This doesn't happen at Disney World!

[Medic1895]

I think DW fell in love with me again when I said that at Universal Studios. As true Disney lovers, we knew we would likely never leave DW to go to US, so we planned a special 1 week trip to go there and SeaWorld. Great prices with a package and Southwest airfares. All going well with planning for a Monday morning flight when, oops, I get sent for a one day seminar in San Francisco on Sunday. OK, plans: I fly out Saturday, stay overnight, then the seminar, then red-eye back Sunday night to Philly, arrive at 6am, wait for DW (is it US-W now? whatever..) DD3 and DD6 who will arrive at airport at 8am. Perfect right?
Well, surprisingly it did work and I even slept on the plane back.

Arrived at Orlando, got the car, drove to offsite hotel. Then to US to pick up our 5 day pass that also included free meals for the kids. Great. Pick up passes and then hit the park. These passes have the free lunch? Absolutely the employee says (they are just not CMs.)

Routine rides, plenty of fun, but just not the ambiance at DW. What was most crazy is that a half hour before the park closed, the shops and food stands closed up! That would never happen at DW!

Ok, next day up and at-em, head to the parks, IOA this time. Luckily both DD3 and DD6 are tall - DD6 can go on anything and wants to. DD3 not far behind, but of course more limited.

We head for lunch (free remember) and go to check out - no free lunch. How to fix it? Head all the way across the park to guest services. That's it, I blow and yell out 'This doesn't happen at DW.' I know it might, but its never happened to us.

Rest of the trip was fine, Sea World was great (free beer). Oh don't give me that look, if you have kids you must understand the overwhelming desire to drink in the middle of the day.

But, we kept looking southwest. Its not too far is it? DW and I drop hints then finally just say, want to go get dinner at Big River? Our eyes light up! And breakfast at Boma before we fly home YES!

So we caved, and saved the vacation. When we made the reservations and the CM ended with 'Have a magical day" then when we got to BW and the guard CM said 'watch out for Donald and his friends' (at was drizzling) we knew we were home.

Back to DW (where we belong) in 4 weeks 4 days.

Offsite 1982, 1987
DL (Honeymoon) 1995
Sports 2004
Swan 2005

[beck0321]

Yeah you're right. It's not the same, it's just not. Disney is like a total experience, whereas Universal is more like an amusement park. The rides are really fun, but you don't get the same FEELING you get in Disney. It's hard to explain. I can't imagine spending a week there, I would get bored.

[ChrisFL]

Sorry you didnt feel the same, I fail to see how Universal relates to an Amusement park at all, it's totally different.

There's also rides unlike you'll find ANYWHERE at DW (OR any amusement park), and thats why I enjoy both equally.

Plus I prefer the restaurants and hotels at Universal to Disney, much better value and quality.

[FlyingBelle]

Ahhhh... music to my ears! Mouse ears that is!

It's been a long time since I was at Universal (before IOA opened). However I was at Disney a few years ago for a convention and one of the pre-convention activities was at Studio Walk (or whatever it's called). It just seemed so... dirty?

I just haven't had any reason to go back.

[Medic1895]

We'll go back when the kids are old enough to go on everything. We didn't hate it, it just wasn't the same. We did like the enchanted oak - drinks for us, snow cones nearby for the kids - incredible atmosphere. But a couple coasters were closed and when stuff started closing early, it bummed us out.

[Cinderella822]

Well, before our trip to US this past summer, I would have felt he same way. I was hesitant to go as I LOVED WDW. But I'm so glad I gave US a fair chance. We really, really enjoyed it. No, it's not like Disney. But, no, I don't think it's just an amusement park - far from it. My DD is older now, 14, so the kid-factor was not a big issue. But, for the first time in years, we actually took time to relax on this vacation. Because we didn't have to spend all day waiting in lines with FOTL, we were able to just relax and enjoy the parks rather than plan out our timing of which rides to do when. And we stayed for a week. No boredom here. We were sorry to see the week end. The hotels were far nicer than any we stayed at in WDW and I found all the employees to be equally as friendly, if not more so. I guess it just depends what you're looking for, but for us, US was wonderful. As soon as we were home, we booked our next vacation for a week at US next summer. :thumbsup2

[lorax123]

Oh well at least you tried! I just spent a week staying on-site at Disney and I just kept crying "it's not Universal!" Disney just doesn't do it for me. I almost cried the three days we went to Uni and I drove into the parking garage. Oh god, I even love the parking garage!
But I agree the free beer at Seaworld is incredible! For me, that's the best part of Seaworld :> And I do understand the overwhelming desire to drink. We brought our 23 month old along. I was so glad she was sleeping when we hit the hospitality bar.

[AllieKat]

Free beer at SeaWorld? I'm there! I don't even have kids, but still understand the overwhelming desire to drink in the middle of the day. ;)

Thank you for posting your opinion...everybody has their own. :) IOA and Disneyland give me *that* feeling. I don't get the feeling at all at Universal (both Orlando and Hollywood), California Adventure, Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. I haven't been to Epcot or MGM.

I pretty much grew up at Disneyland so MK had a lot to live up to. I mean, I have years of memories with Disneyland. I've learned that when I go in with huge expectations, I'll pretty much always be disappointed. I wish I hadn't had such huge expectations of MK as I'm sure I would've enjoyed it a whole lot more. I really shouldn't compare one park to another...with any park. They're all different and should be treated as such. :)

[FayeW]

I will preface this by saying that I think the Islands of the Lost Continent, paricularily the area by the Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons, holds the most sense of wonder and magic for me. I think it is the unicorn hoof prints in the ground, and the tinkling music and lanterns in the trees.

Having said that, I admit to feeling the magic watching Spectromagic on Main St USA! I think that parade alone is worth the admission to MK!

[phamton]

Then to US to pick up our 5 day pass that also included free meals for the kids. Great. Pick up passes and then hit the park. These passes have the free lunch? Absolutely the employee says (they are just not CMs.)

You might be surprised. I know of several Guest Service team members are also cast members at Disney. You may have seen one of them as a castmember at Tower of Terror. Another one was a safari driver at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

What was most crazy is that a half hour before the park closed, the shops and food stands closed up! That would never happen at DW!

Umm, yes it does. Many of the outdoor food vendors close before park closing at Disney. And at Epcot, they don't even open World Showcase until 11:00 AM. What's up with that? Any shops that may have closed early are third party vendors. All of the Universal stores stay open. Some of the food vendors do close early at Universal and IoA but some do at Disney also. I tried to get a coke across from Pirates at El Pirata Y el Perico and they were closed an hour before park closing. This is just one of many places closed before park closing at Magic Kingdom. I also wanted to grab a bite to eat at MGM and tried both Backlot Express and Starring Rolls and both were closed an hour before park closing.

We head for lunch (free remember) and go to check out - no free lunch. How to fix it? Head all the way across the park to guest services.

You should have been given food tickets for each day of your visit. Each day you use that to get a new wrist band for the day. It seems like either you didn't bring that day's tickets or someone neglected to give them to you.


That's it, I blow and yell out 'This doesn't happen at DW.'

Nice. You know I go to Disney several times a month and if I ever have a problem, I certainly wouldn't bring up Universal's "perfection" to the Guest Relations people there. I would state my problem and expect them to solve it.

[JawsCPA]

Just had to respond with a positive for UNI.

Our first visit to the UNIVERSE was one week the last of June this year. We stayed at Hard Rock and LOVED :love: LOVED :love: LOVED :love: it. Our only complaint was the RAIN RAIN RAIN and Universal doesn't control that!

We stayed for 5 nights and bored didn't even cross our minds. We have a 16-18 hour drive or we would visit again soon.

We also spent a few days at Disney about 6 years ago and also loved that experience.

People - you can love both - you don't have to pick only one!

[Rabbitlover]

People - you can love both - you don't have to pick only one!

I couldnt agree more :) I grew up going to Disney World and on Disney cruises ( even before it was DCL, when it was premiere if that tells you anything..lol) and we just got back from our first trip to Universal & IOA and I loved it! You cant compare it to DW because its not. I honestly will go back to Universal before I will visit DW again ( unless of course we are taking another cruise and do the cruise and park package :rotfl: )

[momof3disneyholics]

Wow, I worked at Disney and Universal at the same time and certainly didn't turn off the "magic" when I went from one to the other. It's not that Universal's guests don't expect the same kind of quality as Disney, it is just that they tend to not focus on getting their behinds kissed and just enjoy their vacations.

