Universal Studios/IOA

[kirlie91]

Just wondering if it's worth visiting with 2 dd's aged 2 and 5. Is there enough to keep them occupied?:confused2

[florida2000]

Just wondering if it's worth visiting with 2 dd's aged 2 and 5. Is there enough to keep them occupied?:confused2

Been a few times when kids have been 1.5, 2.5, and 5.

It depends on how many days you intend visiting US/IoA. There's certainly not nearly as much to do for that age group as there is at Disney and that is one of the reasons we are still considering whether or not to do US next time - although we have been 7 times before so have done everything multiple times.

At US there is:

1) Barney Show
2) Curious George play area (a brilliant water play area that kids will absolutely love and get completely soaked)
3) Woody Woodpackers roller coaster
3) Jimmy Neutron
4) Maybe ET

At IoA its mostly at Seuss Landings
1) Cars-seuss-el (a carousel with Dr Seuss type characters)
2) Cat in the Hat ride
3) One Fish Two Fish ride
4) A small water play area
5) Quite a few Dr Seuss characters wonder about

There one or two other rides that the 5yo may go on. Our DD was a bit scared of most other things although loved Blutos raft ride (you get completely soaked) at IoA.

So IMO there is stuff to do if you are going for say 2 days or so.

[SimonY]

When we last went (2002) kids were 8, 5 and (very nearly) 2. They all had a great time at both US and IOA.

As well as the things mentioned above there is the Blues Brothers at US and Shrek movie, and the animal show (can't remember what this is called but they all loved it).

At IOA they loved the 'Me Ship The Olive' and the playground near the dinosaur ride.

[razzy]

We are not bothering with US/IOA this year (kids 8 and 6). We always go at busy times of year. The last two years we have gone to US/IOA, we got there early, going on their favourite rides a few times in a row - then left the parks by lunch time as the kids attractions were too busy and the express passes all distributed. Apparently they are not doing the Universal Express anymore - I don't want to spend an hour queueing for each attraction with the kids this year.

[jwalowls]

My kids are 9 & 6 but its a definate for us

[monkeehanger]

Just back with our 4 year old twins and I would say 3-4 days is enough.

They loved Spiderman, Bilge Rat Barges, Woody Wood Pecker, MIB and all the Seuss stuff. Plus I would definitely recommend the character breakfast at IOA with Spiderman, Things 1 & 2 and the Cat in the Hat.

The flying unicorn is also a great beginners roller coaster!

We also found that doing say IOA on the morning, stopping at City Walk for lunch, then US on an afternoon (and vice versa) worked really well.

[RichF]

We are going there this year with our DD, (3yrs old) reading the brits guide there looks like there will be plenty to keep her amused. We bought our tickets direct from univiversal and we got the kids ticket free.:wavey:

[Vabeth]

My DD had just turned 7 when we went and she loved it! Seuss Landings is fabulous and Jimmy Neutron is a must! While DH went on all the 'grown up ' rides we did the Unicorn rollercoaster a million times ;) or i had a coffee while she played in the themed kiddie areas! This year when we go she will be 10 and she can't wait to do all those 'grown up' rides with her Daddy, while i hold the bags and camera! I know my place!;)

[kirlie91]

Thanks evryone for the thoughts. Will speak to DH and decide in the next couple of days. By the way, RichF, how much did you pay for your tickets direct from US if you don't mind me asking ??

[Vabeth]

The Universal website is doing a great offer at the moment - 5 days for the price of 2 and 1 free kids ticket per adult for $99! :wave:

[Zula]

I would say definately worth visiting lots of different things at IOA for kids to get wet and enjoy themselves. Keeps them amused for ages.