Universal Orlando: Not Just for Thrill-Seeking Teens

Your visit begins at the Universal Orlando entrance plaza

Universal Orlando opened in 1990 with just one park — Universal Studios Florida. The second gated theme park, Islands of Adventure, opened in 1999. Located just down the road from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando has long been compared to its older sibling. The proximity of the two complexes has led to “fan wars,” with loyalists to one or the other claiming that their favorite is the best. While competition is great for keeping both locations on their toes, the fan rivalry has also led to some misconceptions. One of the most common is the idea that Universal is only suited to thrill-seeking teens.     

What Are Universal Orlando’s Two Theme Parks?

The Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue is a family-friendly rock and roll show

Universal Studios Florida is a movie-themed park divided into six uniquely themed areas. The park’s attractions are a mix of rides through scenes from popular films, and peeks behind the scenes at the process of moviemaking.     

Islands of Adventure is a madcap journey of exploration. The attractions take guests inside everything from the world of the Jurassic Park films to the Sunday comics, but the current focus is on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in June 2010. 

The Incredible Hulk coaster is fun for bigger kids

Isn’t Universal Just a Collection of Roller Coasters?

The whole family will love Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster

While popular opinion states that Universal is just a roller coaster park, the facts simply do not bear this out. Universal Studios Florida has three: The Revenge of the Mummy; Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit; and the child-friendly Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.     

Islands of Adventure technically has four: The Incredible Hulk; the two tracks of Dragon Challenge (formerly Dueling Dragons); and the Dragon Challenge Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly the Flying Unicorn). Walt Disney World has five roller coasters across its four theme parks, including one child-friendly coaster — Goofy’s Barnstomer at the Magic Kingdom. By contrast, Ohio’s Cedar Point, generally recognized as one of the top coaster parks in the country, has 17.     

Are There Dedicated Children’s Areas at Universal Orlando?

Climb the massive structure at Fievel's Playland

Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure offer themed lands specifically targeted to the younger set, although many older visitors enjoy them as well. At Universal, Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone features water play areas and a large soft foam ball room themed to Curious George. A massive climbing structure complete with a waterslide is themed to Fievel, star of the children’s American Tail films. A Day at the Park with Barney is a live-action show in this area starring the loveable purple dinosaur.     

At Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing is themed to the stories of Dr. Theodor “Seuss” Geisel. His widow has final approval rights for every element in the land, from the rides and attractions to the curved trees (rescued from South Florida after 1992’s Hurricane Andrew). All rides and shows, from the whimsical Caro-Seuss-El to the Cat in the Hat dark ride, are designed for parents and children to enjoy together.     

Ride a whimsical animal on the CaroSeussel

Tell Me About Harry Potter  

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a brand-new land in Islands of Adventure. In May 2007, Universal announced that it had received the worldwide exclusive theme park rights to the popular series. In June 2010, the new land opened to the public. The designs and construction process were carefully overseen by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter novels. The result is a fully-immersive, highly accurate tour of the Wizarding World. From Hogwart’s Castle to Zonko’s Joke Shop, all of the most iconic locations are carefully recreated.     

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey utilizes a new technology based on a robotic arm to put visitors closer to the action than ever before. The 48-inch height requirement prevents the smallest kids from riding, and parents should be aware that your kids will confront realistic-looking spiders, Dementors and other potentially scary things. If your kids are too small or not quite brave enough, take them to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeer, or go shopping for a wand at Ollivander’s and candy from Honeyduke’s while the older family members take in the ride.     

What Can We All Do Together?     

Many of the best attractions at both parks are appropriate for the entire family. On E.T. Adventure, located at Universal Studios Florida, your adventure begins in one of the most immersive queues ever created as you wind your way through a pine forest dotted with props from the film. Then board your bicycle seat for a flight to E.T.’s home planet. Pay close attention at the end for a special surprise! Jaws, Jimmy Neutron’s Nick Toon Blast, Shrek 4-D and Disaster! are among Universal Studios Florida’s most popular attractions without height restrictions.     

At Islands of Adventure, no-height restriction attractions include Poseidon’s Fury, the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Pteranodon Flyers offers a spectacular overhead view of Jurassic Park, and adults must be accompanied by a child between 36 and 56 inches tall.     

Island of Adventure's Port of Entry is your launching pad to adventure

What About Special Events?    

Universal Orlando fills its annual calendar with special events and festivals, making it likely that your visit will coincide with one. Mardi Gras is a family-friendly spring party with parades, beads and special foods that kids of all ages generally enjoy. The Pteranodon Flyers features a lineup of currently popular bands and oldies acts, while the fall Rock the Universe festival is a two-day lineup of Christian bands. During the holidays, families can enjoy the Macy’s Holiday Parade, featuring balloons brought directly from New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Grinchmas, featuring the characters from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.     

Only one annual event is decidedly not appropriate for young children. During Halloween Horror Nights, one or both parks are transformed at night into a fright fest featuring multiple haunted houses and street scare zones. The event is rated PG-13, and the atmosphere is oriented toward teens and adults. Some kids begin attending around the age of 10, while others are not ready until their early teens. Make sure your children have attended several local haunts before trying Halloween Horror Nights, which is regularly rated one of the top two Halloween events in the country. While some props and set pieces are visible during the day, the event is held exclusively at night, and requires a separate admission ticket. You will not accidentally catch Halloween Horror Nights if you visit the parks as a day guest during its run.

About the Author: Lisa is a full-time travel writer. She lives in an RV with her disabled father and writes about their experiences. Although she has no children of her own, Lisa loves being an Aunt to her own relatives and the children of all her friends. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Travel Confessions.