[aztecgoods]

I have to disagree, I think IOA has its own kind of magic, on the par to Disney but not inferior by any means. I agree with the other poster that the Lost Continent section is magical for putting you in that other world. Same with Jurassic Park, it really makes me feel like I am in the movie there. Suess Landing and all the areas, especially the IOA entrance Port of Entry area has a magic that it makes me feel like I'm being transformed into another time or dimension or something. I love IOA, I love Dis too, but I don't think Dis is any "better" they are different with their own magic. The old U park is not as "magical" as IOA but its great too. And to the poster that hasn't been since IOA was built, i would say then you haven't ever really been to U, not just becuase of IOA but for all the new things put in the old park as well. If you made me pick I would pick going to U property over Dis, but I prefer to do both.

[Medic1895]

You should have been given food tickets for each day of your visit. Each day you use that to get a new wrist band for the day. It seems like either you didn't bring that day's tickets or someone neglected to give them to you.

Wow. Yeah, I left them on the counter in the hotel bathroom. How could I have forgotten....
Obviously I kinda trusted the staff member when they told me they were on the card.


Nice. You know I go to Disney several times a month and if I ever have a problem, I certainly wouldn't bring up Universal's "perfection" to the Guest Relations people there. I would state my problem and expect them to solve it.

That's the problem I had that day - their solution was to pay for lunch then a 20 minute hike TO guest relations. And yes, they handled it fine. But my point was I wanted it to be right the first time, especially when I tried to confirm it at the beginning of the day.

[phamton]

Wow. Yeah, I left them on the counter in the hotel bathroom. How could I have forgotten....
Obviously I kinda trusted the staff member when they told me they were on the card.
But my point was I wanted it to be right the first time, especially when I tried to confirm it at the beginning of the day.

Well it sounded like it was your mistake not theirs. The "staff" know that the meal deal tickets are for your meals. They do tell you that when they give you the tickets and it is printed on the meal deal tickets in case you forget. They got it right the first time by giving you the meal deal tickets for your entire trip. You forgot them in the room. If you had forgotten to bring your themepark tickets would you blame the "staff" for that? It was your mistake and they made it right for you. They did not have to do that but instead of being grateful you felt the need to berate them.

If I forget to bring my Disney dining vouchers for the free dining, I seriously doubt that Disney would let me eat free and just trust I had enough dining points. And if I did forget the vouchers at the hotel, I certainly would not be throwing the Universal comparison out to Disney guest relations for my mistake. But hey, that's just me.

[Medic1895]

Um, I was being sarcastic - we didn't forget anything. (I thought it was obvious, I guess it wasn't)

When we checked in to get our package, the guest services representative forgot to give us any meal tickets and told us they were on our admission tickets. We even asked to confirm and he said yes they are on your admission ticket. They were not. And we found that out when we went to eat. You are correct, they give you meal cards then you get a wristband. How in the world would we know that, especially when we asked?

I guess I just don't appreciate having to waste an hour of our vacation to go fix a mistake they made. And yes, I told them I was angry. And I would do it again. To me, that is 'Nice' - Nice to my family and defending myself/them when we have been wronged.

[phamton]

I'm sorry I didn't catch the sarcasm. My mistake. I apologize for that.

Did you pick up your original tickets at the hotel or the park? I suspect it was the hotel representative as I can see them making that mistake but find it almost impossible to believe that the Guest Services coordinator at the park would tell you that.

The hotels are not owned by Universal and don't always give correct information.

To me, that is 'Nice' - Nice to my family and defending myself/them when we have been wronged.

There is nothing wrong with defending your family but this was hardly a hostile take over or a mugging. Yes, you can be upset for the time wasted but it is not necessary to bring up Disney. I was talking once to a Guest Relations representative at Disney several months ago and was asking about some of their biggest complaints and she mentioned being yelled at because Disney does not let you purchase fastpass for the entire day like Universal does. She mentioned how she hates it when people start out with "at Seaworld" or "at Universal". I just think that is inconsiderate to do that to any employee whether they work at Disney or Universal or even Warmart. State your complaint, ask for them to make it right but don't throw up other themeparks into the discussion.

[Amity 3]

ahhh, the New York/New Jersey/Florida love triangle rears it's head.

[phamton]

ahhh, the New York/New Jersey/Florida love triangle rears it's head.

:rotfl2: Yes, the next time I'm up in Yankee country, I'm going to yell at the waitress and tell her that we always get better service when I lived in Texas. I'm sure she will appreciate that. :lmao:

Don't mess with Texas.

[Amity 3]

:rotfl2: Yes, the next time I'm up in Yankee country, I'm going to yell at the waitress and tell her that we always get better service when I lived in Texas. I'm sure she will appreciate that. :lmao:

Don't mess with Texas.

you'd think with all of the 'input' we get from NY/NJ on how to run things, Florida would be perfect by now. ;)

[momof3disneyholics]

you'd think with all of the 'input' we get from NY/NJ on how to run things, Florida would be perfect by now. ;)
Makes you wonder why they keep coming since the service is so bad here. :rolleyes:

[Motherfletcher]

:rotfl2: Yes, the next time I'm up in Yankee country, I'm going to yell at the waitress and tell her that we always get better service when I lived in Texas. I'm sure she will appreciate that. :lmao:

Don't mess with Texas.

We're going back to Texas next week and the first stop off the plane is Whataburger! Service sucks but Whataburger!

[phamton]

I miss Whatburger! Like Florida, Texas gets a lot of snowbirds too. They call them "Winter Texans."

[AlexandNessa]

Hey! I was going to avoid this insipid and tiring thread which is yet (another) yawn comparing Disney to Universal, and I won't even bother commenting on the TR.


However, (ahem....CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE), please do not lump this Universal-lovin' New Jerseyean in with the OP! :)

Thank you, and now back to the regularly scheduled Disney v. Universal rerun.

[Motherfletcher]

I was thinking that as I read it! :lmao:

[momof3disneyholics]

I miss Whatburger! Like Florida, Texas gets a lot of snowbirds too. They call them "Winter Texans."
We have Whataburger here too. There is one on John Young Pkwy across from the Walmart.

[patster734]

In honor of the original poster, I thought that I'd add two more things that don't happen at Disney:

1. Front of the Line access for on-site hotel guests. :woohoo:
2. Receiving an annual pass discount on food and souveniers at the theme parks. :woohoo:

Please feel free to add other things! :banana:

[robvia]

I've said this many times before. When Disney people try Universal for the first time, and they don't stay on site, then they give it an average review, and that's exactly what we have here.

I'm guessing the OP stays onsite at Disney, probably at the value resorts (All Star Music, Movies, Sports). So you end up getting the bus rides to the parks, and the food courts and pools at the hotels. When you stay off site, the pool is "just a pool" and you don't have any food courts.

The only way to really experience Universal is to pay the extra money and stay onsite for at least 2 nights. It's best to do this at the end of your trip, because once you try FOTL, you'll be spoiled.

I don't think the food vouchers really ruined the trip. I think the offsite hotel did because it's "just a hotel" and there was no magic. The onsite resorts at Universal are compare to Deluxe hotels at Disney. So save up, pay the extra money, and enjoy the visit. Think of it as a splurge.

[Cinderella822]

Robvia - I totally agree! In fact, when we took my DD to WDW for the first time back in 1997, we didn't stay onsite there. And I have to admit, we didn't know what we were missing. So the next year, we did decide to stay onsite and what a difference it made in the "Disney magic". Now when we go to WDW, we always stay onsite.

So to be fair, we did stay onsite at US for a week on our recent trip. And I don't think we would have had nearly the wonderful time we did if we had stayed somewhere else. The hotel was terrific, the proximity to everything was great, and the FOTL was priceless. I definitely felt like I was in my own little Universal world the whole week.

[Bobb-O]

we were at WDW in May and seem to have a similiar expectation. We decided that it wasnt Universal Studios and missed HRH hotel and City Walk.

While be both do like the parks even though some of the rides are the same as I rode 29 friggin years ago (first trip was in 1977) - but I digress. - Its a small world after all its a small small world - I can hum it all day. Cant get enough of those rides from the 70's and 80's

I will never never stay at a WDW Resort again. Never. We stayed at AKL and had a miserable time. Was supposed to be a Savannah upgrade room but we were overlooking the swamp by the rear of the hotel and could not see the back of the savannah. Transportation at Disney is atrocious - we experienced 20-45 minute waits. At Universal I can walk anywhere (from HRH) in less that 10 minutes.

