WDW or IOA for 2 young boys
Universal Orlando: Can you all give me opinions on both parks for taking 2 boys?
I have 2 boys ages 4 and 8. I am deployed and I am going to get to be in the states in Florida. I am bringing them there for a couple of days and I'd like to take them for 1 day to either WDW or IOA. Can you all give me opinions on both parks for taking 2 boys?
Oh no!
Here it comes!
You are going to get ALOT of responses to this post and it will ultimatly turn into a Disney v Universal thread!
Anyway, beating everybody else to it, either would be fine, but I am leaning more towards Disney for two reasons: 1. I am bias towards Disney and 2. Your four year old son will probably enjoy Disney more.
I come from a family of all boys (there are three of us, 21, 17, and 14). We have been going to Disney World all the time and we still like it. At one point we were around your sons' ages and we enjoyed Disney World more than Universal. Of course at that age, IOA did not exsist. Still, going with Disney is a safe bet that both of your sons would have a good time. Not that Universal doesn't have things for a 4 year old, but there is more for him to go on at Disney World. Also, Disney has all of this Pirates of the Carribean stuff going on so both of the boys might enjoy that.
So I am going to say Disney. If you read my posts before, you would see I am pretty Pro-Disney. I am guessing that paticular individuals will be comming around soon and say Universal. Whichever you chose, you can't go wrong!
From Erik Yates
Posted December 9, 2006 at 7:09 PM
You will get a lot of people saying dont do Universal because they have nothing but thrill rides and coasters. They have two large coasters at IOA and a tower ride. Now you have to ask yourself, what are your sons like? Do they enjoy animated movies and Pixar films more or do they like super heroes, dinosaurs, magical creatures and some popular movies?
Thats what you're going to have to base your choice on. Disney has loads to do...thats for sure. But Universal has equal amounts. Personally I'd say take three days total. Do one day at Magic Kingdom, and two at Universal...and stay on site at Universal. Even though I'm biased I am not going to turn this into a disney vs. Universal thread.
If you do one day at Magic Kingdom....you satisfy your kids wants for the "magic" that disneyphiles say it provides. Then you have two days to explore every nook and cranny at Universal and Islands. Your kids seem like they are too young to take in Epcot, experience thrills at MGM and will most likely get bored with lack of rides at AK.
Very good Erik!
I too think thats the best course of action.
However, AK is a Zoo and kids tend to like zoos, not to mention the Festival of the Lion King!
Also MGM has Playhouse Disney stuff!
For the "all" factor, MK is the best bet! Universal does have ET and Seussland. Can't go wrong with those!
But yeah, if you really really can do it, do both areas, Disney and Universal!
I agree with Erik and Anthony, though if you have to choose one park, choose IOA, then you can be one of the many Universal fans!
With all that said, I still think she should go to Disney World. It just makes more sense.
From Erik Yates
Posted December 14, 2006 at 3:06 PM
Sense to you, because you are a disney head....but we forgive you.
Same to you Erik :)
Makes more sense?! No it doesn't!
Ah, Mr. Walker! There you are! I thought you disappeared :)
For kids that age, it makes more sense to go to Disney World and you know it. If the 8 year old was the youngest, then maybe Universal would be better, but she has a four year old! Disney World is better for now!
Also, your favorite thing is at Disney World isn't it? Disneyquest??
I think it depends on the kids taste. Without knowing, I'd say Disney World. But does the kid love Spidey? How about Dr. Seuss? Those things are relevant.
I did disappear, just not for long...
I was mainly waiting for responses for my recent article but now I guess that isn't going to happen. Anyway, yes, I suppose Disney would be great for a child that age, but in time he will inevitably join the many universal fans!
Just like you, (maniacal laughter) mwa ha ha ha ha...
(Though yes, I admit that Disneyquest is my 2nd favorite attraction, after IOA of course!)
From Erik Yates
Posted December 18, 2006 at 3:06 PM
I need to do disney quest soon. They are supposed to be closing it in Jan. to make way for the ESPN. I just want to go for the old school game section.
Better hurry Erik, it's one of the best things in Disney right now!
By the way, what's ESPN?
