Universal Studios Orlando is a popular theme park destination for families and thrill-seekers. However, with its variety of rides, shows, and attractions, many people wonder what the best age is to visit the park.
There is no “best” age for visiting Universal Studios Orlando, as the park has something to offer to each age group, and every individual has their preferences.
However, if we have to pick one, we would say that middle schoolers and teens are the ideal age group. This is when children are tall enough to enjoy all rides and can understand theming that goes into each attraction. Also, this age group tends to have the energy and stamina to make the most of a full day at the park.
In this article, we will explore the best age for Universal Studios Orlando, as well as the different rides and attractions offered to each age group.
Best Age for Universal Studios Orlando
Here are different activities and rides offered to other age groups in Universal Studios.
1. Infants and Toddlers (0–2 Years)
While infants and toddlers may not be able to enjoy many rides and attractions, there are still plenty of things to do at the park with young children. Families can enjoy live shows and parades, as well as interactive experiences. Here are a few rides and attractions suitable for infants and toddlers:
1.1. Super Silly Fun Land
This play area is located in the Universal Studios theme park and is designed for younger children. It may not have much for infants, but it will be a fun-filled adventure for toddlers. It features water play areas, a carousel, a soft play zone, and several interactive elements inspired by the “Despicable Me” movies. Parents can relax in the shaded seating areas while their little ones are playing.
1.2 Caro-Seuss-El
Caro-Seuss-El is a whimsical carousel ride located in the Seuss Landing section of Universal Studios. It is designed to look like a carnival ride straight out of a Dr. Seuss book, with vibrant colors and fancy characters. Children can choose to ride on various Seussian creatures, including a giraffe, a lion, and a kangaroo. This attraction has no height restriction, but an adult must accompany children under 48 inches.
1.3. Character Meet and Greets
There is a variety of character meet and greet opportunities throughout the parks, including Sesame Street characters, Minions, and Scooby Doo. These meet and greets are a great way for young children to interact with their favorite characters and take photos.
1.4. The Flight of the Hippogriff
This is a slow, junior roller coaster ride inspired by the magical creature known as the Hippogriff, which is part eagle and part horse. The minimum height restriction for this ride is 36 inches.
Parents with young children also have the facility of stroller rentals, family restrooms, and quiet nursing areas to make their visit as comfortable as possible.
That being said, it is essential to know that the park can be overwhelming for young children, particularly during peak seasons when crowds are at their highest. Therefore, it may be best to plan a visit during a less busy time of year or to limit the amount of time spent in the park to prevent overstimulation and exhaustion.
2. Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
Preschoolers can have a blast at Universal Studios, as they are generally tall enough to ride many of the park’s gentler attractions. Some popular options for this age group include:
2.1. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
This ride is a 3-D adventure that takes you on a journey with Minions. The ride is suitable for all “Despicable Me” fans, but they should be taller than 40 inches. An adult must accompany children between 40 to 48 inches.
2.2. E.T. Adventure
E.T. Adventure is a gentle ride based on the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” It takes you on a journey through the stars and is suitable for children between 3–5 years old. It has a minimum height restriction of 34 inches.
2.3. Pteranodon Flyers
This suspended coaster is designed for younger children and takes them on a flight above the Jurassic Park section of Universal Studios. It has a minimum height requirement of 36 inches, so most 3 to 5-year-olds should be able to ride it. The maximum height restriction for this ride is 56 inches. An adult must accompany children under 48 inches in height.
2.4. Seuss Landing
This section of the park is based on the books of Dr. Seuss and includes several rides and attractions suitable for young children, including the Cat in the Hat ride and the Caro-Seuss-el carousel.
2.5. The Hogwarts Express
This train ride takes guests between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, providing a fun and interactive experience for young Harry Potter fans.
Preschoolers can also enjoy character meet and greets, live shows, parades, and play areas.
3. Elementary Schoolers (6–10 Years)
Elementary school-aged children are typically tall enough to enjoy most of the rides and attractions at Universal Studios. They can also appreciate the theming and storytelling that goes into each ride and show. Some good options for this group include:
3.1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
It is a thrilling ride through Hogwarts Castle that will immerse you in the world of Harry Potter. This attraction provides its guests with an exciting and unforgettable experience that leaves them wanting to come back for more. It includes 3D projections, practical effects, and animatronics that make it feel like you are flying through the Hogwarts grounds. This ride suits people taller than 48 inches, and a supervising companion must accompany guests under 10 years.