The biggest ripoff of WDW is the shopping and dining. All you can purchase is frigging mouse clothing and it is very very expensive. $20 tee shirts and $50 sweat shirts are common and to purchase dinner you need a TRW done. There are few non-disney restaurant (yes there are exceptions like Planet Hollywood) and zero non-disney shopping. The very large disney store at DTD makes my head spin. I much preferred the old Disney Village. The Christmas store is gone and DTD is potentially dangerous and very very crowded. Parking is difficult and you have a long walk.

Even if you have a car going off-site is a long drive and driving within WDW can take 20-30 minutes especially from AKL.

But back to the issue at hand. You get free meal vouchers and then forget them and blame Universal? You were supposed to present them to your waiter when you order. I have used vouchers at Universal many many times as I stay on-site exclusively and if I forget them it is my fault. Perhaps take responsibility for your mistakes next time. Just a thought.

Maybe you should stay with the phony magic of WDW or try on-site at Universal next time.

For my money you get more value for your dollar at Universal then at Disney.

[Bobb-O]

The free meal plan- got it now.

Unlimited Food (but no drink) but its unlimited restaurants - one entree/dessert each time-kinda the gluttony plan but whatever floats your boat. Do you need larger clothes after this plan? Maybe a Weight Watchers membership?

You WERE supposed to wear the wrist band and have the tickets AND go to only a participating restaurant FOR ONLY a limited menu AND ONLY for an entree and dessert/one trip thru the line- no all you can eat. Drinks not included. another plan for that.

Compared to disney's food plan honestly this plan stinks big time.

ANOTHER EDIT

you say What was most crazy is that a half hour before the park closed, the shops and food stands closed up! That would never happen at DW!
Funny but if you read the rules (look below) it clearly states that this plan stops 30 minutes before park closing time


--------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSAL MEAL DEAL
EAT ALL DAY LONG FOR ONE PRICE

At Universal Orlando, we have made it easy for you to eat throughout the theme parks all day long for one low price.

You can purchase a Universal Meal Deal* ticket online, theme park front gates and participating Meal Deal restaurant locations.

With your Universal Meal Deal ticket, enjoy as much food** as you would like all day long at participating Meal Deal locations only. (Food service ends 30 minutes before theme park closing).

Universal Studios Participating Restaurants:

Mel’s Drive-In
Sample Menu: Burgers, Chicken and Salads

Louie's Italian Restaurant
Sample Menu: Pizza, Pasta, and Salads

International Food and Film Festival
Sample Menu: Asian, Italian, and American Food

Islands of Adventure Participating Restaurants

Circus McGurkas Café Stoo-pendous™
Sample Menu: Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, Pizza, Chicken Caesar Salad, Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches

Comic Strip Cafe®
Sample Menu: Chinese, Italian, New England, Mexican and American Food

Captain America Diner®
Sample Menu: Cheeseburgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fingers, and Crispy Chicken Salads


You can enjoy as much food as you would like at either Universal Studios Florida OR Islands of Adventure at participating Meal Deal locations only.

* This ticket must be exchanged for a Meal Deal wristband at any participating restaurant. The wristband must be worn in order to take part in Meal Deal Program. Only valid at particpating restaurants (listed above). Children ages 9 and under order from the Kid's Menu. Valid for one entrée platter and one dessert per trip through the food service line. Sharing of food is NOT permitted. Dining available until 30 minutes prior to park closing. Beverages and merchandise not included. Not valid for admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure theme parks. Tickets are non-refundable.

** Meal includes (each time through the line): 1 entrée platter and 1 dessert.

[PlutoLuvr]

For the OP, thank you for sharing your opinion, and it's a shame your recent vacation left much to be desired.

I don't think you had trouble because you're from NJ or because you didn't stay onsite or because you're used to phony Disney magic. I really think this boils down to luck, karma, your "number" statistically being up. This can happen -- and does -- on any vacation anywhere.

The generalities being thrown around here are a little disturbing. The first time my family ever went to USO, we did not stay on site, and we fell in love with the "other parks of Orlando" ... hard, fiercely, madly in love. We stayed on site our next few visits and had problems with the hotel -- cool hotel, close by, but minor problems nevertheless (being overcharged every time). We prefer to stay off site in a big timeshare.

I've had problems at WDW, too. The ADRs drive me nuts. While we had pricing/checkout problems at HRH, the problems we encountered at WDW hotels were, IMO, far more serious, and I still question myself as to why I didn't make a formal complaint with the State Health Department and Board of Professional Regulation. Our experience at WDW hotels involved urine-soaked sheets left from the previous guests in our room. What was even more sickening than that was the response we received from the hotel staff and management -- and this was not at a value hotel at WDW. The was Coronado Springs.

It truly is hit or miss with these places. My family just returned from a week at USO & WDW, and this trip in particular, we were blown away with the level of service given by the team members all week at USO/City/IOA. Every encounter we had, we felt the TMs went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful trip -- staying off site, too. Conversely, we felt the level of service from CMs this past trip was mediocre for the most part and actually poor in several instances. We're planning our next trip, and our feelings could be the opposite on that one. Who knows? I've begun to think vacations are like weddings; if something doesn't go wrong somewhere along the line, it's bad luck.

DTD is different the Citywalk. And that's great!!! We need variety, folks. I like the head spinning and near panic-attack feeling in that massive DTD store you need a cell phone to find your family in. I also like being able to smoke walking around City without getting nasty looks from families like I do at DTD. I like being able to see an Ozzy Osbourne look-alike walking around City giving the devil signal to passersby. I like the real drinks I can buy at City as opposed to the watered down ones at DTD. I like that I can get all my Christmas shopping done for my neices and nephews at DTD who love all things Disney.

I mean, Orlando now has four WDW parks, two USO parks and Seaworld. This equals six days of parks and a day of shopping. Once you're armed with knowledge on the glitches each of these parks seem to have -- and they all have them -- then you're good to go. "This" does happen at Disney World, just as "this" does happen at USO. "This" also happens in Vegas, Paris, NYC, Miami ... everywhere.

[highlander447]

Thanks for sharing your report, unfortunately I think u really wanted Disney and u wanted it go belly up, on the same hand having staff that are uninformed happens everywhere incl in the land of the mouse, as u said guest services dealy with your complaint to your satisfaction, u wanted it right in first place as do we all but to imply it woyldn't happen at Disney "Get Real"

[oybolshoi]

Very well said!! :thumbsup2


I mean, Orlando now has four WDW parks, two USO parks and Seaworld. This equals six days of parks and a day of shopping. Once you're armed with knowledge on the glitches each of these parks seem to have -- and they all have them -- then you're good to go. "This" does happen at Disney World, just as "this" does happen at USO. "This" also happens in Vegas, Paris, NYC, Miami ... everywhere.

[goofy!]

Yeah you're right. It's not the same, it's just not. Disney is like a total experience, whereas Universal is more like an amusement park. The rides are really fun, but you don't get the same FEELING you get in Disney. It's hard to explain. I can't imagine spending a week there, I would get bored.
We routinely spend over a week at US. Last vacation was 10 nights, this Thanksgiving will be 9 nights. Funny thing is we never get bored. Because of FOTL, we can do so much more around Orlando in our 9 days than we could if we devoted all 9 days to Disney.

Universal is so relaxing, which is how we like our vacations. The atmosphere is great. We can wander over to the parks whenever we want and never have to worry about lines. Or we can have a few drinks at the pool. Or we can do both :goodvibes

When we are ready to deal with lines and running around securing fast passes, we will drive over to Disney for the "magic".

We love both Disney and Universal, but we love the themeing and atmosphere of Universal better.

Isn't it wonderful that people are all different with different likes and dislikes? And that we can be passionate about different things. This would be one very boring world if we were all clones of each other :goodvibes

[goofy!]

While we had pricing/checkout problems at HRH, the problems we encountered at WDW hotels were, IMO, far more serious, and I still question myself as to why I didn't make a formal complaint with the State Health Department and Board of Professional Regulation. Our experience at WDW hotels involved urine-soaked sheets left from the previous guests in our room. What was even more sickening than that was the response we received from the hotel staff and management -- and this was not at a value hotel at WDW. The was Coronado Springs.