From Erik Yates
Posted December 19, 2006 at 10:44 AM
The sports network that disney owns. They are going to make DQ into some kind of sportscenter type deal....so the rumor goes.
Yeah, they are making into a place called ESPN Zone. We have one in Chicago. It used to be next to our own Disneyquest before it closed down. It is a resturant/gaming place. Its a good move for Disney, but they definatly have the space and the resources to build it somewhere else in Downtown Disney. I see it being quite successful, but I will miss Disneyquest. Yes, go for to old school games! They have a bunch. The park was a great concept, but Disney didn't expand on it well enough. Maybe the Walkers and I like it so much because it is for around our age group (teen and young adult).
From Erik Yates
Posted December 20, 2006 at 2:20 PM
The one reason that I never went to it is because it costs almost as much as a theme park to gain admission to. I want to do it just once before it closes.....but its going to come at a bad time as we are so engulfed with Christmas.
If they would have kind of just made that a resturant with killer games, kind of like Dave and Busters....then it might work out a lot better. The ESPN thing is not one thing I'll do, I know that for sure.
Its like Dave and Busters except with all sports game.
And you are right, it is pretty expensive to get into DQ
Yeah, I would agree with you on that Anthony.
Oh Misty, I forgot to mention, go to IOA!
From Jon F
Posted January 4, 2007 at 12:14 AM
IOA has a bunch of attractions for kids to do. Go to some fan sites of both Disney and Universal, and you can make the final decision. I highly recommend:
DiscoverUniversalStudios.com
Universal-Excitement.com
IOA-A bunch of attractions
Magic Kingdom-ALL Attractions (except the Mountains)
Also they are probably into the Mickey Mouse/Character Phase based on their ages.
Go to Magic Kingdom this time and leave IOA for another trip!
No way.....there is plenty of stuff to do at IOA....that would be the place to explore for the family. I think this trip already happened....and as always...no follow through.
But Also WDW has more attractions I would Reccomend WDW and in WDW I will reccomend Magic Kingdom and it has an good atmosphere,you wouldn't want your kids going on all of those Stomach Busters.
Stomach Busters? Yeah, because One Fish Two Fish, and Pterradon flyers will make you so sick....unlike those teacups, and the orbiter thing. How about Space Mountain...got back problems? You will.. Javion..really, at least go to a park before you criticize it..At least Anthony has some backings for his bias.
In defense of Jav., IOA does have Stomach Busters such as the Hulk and Dueling Dragons and such. So he was right (in a way). Also, I, nor anybody in my family have ever been really injured on any attraction, Disney or Universal and we go a ton. The worst is that my dad got a little sick on Mission Space. However, he was fine after a few minutes. And no, we are not THAT healthy.So no injury to my family on Space Mountain, but it also depends on the person. Sorry, I am getting off track.........
But he should have also elaborated on it as well. IOA, great as it is, does have some extreme rides that are definatly NOT for little kids. Disney has those kinds of rides too, but not at the Magic Kingdom. One of my favorite rides at MK was Alien Encounter since it was so unique and scary in its own scary way, but Disney took it out because it was too "extreme" (yeah, whatever). Disney's extreme rides are mostly at MGM and EPCOT, not Magic Kingdom. IOA does have Seuss Landing and other stuff for kids, but I consider it more for an older crowd. Thats not saying that kids do not enjoy IOA, but when compared to Magic Kingdom, its not too much of a comparision. For even the most timid child, the only attractions that I could see them having a problem with (as being extreme) is the three mountains and Stitch. However, if they show any inkling of more courage, Thunder Mountain is doable for a young child. My family and I love IOA, but we are also much older. Yes, we spend the least amount of time at Magic Kingdom, but we go there to feel like a kid again. Magic Kingdom is made for the little kids. Thats why its there. Thats why EPCOT is so boring to kids and MGM has probably the two most thrilling attractions in Disney World. If you have little kids, go to Magic Kingdom, if not, IOA is on the table in my opinion.
Also why is everybody making IOA the kid friendly park? I always considered USF having more stuff for the kids to do. But what do i know?
So the main question here was where to to take their very young kids. People complain and Universal has placed ads calling Magic Kingdom "too kiddie".
I would like to hear what she decided.
