DreamWorks Land Universal Orlando: 7 Magical Reasons Families Love It, by Magical Wishes Travel

If you’ve ever assumed Universal Orlando was mostly for big kids and thrill seekers, you’re not alone. I hear that all the time from families who are planning trips with younger kids, grandparents, or a mix of ages and wondering if Universal will actually work for everyone. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this post—especially if you’ve been curious about DreamWorks Land and what it means for families today.

This post is written by Jennifer Arnold, a travel expert from Magical Wishes Travel who specializes in theme park vacations and has seen firsthand how Universal Orlando has evolved into a destination that truly supports multi generational travel. From toddlers and preschoolers to teens, parents, and grandparents, there is now something for everyone. If you’re planning a family trip and want a destination that balances excitement, ease, and inclusivity across ages, this is a must-read.

Universal Orlando, It’s Not Just for Big Kids Anymore!

As a travel agent who assists with a lot of theme park vacations (a specialty of mine and a personal favorite), I often hear the comment that Universal Orlando is only for thrill seekers and big kids. Although that may have been true years ago, it isn’t the case any longer, especially with newer additions like DreamWorks Land Universal Orlando, which has completely changed the experience for younger kids and families.

Ask someone what you will find at Universal Orlando and often what comes to mind for many people are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers, Jurassic World and of course, the frightfully fun Halloween Horror Nights.

Although these are all key draws for the parks, there is so much more to be found for the whole family!

Classic Family Favorites at Islands of Adventure

For years, Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park has had the family friendly Marvel Super Hero Island where you can dine with super heros, meet Marvel characters, and experience some fun and at times, intense attractions. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man a 3D adventure and Storm Force Acceleration (think Disney’s tea cups but faster) are always fun and if you’re a thrill seeker, the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Dr Doom’s Freefall are right up your alley.

Seuss Landing: A Whimsical World for Little Ones

Also, in Islands of Adventure theme park, you will find the adorable Suess Landing where you can eat in Circus McGurkus, take a trolley ride high in the sky, experience the Cat in the Hat story, climb aboard a fish on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and even experience story time with the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and the Lorax. During the holidays, this land transforms into a beautiful world of Grinchmas complete with holiday decorations, characters, special experiences and shows. A wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season for all ages!

Universal Studios Florida: Fun for All Ages

Next, take a short walk through Universal’s shopping and dining district, CityWalk, or a train ride on the Hogwarts Express and you’ll find yourself in Universal Orlando’s original park, Universal Studios. Here, you’ll find Springfield USA with the Simpsons and friends! Complete with carnival games, the wild Simpsons ride, and fun Twirl and Hurl (think Dumbo but with an out of this world twist). You can have a drink at Mo’s Tavern or if you’re hungry, dine at Krusty Burger, grab some tacos from the Bumblee Man’s taco truck (a personal favorite), or for those with a sweet tooth, get a very sweet big donut at Lard Lad Donuts. Plus, you can’t miss out on a little shopping at the Kwik-E-Mart and meeting Bart and his family.

However, did you know that in recent few years, this park has updated to add more younger family member friendly experiences?

Minion Land Brings Big Fun for Younger Kids

First, in 2023, we had the inclusion of Minion Land where the mischievous little minions have invaded the parks with their wild and infectious fun. The land includes two attractions including the new Villain-Con Minion Blast, several adorable shops, and some fun dining options including snacks like Bake My Day and Freeze Ray Pops and a quick service dining location, Illuminations Minion Café! Plus, you can even meet the gang as well as their friends and rivals plus friends from the popular film ‘Sing’ during your visit to Illumination Theater. Just watch out if you have bananas and the Minions, Bob, Stuart, or Kevin are out meeting guests.

DreamWorks Land Universal Orlando Changes Everything

Next, in 2024, came DreamWorks Land! This land is a whirlwind of fun where you can ride on a Troll coaster, explore Shrek’s swamp, take Kung Fu training camp with Po, and play with the cats from Mama Luna Feline Fiesta interactive games. You can also meet Gabby from Gabby’s Playhouse, King Julien, Po, Donkey, Fiona, Shrek, Kitty Soft Paws, Puss In Boots, and even Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond (the Trolls).

DreamWorks Land is a major reason Universal Orlando now works so well for families with toddlers and preschoolers.

EPIC Universe Expands the Experience for Every Generation

Then the big update came in 2025 with the opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park EPIC Universe and the next big phase of little one friendly attractions, truly bridging the gap for multi generational travel.

Here you will find the extremely popular Super Nintendo World and the awe inspiring land of dragons at the Isle of Berk.

The immersive aspect of EPIC Universe’s portals including their new Ministry of Magic (the third addition to the Wizarding World) and Dark Universe (Universal Classic Monsters) will absolutely take your breath away. There is so much to find wherever you turn and the portals seem to transform from day to night with new magic around every corner.

Nintendo World can be a jar to the senses as you enter a warp pipe and step into the world of Nintendo with all the lights, sights, and sounds. Grab a Power-Up band and be ready to go inside the games to experience challenges hidden all around this portal. Ride with Yoshi on Yoshi’s Adventure, challenge your family to Super Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge, and take wild ride on the Mine Kart Madness coaster with Donkey Kong. This portal has something to find at every turn and when you need a break, explore a shop or have a bite at Toadstool café.

Ever dream of meeting a dragon or seeing one fly?!? Well, now those dreams can become a reality in Isle of Berk!

Step into the magic when you enter this portal to find Vikings and dragons at every turn. Soar with the dragons in Hiccup’s winged gliders, train with Fuffnut and Tuffnut to put out dragon fires on Fyre Drill (and get a little wet doing it), play in the Viking training camp and watch a dragon fly in the epic Untrainable Dragon show.

Another not to miss experience, meet Toothless! Yes, you can meet Toothless, an absolutely incredible immersive experience no matter your age.

Universal Orlando Is Truly a Destination for the Whole Family

Although, Disney remains the king of Princesses, Mickey and friends, Star Wars and soon, Bluey, Universal Orlando has definitely found a place for itself in the hearts of little ones and little ones at heart. This destination has become a must do for the entire family.

Plus, now with nine on-property resorts (from value to premier), with many being within walking distance from the theme parks and all providing complimentary on-site transportation (that takes between 5-10 minutes to get from the park to your resort), this vacation destination can fit nearly every budget. These convenient and unique resorts are great for families and multi generational travel groups allowing for mid day breaks, pool time, fun, and relaxation.

Even better, parents are pleasantly surprised to find affordable room rates with Universal’s Endless Summer resorts having standard rooms that start at under $100 and family suites, that sleep six, starting at around just $150 a night! A vacation package complete with resort room and park tickets can be secured with a deposit of just $50 per person with an option of the balance being paid over time with no credit checks, financing or fees required.

Universal Orlando truly isn’t just for big kids anymore. It’s a destination designed for the entire family.

DreamWorks Land Universal Orlando: 7 Magical Reasons Families Love It, by Magical Wishes Travel