This has been our experience too. Last stay at WDW (and it will remain our last stay) was at the Poly Concierge, so up there with the more expensive rooms on Disney property. We found snot on our pillow case - green, dried up, half dollar size glob of snot, along with 3 blister packs of prescription medication from the previous occupant and jars of opened cold and flu medicine in the garbage. Left little doubt where the great green gobs of greasy, grimy (oops, fell into song there) mucous came from.

Room had obviously not been cleaned. It was beyond dirty. I should also have contacted the State Health Department. What was even worse, is that the maids had been there because the beds were made and there were fresh towels. Just dirty, filthy sheets and garbage.

And as horrible and disgusting as this experience was, I would never think to say that this would NEVER happen at Universal. Although arriving after a great week at the Portofino did make it seem even worse :goodvibes

Stuff happens. Those magical resorts are nothing more than huge corporations run by very human people (both Disney and Universal). Not to ruin anybody's fantasies, but they are not run by magical mice, ducks, wizards or unicorns with powers of pixie dust. They are people. And last I knew - people are not infallible.

OP - are you saying that you have NEVER experienced a single glitch at Disney? Ever? Nor has Disney EVER made a mistake? Since you said it would never happen at Disney, I am guessing you firmly believe that Disney has never made an error.

You let a single incident ruin a vacation. This seems to indicate you were looking for things to dislike at Universal. If you go in thinking that way, it is a self-fulfilling prophesy. You will find things to gripe about.

Have a magical day!

[macraven]

i usually do not come to this forum but thought i would post my trip report at universal and staying on site.

i happened to open up this thread and read it through.

i just don't get it.

oblivously a person that adores disney tries an off site hotel in the area of universal and then starts the day trip in the universal parks, but has a mind set of , why are we here, it is not disney......

when i go to orlando, i wouldn't think of not doing both parks.
they are different as day and night. i have been doing this since 1993.

i would not dream of posting on a disney forum and bash disney in everyway possible. what's the point in doing that?

the trip poster did not like the parks at universal.
bottom line.
fine, not every one likes all the parks.

no sense in bashing a park that has only three forums in the universal section.

i just don't think it is very nice at all to rag on about incidents that could have happened at any park, be it six flags, universal, disney, busch gardens, cedar point, etc. there are problems and issues at any of the parks.

when you have a problem, handle it with guest services at that park. then let us know how your issues were resolved.

most of us here want to hear about the universal trip reports since we read the threads in the universal forums.

you didn't have to start out and let us know you were avid disney fans.
it screamed it from the start of your report.

if you ever desire to try universal again, i would suggest to stay on site.
it is a lot different than staying off site and having to drive to the garage, park and do that long walk from the garage.

it is possible you would get a different outlook of the total universal experience then.

i could complain about hotel and park issues i have had at disney but won't.

when i am on the universal forums, i want to hear about universal issues.
and, i want to hear about the trips.......

[Flyin2MCO]

My two cents: Disney and Universal are both fantastic and magical! I'm grateful we all have both to experience.

I've found over the years that vacations/relationships/life are what you make of them...expectations play a large role, but having a plan while also being able to make adjustments and deal with frustrations leads to a better state of mind.

[Notatourist]

I miss Whatburger! Like Florida, Texas gets a lot of snowbirds too. They call them "Winter Texans."

Phantom-Take Sandlake to John Young then take a right...You'll find a BRAND SPANKING NEW 24 HOUR WHATABURGER on the right.

You can hug me when I see you at work.

[phamton]

You WERE supposed to wear the wrist band and have the tickets AND go to only a participating restaurant FOR ONLY a limited menu AND ONLY for an entree and dessert/one trip thru the line- no all you can eat. Drinks not included. another plan for that.

You take the ticket to the first restaurant and exchange it for the wristband. You can go through the line as often as you want. The drinks aren't another plan. It is just a cup you purchase for free refills. Some people would rather save money and just drink water.

Thanks, notatourist! I'll have to head on down for a Whataburger.

[silverhaze269]

WDW and USO are two completely different parks. They are marketed to a different demographic and as such you’re bound to have some differences. I would say Disney is marketed to families with children, young children especially. Because of this everything has a family feel, something that I really like. Their themeing seems to be more cartoon oriented, something that’s to be expected because that’s where Disney got his start. I think that’s what gives the park that childlike appeal. No matter how old you are there’s just something about WDW that makes it that magical place where you can be a kid again. It’s great. Plus there’s something for everyone, especially at Epcot. In my opinion, you can’t go to Orlando and not see the Magic Kingdom at least.

USO is geared towards families with older children. I can’t quite put my finger on what makes USO so great, but it just is. US has the appeal because you know the movies the rides come from (a lot of people do anyway). It makes it really fun to get “in” the movies. True, they might not have the best food options, but city walk is 15 minutes away, and there are tons of awesome places there. (I haven’t timed how long it takes to get from the farthest end of the park by MIB or Jaws to the NASCAR Café, but I will in December) IOA is my favourite park of the two, only because I like the themeing better. In Suess Landing it really feels like you literally jumped into a Dr. Suess book, and in Jurassic Park you feel like you’re there. Toon Lagoon is just fun, and the Lost Continent is just mystical. Marvel Superhero Island is great for the superhero fan in all of us.

Both resorts are really great, but when it boils down to it, no one resort is better than the other. They are both awesome in their own respect. Just because you prefer one over the other doesn’t make the other one not as good. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your vacation! :goodvibes

[micksterlee]

I have never been able to figure out why people try to make Universal and Disney the same place. We love them both, each for reasons that are unique to each park.You can t ride with Spiderman at Disney and you won t run in to Mickey Mouse at Universal. I have very good things happen at both places as well as a few less enjoyable times at both places.

[Sabbie]

Alright. I have to come out and say a little. I live in Florida, have a Annual Pass to both USO and Seaworld, and I frequent Disney A LOT (4 times in the last 5 months). Both parks (USO and Disney) are different places. However, they both sell food, both have rides, both have employees, and both sell tickets for an astranomical amount. They both have on-site resorts, and offer different food options. Both have outside "entertainment areas" (DTD and CityWalk), and of coarse, both charge for parking. Both require a bit of walking, yet offer fastpasses to ease it all up. You wait in lines for attractions at both places, and always, in the end, pick up a souviner or two.

Now you may wonder where each is different. Disney is bigger, yes, true. Universal doesn't have as much land mass, resort numbers, nor number of parks. Yet people still go. It all depends on the person, in my opinion. Some people enjoy inverted roller coasters that are offered at IOA; some enjoy Shamu at Seaworld, and, of coarse, some enjoy Mickey at Disney. Now I know Disney is known for having it's spark of magic -- and that's what drawls a lot of people's attention.. however, at both USO and Seaworld, if you ask, you can recieve that same amount of employee attention -- their desire is to make your trip worthwhile so you will come back again.

True, Disney is typically for younger kids, or, those who are kids at heart.. and USO is for a bit older kids, and those who wnat to do more thrilling rides. However, I, many times see quite the opposite at both parks. Disney may hold an elderly couple who is walking through Main Street, watching the castle. A photographer come sup, snaps a picture and they smile. And USO, may have a young child who is barely three, watching upwards at the soaring Dueling Dragons in awe -- maybe one day she will get to ride it.

Personally I believe all parks are brillant -- it takes time and effort, and yes, lots of dedication to run them all. They have different themes, workers, and ideas -- but, like I said in the beginning, it all depends on the person, and what they enjoy most.

Just my two cents.

[ChrisFL]

Alright. I have to come out and say a little. I live in Florida, have a Annual Pass to both USO and Seaworld, and I frequent Disney A LOT (4 times in the last 5 months). Both parks (USO and Disney) are different places. However, they both sell food, both have rides, both have employees, and both sell tickets for an astranomical amount. They both have on-site resorts, and offer different food options. Both have outside "entertainment areas" (DTD and CityWalk), and of coarse, both charge for parking. Both require a bit of walking, yet offer fastpasses to ease it all up. You wait in lines for attractions at both places, and always, in the end, pick up a souviner or two.