From Gareth H
Posted January 6, 2007 at 10:07 AM
I'm baaaaaaaaaack. So who missed me??
OK, IOA and USF have lots for youngsters, def take them!
I suppose I'll show my face on TPI again for another UNI vs DIS discussion...
Well, during my "hiatus" of sorts, I took a trip to WDW to get back in touch with my "inner child" and all I can say is WOW, very impressive! Relax Erik, relax Gareth, I'm still very much pro-Universal and I wont give up my annual passes for anything, but I will give credit where it's due (that's right Anthony). Disney is still simply the best vacation destination for families of all ages, so as for this thread I say take your 4 and 8 yr olds to WDW, if you have the time and money, definitely try to make it to Universal Orlando as well, for Universal has a ton of family oriented entertainment to offer as well, but NOBODY is as family friendly as Disney...
Soon I'll post a trip report from my post-Thanksgiving visit to WDW.
Gareth,Any word as to when they're bringing back Universal 360? Still the greatest pyro display I've seen to date.
From Gareth H
Posted January 7, 2007 at 6:13 PM
Chris, they brought it back for Christmas. I was very disappointed. It was the exact same show as summer. I guess most guests don't get to see itquite as often I some do (Me!!!) so it was nice for them to see it at Christmas.
Working on I-Drive I managed to hear a few comments about it from tourists and all loved it, so it's definately a keeper. Obviously it needs to be updated for this summer.
Now, do you think they can adapt it for Mardi Gras???
They will have it for Mardi Gras, that is pretty much confirmed. Though I dont think they'll invest in a film just for Mardi Gras. They did for HHN, but really...could you call that a great show?
And Chris....shame on you. BLASPHEMER!! j/k
Our AP's to disney expired, and while we are not going to renew them (too tired of it, and the crowds....and too poor to shell out another 1200 bucks) we did enjoy it quite a bit....especially EPCOT during the holidays. I really wanted to do another episode of IOACentral Radio from EPCOT and get more of the Holidays around the World stories...Just had other commitments.
But this thread......do MK if it hasnt been done...if it has, then do IOA and USF. WE WANT FOLLOW THROUGH!!! DO A TRIP REPORT!
LOL...I missed this site.
So, did they use the globes during HHN for another show?
I would like to see them used for HHN, Mardi Gras, etc.
From Gareth H
Posted January 7, 2007 at 9:45 PM
HHN 360 show was kinda weird.
They had some great clips on it and really used the projector's well on the wall. THey had dripping blood, the main charactors, all good stuff, but it ended without letting you know it had ended. Everyone stood there asking each other if it was over. BUT, great use though! THey haven't actually deflated the "movie balls" since they were put up either.......
But with Mardi Gras, perhaps they could broadcast the singers/bands on to it live to ease congestion around the ever popular stage area!!!
Simply put:
Your kids are too young to derive full enjoyment out of Universal Studios. Minimum of ten years old for Universal. Stick with Disney. If they've never been before, Magic Kingdom should be your one and only stop.
Get a life Eric. My kids are 5 and 9 and my daughter gets mad when we decide to go to Universal over disney. Simply put...raise your kids right ;)
If you want to see what the show was for HHN, they have it at hallowenhorrornights.com its one of the behind the scenes vids, and essentially it was supposed to be the commercial...or soemthing. I have no real clue.
From Gareth H
Posted January 8, 2007 at 2:01 PM
or go to www.youtube.com and search for ukfloridafun as a video poster and view it there (in 2 parts) ...
No need to get personal, Erik. I still think it's ten minimum. Every kid is different, and there's got to be some under-10 demographic somewhere for kids that love Universal over Disney, but just because your kids love it, doesn't mean other kids love it, too.
I was terrified of Kong and E.T. when I was their age. And I don't have kids. Never will.
It works the other way too Eric. Just because you were scared at that age, doesnt mean every kid will be. There are a lot of kids, especially boys, who are thrilled at the prospect of seeing their favorite super hero or a cute alien from another planet....and SHREK! Speaking as a parent, I do have to say that you know your own kids, and have to judge the best you can on what you think they can handle. My son got scared to death on Stitch at MK, but loved Mummy....its not a demographic thing...its a kid thing. Not being a parent, you probably arent the best judge of that.
