Universal Orlando is much more than extreme roller coasters, it has entire areas designed for families with children of all ages. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter works for 5-year-old children just as it does for their 40-year-old parents. This guide is for those who go as a family.
Is Universal Orlando suitable for young children?
Yes, with nuances. Universal has a mix of attractions: some are intense with height restrictions (Velocicoaster, Hagrid's Motorbike), but there are many areas perfect for children ages 3-8. The trick is to identify well what to do according to the age of your children.
Attractions by Age
Children 3-6 years old
- Seuss Landing, Thematic area based on Dr. Seuss books, colorful and totally aimed at the little ones. Cat in the Hat is the perfect attraction.
- Fievel's Playland, Water play area for young children
- Pteranodon Flyers, Smooth flight over Jurassic Park (minimum height 36 inches with adult)
- Caro-Seuss-el, Themed carousel without height restrictions
Children 7-12 years old
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The most popular attraction in the park, suitable from 48 inches. Essential.
- Flight of the Hippogriff, Soft roller coaster perfect for getting started in the world of Harry Potter
- Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Only for the bravest of this group (52 inches minimum)
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Fun simulator suitable for the whole family
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Children
Hogsmeade (in Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (in Universal Studios) are the most spectacular areas of the park for any Harry Potter fan, regardless of age. Children experience the magic in its entirety: they can buy interactive wands that activate effects at specific points in the park, drink butterbeer and explore the shops.
Hogwarts Express (the train that connects the two parks) requires admission to 2 parks but is an experience in itself that children will remember forever.
How many days with children
For a relaxed family visit without racing:
- Young children (3-6 years):2 days is enough, the pace is slower
- Older children (7-12 years):2-3 days to see Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure without stress
- With Epic Universe:add 1-2 more days
Practical Tips for Families
- Measure your children before you goand write down the minimum heights of the attractions you want to do, avoid disappointment in the park
- Child Swap:If a child does not reach the minimum height, adults can take turns without queuing again
- It arrives when the park opens, the first 2 hours have half a queue
- Hydration:Orlando in summer is very hot. Water and sun protection are essential
- Universal Express:with small children it can be very profitable to avoid waiting in long lines
Universal Orlando or Disney World with Children?
This is the million dollar question. Disney World is irreplaceable for children ages 2-7 (the characters, the Disney magic, the atmosphere). Universal wins for kids 8 and up and teens. With children of various ages, the perfect solution is to combine both, 3-4 days at Disney and 2-3 at Universal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, but it depends on age. It is not as rounded as Disney for very young children, although it has very good areas and attractions for families from 3 to 8 years old.
Islands of Adventure is usually popular for Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park and Hogsmeade, but Universal Studios Florida also adds several more accessible attractions for the whole family.
If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express, yes. In addition, it gives a lot of flexibility to adapt the day to the tiredness or tastes of the children.
Yes, especially because of the proximity and, in some hotels, because they include Universal Express. For families that can save a lot of time and stress.
Water, sun protection, external battery, some light change clothing and a clear strategy of minimum heights to avoid frustrations when entering certain attractions.
With very young children, Disney usually wins. With children ages 8 and up or families who are fans of Harry Potter and Jurassic World, Universal may be a better fit.