Now you may wonder where each is different. Disney is bigger, yes, true. Universal doesn't have as much land mass, resort numbers, nor number of parks. Yet people still go. It all depends on the person, in my opinion. Some people enjoy inverted roller coasters that are offered at IOA; some enjoy Shamu at Seaworld, and, of coarse, some enjoy Mickey at Disney. Now I know Disney is known for having it's spark of magic -- and that's what drawls a lot of people's attention.. however, at both USO and Seaworld, if you ask, you can recieve that same amount of employee attention -- their desire is to make your trip worthwhile so you will come back again.

True, Disney is typically for younger kids, or, those who are kids at heart.. and USO is for a bit older kids, and those who wnat to do more thrilling rides. However, I, many times see quite the opposite at both parks. Disney may hold an elderly couple who is walking through Main Street, watching the castle. A photographer come sup, snaps a picture and they smile. And USO, may have a young child who is barely three, watching upwards at the soaring Dueling Dragons in awe -- maybe one day she will get to ride it.

Personally I believe all parks are brillant -- it takes time and effort, and yes, lots of dedication to run them all. They have different themes, workers, and ideas -- but, like I said in the beginning, it all depends on the person, and what they enjoy most.

Just my two cents.

Very well written and I agree completely.

[Calgary DISHeads]

We just spend 12 days at Pop Century followed by 4 nights at HRH - what I found truly amazing was the lack of (on the most part) customer service plus very poor housekeeping at HRH compared to the Disney Hotels we have stayed at. To be fair there were some really some staff especially the lifeguards at the pool (fantastic with the kids), servers at the pool - some of the staff at the Club Lounge were outstanding whereas others seemed to trying auditioning for jobs at Tower of Terror or Haunted Mansion. I'll give you a prime example of "it wouldn't happen at Disney" and I'm talking the response not the situation - we came back from the parks very tired one night at 5:50pm and our room wasn't cleaned. I was very irritated and called the front desk. I didn't an apology only a "we'll send someone up" which saw me seeing red. When I expressed that I was tired, grumpy wanted to have a shower and relax in a clean room and was not happy that I had to leave while it was cleaned at 6pm I received a lecture on "how hard the room attendants work, they work between 9 - 6pm and that is all you are guaranteed, that your room will cleaned before six. This was at 5:55pm!
We went and sat in Club Lounge and at 6:15pm my son went back to the room to get his camera, housekeeping had already "cleaned and turndown the room" in about 10 minutes. Our room was cleaned properly on the first night, they did a really, really great job but went steeply downhill from there. We thoroughly enjoyed the majority of our stay at Universal but there were a few more incidents like the one above that soured the adventure. From $79 at Pop to $359 at HRH with incidents like housekeeping makes it hard to justify. FOL can just about justify anything though :moped:

[makinorlando]

I miss Whatburger! Like Florida, Texas gets a lot of snowbirds too. They call them "Winter Texans."


Not to hijack the thread but I have seen two "Whataburgers" in my travels this past week - one new one just opened east of Orlando (Bithlo) on 50 - heading towards Christmas, we also saw one on University - near Goldenrod.

[macraven]

Not to hijack the thread but I have seen two "Whataburgers" in my travels this past week - one new one just opened east of Orlando (Bithlo) on 50 - heading towards Christmas, we also saw one on University - near Goldenrod.


have got to ask....

do you know if there are any whataburgers up chicago way?

[phamton]

We just spend 12 days at Pop Century followed by 4 nights at HRH - what I found truly amazing was the lack of (on the most part) customer service plus very poor housekeeping at HRH compared to the Disney Hotels we have stayed at.

Actually I would have been a little upset also with not having a clean room. But for the record and for those who don't already know, the hotels are not owned by Universal but by Loews. Just as there are some hotels on Disney property that aren't owned by Disney (near the downtown Disney area), the hotels on Universal property are not owned by Universal.

Sorry Macraven, I can't answer your question about Whataburger. I was surprised to hear that we have them in Orlando. I thought it was a "Texas thang"

[ChrisFL]

Im just glad there are no resorts at Universal which are as gaudy and tacky as Pop Century.

[Fan2CSkr]

have got to ask....

do you know if there are any whataburgers up chicago way?


I just looked...Texas and Southern US
Bummer!

[Fan2CSkr]

Actually I would have been a little upset also with not having a clean room. But for the record and for those who don't already know, the hotels are not owned by Universal but by Loews. Just as there are some hotels on Disney property that aren't owned by Disney (near the downtown Disney area), the hotels on Universal property are not owned by Universal.

Sorry Macraven, I can't answer your question about Whataburger. I was surprised to hear that we have them in Orlando. I thought it was a "Texas thang"

Actually Loews co-owns the three hotels with Universal Parks and Resorts and The Rank Organization. Loews owns very few hotels, they manage and operate most of their properties.


Poor housekeeping though not acceptable can happen anywhere. The housekeeping staff is huge and a few not up to par employees can and will slip through but they wont be there for long. Aside from your housekeeping incident I cant see how anyone would compare Pop Century to HRH. You pay for what you get. As far as your "prime example of "it wouldn't happen at Disney" comment, it sure will and does. Read all about it on these boards, I have. I'm glad Hotel Express made it all OK for you. :)

[Motherfletcher]

have got to ask....

do you know if there are any whataburgers up chicago way?

We ate at Whataburger in Harlingen, South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas last weekend. It is a Texas thing that started in Corpus Christi in 1950. Its good to see them going national. What I miss from the midwest is Maid Rites!

[Fan2CSkr]

We ate at Whataburger in Harlingen, South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas last weekend. It is a Texas thing that started in Corpus Christi in 1950. Its good to see them going national. What I miss from the midwest is Maid Rites!


I saw Maid Rite on The Travel Channel. Loose meat...YUMMY! I wish we would get some of these neat restaurants around here. I would settle for a Chick-fil-A.

[Amity 3]

What I miss from the midwest is Maid Rites!

and pork tenderloins.

[ChrisFL]

hey guys, have we derailed this thread enough yet?

just checking... :thumbsup2

[macraven]

hey guys, have we derailed this thread enough yet?

just checking... :thumbsup2



dunno,
maybe we could get a couple of more miles on it..... :teeth:

[Fan2CSkr]

hey guys, have we derailed this thread enough yet?

just checking... :thumbsup2


derailed? how bout detoured, we must all be hungry! :rotfl2:

[macraven]

whataburgers sounded good.
makes me want to move to texas or florida.........

[rie'smom]

We are DVCers but we also love,love ,love the Universal hotels. Never have we experienced anything but top notch service and super clean rooms. If Universal had timeshares,we would have bought there first. As far as the parks go, WDW is great,but,IMO,US and IOA are too. Oh and we are wild about the FOTL.
I don't understand why it has to be one or the other. Both are fun-why the competition?

[LauraAnn630]

We are doing US, IoA and the 4 Disney parks this December for the holidays!

Disney HAS messed up our tickets, not cleaned our room and given us terribly wrong info on early and late entry times!

[Disney MAINEiac]

Just had to respond with a positive for UNI.People - you can love both - you don't have to pick only one!

:) I totally agree, we always try to do both when we visit. Why limit your fun? :thumbsup2 Both places have their strengths and in the end we always have a good time. :cloud9:

[macraven]

i have been doing both parks on the same vacation since 1993.

i could not imagine going to orlando and missing one of them.

[smidgy]

boy, I WISH univ. had just one "tacky" hotel, like pop century! we just spent a week at pop for free dining. we were not planning a trip again but couldn't turn down the dining offer, and could only afford a value resort. It was really very nice. we prefer the moderates at disney.. even a moderately priced resort at univ. would be great. we do love UR, and with fotl, can't see staying offsite.
they could compete better with wdw if they had at least one lesser expensive resort.
we are spoiled... only stay onsite at either place. we have stayed at 3 disney deluxe resorts. are considering hard rock this time at UR, but gee, that's so pricey. It's just that we've been to RP 3 times, and enjoy new and dif. experiences.
anyhow, we love both places, and the competition between the 2 is good for all of us! I cracked up at the gory, gruesome makeup show when the actor said to a kid "this isn't disney kid, I don't have to be nice to you" every one in the audience cracked up.. (PLUS, I got to kiss the guy to "revive" him, just an extra perk)
I love spider man, mummy is great. walking to the parks is great. love to pool hop at UR. city walk is a gas - love the dueling pianos at pat o'briens. but...I love renting boats on bay lake at WDW, learning to ride a segway, enjoying a pina colada while listening to flower power concerts at epcot (wdw is for families with little kids? our kids are grown, we go ourselves :love: ) OMG! there's SO much in orlando, um, hubby, can we take THREE weeks next time- can we, huh, pleeeaaase?!

[BettyBoop.IOA]

The last few posts have been pretty good responses. But really, come on guys. This topic should have been called "WE HATE UNIVERSAL" Half of you have been brainwashed into thinking Universal sucks, and yeh whatever, I dont like MK THAT much but I dont make topics about it. I say half the people on the boards here are snobby and don't give Universal a chance. Call this Harsh, but come on guys, Get over it.

[macraven]

http://bestsmileys.com/clapping/3.gif

[Chuck S]

Half of you have been brainwashed into thinking Universal sucks, and yeh whatever, I dont like MK THAT much but I dont make topics about it. I say half the people on the boards here are snobby and don't give Universal a chance.

I gave Universal a fair chance...twice. I grew up in Los Angeles and always enjoyed visiting Universal Hollywood. But judging by our experience with the USF CM, food service and overall park cleanliness, I have to say that Universal Florida is, IMO, the Six Flags version of Universal Hollywood.

[BettyBoop.IOA]

Your reply makes a whole lot more sense, hence the term "In my opinion".
Alot of posters on here imply(sp) that "I speak for the whole board when I say.."
I mean Universal is great in MY opinion its better than DW, in fact I've spoken to more people who prefer Universal rather than Disney!
I've heard the comparison to Six flags, many times. But I am English, but I've heard your Six Flags is our Alton Towers! So I get what you mean.

**May I quickly add, that Disney is like the cleanest place on earth. And it's not the parks fault that Universal is like 'less clean'. It's the fact that Universal appeals to teenagers more than disney world, and teenagers do litter!

[damo]

I gave Universal a fair chance...twice. I grew up in Los Angeles and always enjoyed visiting Universal Hollywood. But judging by our experience with the USF CM, food service and overall park cleanliness, I have to say that Universal Florida is, IMO, the Six Flags version of Universal Hollywood.

Could you elaborate and back up this opinion with references to Six Flags and Universal? I'd be interested to hear exactly how they compare. I have visited most Six Flags parks as well as both Universal locations as well as both American Disney locations. I don't quite get the comparisons, especially foodwise considering that Mythos in IOA has been voted the best theme park restaurant consistently. The only real comparison I see is the use of superior roller coasters by B&M when Universal Hollywood has no large coasters. If the inclusion of B&M coasters makes Universal like Six Flags then I say, "Bring it on!!!"

[macraven]

i live 10 minutes from the 6 flags great america/chgo area and go there regularly for something to do in the boring days of summer.

have been going to their fright fest on weekends this month also.

maybe you should not lump all six flags into one catagory. the Great America staff has a majority of 16 and 17 year olds working there. they do the rides, foods, janitorial services and ticket booths.

there are always problems at this park with the employees. they have a high turnover on workers. until this 6 flags hires older workers, i doubt the problems they have will go away. the place can not be kept up and stay clean once their gates open.

i have been to UO in florida and my comparison to that park with 6 flags is impossible. UO is a theme park with well trained staff, our 6 flags is not.

right now, 6 flags is in the process of selling off some of their more prosperous parks to another company. doesn't that tell you something?

universal is unique. i could not compare it to another theme or amusement park. universal, disney and 6 flags are all different in so many ways.

not everyone enjoys universal. i always say, that's one less person in line in front of me then.

we all have our opinions. i just want to point out don't lump all the 6 flags together as one group. that company is selling out some of the parks. each 6 flags park is not the same, they are not kept up as a group.
have also been to the mid america 6 flags in st louis. their problems on cleanliness are not an issue there but, it is one of the smallest 6 flags parks.

[Lucky82061]

I think Universal has it's own charm... well maybe not USF but IOA is definitely worth the trip... IOA has some of the best ride's at any park. Spiderman, Hulk, Dudley do-right falls, Bilge barges... all great rides.

With that being said however, you don't get the same feeling at USF as you do at WDW. There really is something to the "magic" of it all... the ambiance at WDW, provided by the CM's is unparalleled... that's what makes WDW that much better.

An example I have is on my last trip at Universal, I was heading into the park at the turnstiles and the one I was in line for broke. Instead of telling everyone in the line that the turnstile was broke, the employee decided to just make everyone stand there for 20 minutes while he tried to reboot it and get it fixed. When people started asking what was taking so long he actually got up and yelled at them.... Just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling when you're getting yelled at on the way in :rotfl:

That's what sets Disney apart from everyone else... But anyways.. just my opinion :confused3

[damo]

I think Universal has it's own charm... well maybe not USF but IOA is definitely worth the trip... IOA has some of the best ride's at any park. Spiderman, Hulk, Dudley do-right falls, Bilge barges... all great rides.

With that being said however, you don't get the same feeling at USF as you do at WDW. There really is something to the "magic" of it all... the ambiance at WDW, provided by the CM's is unparalleled... that's what makes WDW that much better.

An example I have is on my last trip at Universal, I was heading into the park at the turnstiles and the one I was in line for broke. Instead of telling everyone in the line that the turnstile was broke, the employee decided to just make everyone stand there for 20 minutes while he tried to reboot it and get it fixed. When people started asking what was taking so long he actually got up and yelled at them.... Just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling when you're getting yelled at on the way in :rotfl:

That's what sets Disney apart from everyone else... But anyways.. just my opinion :confused3

No warm fuzzies for me at all at Disney, of course, just my opinion. It started right at the parking booth last visit at AK with the attendant charging me $10 for my taxi to drop me off. That would never happen at Universal. All the warm fuzzies went straight out the window.

There are some rides that I really like but even if you put them all together, it would be one small theme park. I always feel like I am being royally ripped off at Disney having to jump from park to park to ride a ride or two.

[PinkTink63]

I think DW fell in love with me again when I said that at Universal Studios. As true Disney lovers, we knew we would likely never leave DW to go to US, so we planned a special 1 week trip to go there and SeaWorld. Great prices with a package and Southwest airfares. All going well with planning for a Monday morning flight when, oops, I get sent for a one day seminar in San Francisco on Sunday. OK, plans: I fly out Saturday, stay overnight, then the seminar, then red-eye back Sunday night to Philly, arrive at 6am, wait for DW (is it US-W now? whatever..) DD3 and DD6 who will arrive at airport at 8am. Perfect right?
Well, surprisingly it did work and I even slept on the plane back.

Arrived at Orlando, got the car, drove to offsite hotel. Then to US to pick up our 5 day pass that also included free meals for the kids. Great. Pick up passes and then hit the park. These passes have the free lunch? Absolutely the employee says (they are just not CMs.)

Routine rides, plenty of fun, but just not the ambiance at DW. What was most crazy is that a half hour before the park closed, the shops and food stands closed up! That would never happen at DW!

Ok, next day up and at-em, head to the parks, IOA this time. Luckily both DD3 and DD6 are tall - DD6 can go on anything and wants to. DD3 not far behind, but of course more limited.

We head for lunch (free remember) and go to check out - no free lunch. How to fix it? Head all the way across the park to guest services. That's it, I blow and yell out 'This doesn't happen at DW.' I know it might, but its never happened to us.

Rest of the trip was fine, Sea World was great (free beer). Oh don't give me that look, if you have kids you must understand the overwhelming desire to drink in the middle of the day.

But, we kept looking southwest. Its not too far is it? DW and I drop hints then finally just say, want to go get dinner at Big River? Our eyes light up! And breakfast at Boma before we fly home YES!

So we caved, and saved the vacation. When we made the reservations and the CM ended with 'Have a magical day" then when we got to BW and the guard CM said 'watch out for Donald and his friends' (at was drizzling) we knew we were home.

Back to DW (where we belong) in 4 weeks 4 days.

Offsite 1982, 1987
DL (Honeymoon) 1995
Sports 2004
Swan 2005


In all fairness to US/IOA, Disney has made minor mistakes with us before, but I totally agree with you about the feeling there. It is completely different! There is just a certain feeling we get at Disney that we just do not get elsewhere. Last time we were at US/IOA during the summer they closed at 7 or 8pm on a Sat. night! That really bummed us out!
We really like US/IOA, especially Spiderman, The Mummy(my favorite!), Jurassic Park, Dueling Dragons and The Hulk(families favorites!), and Suess Landing. We stay at there for about 3 days whereas we stay at Disney 10-12 days.
There is no way we would travel all the way to Orlando and not go to Disney, but we we are going to skip US next year, because we are going to the Keys for part of our trip. That is just our feeling on the whole situation! :wizard:

[Fan2CSkr]

I gave Universal a fair chance...twice. I grew up in Los Angeles and always enjoyed visiting Universal Hollywood. But judging by our experience with the USF CM, food service and overall park cleanliness, I have to say that Universal Florida is, IMO, the Six Flags version of Universal Hollywood.


Oh come on Chuck, you drank the kool-aid at the DVC presenatation didnt you? When was the last time you were at USO? The parks are just as clean as Disneys. The TM's have always been helpful, interesting and pleasant to us. Since we visit so often I always make it a point to strike up a conversation with them and its always been a highlight. I have been to all the Disney parks and both USO and USH just for reference. The 6 flags comparison always shocks me. I just do not find any merit to that statement at all. Since you found your way over to this board you must have been researching your next trip there right? ;) I know we all have our intrepretation of things but the general "dirty:, "rude", "six flags" comments sound so silly. Whats wrong with the food? Where did you eat?

[rie'smom]

If US/IOA is like Six Flags,then WDW must be as well. I say this because I get the same happy feeling at both resorts. Oh,except for FOTL-that makes me feel a lot better at US/IOA.

[Bobb-O]

Why are so many disney-philes kool-aid drinkers?

[patster734]

Why are so many disney-philes kool-aid drinkers?
Because alcohol isn't served at the Magic Kingdom? :confused3

[BettyBoop.IOA]

No warm fuzzies for me at all at Disney, of course, just my opinion. It started right at the parking booth last visit at AK with the attendant charging me $10 for my taxi to drop me off. That would never happen at Universal. All the warm fuzzies went straight out the window.

There are some rides that I really like but even if you put them all together, it would be one small theme park. I always feel like I am being royally ripped off at Disney having to jump from park to park to ride a ride or two.

Thats the employee, not the park. I've been yelled at by Disney Staff because I complained that someone stole our pram. "THATS NOT OUR PROBLEM LADY"
Trust me, it happens every where.

[Bobb-O]

There are so many many things that happen at Universal Studios that you just want to describe as "Just doesnt happen at Disney" - probably need a thread of its own but lets get started.

------------------------------
Being able to really "Park Hop" by walking between parks -
This doesn't happen at Disney World

Every Multi-Day Theme Park Ticket includes free admission to all of the clubs at City Walk -
This doesn't happen at Disney World

Resort Hotel Guests enjoy Unlimited Front of the Line priveledges all day long with no machine to swipe or wait at - just show room key.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

City Walk is situated between the two theme parks and has a huge parking garage and three 4 star hotels adjacent and all hotel guests can actually walk to the parks if they want to.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

You are able to get to your hotel quickly if it rains or you want a break from the heat and humidity without long transportation and wait times.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

"Universal tends to be more adult oriented than WDW" - quote from Kelly Monaghan http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/media/uo5release.pdf- but goes on to say that Universal has not abandoned children but has made arrangements for them to have fun.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

Al hotels at Universal are pet friendly -
This doesn't happen at Disney World

100% of all hotels at Universal are Luxury resorts with at least 4 stars.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

Universal Studios Florida has ticket prices that are affordable to families.
This doesn't happen at Disney World

----------------------------------------------

[BettyBoop.IOA]

You guys are so.. one sided! To make a decent point try to include bad things about Universal and good things.. because anyone could make a list that says "This doesn't happen is Universal" but where's the actual comparison? I don't mean to be insulting, it's just from an outsider, it's how it looks.
(Above post is not what im refering too.)

[rie'smom]

You guys are so.. one sided! To make a decent point try to include bad things about Universal and good things.. because anyone could make a list that says "This doesn't happen is Universal" but where's the actual comparison? I don't mean to be insulting, it's just from an outsider, it's how it looks.
(Above post is not what im refering too.)
Ok-it rained one day while we were at Universal. Honestly,these parks are,IMO,so much better than WDW. If you don't like reading this,why keep coming back? I think you're wishcasting and it's not going to happen. If you want to read about how fabulous WDW is,there are plenty of threads on other boards. :wave:

[LauraAnn630]

LOL! That was GREAT Bobb-o!

Were doing US and IoA for the first time in December! Cant wait!


55 more days to go!
:cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana:

[BettyBoop.IOA]

Ok-it rained one day while we were at Universal. Honestly,these parks are,IMO,so much better than WDW. If you don't like reading this,why keep coming back? I think you're wishcasting and it's not going to happen. If you want to read about how fabulous WDW is,there are plenty of threads on other boards. :wave:
*sigh* I know your right, and IMO Universal is better, It's just weird that some people dont give Uni a chance at all, and I don't know why I keep comming back.. Nothings good on TV.. :goodvibes

[damo]

Thats the employee, not the park. I've been yelled at by Disney Staff because I complained that someone stole our pram. "THATS NOT OUR PROBLEM LADY"
Trust me, it happens every where.

Disney policy is to charge $10 to be dropped off by a taxi. It has nothing to do with the employee; he did not decide to randomly charge me. I received a receipt for taxi drop off which I took to guest relations and they said that yes indeed, that is their policy. I do not fault an entire park for the mood of one employee but I do fault the entire park for something like a $10 drop off fee. That is just beyond price gouging!!!

[Bobb-O]

Sounds like a "Disney Tax" -

Walt Disney World - thru its Reedy Creek Improvement District - has basically become a taxing authority.

Sounds like they implemented a taxi tax (much like a hotel tax as it is a use tax) which any municipality can do, if they have a sort of medallion system or otherwise license the taxis.

So in a certain global sense it does happen elsewhere- but does it happen outside of disney in Orange County or in Osceola County or in the City of Lake Buena Vista or even city of Orlando?

So I guess this TAX DOES happen at disney.

[PinkTink63]

Disney policy is to charge $10 to be dropped off by a taxi. It has nothing to do with the employee; he did not decide to randomly charge me. I received a receipt for taxi drop off which I took to guest relations and they said that yes indeed, that is their policy. I do not fault an entire park for the mood of one employee but I do fault the entire park for something like a $10 drop off fee. That is just beyond price gouging!!!

That is too bad that they charge for taxi drop off. At least they don't charge for self-parking like they do at US. Let's face it! It's all a big money making scam! :teeth:

[macraven]

parking your car in a lot and being dropped off by in a paid vehicle is two different things.

[PinkTink63]

parking your car in a lot and being dropped off by in a paid vehicle is two different things.

who said it was the same? :confused3

[Bobb-O]

At least they don't charge for self-parking like they do at US.
Just because WDW does not charge you doesnt mean it isnt included in the hotel rate.

Well at least at US self parking is close to hotel entrance unlike AKL where it is a long walk and forces you to valet park.

[PinkTink63]

Just because WDW does not charge you doesnt mean it isnt included in the hotel rate.

Well at least at US self parking is close to hotel entrance unlike AKL where it is a long walk and forces you to valet park.

I don't know where you parked, but the self parking we used was not close to our hotel and they charged us for valet parking! We never use valet parking and we don't mind walking. :goodvibes
My friend was charged $8.00 for a bottle of water that was sitting by the bed at HH, which she thought was complimentary. US hotels aren't exactly a bargain!
My point still is......ALL of the parks over charge for things!

[macraven]

pinktink, if you were charged for valet parking in error, all you have to do is tell the front desk and they remove that charge.

[PinkTink63]

pinktink, if you were charged for valet parking in error, all you have to do is tell the front desk and they remove that charge.

I didn't realize it until after I flew home. I know I should have called them and they probably would have corrected it. I check over my bill now before I leave! :thumbsup2

[macraven]

I didn't realize it until after I flew home. I know I should have called them and they probably would have corrected it. I check over my bill now before I leave! :thumbsup2



if you call the hotel, they wil give you a credit. they are very good about fixing things.

one time i was charged for valet parking.
problem was, i didn't have a car there...... :rotfl: :rotfl:

it was taken off without any argument.
i told them and they gave me the credit.

loews wants no bad press.
they have 4 star hotels and want that image untarnished.

give them a call and get the credit.

[damo]

Room prices, park hopper prices and annual pass prices at Universal are very cheap compared to Disney. An annual pass at Universal is $179, at Disney is it $550. A 7 day pass is $85 at Universal, at Disney it is $350. Deluxe room rates are much higher at Disney than at Universal(even including parking) and you don't get any perks like Express Pass access.

