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nancyg
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 729 total posts
Name:
Nancy
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Universal without my 1 year old?
I'm considering booking a trip to Universal, maybe Disney too for just my husband and I. I've been itching to go to the new Harry Potter area of Universal and I can't imagine going with my 1 year old. I'm just not sure once I'm down there, I'll regret leaving him behind.
Anyone done this and not felt guilty?
Anyone gone with a small child? What do you do about big rides, go on separately?
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Posted 4/27/12 12:18 PM  |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
I have not had that experience, but I have a couple going down by themselves to kind of stake it out for their child. Honestly, your experience alone is going to be 100% different from going with a child, especially a toddler. I would go now with plans to take DS when he's a little older.
As for going WITH DS, no matter how little kids are, they tend to enjoy the colors, the music, the rides.
As for big rides, they have baby swap. You would ride and leave DH with the baby, they'd give you a special pass for DH to come back and ride with no wait while you stay with the baby. Believe me, Disney and Universal have thought of EVERYTHING
Another thought- why don't you do just Universal for a few days with DH? Between Universal, IOA and Citywalk, you'll have lots to do, and you won't feel as bad leaving DS at home because for the most art, Universal caters to older kids.
ALSO, and I am always thinking about cost, ilet's say you have a 4 day vacation, it's MUCH cheaper to get a 4 day pass to either Universal or Disney than it is to do 2 and 2. Plus Universal can be done in 1-3 days, Disney takes at least 5.
Plan to bring DS back before he turns 3 so he's free.
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| Posted 4/27/12 1:01 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
My totally honest opinion, and again its just MY OPINION, and its not meant in a BAD way, but you did ask....
I would never be able to go to a disney vacation (universal etc) without my kids. Even as young as one. I just feel like you are going to see TONSSS of kids there and you might wind up getting down there and regretting it completely.
But thats just me.
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| Posted 4/27/12 2:02 PM |
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nancyg
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 729 total posts
Name:
Nancy
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Ugh, I'm so torn. I 'm back and forth like crazy.
I think I'd be okay in Universal. Well, until we got to Suess Landing. But if we went to Magic Kingdom I'd feel bad. And I doubt I could go to Orlando and NOT go to Magic Kingdom.
I just hate that kiddie exchange thing you have to do for the bigger rides. And if the main point is to go to the Harry Potter part...
Maybe I'll just wait until my DS is older. Or we can bribe a grandparent to go with us. :)
Thanks for your thoughts.
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| Posted 4/27/12 2:28 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Posted by Serendipity
My totally honest opinion, and again its just MY OPINION, and its not meant in a BAD way, but you did ask....
I would never be able to go to a disney vacation (universal etc) without my kids. Even as young as one. I just feel like you are going to see TONSSS of kids there and you might wind up getting down there and regretting it completely.
But thats just me.
ITA - I'm only going to say this because you did ask...
You will go down there (esp disney - maybe not Universal as much but IDK about Universal enough to answer that) and you will tons of infants (2 months +) and I think you will feel guilty about not bring your DC. It isn't like going on a cruise or to an all inclusive where it can be a lot more of an adult feel. You will see mostly families.
Now having said that - it is definitely doable to do disney with a young child. DD#1's 1st trip she was 15 months and DD#2 her 1st trip she turned 1 on the trip. The big plus is that children under 3 are free (no charge to get into the parks and depending on where and how you eat they can dine in some instances for free).
Now as far as rides - in Disney - they can go on all rides that don't have height requirements (which is I would say 80% of the rides). And of course if they meet the height requirement they can go on those. Disney's policy is that they offer something called baby swap on any rides that have a height requirement that your child doesn't meet. This way you can still ride and have a good time without waiting in long lines 2 times or skipping the big rides you want to go on.
My big suggestion though if you want to do disney and universal that would be guilt free and give you baby time AND couple time - is it possible to bring a grandparent, sister, in law? Someone who could maybe watch the baby at night so you could do some adult rides at night time and who maybe could take your DC to the MK while you and your DH go to Universal or who could play with them at the pool while you hit universal (I think that park is probably less kid friendly than say the MK). Then you could have a great time as a family but still get couple time without the guilt.
BTW my girls loved their 1st trips - they danced, clapped and sang a little bit with the rides. The were huge smiles and wide eyed. Disney is one that appeals to all ages but at different ages you get something different out of it.
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| Posted 4/27/12 6:50 PM |
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Arieschick29
aries+cancer= pisces&gemini
Member since 3/06 4268 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Ok I'll be honest...I have no problem going anywhere without my DD- DH and I have already taken 3 trips without her.
Having a 1 year old at Universal or Disney will just be a hassle- they are too young to enjoy or do anything or even remember it. We are not taking DD to Disney until she is at least 5 or 6! Its too crowded and expensive to deal with temper tantrums and the like.
