Ten things to do with kids at Universal Orlando Resort: the best rides to go on and the best shows to see when you travel with your kids to Universal Orlando
Are you going to Universal Orlando Resort with your kids? Is this your first time with added family members, of the young sort, to take into consideration? Theme park vacations are really the perfect option for families., and I want to make sure you get all the information you need to plan the perfect theme park vacation.
Big theme park resorts have something to offer the whole family, and this includes the Universal Studios parks. I already told you about which parks you should visit, now what do you do at the park? This post will help you find the top ten things to do with your kids in Universal Orlando Resort.
Nobody knows your kids like you do, and for sure your kids are different than mine. My kids are tiny still, and bigger rides are just out of the question. We all want to enjoy the parks, so my husband and I did a lot of “Child Swapping” – where one spouse goes on the ride while the other stays with the kids, and then they swap. But, if your kids are like my kids, they won’t take being handed back and forth, they will want to ride their own rides, go to their own places, possibly make a lot of trouble, throw a tantrum, encourage stares from innocent bystanders, and then want chocolate.
The first battle to going to the kiddie rides is knowing that there are kiddie rides, and kiddie spaces, and lands. Universal really does get a bad rep, and it’s pretty unfair. Two pieces of advice before we start:
1. Get express passes! The less line waiting, the more cooperative are the kids
2. Remember you are travelling with kids! The days where you could wear crappy flipflops, eat junk, and ride a rollercoaster 20 times are over (at least for now, on this trip). Make sure you pack accordingly for the day, bring extra clothes, and comfy shoes, and note that a lot of these kids rides have water, so you’ll probably get wet too.
I give you:
10 things to do with kids at Universal Orlando Resort:
#10 Seuss Landing: Islands of Adventure
Seuss Landing is an area dedicated to Dr. Seuss’s books. The land actually encompasses rides, stores, and even a restaurant. This land is dedicated to children and you can really feel how child-friendly it is. My favorite attraction is If I Ran the Zoo. It’s an interactive playground and a nice stop for children to run around freely.
There’s a restaurant, open seasonally, that you can order GREEN EGGS AND HAM at. This is the only real kids place at Islands of Adventure, and you really feel like you’re in a Dr. Seuss book!
#9 A Day in the Park with Barney: Universal Studios
What kid doesn’t love Barney? This attraction is nice not only because you get to sit in an air conditioned theater for a bit, but you also get to meet Barney after the show. The show has your kid’s favorite songs from Barney, a really cute and well designed preshow area, and all of your kids favorite Barney characters. So they’ll like it…and you’ll like it because you get sit down for awhile…You can find this attraction at the Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone.
This show can be super popular, we had to stand in line, and there are lines especially while waiting for a show, so make sure you get times of the performances so you can prevent some of the angsty toddler syndrome. Another thing to know is that Barney only stands around for about 15 minutes after the show.
#8 Fievel’s Playland: Universal Studios Florida
This playland is based on the classic films An American Tail and Fievel Goes West. Children can jump, climb, roll and bounce in an outdoor playground equipped with props inspired by the movies. What’s cute about the playground equipment is the scale. Everything is oversized and that’s a fun feeling for the kids. There is a waterslide, it’s made for a couple of people at a time, and there is usually a long line, just so you know.
#7 Curious George Goes to Town: Universal Studios Florida
My daughters find a kindred spirit in Curious George,and if your kids are like mine, this will be a great stop for the kiddos – it has images from the book, some events, and water. We all know how much kids love getting wet, and how much we love reinforcing their love for classic literature. It’s a cute set, made from George’s point view.
#6 ET Adventure: Universal Studios Florida
ET may be before our children’s time, but it’s a classic, and a necessary part of the indoctrination into childhood and Universal Studios appreciation. This classic ride goes with ET back home, and it’s a nice way to get your kids to love a movie we all grew up with.
It’s the only official ET sequel, so that makes it a special experience for you. Also, something your kids will love, you give the ride your name to a Spielberg Assitant, and at the end of the ride, an animotronic ET says your name!
#5 Flight of the Hippogriff – Islands of Adventure
I am a Harry Potter nerd and this was a pretty mild roller coaster, so those of us who are scared of the big drops (GUILTY!), this coaster is pretty manageable. It was nice to pretend I was Harry…and riding into the sunset…*sigh* but, really, this is a really sweet roller coaster and a nice way to give back to the kiddies for all of their patience watching their fan girl mom downing Butterbeer and waving a magic wand.
#4 Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – Islands of Adventure
This wasn’t so much for my family but I felt like it should be in here. I have two small girls, so this wasn’t their scene, but my nephews (who are also a bit older, and taller: 40″+) loved it and couldn’t have enough. You follow Spidey on an adventure to save the Statue of Liberty. Very important stuff.
#3 Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster: Universal Studios Florida
Riding this coaster is the equivalent to helping your kid take their first steps. You can take pretty young kids (36″ is the height minimum) and it’s a pretty mild roller coaster.
#2 Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Universal Studios Orlando
First of all, you can never have enough of the Minions. That’s a fact. While this 3-D ride isn’t for the younger of the youngins (40″ height limit), it’s a good time. The ride has it’s own storyline developed especially for the ride, and after your done, there is an interactive dance party with the minions themselves.
#1 Shrek 4-D: Universal Studios
Okay, so this is number one because, well, Shrek. I really like this show. Its a nice theater with a special Shrek movie made for the ride. The visual effects are really nice, and honestly, it was just a good experience. I also (if you couldn’t tell) like to take a sitting break, and this was a good stop off.
Going to Universal Studios Resort in Orlando can be a great family vacation option. I think Universal gets a lot of flack for not being kid friendly enough, and I think it’s a real misnomer. The whole family can really get a lot of out a trip to Universal.
Enjoy your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, and make sure to come back and tell me how it was!
As always, if you have any questions, feedback, or even if you think I should add on to the list, let me know!