3.2. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
A high-speed rollercoaster that provides a more intense thrill than some of the park’s other coasters. The minimum height requirement for this ride is 54 inches.
3.3. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
This 3D ride takes guests (having a height of 40 inches or more) on a web-slinging adventure through the streets of New York City with everyone’s favorite superhero, Spider-Man.
3.4. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This roller coaster features a unique feature that allows riders to choose their soundtrack for the ride. The minimum height needed for this ride is 51 inches.
In addition to these rides, elementary schoolers can enjoy interactive experiences like the Olivanders’ wand experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as character meet and greets and live shows.
4. Middle Schoolers and Teens (11–17 Years)
Middle Schoolers are generally taller and brave enough to ride all of the attractions at Universal Studios, making this a great age to visit the park. In addition to the rides mentioned above, some other popular options for this age group include:
4.1. Revenge of the Mummy
A high-speed indoor roller coaster ride based on the popular movie of the same name takes guests on a wild adventure through the cursed tombs of ancient Egypt. The height requirement for this ride is 48 inches or more, and an adult must accompany guests under 10 years of age.
4.2. Men in Black Alien Attack
This interactive ride allows guests to join the Men in Black on a mission to save the world from alien invaders. The minimum height required for this ride is 42 inches. Guests having a height from 42 to 48 inches require an adult as well.
4.3. Jurassic Park River Adventure
This thrilling water ride takes guests on a journey through the world of Jurassic Park, with encounters with dinosaurs and a trailing 85-foot drop at the end. The minimum height requirement for this ride is also 42 inches.
4.4. The Simpsons Ride
Join Homer Marge and the rest of the Simpson family on the wacky adventure in this simulator ride. The minimum height required for this ride is 40 inches.
Middle schoolers and teens can also enjoy different shops and restaurants at the park and immersive experiences like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Walking Dead attraction.
5. Adults (18+ Years)
While Universal Studios is undoubtedly a family-friendly destination, it can also be a lot of fun for adults without children. Many of the rides and attractions are geared towards an older audience, with more intense thrills and mature themes. Some popular options for adults include:
5.1. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
This indoor roller coaster combines 3D projections, practical effects, and thrilling drops and turns to create a truly immersive experience. The minimum height required for this ride is 42 inches.
5.2. Volcano Bay
This waterpark features a variety of thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, perfect for adults looking to cool off in the Florida heat.
5.3. The Hollywood Horror Makeup Show
A behind-the-scenes look at how movie makeup is created. This show features talented makeup artists showcasing their skills in creating terrifying and gory special effects makeup. It combines education with entertainment, providing the audience with insight into the creative process of bringing horror characters to life. There is no restriction on age, but young children should be accompanied by parents or any other adult.
The Hollywood Horror Makeup Show (previously named The Phantom of the Opera Horror Make-Up Show and The Gory, Gruesome, and Grotesque Horror Make-Up Show) is one of the two attractions left which opened with the park itself on June 7, 1990, thus known as opening day attractions. The other one is E.T. Adventure.
5.4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade
With immersive theming and a variety of shops and restaurants, this area of the park is a must-see for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
Adults can also enjoy the dining options of the parks, including a variety of international cuisine and plenty of opportunities for craft beer and cocktails. And, of course, the park’s nightlife scene is a big drawer for many visitors, with options like the Hard Rock Hotel’s Velvet Sessions concert series and Universal CityWalk’s bars and clubs.
Takeaway
So, what is the best age for Universal Studios Orlando? As you can see, Universal Studios Orlando is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages, with plenty of options for families with young children, as well as thrill-seekers and Harry Potter fans.
However, if he had to pick the “best” age for visiting the park, we would probably say that middle schoolers and teens are the ideal age group. This is when children are tall enough to ride all the attractions and can appreciate the theming and storytelling that goes into each ride and show. Plus, this age group tends to have the energy and stamina to make the most of a full day at the park without getting overwhelmed by the crowds and stimulation.
With that said, there is no “best” age for visiting Universal Studios Orlando, as every family and individual has different preferences and interests. Whether traveling with young children or as a group of adults, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit to the park.
By considering the age and interests of your group, as well as planning and creating a strategy, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
