How to Tackle Universal Orlando for Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide

How to Tackle Universal Orlando for Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide

How to Tackle Universal Orlando for Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando for toddlers can be both exciting and overwhelming. As frequent Universal Orlando guests and expert vacation planners, we have all the essential information you will need in one place to make sure your vacation is enjoyable and stress-free! Some of our biggest takeaways when planning your trip to Universal with toddlers are to bring your own stroller instead of renting one, utilize the child-swap program, and let your kiddo burn off energy at one of the play areas in the park. This guide is tailored for families with kiddos between the ages of 3-7 years old. Below you can find practical advice highlighting the best toddler-friendly attractions and rides at Universal Studios Orlando!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Things to Do with a Toddler at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando offers amazing experiences for guests of every age including toddlers! From getting to explore places like the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Camp Jurassic. Your little ones will have so many options to burn off some energy through interactive play areas and toddler-friendly rides at Universal Orlando Resort. But don’t worry, if your child isn’t into Dinosaurs, Universal also has Dr. Seuss’ If I Ran a Zoo play area! This is a perfect spot for toddlers at Universal to engage in fun, imaginative activities. With these things to do with a toddler in Orlando, your family’s visit to Universal Studios Orlando is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your toddler!

Jurassic Park Discovery Center

At Jurassic Park Discovery Center, you can find out which dinosaur matches your DNA or challenge your knowledge with the “You Bet Jurassic” trivia game. In the nursery at the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, you might even get the chance to hold a dinosaur egg and witness the rare hatching of a baby Velociraptor! You can also be chosen to name the hatchling! If you are, you’ll be honored with a special Birth Certificate as a take-home souvenir that you can’t purchase anywhere in the park.

Camp Jurassic

Camp Jurassic is a prehistoric-themed playground that promises nothing but adventure! This immersive play area is loaded with slides, climbing nets, and interactive water play zones. This playground was made to be vibrant and engaging with a unique layout. So whether your kiddo finds a hidden fossil or a playful water spout, Camp Jurassic is an ideal spot for toddlers at Universal to explore, play, and create!

Dr. Seuss’ If I Ran a Zoo

This play area features quirky surprises and gentle play structures that bring the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss to life! If I Ran a Zoo is the perfect place for toddlers at Universal Orlando. As they explore the area, they’ll encounter colorful, imaginative sculptures and interactive games.

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Toddler Rides at Universal Studios Orlando

With lands from the world of animated characters to engaging play areas, the rides for toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando stand out for offering the perfect balance of entertainment and comfort for young guests. If you’re deciding which Universal Park is better for toddlers, we think that Universal Studios Florida is the better option! Universal Studios Florida offers a wider variety of rides for toddlers than Islands of Adventure. But you can decide for yourself which is best for you by using the list of rides below for toddlers at Universal Studios Florida and their height requirements.

Rides for Toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando

Islands of Adventure:

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong – 36″
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! – 36″
• Cat in the Hat – 36″
• Pteranodon Flyers – 36″
• Flight of the Hippogriff – 36″
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – Supervision for anyone under 48″
• Caro-Suess-el – Supervision for anyone under 48″
• Storm Force Acceleration – Supervision for anyone under 48″
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park Ticket Required) – Supervision for anyone under 48″

Universal Studios Florida:

• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster – 36″
• E.T. Adventure – 34″
• Kang & Kudos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Supervision for anyone under 48″
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park Ticket Required) – Supervision for anyone under 48″

A lot of these rides also offer an Express Pass Entrance. So it might be worth looking into purchasing the Express Pass if only your little one is interested in these rides!

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Character Meet and Greets for Toddlers at Universal Orlando

The Character Meet and Greets for Toddlers at Universal Orlando are magical experience for the whole family. Even we love meeting characters when we visit Universal Orlando! Thankfully, you can meet characters at both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. From the beloved figures of Dr. Seuss in Islands of Adventure to favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants at Universal Studios Florida, these meet and greets can create unforgettable moments for the whole family.

