Yes, your entire family can have a great time at Universal Orlando!
It has long been considered as the Theme Park to go to when you have "outgrown" Disney. It is known for it's intense rides, action and adventure. But the truth is, Universal offers lots of options for the younger crowds as well. It is not just for the tweens, teens and so on.
Meet & Greets
There are over 30 Meet and Greets throughout Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. These include:
Marvel Super Heroes and Villains
Despicable Me Characters
Dr. Seuss Characters
Dreamworks Trolls
Scooby Doo and the Gang
SpongeBob and Friends
Raptor Encounter
The Simpsons
Hello Kitty
Dora, Boots and Diego
Kung Fu Panda
Transformers
and so much more...
Character Dining
There are also multiple Character Dining Opportunities such as:
Marvel Character Dining
Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
Marvel Character Dinner allows you to eat among heroes in Universal's Islands of Adventure while enjoying a dinner buffet at Cafe4. Hero's could include Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue.
Play Areas
There are also several play areas through out both parks for the littles to run around and explore.
Universal Studios Florida has a new area under construction and we can not wait to see all the new features it promises.
Islands of Adventure offers 4 separate areas:
Me Ship
The Olive
If I Ran the Zoo
Camp Jurassic
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
And let's not forget Volcan Bay that offers 2 areas:
Tot Tiki Reef
Runamukka Reef
Shows & Parades
There are also so many shows and parades for the younger guests to enjoy. These include:
Frog Choir
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Ollivanders
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Oh! The Stories You'll Hear
Animal Actors on Location
Universal Horror Make-Up Show
The Bourne Stuntacular
The Blues Brothers Show
As well as seasonal offerings such as:
Dark Arts Light Projection Experience at Hogwarts Castle
Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
Mannheim Steamroller Concerts
Rides
Universal Theme Parks offers 7 rides with no height requirement. 1 with a 34" height requirement and 5 more with a 36" height requirement. That is 13 rides that anyone 3' and under can ride, which is an average 3 year old.
These rides include:
No Height Requirement:
Hogwart Express
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
Caro-Seuss-el
Storm Force Acceleration
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Koniko Wai Winder River (Volcano Bay)
34" Height Requirement:
E.T. Adventure
36" Height Requirement:
The Cat in the Hat
Flight of the Hippogriff
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Skull Island: Reign of Kong (more intense)
Pteranodon Flyers (36" to 56" - if you are over 56" you need someone 36" to 56" to ride)
Add 4 more inches and 6 more rides become available. Keep in mind that these rides are starting to get a little more adventurous...
40" Height Requirement:
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Fast & Furious - Supercharged
The Simpson Ride
Transformers: The Ride-3D
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Now at 42" the rides are absolutely becoming more intense. So like with any ride, parent and guardian discretion always rules. But with these guides you can see how many options there are for children of all heights and mindsets.
42" Height Requirement:
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
44" Height Requirement:
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
48" Height Requirement:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Revenge of the Mummy
Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure
51" Height Requirement:
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
52" Height Requirement:
Doctor Doom's Fearfall
54" Height Requirement:
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Family Rooms & Child Swap
When it is time to ride those rides that the younger children can not, Universal offers Family Rooms for their Child Swap Program. These are available at most ride locations, ask a staff member if you do not see one. They all have air conditioning and a TV.
Family Room and Child Swapping allows one member of your party to wait with the child or children who are not riding while other members of the party enjoy the ride. When the first group of those riding are finish they simply switch places so the second group can then ride without waiting in line.
First Aid Stations
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure both have 2 First Aid Stations, one in the front and one in the back of the parks. Volcano Bay also has one at the front of the park.
It is also good to note that all stations can accommodate medications that require refrigeration.
Family Restrooms are located through out all 3 Theme Parks.
Baby Care / Nursing Facilities are available at Health Services.
Strollers are available to rent for a per day rate. As are wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles.
All restaurants offer Kid Friendly Options on their menus.
What About the Resorts?
The Loews Resorts offer complimentary nightlights and family guides at the front desk. Cribs are available as well as baby bath amenity kits in case you need anything. There is also Babysitting Services available for an additional fee and advanced reservations made with the hotel concierge.
All pools have poolside recreation as well as games for all ages.
Complimentary swim diapers at select locations are also available in case those were the one thing you forgot to pack.
Kid's Suites
A select few hotels offer Themed Kid's Suites for an extra special experience!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
There are 18 Despicable Me Kids' Suites that accommodate 5 guests. There is a separate children's room that opens up ONLY to the adult's room. These are approx. 650 square feet.
Hard Rock Hotel
There are 14 Future Rock Star Kids Suites that accommodate 5 guests. 2 of them are located on the Club Level. There is a separate children's room that opens up ONLY to the adult's room. These are approx. 800 square feet.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
There are 8 Jurassic World Kids Suites that accommodate 5 guests. There is a separate children's room that opens up ONLY to the adult's room. These are approx. 670 square feet.
These suites are very popular! You might even have a hard time getting them out of the room!
Splash Zones
Cabana Bay, Hard Rock, Aventura, Portofino Bay and Sapphire Falls all offer Splash Zones or Kiddie Pools for the little travelers. Most resorts do have zero-entry pools for their larger pools but for some littles, that can be too overwhelming. If you need a separate area just for them be sure to focus on those resorts.
Universal truly does offer something for all ages and mindsets! Don't let the high intensity rides scare you away from enjoying a vacation there if you have younger children.
Hello! Thank you for stopping by!
Exploring far-off places and immersing in diverse cultures creates remarkable memories that connect us to the people we love most, in unique ways. It reminds us of how beautiful our world is
& the important lessons we can learn from traveling together.
With over 15 years of travel planning experience,
I have had the distinct privilege of helping numerous travelers
plan their dream vacations and experience those connections.
If you would like to become a part of our exclusive travel community, a mere click on the "Join Us" button above will grant you access. Anticipate bi-weekly correspondences from me, rich with captivating destinations and enriching travel experiences to elevate your travel adventures.
For additional inspiration, travel itineraries, and expert travel advice, just explore the menu bar above. Here, you'll find a selection of articles I've personally assembled to further ignite your love of travel.
I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Ready to embark on your dream adventure?
Your extraordinary vacation awaits! Click the link below to arrange your complimentary
15-minute travel consultation. We are here to transform your travel aspirations into reality.
Comments