Go and have some fun with your DH and come back to your child happier and relaxed!!!
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| Posted 4/27/12 8:58 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
We took my DS when he was 19 months old but it was primarily a trip for my SD who was 10.
We didn't do Universal though, just 3 out of 4 Disney parks. Like Jennifer said, it's not cost effective at all to split the time.
He didn't get too much out of it, but he definitely had a good time. He enjoyed the characters the most. But that's not really what you are asking about.
Please know that I don't think you SHOULD feel guilty, but you probably WILL, especially if you go to Disney. No judgment at all. It's just that like Lillykat said there are kids EVERYWHERE, and yes, little babies, too. It would be a shame to spend a couples trip regretting not taking your child. Couples time is too precious and rare for that!
Definitely bribe Grandma or even - if you want a more "couples" feel to the trip - see if another family will come with you and you can take turns taking a night to yourselves.
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| Posted 4/28/12 9:36 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Posted by JennP
Please know that I don't think you SHOULD feel guilty, but you probably WILL, especially if you go to Disney. No judgment at all. It's just that like Lillykat said there are kids EVERYWHERE, and yes, little babies, too. It would be a shame to spend a couples trip regretting not taking your child. Couples time is too precious and rare for that!
I'm sorry I just wanted to clarify. I didn't want to give you the idea that you should feel guilty at all only that there are tons of kids there and it could very well make you feel that way. I know when DH and I go out to dinner sometimes and we have kids at the tables around us it makes us feel a little guilty we didn't bring our DDs with us (one has bad food allergies which makes it hard to eat out). I feel much less guilty and enjoy it more when I am at a more adult atmosphere more so than a family restaurant. Which is why I was saying you might enjoy a cruise, island resort or that type of a trip much more without your DC than attempting disney where you can't turn without seeing hundreds of kids.
As far as remembering - no they probably won't remember at 1 - BUT my DD#1 was 1 month from turning 3 on her last trip and she can still tell us about where she met Mary Poppins, dining with the Princesses and which ones were there, and she still talks about many of the rides. Even if they don't remember every parent I know IRL has said the look on their faces made the whole trip worth it.
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| Posted 4/28/12 5:12 PM |
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nancyg
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 729 total posts
Name:
Nancy
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
I'm still considering but I really appreciate all the responses. Thank you. I think I might like to go. And maybe we will keep it to just universal and save Disney for a few years. Now I have convince my DH. :)
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| Posted 4/28/12 8:30 PM |
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Posted by Arieschick29
Ok I'll be honest...I have no problem going anywhere without my DD- DH and I have already taken 3 trips without her.
Having a 1 year old at Universal or Disney will just be a hassle- they are too young to enjoy or do anything or even remember it. We are not taking DD to Disney until she is at least 5 or 6! Its too crowded and expensive to deal with temper tantrums and the like.
Go and have some fun with your DH and come back to your child happier and relaxed!!!
 I completely agree!
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| Posted 4/29/12 4:38 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Posted by Serendipity
My totally honest opinion, and again its just MY OPINION, and its not meant in a BAD way, but you did ask....
I would never be able to go to a disney vacation (universal etc) without my kids. Even as young as one. I just feel like you are going to see TONSSS of kids there and you might wind up getting down there and regretting it completely.
But thats just me.
THIS, ITA
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| Posted 4/30/12 7:02 PM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
I think if you stick to just Universal, you'll be fine. Stay on property. You'll have a blast!! 
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| Posted 4/30/12 9:33 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by JennP
Please know that I don't think you SHOULD feel guilty, but you probably WILL, especially if you go to Disney. No judgment at all. It's just that like Lillykat said there are kids EVERYWHERE, and yes, little babies, too. It would be a shame to spend a couples trip regretting not taking your child. Couples time is too precious and rare for that!
I'm sorry I just wanted to clarify. I didn't want to give you the idea that you should feel guilty at all only that there are tons of kids there and it could very well make you feel that way.
To be clear, I totally knew what you meant and quoted you in agreement. Sorry for any confusion!
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| Posted 5/1/12 2:59 PM |
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nancyg
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 729 total posts
Name:
Nancy
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
No worries on offending anyone.
I can't predict how I will feel but I think I've decided to go and NOT feel guilty. My son is 1 and I'm sure he would have a nice time, but this trip will be for DH and I. And we may just stick to Universal. Not 100% yet. This is a trip I wanted to take 2 years ago and then (surprise) I found out I was pregnant so we canceled. Harry Potter, I'll see you in the fall.
Thanks for all the advice!
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| Posted 5/1/12 3:12 PM |
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Arieschick29
aries+cancer= pisces&gemini
Member since 3/06 4268 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Universal without my 1 year old?
Post a review when you come back....I am dying to go to FL/Universal but have to pop this  out in June first LOL
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| Posted 5/1/12 5:00 PM |
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