Nicki M Travel

The Magic of Universal Orlando for Families

Why Toddlers Can Enjoy Theme Parks

Most people know Disney is made for toddlers. There are plenty of rides the whole family can enjoy together. But you may not know that Universal Orlando also offers many rides, attractions, and experiences designed for all ages. From meet-and-greets with your kids’ favorite characters to interactive and immersive play areas, Universal Orlando has a little bit of everything for the whole family to enjoy.

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Planning Your Visit

Effective planning is key to a successful trip to Universal Orlando with toddlers. Here are some considerations:

Choose the Right Time

You may be looking at a specific time of year for your vacation—or maybe your kids are in school and your options are limited—but if you have the flexibility, I recommend choosing a time when crowds are lower, especially with toddlers in tow. The lowest crowds are typically in late January/February (right after long weekends), August, and September (directly after Labor Day weekend).

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Gone are the days of showing up at the gate with no plan—especially with Epic Universe opening soon. Expect some sold-out dates in the next year or two. Buying tickets in advance ensures you’ll get in, skip the ticket line on park day, and gives you the option to add extras (like Express Passes) your family might want.

Create a Flexible Schedule

I always emphasize having a flexible plan at Universal Orlando. It’s good to have a base idea of which rides and attractions your family wants to prioritize. When you know what you want to experience, you’ll be better able to plan your day and breaks.

Be sure to leave room for when your toddler wants to linger at a playground, meet a surprise character, or take an unexpected nap.

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Essential Tips for Navigating the Park

Use a Stroller

Tackling Universal Orlando means lots of walking—up to 20,000 steps a day! You definitely can’t expect toddlers to keep up, so a stroller is essential. We still bring one for our 6- and 4-year-olds so we can cover more ground in the parks without exhausting them.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Florida gets HOT, so hydration is key. Universal Orlando has Coca-Cola Freestyle machines throughout the parks, and water is FREE—just bring a reusable water bottle. Also, avoid hangry toddlers by packing some favorite snacks. It’s convenient and a great way to save money.

Know the Attractions

These rides have NO height requirement:

• Universal Studios: Hogwarts Express (requires a park-to-park ticket), Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (our kids’ favorite), Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• Islands of Adventure: Storm Force Accelatron, Caro-Seuss-El, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
• Epic Universe: Constellation Carousel, Fyre Drill (beware—you will get soaked!)

Rides with height requirements UNDER 40”:

• Universal Studios: E.T. Adventure (34”), Trolls Trollercoaster (36”)
• Islands of Adventure: Flight of the Hippogriff (36”), Pteranodon Flyers (36”), Skull Island: Reign of Kong (36”), The Cat in the Hat (36”), The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! (36”)
• Epic Universe: Yoshi’s Adventure (34”)

Use Child Swap

Universal Orlando’s Child Swap program is amazing for families with toddlers. In our experience, it’s even better than Disney’s Rider Switch.

These family rooms are fantastic—with seating, changing tables, TVs, and often a restroom. It makes the process smooth and comfortable. We highly recommend using it.

Plan Rest Times

If you’re tackling the parks like we do, it can be exhausting. Slow down. Take long lunch or snack breaks, pause when your toddler naps in the stroller, and if possible, plan a rest day. Your feet—and your kids—will thank you.

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Embracing the Magic

Let’s not forget about the character meet-and-greets, playgrounds, and interactive experiences. We made sure to balance time between rides our older kids wanted and things the whole family—including our toddler—could enjoy together.

Universal Studios:

Islands of Adventure:

Epic Universe:

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Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?

Planning a family trip to Universal Orlando with toddlers might seem overwhelming—but it can be full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. With the right strategy, you can create a vacation your entire family will cherish.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy, explore, and make magical memories. So start planning now—your family’s adventure awaits!

Want help planning your trip? Click the button below to book a vacation planning call with me!