Two days for parks with 12 and 8 year old?

Question

We’ve done Magic Kingdom and Epcot recently so looking at the park hopper pass for Universal or doing 1 Universal park and Hollywood Studios. Kids are both girls and not particularly interested in Harry Potter or Star Wars (but Dad is a big Star Wars fan). Any recommendations? This is an extension of gymnastics meet that we are traveling to Orlando for and is in mid-February.

Answer

With your recent trips to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, focusing on Universal Orlando and/or Hollywood Studios is a great choice for a mid-February visit. Considering the ages of your kids (12 and 8), their interests, and your dad’s Star Wars enthusiasm, here’s a detailed breakdown to help plan your two days.

1. Universal Orlando Options

Universal has two main parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You can also consider the Volcano Bay water park, though it might be more weather-dependent in February.

Universal Studios Florida: Offers a mix of thrill rides, 3D/4D experiences, and kid-friendly attractions. Even if your kids aren’t into Harry Potter, there are plenty of options such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, E.T. Adventure, and the Simpsons Ride.
Islands of Adventure: Great for kids who enjoy adventure and fantasy rides. Seuss Landing is perfect for younger children, and there are moderate thrill rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster for older kids and adults. If your girls enjoy superhero themes, Marvel’s Spider-Man ride is a must.
Park Hopper Considerations: A Park-to-Park ticket is necessary if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If Harry Potter is not a priority for your kids, you could focus on one park per day and avoid the extra cost.

2. Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Hollywood Studios is ideal if your dad wants to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For your kids who aren’t particularly interested in Star Wars:

There are fun rides like Toy Story Mania! and Alien Swirling Saucers, which are kid-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.
Shows such as Disney Junior Dance Party! or Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage are entertaining for younger kids.
Dining experiences like Woody’s Lunch Box are casual and family-friendly.

3. Suggested Two-Day Itinerary

Option 1 – Universal Focus: Spend one full day at Islands of Adventure and one day at Universal Studios Florida. Include kid-friendly attractions and some thrill rides for adults. Skip or limit Harry Potter areas if the kids aren’t interested.
Option 2 – Mixed Parks: Spend one day at Universal Studios (including kid-friendly rides) and one day at Hollywood Studios. This balances your dad’s Star Wars interests with rides and experiences your girls enjoy.
Timing Tips: Arrive early to take advantage of shorter lines for popular attractions, especially in mid-February when schools are in session but spring break hasn’t started yet.

4. Additional Tips

Use Genie+ or Universal Express passes if your budget allows, to minimize wait times on popular rides.
Take breaks for snacks and water, especially with younger kids, to avoid fatigue.
Check park height restrictions ahead of time to plan which rides your 8-year-old can safely enjoy.

Overall, focusing on Universal for one or both days offers a wider range of experiences for your kids, while adding Hollywood Studios ensures that Star Wars fans in the family also get their fill. Tailoring the itinerary with kid-friendly zones and short shows will make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Two days for parks with 12 and 8 year old?

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions