Sure, you have been to Universal and totally know your way around. But then you had kids… And going to a theme park with kids is a completely different game. Our first thought was, what is there for little kids to do at Universal Orlando? In a way it is liberating- no need to stand in long lines or worry about going on the latest rides because your kids will be scared or don’t hit the required height. So, the day immediately is all about your little ones!
There are probably tons of guides for taking kids to Universal Orlando; For us, we find the most joy in not feeling rushed or stressed at the park. That can be a little challenging when you want to do all the things.
Here’s our checklist of things to have in place, and things to hit while you are there – because the last thing you want to do when your kids are having fun is tell them to stop because you have to be on time for the next thing.
Be Prepared
- Plant some seeds – Show the kids some YouTube videos of the park to get them excited about everything they can do there. Being able to see their faces light up when they see something they recognize is priceless! Plus it can help you gauge what they’re most excited about so you are sure to get there.
- Pack a bag – If you are like us, you probably have a baby bag with anything you possibly need in it when you’re out. Don’t bring that bag. Bring a bag that only has what you anticipate needing at the park that day: snacks, water (bottles), diapers, wipes, etc. Consider a poncho if it might rain or extra space in the bag to de-layer when it gets hot.
- Have a plan – Certain times are more popular than others for each of the attractions. Use a website like this one to map out your plan for the smoothest trip with little waiting around. For example, we knew we wanted to do the Minions ride, but also knew we should do it first thing because it would get busy fast. Otherwise we would have to wait until after lunch.
- Use a map – You probably know that both parks are built around a lagoon and you can take the Hogwarts express between the two. You can plan to move in a circular direction around each one to hit all the kid-friendly attractions. Our plan was to end the day in Suess Landing because we thought the kids would like it so much.
- Be flexible – Don’t make promises to the kids you can’t keep. We skipped a couple shows/rides because we weren’t sure the kids could handle them (like E.T.) or the timing didn’t work out.
Things to Do
Here is what our day looked like. Arriving when the park opens at 9am. There is seriously so much to do with kids; I had no clue. We also stopped for a bunch of snacks – like the giant Simpsons Doughnut! It was nonstop fun for the kids, and we didn’t even see all that we could have:
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Shrek 4-D – Meet Shrek outside the show if the timing works out!
- Fievel’s Playland – lots to climb on and play
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Curious George Goes To Town – a lot of water options for kids, bring a towel or change of clothes!
- A Day in the Park with Barney – a surprise hit for us, don’t miss the indoor playground
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – grab a giant pink sprinkle doughnut right next door!
- Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade – fun for the kids just to walk around and see all the decorations even if they are not really familiar with Harry Potter
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard Show
- Hogwarts Express – They were so excited to ride this train!
- Camp Jurassic playground – Another great space for kids to run around and climb on things
- Pteranodon Flyers – The line on this one was long, we skipped it. But it looks like a lot of fun for the kids.
- Me Ship, The Olive – Our kids loved shooting the water cannons at the passing boats!
- Meeting Superheroes – Know where to line up to meet the heroes you want to see! Spider-Man will be in the store.
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Caro-Seuss-el
- The Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
I was shocked that the day could be so full and fun for little ones. I am used to thinking of Universal Orlando as a park for older kids and grownups. So much attention is paid to the larger new roller coasters that all the fun stuff for little ones can be easily missed. Not only was it one of the best times I remember the kids having, it was really fun for us parents too.
