I'm frequently asked, What is the best age for a child's first trip to Universal Orlando Resort?
When most people think about Universal Orlando Resort, they think about big roller coasters or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, attractions that typically appeal to preteens, tweens and teenagers so it's no surprise that younger kids often question whether this is the best vacation destination for them.
Never fear, there is plenty of entertainment available to younger audiences that make a trip to Universal Orlando Resort appealing for families with kids of all ages.
There's no shortage of famous faces wandering around the parks. Poppy and her friends, Spongebob Squarepants and his underwater neighbors, super heroes from the Marvel Universe and fantastical creatures from the world of Dr. Seuss all come alive and greet guests throughout the theme parks.
There are plenty of attractions designed with younger audiences in mind, too. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, a motion simulator where you'll transform into a minion and go on an unforgettable trip through Gru's super villain laboratory, and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, a treat for little ones and grown-ups alike with gentle swoops and turns, are two of the most popular.
Pteranodon Flyers is a ride designed only for kids - that's right, no grown-ups allowed! Riders must be between 36" and 48" to fly beneath the 10-foot wings of a Pteranodon, a prehistoric flying reptile, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the theme park. ​ While the seat does swing gently from side to side, there are no sudden or scary movements, making it perfect for younger guests not ready for big kid thrills.
Little ones don’t have to miss out on the Wizard World of Harry Potter either! With fun experiences like riding the Hogwarts Express, riding Flight of the Hippogriff, and taking in the live entertainment throughout the Wizarding World.
In Universal's Islands of Adventures, young (and young at heart) visitors will love Seuss Landing. Caro-Seuss-El, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and The Cat in The Hat High, High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride are all gentle attractions designed for all to enjoy. You won't want to miss Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!, an exciting live performance featuring tales of strange creatures in Dr. Seuss stories.​
No trip to Universal Orlando Resort is complete without a visit to Volcano Bay! This waterpark is like no other, and has awesome options for all ages. The tiniest visitors will love Runamukka Reef, a splash pad complete with bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups. ​
Adventurers that are a little older will love family friendly raft rides, like Puihi of Maku Puihi, and twisty tube slides, like Tonga of Taniwha.
You could easily spend all day floating in the lazy river or hanging out in Puka Uli Lagoon, the park’s leisure pool. Plus, life vests are included at no extra charge so all you have to do is show up and have fun.
Finally, the fun doesn't have to end when you leave the parks. The theming of on-site resorts at Universal Orlando Resort is fun for little ones, too!
Swimmers love the underwater music playing at the Hard Rock Hotel pool or the sparkling lagoon-style pool surrounded by a white sand beach. The Kids Suites at Loews Portofino Bay are themed around the Minions from Despicable Me, who wouldn’t love to sleep in one of those missile beds?!
Plus, with a stay at any of these Premiere resorts, the Unlimited Express Pass is included with your stay! Ultimately, skipping the line means less time waiting and happier kiddos.
At the end of the day, you know your kids and what they'll enjoy; just don't count out Universal Orlando Resort as a destination to consider!