Kinda like Disney caters to the girls with all the Princess stuff.

I mean dinosaurs, super heroes, dragons?? I know girls like that stuff too, but it really appeals to the boys. Since my boys discovered Uni. they prefer it to Disney!

[lllovell]

Thank you for the feedback. The new favorite movies of the week here are Men in Black I and II, so I bet they would love seeing something akin to that at the park!

I am thinking that I will budget this into our next trip (not December, but any after that) maybe for the weekend before or the weekend "after" we stay on points.

It sounds like there is a TON to do. (I never really trust online stuff unless its from people that have actually experienced it - so I really do appreciate your replies!)

Laura

[Robin]

You forgot one of my favorites... Jaws!

Like Earthquake, as long as the kids understand it's make believe and play along, it's a very well done attraction.

[3princesses]

I've been wondering as well if my girls would be old enough for Universal. We've never been because I've always thought of it as an "older kids" park. We may have to try it next year.

Wanda

[gopherit]

I'm gonna give it a shot this summer with our crew - boys aged 11, 9 and dd aged 5. My main hesitation iswith my 11 yr old - he really hates thrill rides, so I hope he and I can find enough to do and he won't feel uncomfy the whole time he's there (he tends to obsess overwhat he thinks he's "supposed" to do, versus what he really "wants" to do. ANd he does not want to thrill-ride.... but he also doesn't want to watch his 5 yr old sister ride everything under the sun and have a blast doing it and therefore wonder - what did I just miss?) Talk about inner-turmoil, that kid's got it!!

Anyway - I'll be sure to post after our trip what our general feelings about the US/IOA experience were!