Family's first trip to Universal-Advice? About This Page:

[farah]

Hello everyone..
We are planning a trip in July to Universal with an 8 year old and 5 year old-still in the planning mode. I have heard from some that the younger one might not be able to do much. We have done Disney before and this time around wanted to do something different. Please advise on the lines, and any other important info or tips..I would appreciate it!
-Farah

[janicelovesmickey]

the universal side is more kid friendly than the IOA side, but there still plenty of things to see and do on both sides
not sure how much of daredevils they are, but they will be fine.
dont miss ET!

[Colexis Mom]

My kids did a bunch of stuff at both USF and IOA. They were 7 and 4. Each "island" at IOA pretty much had a kid ride that they could do, plus all of Suessland. They didn't do any thrill rides.

[Sue M.]

Are you staying at a Universal Hotel? The big perk with them is that you get Universals equivalent to Fast Pass, but better, as it allows you to use the Express Pass entrance to all the rides as many times as you like. You just show your hotel key card and away you go.
If you are staying off site, go with a plan. Figure out what you want to do in each park, and get to the park at opening, ride first thing the major rides that will have longer waits as the day goes on. Universal has no Express Passes for the general public (like WDW does), you have to buy that privilege if you want it for guests not staying on-site, and it's not as good as the Unlimited Express Pass for guests staying on site. It is good for only one entry per ride, (like the free WDW fast pass).
Universal is great fun, and I think you'll find lots for the kids to do, on both sides. You must go on the Simpsons Ride!!

[bsblady01]

I would stick with regular universal as their is more for kids to do.

[Shell_of_the_South]

Check out the sticky thread at the top of this forum for the height requirements for Universal attractions. On our first trip to Universal our youngest was 8 and she rode everything in both parks. I think you'll find fun things in both parks for them to do.

Universal currently offers a 7-day 2-park pass for $99 - it's the best deal out there for tickets. Even if you only go for 2 days it's still a great deal.

As Sue said, if you are staying onsite you get "front of the line" priveleges: Show your room key to the team member at the attraction entrance and they will direct you to the Express pass line which usually has little or no wait. We can usually ride over and over with no wait time at most attractions. If you're not staying onsite, get to the parks early, at least 30 minutes before the posted opening time. Universal often opens the gates early. Ride the most popular rides first.

At IOA, these attractions would be most kid-friendly:

Storm Force Accelatron (similar to tea cups)
Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls (log flume ride - wet!)
Popeye & Bluto Bilge Rat Barges (similar to Kali River Rapids)
Me Ship, the Olive (water play area for kids)
Suess Landing - everything here is geared towards the younger ones:
High in the Sky Suess Train Ride - very slow moving coaster that meanders through Suess Landing
Cat in the Hat - super fun dark ride based on the book
One Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - (Dumbo type ride)
Caro-Suess-el (carousel)
Pteranodon Flyers - this is for riders 36" to 48". I want to ride this but we've never had a small enough rider to go! Smooth hanging coaster that glides over Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park Discovery Center - great place to beat the heat. Lots of interactive exhibits related to dinosaurs
The 8th Voyage of Sinbad is a stunt show for all ages

If they meet height requirements, Spiderman is a not miss! Jurassic Park has a very tall drop but fun as well.


You can also meet and greet with characters such as Spiderman and the Dr. Suess characters.

At US:

Two great shows that we love: Animal actors on location and the Horror Make Up Show - it is hilarious!
Woody Woodpecker's Kid Zone has several childrens' playground and water play areas. Also the Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster is a fun little coaster.
ET - best dark ride ever - don't miss!
Jaws is a boat ride that is fairly tame, but the star of the movie does appear a couple of times
Shrek 4D - awesome 3D movie that takes place between the first and second movie.
Jimmy Neutron - moving theater type show
Terminator 2:3D is another terrific 3D movie but it is more intense than Shrek. If they aren't too timid then definitely catch it.
Disaster - similar to the Backlot Tour - shows how movie special effects are done, then you enter a subway car to experience special effects (floods, fire, etc.)

If they meet heigh requirements my favorite ride is Men in Black! Think Buzz Lightyear on steroids - much more fun!

Characters you might see at US: Dora, SpongeBob, Madagascar characters, MIB characters, Lucy & Ricky, Scooby Doo

Happy planning!! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about Universal here.

[farah]

Thank you everyone for your help. We actually just booked the Four Points Sheraton by getting a great deal through Hotwire. I have read alot of great reviews. And we got tickets through my husbands company for $95 unlimted. We are still thinking about renting a car or not. The hotel has a free shuttel to Universal. They have a few times during the day and a few times during the evening. We are primarly staying at Universal except for the first day, where we will visit Downtown Disney. And perhaps a day at Kennedy Space Center. Any advice on renting a car, taking local transportation, what about transportation from the airport to the hotel ? (they dont have a shuttel service)the local bus is only $2 but it is an hour long ride. thanks once again..

[Sue M.]

I stayed at 4 Points for a couple of days before moving to Universal Hotel & Doubletree. It's about a 10 min drive to Universal. Nice Hotel, comfy rooms, but no fridge. There is an IHOP across the street. It's on the I-Trolley main line, we took it to the Outlet Mall! It also goes to Sea World, if the hotel doesn't have a shuttle there. Also down the road is Wet & Wild water park. Didn't use their shuttle service, we didn't go to Universal during our stay there at Four Points, so can't comment on it.
There is a car rental desk at the hotel, can't remember which, Budget or Alamo maybe. makes it easy if you want to rent a car for the day. I would take a cab from the airport to the hotel. Have a fun trip.

[farah]

thank you Sue...i have read good reviews..cant wait