Yes,I must say Stitch is a bit scary but you don't your kids dropping down 80ft.
You are probably right that it is a kid thing, but I think a majority of kids would be scared of both the Mummy and Stitch. Your son is the exception. I think I was the same way too that I was scared of Jaws, but would go on Alien Encounter (not anymore, but when I was younger).
At the ages she said her kids were, they, in my opinion, are still slightly too young for IOA. Sure, there are things to do, but they could go on more things at Magic Kingdom than they ever could at IOA because MK was made from kids. Univesal keeps blasting the TV with ads that they are "more adult" than Disney. They said it. Its fine if they want to be known as the park of thrills and older kids, but Disney prides itself of children rides. If the younger one was 8, I would say maybe, but how much of the Universal stuff do you think the four year old is familiar with?
Youre right Anthony if you go Isle of Adventure there wouldn't be much things for youre young child to do but if you go to MK there will more thing for both of them especally Splash Mountain.
They have two creature shows.Youre oldest will like Stitch,and right across the sidewalk there is Monster Inc.:Laugh floor comedy Club.Plus there will be more thing for both ages to do at MK.
The oldest may not like Stitch. And Monsters Inc is not open.....it sucked, so they closed it, and they are revamping it.
are you telling the truth
Shocked that you would insinuate that I would be lying...what reason would I have?
But take this:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-monsters2806dec28,0,3651653.story?coll=orl-business-headlines
Orlando Sentinel...honest to goodness newspaper.
Lucky you that you went on before!
This must be really bad if they need to change it based on test audiences.
Anybody hearing about the movie "Meet the Robinsons"? Its a time machine movie, he goes to the future....hmmmmmmm that might have worked better!
I read it youre right,and i'm not insulting you.
From Erik Yates
Posted January 10, 2007 at 3:30 PM
I call it as I see it Javion. And yes, the Monsters Inc was Turtle Talk with Mike and Sully. It was terrible. All the jokes were corny and just bleh.
Meet the Robinsons would have been a better choice, though I dont foresee it being as huge a hit as Monsters was. It will be this years Chicken Little, meaning that it will be disney, it will do loads of money...but it will be complete and utter crap. I hope I'm wrong, because I love the T-Rex in that movie.
Yeah the dinosaur is funny,but then that really sucks because they should of did the other Monster Inc.Attraction in disneyland.
From Erik Yates
Posted January 12, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Common thing I hear about that one is "unoriginal copy of Limo ride with a new paint job"
I'm telling you man, reinstall the skycab with the Doors from the movie...make it a magnetic system above the park and have it haul ASS! Throw in some dark ride elements to it and theres you killer awesome Monsters ride. You can even take it over to the current location for monsters inc...the old building, over the peoplemover would be awesome for a dark ride area.
Your Right.
I am a Disney nut and just got back from my first trip to Universal. I have 2 kids 7 & 9 and I would pick Disney any day of the week. I will probably not return to Universal for a long time. Universal was such a disappointment. I really liked hulk, spidey, dragons, and thought Suess Landing was great. But. Universal is inconsistant with their theming. Suess they did pretty good and were able to follow through but everythiing else was just a facade. The waiting cues were just lines with a picture or short video here or there. Also it wasn't as clean as Disney (or Busch) and the Studios were so dated we didn't even care. Take your kids to Disney and enjoy true Disney spirit and a trip they'll never forget. (Geez, I sound like a commercial) And for a quick note on the whole scary thing, Universal might be too scary but we all thought it was mostly flat out STUPID!!
From Erik Yates
Posted January 13, 2007 at 8:46 PM
Funny...you find it stupid, we find disney stupid....different strokes for different folks...especially the lack of themeing at IOA? Yeah....that one, not really making sense.
From Erik Yates
Posted January 13, 2007 at 8:49 PM
If you really have to choose, then look at your kids...dont listen to what a bunch of theme park nerds have to say. Are your kids into magic? Or are they up for an adventure? Mice or Super Heroes? You get the picture. There is plenty for families at IOA,especially for the little ones. Sure there is more at MK, but thats really because why? Its a bigger, older park that has just as many flaws as goods as IOA does. Dont listen to what die hard fans of Universal or disney, just listen to your kids.
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