Big Thrills for Little Ones at Universal Orlando Resort

So you're headed to the theme park capital of the world with your little ones in tow. They've got all their mouse gear and you surprised them with autograph books in the cab to the airport. And yes, you're going to suffer through "It's a Small World." But you've also spirited away your park-to-park tickets to Universal Orlando Resort (and if you're smarter than the average ogre, you might even be staying there and saving some bucks), hoping for a few big-kid thrills to offset the singing birds.

And you wonder: will Adam, 4, and Amy, 2, have anything to do while you enjoy the high octane thrills?

Oh, yeah.

Some think that Universal Orlando is built for adults - and during Halloween Horror Nights, that's quite true. But during the day (and outside the Halloween season), the dedicated team at Universal rolls out a veritable playground of fun spots for the little ones all over Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. I discovered this recently when I took my two-year-old to the park; and though she's short (not even 3 feet), we found plenty of opportunities for fun.

But that's not all. Universal Orlando also caters to the LGBT community. Alternative families are welcomed and even celebrated throughout the park by staff (all you need to do is get into a conversation with a staff member to discover how thrilled they are to have us). Universal Orlando is also a proud member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). Universal's parent company, Comcast, also earned a perfect 100 score in the 2015 Human Rights Campaign's "Best Places to Work" report.

So feel good about supporting a venture that supports us; and never fear to bring your littler ones to play, for they'll find plenty to do. Here are some of our favorite attractions:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade

Nothing thrills the little ones - no matter what their age - more than a fantastic land filled with wizards, witches and dragons. Throw in a train ride, a ton of candy and some kid-sized thrills? You've got a winner, even if they've never seen the flicks.

I do recommend that you proceed through this experience in the correct order; that is, according to how the novels and films progress. You must begin your adventure in Universal Studios Florida and find (if you can - it's cleverly hidden behind a brick wall) the entrance to Diagon Alley. There, you and the little ones will discover a bevy of treats in an enchanted, beautifully-themed land.

If you're here at mealtime, you could do worse than hanging at the Leaky Cauldron, although the British-themed fare might feel unfamiliar. Don't miss Knockturn Alley, where you'll find dark magic and Borgin and Birkes, a fabulous little store dedicated to the nastier side of wands, potions and souvenirs. Ollivanders' wand shop on this side of the world is both larger and more plot-appropriate here than in Hogsmeade (younger kids will love the show wherein a wand chooses a wizard). Make sure to take the younglings to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.

The main attraction, "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts" is quite the wild ride; younger kids probably won't measure up to the height requirements but they'll enjoy the parent-swap area, replete with theming and a television to entertain them. Fair warning: the dragon perched on top of Gringotts noisily breathes fire periodically; it's very cool, but might scare younger kids. Mine was both scared and awed, and couldn't take her eyes off the beastie.

When you've completed your tour, board the Hogwarts Express at Kings Cross Station for Hogsmeade. And don't wait until the end of the day; the Hogwarts Express will take you to Universal's Islands of Adventure, where another whole park awaits you. If you're embarking on a one-day tour, start with the Studios, then head to the Islands for a quick turn, and make your way back. For multi-day peeps, take the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade, explore, and return, saving the other islands for another day. Why? The Hogwarts Express is not just a train; it's an interactive experience that lets you immerse yourself - and your youngsters - into Harry's world perhaps more comprehensively than any other attraction. And the journey is different in each direction - as it ought to be, according to the narrative.

In Hogsmeade, you're in for more treats, including one of which I'm a huge fan: Butterbeer. This frothy brew is usually served cold or iced, but now you can also grab a hot cup of the sweet treat; and it's even better, if you can stand a hot drink during the Floridian afternoons. Kids over three feet tall will adore "Flight of the Hippogriff," a tyke-sized coaster, while bigger kids (read: you) will get a big kick out of "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" within Hogwarts' School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Coaster fanatics can take the "Dragon Challenge," an older thrill re-skinned for Harry's world - but it's nowhere near as immersive as the newer rides.

Assuming you're hanging around for a few days (and you should), take the Hogwarts Express back to Diagon Alley when you've finished exploring Hogsmeade. You've got plenty of time to play in the Islands, and we've got more fun waiting at the Studios.

Production Central

The equivalent of "Main Street" at Universal Studios holds serious fun for medium-sized youngsters. "Shrek 4-D" is a gas if you kids will wear the ubiquitous glasses, and "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" is a terrific family adventure for those at least 40 inches tall. Be aware, however, that "TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D" can be quite scary for kids. If they're into robots trying to kill each other in three dimensions with your family caught in the middle, go for it. It's a terrific experience. But it's a bit strong for younger would-be riders.

New York & San Francisco

The most backlot-esque part of Universal Studios houses one thrill for bigger kids - "Revenge of the Mummy." This ride is not for the younger set, although your older kids will want to ride it over and over again. You'll also find two refurbished attractions: 'TWISTER - Ride It Out" and "Disaster!," both of which fit awkwardly in the thrill spectrum. They're not really all that stimulating for older kids, but they might also scare the willies out of the toddlers. They make for a pleasant walk towards Diagon Alley, but you might not linger.

World Expo

When you've finished with your Harry Potter experience, exit Diagon Alley and head to the left; you'll rapidly come up on 'Fear Factor Live," which, while an aging television-themed attraction, still produces chills for the poor audience members who volunteered to eat yucky things or face their fear of heights. It's fun for just about everyone.

Similarly, "Men in Black: Alien Attack" is a fun-filled shoot-em-up for the whole group (assuming your kids are at least 40 inches tall). "The Simpsons Ride" is still entertaining, although nowhere near as fun or funny as "Minion Mayhem," which represents an upgrade to the technology on display with the Simpson family. What's ironically more fun is just hanging out in the area around the "The Simpsons Ride," especially "Kang and Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl," which combines sadistic lightweight humor with a simple twirl ride. Take your kids on this, then listen and laugh to the commentary. It's hysterical.

Woody Woodpecker's KidZone

For your younger kids, this is the place to hang. You've got two rides that smaller kids might be able to try: "E.T. Adventure" sets the height restriction at only 34 inches and "Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster" at 36 inches. Plus, the area has three playgrounds, each with its own theme and targeted age. My kid adored "Fievel's Playland," where oversized props from the movie allow younger kids to bounce, jump and slide. During warmer weather (and provided you don't mind them getting wet), little ones can even enjoy a 200-foot long water slide.

In "Curious George Goes To Town," the mischievous monkey rules a playground that mixes dryland play (lots of balls) with enough water guns to keep even the wildest little one cool on a hot day. All sorts of kids can play here, although you'll want to watch the little ones if older kids are getting rambunctious.

If your kids love Barney (and if they have no idea who that is, who doesn't love an oversized purple dinosaur?), they can meet him at "A Day in the Park with Barney." The excitement sort of ends there, but it's also a peaceful place to give baby a break, breastfeed (I'm looking at you, lesbians) or text, "Get me away from this wild child," to your husband riding "TRANSFORMERS" across the park.

To Be Continued...
There's a lot more to explore next door at Islands of Adventure. Stay tuned for Part 2!