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Universal Island of Adventure Tips for 2-12 year olds

Universal Orlando: Need to know some good tips on where to go first and what is the best seats on rides, as well as where is a good place to eat lunch and is it worth it to buy the express passes for the 12 year old and 2 adults.

From Stacy Barnes
Posted September 6, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Does anyone have any tips on Universal Island of Adventure now with the Harry Potter section open? Like what rides to do first where is the best place to sit on rides? We are traveling in a group of 9 with 5 kids that range in age from 2 to 12.

Also any restaurant recommendations for lunch or should we pack a lunch and do the restaurant for dinner???

And lastly would you recommend buying the fast pass for the 12 year old and 2 adults? We are visiting the park on the week of September 20th.

We are also going to Universal Studios Florida park as well. Any recommendations as stated above?

Thanks for all your help!!!


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Hermione Potter
Posted September 6, 2010 at 8:56 PM
My main suggestion for kids those ages is to look up the height requirements for the rides before you go so they know beforehand what rides they can and cannot do. Most of the rides at Island require you to be at least 48 inches, and all of the coasters are stricter than even that. Harry Potter has a dueling coaster(s), a family coaster, the main ride in the castle, and a short show in the wand shop that always has a huge wait. Plan on spending time in the playgrounds (suess landing, the jurassic park section, and the ship next to the popeye ride) for the youngest ones as well. I say this all because you may want to hold off on islands for a few years and just visit studios this time instead. For younger kids, studios has a lot more to offer, with most of the entertainment being simulators and shows, or rides with smaller height requirements. Plus, there is an entire section just for kids with a small water splash park.

If you're going to be there all day long, look into the meal deal they've got. Otherwise, most of the food places in islands have the same foods (except 3 broomsticks and mythos), so it doesn't really matter. Maybe take a breather from the park and go out to Citywalk for lunch at Margaritaville or Hard Rock? NBA is good too.

If the express passes for that day cost less then 30 a person it's a waste of money, generally. They're priced based on how many people they expect in the parks.

From Alex Maldonado
Posted September 11, 2010 at 5:22 AM
If your going to go on Forbbiden Journey dont let the younger kids on. Even if it looks great that the kids might like it that thing is scary.

From Nick Markham
Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:39 AM
^Harry Potter is fine. The only thing that should prevent anyone from going on is height or size/weight problems. Everyone else just has to ride it!

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