Kid-Friendly Islands of Adventure Characters

• Marvel Super Heroes: Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue in Marvel Super Hero Island
• Jurassic Park Raptors in Jurassic Park
• Po from Kung Fu Panda at Port of Entry
• Puss in Boots at Port of Entry
• Alex the Lion at Port of Entry
• Popeye and Olive Oyl at Toon Lagoon
• Dr. Seuss Characters: The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, and The Lorax in Suess Landing
• She-Ra near Mythos Restaurant

Kid-Friendly Universal Studios Florida Characters

• Minions inside the Super Silly Stuff store
• Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes in the Superstar Parade
• Vector – Minion Villain in the Superstar Parade
• Knight Bus Conductor by the Knight Bus
• Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron outside of the Transformers 3D ride
• SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Squidward Tentacles inside SpongeBob StorePants and in the Superstar Parade
• Shaggy, Scooby-Doo, and the Gang by the Brown Derby Hat Shop
• Hello Kitty on Hollywood Blvd. by the Sanrio Store
• Penguins of Madagascar on Hollywood Blvd. near Garden of Allah
• Dora, Diego, Boots, and Baby Jaguar in the Superstar Parade
• Barney and Friends in Woody Woodpecker’s Kid Zone near A Day in the Park with Barney
• Poppy, Guy Diamond, and Branch outside of the E.T. Ride

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Tips & Tricks for Going to Universal with Toddlers

Navigating Universal with toddlers can be a breeze with the right tips & tricks. Bringing your own stroller is essential! Not only for comfort and convenience, but it makes it easier to get around the park. We also recommend using utilizing Universal Orlando’s Child Swap program! This program allows parents to enjoy rides while one parent waits with the toddler and the other parent rides with the older kids. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the various play areas at Universal Orlando for toddlers that we mentioned above! These simple yet effective strategies will help make your Universal Studios Orlando Vacation for you and your toddlers one to remember!

Bring a Stroller

Bringing a stroller makes navigating Universal Orlando with toddlers hassle-free. The park’s accommodating policy welcomes all stroller sizes, including larger stroller wagons. While you can rent plastic strollers at Universal, bringing your own is recommended. There are also convenient stroller parking areas available near ride entrances. Remember, strollers aren’t permitted in ride queues or show theaters, so having a baby carrier can be handy for carrying sleepy kids! Also, don’t forget a rain cover for those unpredictable Florida showers.

Participate in Universal Orlando Child Swap

Universal Orlando’s Child Swap is an amazing solution for rides that aren’t suitable for smaller guests. This service allows your entire group to queue for the ride together, including babies or toddlers. Once you reach the front to get on the ride, one adult will stay behind with the child in a comfortable waiting area. Typically these waiting areas are equipped with seating, changing tables, and TVs for entertainment! After the rest of your party enjoys the ride, you can ‘swap’ so another adult can experience the attraction, bypassing the queue. We recommend bringing a diaper bag with snacks, books, or toys into the queue to keep your toddler engaged during the swap!

Use the Play Areas at Universal Orlando for Toddlers

Take advantage of the designated play areas that we mentioned above for toddlers to relax and play, providing a break from the excitement of the park.

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Universal for Toddlers FAQ

Q: What are the best attractions for toddlers at Universal Orlando?

A: While Universal Orlando doesn’t have lap-sitting on rides, attractions like Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and E.T. Adventure are perfect for toddlers. The park offers a variety of toddler-friendly experiences, ensuring fun for your little ones.

Q: Can I bring my own stroller to Universal Orlando?

A: Yes, you can bring your own stroller to Universal Orlando. The park accommodates strollers of all sizes, including wagons. This is recommended for added comfort, especially for toddlers and young children.

Q: Are there quiet areas for toddlers to relax at Universal Orlando?

A: There are no designated quiet areas in the Universal Parks. However, Universal Orlando’s Child Swap areas are quiet and equipped with seating and changing tables. These are ideal for taking a break with your toddler during a busy park day.

Q: What should I bring to keep my toddler entertained while waiting in line?

A: Bringing a diaper bag with snacks, books, or toys is advisable to keep your toddler entertained while waiting, especially during the Child Swap process. This can make waiting times more manageable and enjoyable for both you and your child.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!