Universal Orlando is where your favorite movies and superheroes come to life right in front of your eyes! The Incredible Hulk, Marvel Superheroes, Harry Potter, and so many more of our favorite characters are just waiting for you at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure.
And while Universal may be hailed as a “park for older kids”, there are still plenty of great options for those in your family that are on the younger side!
Today, I am sharing with you my tips for traveling to Universal Orlando with younger kids. With some good planning and reasonable expectations, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure can be a really fun vacation for your family.
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1. Know the Height Requirements
One of my first tips for families with younger children, is to know the height requirements. Universal has quite a strict height requirement for many of their attractions. And while this can seem limiting, it really is for safety purposes.
Do your research ahead of time, and check the height requirements so you can set reasonable expectations for you and your child before you arrive.
2. Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade with Small Kids
Don’t miss Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade. Diagon Alley is impressive, no matter what age! Harry Potter is so popular with all ages, and everyone will love it! In Diagon Alley you will find the Escape from Gringotts, which is great for most everyone in your family. Secondly, the shops are impressive. Keep your eye on the windows for animated and moving decor!
Honeydukes is a fun place to stop and shop, plus you can get a Butterbeer. There are so many fun photo spots in Diagon Alley as well. Plus, your family can board the Hogwarts Express and head over to Hogsmeade after Diagon Alley.
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Another great adventure for those nine and younger is the wand ceremony at Ollivanders. You can find this on both sides of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a perfect attraction for everyone in your family, and don’t miss the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts. This evening show is AMAZING, and the perfect place to watch is from the bridge just outside of Hogwarts.
3. Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure
Traveling to Universal with kids nine and under is the perfect time to enjoy Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, as well. Soon they won’t want to go to that section of the park! I also think this area of the park allows you to have a lot of fun as a whole family. There are other areas where you may need to part ways, or do something with the older kids while the younger enjoy a play area or a snack. So Seuss Landing gives you the opportunity to feel as if you are right in the middle of your favorite Dr. Seuss stories!
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Some of our favorites are the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, One Fish-Two Fish-Red Fish-Blue Fish, and the Caro-Seuss-el. Seuss Landing also has some fun photo spots and shops as well.
Plus, you can meet the Cat in the Hat! I love this area, because it is a place where everyone in your family can recognize their favorite characters and have fun together!
4. Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure
One thing many guests do not realize is that the Pteranodon Flyers has a maximum height requirement. Yes! Guests need to be UNDER 48 inches tall.
Guests who are over 56 inches need to be accompanied by a guest who is under 48 inches! So this is an excellent attraction for those who are not quite ready for the giant attractions, and allows you to give your child a little independence as you watch them fly around in the sky with their favorite dinosaur!
5. More Rides and Shows for Young Kids
There is also plenty of entertainment for your younger child in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando. Despicable Me-Minion Mayhem, the Escape through New York with Jimmy Fallon, and Shrek 4D are just a few of the great experiences for your family.
There is also the Superstar Parade each day, as well as Cinematic Celebration at night.
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6. Meet and Greets Young Kids will Love
Another thing I really think is fun at Universal is the character meet and greets. Even if you have a child too young to ride Transformers, he or she can meet Optimus Prime, or sometimes Bumblebee, right outside the attraction!
There is also the opportunity for the Marvel Superhero dining experience on Marvel Superhero Island. Hello Kitty, Shrek, Spongebob, and many of your favorite characters have meet and greet opportunities throughout the day. It’s fantastic.
7. Child Swap System at Universal Orlando
Keep in mind, that Universal Orlando has set up a fantastic Child Swap System, if you find yourself wanting to enjoy some of the more intense experiences. Child Swap allows you to wait in line as a family.
As you approach the boarding area, you can take your younger child to a comfortable room to wait while the rest of your family enjoys the attraction. When they disembark, the second adult can board the attraction right away without waiting.
Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure can make a great family vacation destination for all ages. Your family can have an epic adventure, and enjoy the parks, even if you have a child on the younger side. What are your favorite things to do at Universal and Islands of Adventure with younger children?
