Planning a vacation with small children can be both exciting and challenging. You want to create lasting memories while ensuring that everyone in the family has a great time. If you’re considering a vacation at Universal Orlando Resort with young children, you’re in for a treat!
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
With its magical blend of thrilling rides, beloved characters, and family-friendly attractions, Universal Orlando offers a fantastic vacation experience for families with young children. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and recommendations for making the most of your visit to theme parks with little ones in tow.
First, be sure to read: Unveiling the Magic: The Best of Universal Studios Theme Park Destinations to guide you through the excitement and adventure of taking a Universal based vacation!
Choose the Right Time to Visit
When planning a trip with small children, timing is crucial. Consider visiting during the off-peak season when the parks are less crowded. As a travel planner that specializes in Universal Theme Park vacations, I would suggest late August to October, or January through March. This allows you to navigate the attractions more easily and reduces wait times. You want your vacation to Universal Orlando with young children to be easy peasy.
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
Additionally, keeping an eye on the weather can help you plan your days accordingly, ensuring your family stays comfortable throughout your visit.
Stay at an On-Site Universal Resort Hotel
Staying at one of Universal on-site hotels has numerous advantages, especially when traveling with young children. These hotels offer convenient access to the parks, allowing you to take advantage of early park admission and avoid transportation hassles.
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
Moreover, premier level hotels on-site provide exclusive benefits like complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes, which let you skip the regular lines at most attractions, saving you time and minimizing tantrums.
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Universal Orlando resort hotels also have family suite options with separate bedroom spaces. Universal’s prime value resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, is built for family fun with amenities like a bowling alley on site and an exciting resort pool. Lastly, Universal’s preferred category hotel, Loew’s Sapphire Falls feels like a Caribbean escape, while the Endless Summer value category hotels are budget friendly.
Take Advantage of Child-Friendly Attractions
Universal Orlando Resort offers a wide array of attractions suitable for children of all ages. Some must-visit areas for young children include:
a) Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Seuss Landing – Immerse yourself in the magical world of Dr. Seuss with attractions like The Cat in the Hat, Caro-Seuss-el, and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. The colorful and whimsical settings will delight your little ones.
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
b) Universal Studios Florida: Recently Universal Destinations announced the DreamWorks Land will open the summer of 2024 in place of Woody Woodpecker’s Kids Zone. This new land will feature DreamWorks characters such as Shreck, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls. The land will have meet and greets, splash zones and interactive play for young ones and the older guests who love them!
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
*As of the date of this article, KidZone is temporarily under refurbishment. The E.T. adventure is still open for guests.
c) Universal’s Volcano Bay: Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef – These interactive play areas provide a safe and fun water play experience for younger children. Let them splash around and enjoy the water features while you relax nearby.
Utilize Child Swap and Single Rider Lines
Universal Orlando Resort offers a child swap program that allows parents to take turns experiencing attractions without having to wait in line twice. One parent can wait with the child while the other rides, and then they can switch without having to queue again. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the thrills while minimizing waiting time.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with older children or have a child who meets the height requirements for certain rides, take advantage of single rider lines. These lines are typically shorter, and although your party may be split up, it can save you significant waiting time.
Family Friendly Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort
Families visiting the Universal Theme Parks are top of the priority list. There are a multitude of experiences that are family friendly at this resort including the Minions Experience, which is currently being expanded, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and live entertainment.
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Cast a spell with your interactive wand inside both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village at The Wizarding World. Minions Mayhem is a family friendly simulator where you are transformed into a minion on an adventure with Gru and his daughters.
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
Meanwhile, live entertainment will have you dancing in the streets with characters and performers around the property. Stop and enjoy the shows!
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Plan for Rest and Nap Times
Vacations can be exhausting, especially for young children. Be sure to plan for breaks and rest times throughout the day. Universal Orlando Resort provides ample shaded seating areas, designated relaxation zones, and quiet corners where you can take a breather.
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
Take advantage of these spaces to recharge and allow your little ones to nap if needed. You’ll find that everyone will have more energy and enthusiasm for the rest of the day.
Vacationing with small children at Universal Orlando is a magical experience that can create lifelong memories for your family. By choosing the right time to visit, staying at an on-site hotel, and planning your experiences, you can have the most amazing family friendly vacation yet!
If you are interested in a trip to Universal Orlando Resort with your family or friends, reach out to DizN Vacations and get a free no obligation quote for your trip. You can also email me using the link below to discuss your plans.
Questions? Thoughts? Leave your comments below!
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