[macraven]

Room prices, park hopper prices and annual pass prices at Universal are very cheap compared to Disney. An annual pass at Universal is $179, at Disney is it $550. A 7 day pass is $85 at Universal, at Disney it is $350. Deluxe room rates are much higher at Disney than at Universal(even including parking) and you don't get any perks like Express Pass access.



another reason why i adore universal.
thanks damo !!

[patster734]

Room prices, park hopper prices and annual pass prices at Universal are very cheap compared to Disney. An annual pass at Universal is $179, at Disney is it $550. A 7 day pass is $85 at Universal, at Disney it is $350. Deluxe room rates are much higher at Disney than at Universal(even including parking) and you don't get any perks like Express Pass access.

That's the reason why we can do Universal once or twice each year while we do Disney once every two or three years.

[PinkTink63]

if you call the hotel, they wil give you a credit. they are very good about fixing things.

one time i was charged for valet parking.
problem was, i didn't have a car there...... :rotfl: :rotfl:

it was taken off without any argument.
i told them and they gave me the credit.

loews wants no bad press.
they have 4 star hotels and want that image untarnished.

give them a call and get the credit.

Thanks, but I think it is a little late to do that! It was about 2 years ago! :rotfl:

[macraven]

Thanks, but I think it is a little late to do that! It was about 2 years ago! :rotfl:







:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[damo]

Maybe you can get interest!!!

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

WDW and USO are two completely different parks. They are marketed to a different demographic and as such you’re bound to have some differences. I would say Disney is marketed to families with children, young children especially. Because of this everything has a family feel, something that I really like. Their themeing seems to be more cartoon oriented, something that’s to be expected because that’s where Disney got his start. I think that’s what gives the park that childlike appeal. No matter how old you are there’s just something about WDW that makes it that magical place where you can be a kid again. It’s great. Plus there’s something for everyone, especially at Epcot. In my opinion, you can’t go to Orlando and not see the Magic Kingdom at least.

Both resorts are really great, but when it boils down to it, no one resort is better than the other. They are both awesome in their own respect. Just because you prefer one over the other doesn’t make the other one not as good. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your vacation! :goodvibes
My two cents: Disney and Universal are both fantastic and magical! I'm grateful we all have both to experience.

I've found over the years that vacations/relationships/life are what you make of them...expectations play a large role, but having a plan while also being able to make adjustments and deal with frustrations leads to a better state of mind.
We totally agree! Anytime we visit Orlando, we make sure to spend time at both parks - they both have something different to offer. We woudn't miss either. You can't compare one to the other, at least not fairly.

Over the years, we've stayed off site, on-site at Disney and are planning on staying on-site at USF during our next trip. Yes we've had 'glitches' at both the off site hotels and on-site at Disney, but one has to remember that people are human and mistakes will occur - even in this age of technology. I think the biggest problem is that as a society we've come to expect perfection in an imperfect world.

Your vacation is what you make of it - and if you dwell on the negatives, that is all you will remember.

(climbing down off my soapbox now)

Bonny

[Lady V]

I've said this many times before. When Disney people try Universal for the first time, and they don't stay on site, then they give it an average review, and that's exactly what we have here.

I'm guessing the OP stays onsite at Disney, probably at the value resorts (All Star Music, Movies, Sports). So you end up getting the bus rides to the parks, and the food courts and pools at the hotels. When you stay off site, the pool is "just a pool" and you don't have any food courts.

The only way to really experience Universal is to pay the extra money and stay onsite for at least 2 nights. It's best to do this at the end of your trip, because once you try FOTL, you'll be spoiled.

I don't think the food vouchers really ruined the trip. I think the offsite hotel did because it's "just a hotel" and there was no magic. The onsite resorts at Universal are compare to Deluxe hotels at Disney. So save up, pay the extra money, and enjoy the visit. Think of it as a splurge.


Well, I have to disagree. This past summer we stayed at the Boardwalk at Disney -(which is DVC and definately DELUXe)-. we were at DIsney for 9 nights and then we stayed at Royal Pacific for three nights. We thought the hotel (RPR)was dirty,there was paint chipping on the walls in every hallway, poor customer service, awful restaurants and more. So, we did stay onsite at both and spent a lot of money at both accomadations and we felt RPR was really of lesser quality all the way around. :confused3

[candleonwater]

Wow, I'm glad I stumbled on this thread! I'm debating a New Years trip to Disney and started thinking... US is about 1/2 the price, even staying in one of their hotels... I'll stick the Poly! Thanks!

[Disney owl]

thanks for sharing

[Bobb-O]

posted this on disney world trip board - well it seems that medic1895 posted his universal report here - actually this thread and has not been heard from since.

Everything in this report is true. Can medic say the same thing? Maybe you should read the first post in this thread first.


There is more magic at Universal Studios than at Disney


I think DW fell in love with me again when I said that at Animal Kingdom Lodge. As Universal Studios lovers, we knew we would likely never leave USF to go to WDW, but we figure that we would give it one more try so we planned a special weekend trip. Actually expensive hotel as compared to the Hard Rock but low Delta airfare.

Arrived at Orlando Friday afternoon, got the car, and drove to Animal Kingdom Lodge - nice hotel but just not Hard Rock Hotel. We then drove to City Walk to see show at Hard Rock Live. Realized that we should have stayed at Universal but alas it’s too late.

Two days of parks – day one Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Routine rides, plenty of fun, but just not the ambiance at USF. What was most crazy is that Disney doesn’t even have front of line proveledges for on site guests and those fast-pass kiosks empty very quickly. That would never happen at Universal Studios! Actually liked Animal Kingdom but went thru it in about three hours and Magic Kingdom had no magic. It was been there done this before. I could sing the songs because I have heard them for 30 years.

Day two it rained – a lot. We got soaked to the skin. Had to walk across all of EPCOT because you cant get bus at International Gateway (or so they said). Then waited 30 minutes for bus to arrive. That's it, I blow and yell out 'This doesn't happen at Universal Studios.' I know it might, but its never happened to us.

Rest of the trip was fine, We really were not impressed with Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Hotel was very expensive. But, we kept looking northeast. Its not too far is it? DW and I drop hints then finally just say, want to go get dinner at Emeril’s? Our eyes light up! And breakfast at Hard Rock Kitchen before we fly home YES!

So we caved, and saved the vacation. When we made the reservations and the CM didn’t say “Have a magical day” we knew we were home.

Back to HRH (where we belong) in 3 weeks. (actually now 2 1/2 weeks)

[ruadisneyfan2]

Well, I have to disagree. This past summer we stayed at the Boardwalk at Disney -(which is DVC and definately DELUXe)-. we were at DIsney for 9 nights and then we stayed at Royal Pacific for three nights. We thought the hotel (RPR)was dirty,there was paint chipping on the walls in every hallway, poor customer service, awful restaurants and more. So, we did stay onsite at both and spent a lot of money at both accomadations and we felt RPR was really of lesser quality all the way around. :confused3
You do realize you're comparing a Disney deluxe to Universal's cheapest, right?

[Kata]

Well, I have to disagree. This past summer we stayed at the Boardwalk at Disney -(which is DVC and definately DELUXe)-. we were at DIsney for 9 nights and then we stayed at Royal Pacific for three nights. We thought the hotel (RPR)was dirty,there was paint chipping on the walls in every hallway, poor customer service, awful restaurants and more. So, we did stay onsite at both and spent a lot of money at both accomadations and we felt RPR was really of lesser quality all the way around. :confused3

I think alot has to do with the room you are given. I stayed at The Boardwalk Inn 12/05 and the 1st room I was given the toilet didn't work. Then they moved me to a room that had black mold on the ceiling and I spent the night listening to a man in the next room snoring all night.I tried to change resorts the next day but every WDW resort was booked. They moved me to a deluxe room at no charge and I still preferred my 2 stays at RPR alot more. I also spent 2 nights at the Poly for the 1st time in 2005 and really loved it and I was really worried that I would be dissapointed in RPR but I was wrong,it was beautiful and half the price of the Poly. I am a Loews gold member and I could have upgraded to a suite for $35.00 more a night (still alot cheaper than the Poly) but after seeing the room I didn't think it was neessary .Sometimes the 1st room you are given may not meet your expectations but it may be worth a try to ask for a different room that you may enjoy more. :)