Last month, my family and I went on vacation to Kissimmee Florida. While there were days full of relaxation, there were days full of nonstop fun. One of the best family theme park days we had during our vacation was at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The boys tasted Butter Beer, enjoyed the Hogwarts Express & had so much fun in Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone and Seuss Landing.
My favorite part of these parks is that there’s thrilling fun for everyone in the family! Here is more detail about what to bring to the parks, what to do and about our time with young kids:
WHAT WE BROUGHT
Stroller – Since We brought our double stroller since we had our 5-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-month-old with us. In hindsight, I wish we would have rented an additional single stroller, which we did at parks going forward during our trip, because our 3-year-old did not want to give up his stroller seat so our 5-year-old had to walk, or be carried, quite a bit.
Baby wrap/carrier – This was a must for our baby. There were times he wanted to be held rather than sitting or laying in the stroller. The carrier allowed me to carry him (sometimes while nursing him) hands-free.
Backpack with snacks and drinks – As a parent, I’ve found it’s best to be over prepared. That’s why I suggest bringing your kids sippy cups and favorite snacks. If they are happy and enjoying their time, then so will you!
Change of clothes for kids – Being prepared in case kids are messy (inevitable) or have an accident helps alleviate any added stress, and helps to ensure the kids remain comfortable throughout the day.
Rain ponchos, weather dependent – It can downpour in Florida, especially during Florida’s rainy season (July through September). I pay attention to the weather and bring ponchos if there is any chance of rain.
Sweatshirts – Bringing extra layers for the air conditioned indoors and/or chilly evenings is a good idea for the whole family, kids especially.
WHAT WE DID
Universal Studios Florida has fun for the whole family. Our family favorites include Shrek 4-D, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, and the kid zone roller coaster. Our big kid and adult favorites include Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coasters.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans both parks and as its name suggests, is a little world within each. Must-do’s are taste butter beer, ride the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster with your kids and, of course, the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey coasters! My favorite experience there was the Hogwarts Express, which connects both Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is my favorite of the parks. There are more roller coasters and thrilling rides. The kids section, Seussland, is also much more elaborate than the KidZone. I always ride the Hulk but one of my favorites is Spider-Man. My kids loved Seuss Landing, which is
In years past, we have also gone out in and dined at Universal CityWalk, which is an epicenter of restaurants, lounges, entertainment (i.e. mini golf and a movie theater) and shops that connects Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It definitely has a fun vibe!
YOU SHOULD VISIT, TOO!
We make sure to visit at least one of the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks whenever we vacation in Kissimmee, and you should, too! They offer a fun variety of rides for everyone in the family that is truly unique to its parks.
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