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January 13, 2017 by: Shell

Universal Studios Orlando with a Kindergartener

We visited Universal Orlando three summers in a row. My Universal Studios with Kids tips post continues to be a favorite around here. The last two times we visited, went went with one of The Soccer Moms families and this is my friend Jen’s take on the trip, as her youngest is younger than mine. It was originally posted over on The Soccer Moms in summer 2015, but am sharing here for those of you who may have missed it. -Shell

When we first talked about a vacation at Universal Orlando, friends who had gone raved about what a fun place it was for older kids due to the larger thrill rides and the themes of the various attractions.

Our older two, at 9 and 11, were tall enough for every ride and they loved the roller coasters at Universal Orlando.

But there was plenty to do for our kindergartener as well. If you’re thinking about heading to Universal Orlando with a younger child, I’ll share your best bets and what you should know to help plan your visit.

universal-orlando-with-kids

Universal Studios Florida

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (40″ to ride) This 3-D motion ride that turns riders into Minions is a favorite.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida USF Publicity Minon's take over Universal Orlando Resort UOR HRRR Mummy Toll Plaza Characters video and still shoot

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (42″ to ride) This is a 3-D roller coaster type of ride that does go into completely dark areas, so consider your child before going on this ride, but our kindergartener loved it.

This summer, guests can experience the next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – the signature attraction found in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando. Guests will become part of the iconic moment from the Harry Potter film series where Harry, Ron and Hermione break into Gringotts bank to retrieve a magical object that will help defeat Lord Voldemort. The groundbreaking attraction combines the most innovative technology ever created, 360-degree themed sets, 4K digital high-definition animation, state-of-the-art 3-D Infitec projection systems and live special effects with beloved characters and breathtaking moments from the final Harry Potter book and film. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. The new area will double the size of the sweeping land already found at Universal Orlando, expanding the spectacularly themed environment across both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/WizardingWorld. HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s14) © 2014 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

The Simpson’s Ride (40″ to ride) This motion ride was a little intense for the adults, but all the kids loved it.

The-Simpsons-Ride

Men in Black: Alien Attack (42″ to ride) Shoot aliens and rack up points as you go through this ride. The aliens part might make you think it’s scary, but it’s more cartoon-like than terrifying.

USF003

Fievel’s Playland Plenty to do in this area of the park, including a small waterslide on a raft where you might get a little damp, but not soaked

Animal Actors on Location Watch how animals are trained and perform in movies and on tv.

Also for the under 44″ set in Universal Studios Florida: Shrek 4D, Curious George Goes to Town, Universal’s Superstar Parade, E.T. Adventure, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse  Coaster, Transformers( a favorite with our older kids, but might be a little overwhelming for younger kids), Twirl ‘n Hurl

Islands of Adventure

Seuss Landing This island will probably be your kindergartener’s favorite. The rides: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish; The Cat in the Hat; Caro-Seuss-el, and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride(only ride in Seuss Landing with a height restriction: 40″). Plus, there’s the If I Ran the Zoo play area.

Seuss-Landing

Flight of the Hippogriff (36″ to ride) This was our kindergartener’s favorite ride between the two parks. It’s a small rollercoaster. If you go to the Hogwarts area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the hour before the park opens when guests staying on property are allowed into the park, your child can ride this over and over again with little to no wait.

Flight-of-the-Hippogriff

Pteranodon Flyers Fly through the sky on this ride. Adults may only ride if accompanied by a child 36-56″

Pteranodon-Flyers

Camp Jurassic This is another play area in the park, this one dinosaur themed. This is an area where your child may get wet.

Dudley Do­Right’s Ripsaw Falls (44″ to ride) You could get wet on this log ride, though not as soaked as on the Bilge Rat Barges.

Also for the under 44″ set in Islands of Adventure: Me Ship the Olive, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure (some scary dinosaurs in this one and you will get wet if you sit in the first row or two), The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man(similar to Transformers)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Take the Hogwarts Express between the two parks. Even if your child is too young to have read the books or seen the movies, these areas of the park are still magical. In addition to the rides, there are many shows to watch. Be sure to go into Ollivanders Wand Shop and watch the wand choosing ceremony and purchase an interactive wand that your child can use in designated areas to perform spells. Honeydukes is an amazing candy shop, Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes is a joke shop, and check out the Magical Menagerie for all the adorable animals.

wizarding-world-of-harry-potter

Height Certificate

If your child is too short for a certain ride, ask for a height certificate. When they are tall enough, they get to go to the very front of the line at that ride. Last year, our daughter was too short for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts but she used her height certificate to go to the front of the line with our whole family. Since this is one of the few rides where you can’t use your Express Pass, we were all happy to have had this with us!

height-certificate

Express Passes

No one really likes to wait in long ride lines, but it can be especially hard for the little ones. If you stay at one of the deluxe resorts on property (Loews Portofino Bay or Loews Royal Pacific or Hard Rock Hotel), your Express Passes are included with your stay for each day when you have park tickets.

Character Meet and Greets

Watch for these throughout the parks. If you’re looking for the Minions, they can be found in the dance area as you exit the Minion Mayhem ride during certain times of day.

the-lorax

My family attended Family Forward at Universal Orlando. With our paid conference fee, we received discounted park admission, hotel, and experiences like the VIP Tour. All opinions are my own. 

It’s Not for Me
Strawberry Orange Smoothie

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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