Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure with kids: one park, one day
Written October 2026
Universal Studios Florida is the movie park, and it's where we'd take a kid under seven or under 48 inches. Islands of Adventure is the bigger-kid park, with Hagrid's, the Hulk, Jurassic Park and Seuss Landing, and it's our pick once a kid clears 48 inches.
At the Studios, DreamWorks Land, Minion Land and E.T. fill a whole day for a small kid, and of the two Potter areas we like Diagon Alley best for wandering.
Universal Studios Florida for the smaller kids
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida
A kid under 40 inches has more to do here than anywhere else at Universal. DreamWorks Land is built for the under-sevens, with Shrek's swamp to climb through, a Trolls coaster for small kids, King Julien's carousel and shows. Minion Land has Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at 40 inches, with a stationary seat for smaller kids, and Villain-Con for shooting at things. E.T. Adventure takes kids from 34 inches and is a gentle ride.
A kid too small for Gringotts (42 inches) still gets plenty out of Diagon Alley. The dragon breathes fire, Ollivanders picks a wand, and the wand spots around the alley work at any age. Men in Black (42 inches) and The Simpsons Ride (40) are there for an older sibling.
- Free entry
- No
Islands of Adventure for a Potter fan who clears 48 inches
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade is the Potter area people picture, with the castle at the top of the street. Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure are both 48 inches, Flight of the Hippogriff is the starter coaster at 36, and the VelociCoaster at 51 and the Hulk at 54 are for teenagers.
Small kids get Seuss Landing, where the Cat in the Hat ride, the carousel and the trolley ask for 36 inches or less, and Camp Jurassic's climbing nets and caves have no line at all. Pteranodon Flyers is built for kids 36 to 56 inches, and an adult can only ride with one.
- Free entry
- No
Measure first
At Universal, a kid under 48 inches rides with a supervising companion aged 14 or over, and must sit upright unassisted on every ride except the Hogwarts Express and the Caro-Seuss-el. Between 40 and 48 inches we'd still pick the Studios, unless your kid would rather see Hogsmeade than ride things.
Park-to-park, for the Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express runs between the parks, has no height rule and leaves room for a small kid to lean on you, which makes it our favorite thing at Universal for little ones. A park-to-park ticket puts you on it in both directions, with Diagon Alley at one end and Hogsmeade at the other, and for a kid who's into Harry Potter at all we think that ticket is worth it.
Where to stay
Some Universal hotels have a walking path to the gates, so leaving for a nap and coming back is easy. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort has suites that sleep six and a lazy river.
More in Orlando
Things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks
Which Universal Orlando hotel is best for kids
Magic Kingdom vs. Animal Kingdom with toddlers and preschoolersPhoto credits
Universal Studios Florida: Gary Todd (Public domain) · Universal's Islands of Adventure: qwesy qwesy (CC BY 3.0)