Parks

[phantom splodger]

Hi All
It is me again. The Orlando Virgin. You have sorted me with the Villas. You have sorted me with the car hire. Now can you sort me with the theme parks? I have a 5 year old son, the main reason why we are going to Orlando. This might be a difficult question to answer, but which parks would be most suitable for him? I have heard Busch Gardens is better for older children? Epcot isn't particularly good? Universal parks are better than Disney?
Please let me know what you think.

Thanks

[berni_richards]

I like Universal and IOA best but Disney parks such as Magic Kingdom are suitable for a 5 year old make sure you see the parade
seaworld has shows which are suitable too

epcot is good but maybe too old then again all parks have rides for the young kids middle age and older so most would be good for the whole family.

[Newhomebuyer]

Hi Mark,
With a 5 year old you can't beat Magic Kingdom, next choice would be Islands of Adventure. I also think that Seaworld is a great experience for youngsters.
I think that all the Disney Parks have a lot to offer young children because of the characters and the fact that they are very inclusive of youngsters even at Epcot they have all the kiddi stations to stamp their passports and make something.
Does your son have favourite characters? If not you will get extra fun if he knows a bit about the characters before he goes as it adds to the excitement when he gets to meet them in person.

[Ana]

Last year my friend, who was also an Orlando Virgin, took her 5 year old little girl and she liked......

1)Magic Kingdom
2)MGM studios (for the shows)
3)Seaworld

It does depend on the personality of your child, but she found IOA a little overwhelming.

[Paula D-S]

Hi Mark,

Firstly The Disney Parks are great for children of all ages, Epcot wasn't for my little ones though but then again is was raining all day last time we went so we were all a little fed up.

Secondly Busch Gardens, whoever told you this wasn't for little ones must have walked around with a blind fold on, it is wonderful, there are plenty of gentle little rides and a fantastic water play area so if you do go be sure to pack his swimsuit[msnsmile2]

[ujpest doza]

My 2 year old has been twice now.

She loves meeting the characters and loves rides and shows.

She loves MGM Studios for Playhouse Disney and The Little Mermaid shows.

She Loves Universal/IOA for Barney, ET, Woody Woodpecker Coaster, Shrek and the entire Suess Landing section.

She cried when she had to get off the bus after the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom, loved it and wanted to go on again. She also enjoyed the Lion King Show and Pocahontas show.

At Magic Kingdom she loved Goofys Barnstormer Coaster in Toon Town fair, meeting the characters at Toon Town, and all of the kiddy rides in Fantasyland. She also loved Pirates of the Caribbean.

She wasn't too enamaroured with Seaworld, but it was very hot and very busy and we haven't taken to Epcot yet but intend to next year.

Really there is something for a 5 year old at all of the parks, but you just need to take your time and plan your visit well in order to take everything in.

[TINAPETERS]

MGM Studios have 2 shows which my son loves, Indiana Jones and the car stunt show, Lights Motor Action.
I imagine most boys would love these 2 shows also.
All parks have something to offer to the younger guests you just have to watch out for the height restrictions. This is why my son has measured himself everyday for the last 6 months.
The first height is 40 inches, then 44, then 48 inches for the bigger coaster rides.
I found going around Universal IOA had the most rides that my son couldn't go on but they do have lots of Dinosaurs and Suess Landing.
One hint is to take swim wear with you as many of the parks have water play areas.
This won't help you make a decision but whatever you decide you will have a fab time as all the parks are great.
What you can't fit in the first time can always be done on the next trip, why do you think so many of us go back all the time?
Florida should come with a warning: YOU WILL GET HOOKED.[msnwink]

[chris c]

If you want to go to a park with shorter (if any) queues, why not try Cypress Gardens. There are lots of rides (including water rides) and shows - a water ski show, a comedy show (Wild West Shenani-guns)- corny, but amusing!.
There are also birds, butterflies and some animals to see.
A large model railway display.
Plenty to keep you all amused for the day.

[LiesaAnna]

http://www.park-tickets.com/

for a 5 year old i would think about disney!
then universal, islands of adventures is a good one with all the seuss thingys and cat in the hat,
lots of popeye things, i spose its a personal thype of thing really?
he may well love universal studios and he may not, but with all the characters the doolittles, scooby doo and co, sponge bob, shrek, barney, woody woodpecker, all charactors im sure he would know

[GrahamC]

All the parks have something for children of all ages.

When my boys were younger they loved everything Disney, and Seaworld was their favorite by a long way.

As they have got older they now prefer Universal and IOA as there is more for them.

Busch Gardens is good for all ages, but it is an hours drive so you may not want to do it this trip.

One of our guests took their young children to Cyprus Gardens and said it was brilliant. We aim to go next trip, as it has only recently re opened.