Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure

We spent a FULL day at these 2 parks. I highly recommend getting here early. We were on line to enter 25 minutes before the park opened (the park actually opened 10 minutes before the listed 9 AM open).

1st stop - Islands of Adventure. Got to do everything we wanted to do with minimal waiting. Seriously...hardly any lines for attractions my almost 6 year old could go on (~44in.). My daughter is 2 and a couple of months. Not much for her. The Dr. Seuss area was fun and colorful. If your child likes the stroller, you'll be fine. It is great to just see the sights around the park.

After lunch, we went to Universal Studios. Now the lines begin - HUGE LINES. As a plus, there are digital signs throughout the park letting you know the waiting times. Some of the employees are helpful in recommending how to plot your day. Also, outside of the Woody Woodpecker, Feivel, Curious George land, there is not much for little kids. My daughter loved those play areas, though. But it's really just a playground. Definitely bring bathing suits. It is hot in the summer and these kiddie areas have lots of opportunity to get wet.

Bathrooms - they were pretty clean, located everywhere, and never a wait. A great thing as my little one is learning to use the toilet.

Food - we did the pay ahead all you can eat food plan and all day refill cups. BAD IDEA. You could only go to a three places to use them and you had to wait on line even for a drink refill. The food lines were incredibly long later in the day. They actually close half the service area at 5:30 PM in the the I.F.F., one of the usable restaurants, which makes it impossible. Why would you reduce service for the "all you can eat" restaurant ? Are they trying to slow you down and reduce your consumption? We actually wanted to grab a snack a couple of times but refused to wait 45 minutes on line! Better just pay as you go and go anywhere...there are a million places to eat meals and snacks. Plus the lines are almost nonexistent in the pay as you go areas. Bring a bottle of water and keep refilling it at a fountain so you can have it on line for the hour you are waiting to see an attraction. It is easier to hold than a bulky souvenir cup...especially when you are carrying a backpack and a child.

We left the park at closing and actually had to stop for a bathroom break by the City Walk. We're not sure if this is the rule in the area, but the bathroom we stopped at next to some NASCAR store and below Panda Wok, Moe's, TCBY, and Burger King had NO diaper changing facility! Surprising for a family destination.