WDW vs. Universal. My definitive comparison.

[tentaguasu]

OK, before doing Universal, I had asked many people how it stacked up against Disney. I got many replies, but there didn't seem to be any consensus at all.

I have very strong opinions about it after seeing both and thought I'd share for the benefit of others.

First of all, I don't think it's "Coke vs. Pepsi" at all. They are very different places. I personally thought WDW blew Universal out of the water. Not even close. But I can see that some people might feel differently.

Here's the difference: Disney Magic.

OK, OK hear me out. I'm not your typical "Disney magic" type person. I'm a guy who could care less about "Magic" and pixie dust and garbage. I could care less about the Disney characters. I haven't read most of the classic books, or seen 3/4 of the movies. I don't get teary eyed seeing the castle, Mickey Mouse is just OK, and tinkerbell and the cricket kind of annoy me. In fact, I didn't believe in "disney magic" at all.

Until I went to Universal.

The total lack of magic at universal made me realize that Disney does in fact have something special about it.

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.

If you care about attention to detail, you'll notice the difference. And if you care about these things, then it all starts adding up and making a big difference. There are a million little ways in which it shows up. For instance:

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).

b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.

c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)

d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan.

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

Other considerations.

1. The characters. I have zero attachment to Mikey Mouse, etc. In fact I like Universals character set better. Shaggy and Scoobie Doo! Cool. Curious George! Cool! Spiderman - come on! Lots of fun characters. For me advantage Universal. Your mileage may vary...

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

4. Older kids / thrill riders. Universal is THE place to be if you are between 10 and 25. Everything is louder, faster, etc. I'm a pretty young 37. In fact I was pumped up when I heard the entrance music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers the day I went! Cool! I LOVED the intensity of the drop in the Jurassic ride. Though I can't ride coasters, I can imagine that Hulk and Dragons must be sweet rides. If that's what you're after - if it's all about the rides and intense rides at that - then IoA and Universal will be a great choice. Still, for me, it didn't make up for the lack of quality and (to me) a sort of juvenile sense about things. Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET! It wasn't thoughtful thrills, it was just BAM, in your face. Bigger and Louder. That played well with my 11 year old, but got old with me. Even the sense of humor seemed geared to that age group. Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.

Again, none of this stuff is that important, but it adds up, cumulatively, to give you an impression of things.

What I will give Universal credit for is creativity. I didn't much like Terminator (3D effects were off and on and the movie itself was boring IMHO) the way it was done was different and creative. And Spiderman - wow! Too rough, but wow - really neat effects. Also, watch the video monitors in the Terminator queue. They show pictures of the waiting crowd, but have some interesting things happen.

Bottom Line: Kali River Rapids as compared to the Bluto ride at Universal is a perfect microcosm of the difference between Disney and Universal. Bluto is more intense. It gets you wetter. It moves faster. It's longer. But I prefer Kali 100 times over. Bluto is essentially a garish plastic chute. The quality of the "set" is sort of McDonald's Play landish. It gets you wet, but I noticed that TONS of water sloshes around on the floor and your feet get sopping wet (which seems to me to be sort of a poor design - when you may or may not get really wet, but your shoes are guaranteed to be sopping wet). In comparison Kali is just beautiful to look at and be a part of. From the waiting line on its attractive, jungly, mysterious. Just nice. So for me, I love being on Kali and found Bluto sort of boring and ugly. But my son who is 11 loved Bluto.

So think about what you like, what floats your boat, and what bugs you and you'll have a pretty decent idea of how you'll feel about each location.

For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.

[terbethk]

That's probably the best comparison I've ever read. I'm a pretty big fan of both parks.
While I do disagree with some points (I love the disney characters), Disney does have something much more special than Universal...or any other park for that matter will ever have.

[Figment's Friend]

Thanks for posting this, it was very interesting to break everything down like that! :thumbsup2 I have to agree with you 100% on attention to detail and the (I can't think of another word to describe it, actually) magic indeed at the Disney parks over Universal. I've been to the Universal parks a handful of times and have always been disappointed, especially at the rides themselves -- seems like they were going for the few second thrill over everything else that is equally important in a theme park. I agree, many of their sets are sloppy and there's simply a different vibe overall :)

Honestly, I just agree with everything you've mentioned to pinpoint one thing over another! :worship: Although I am a Disney character, castle-loving worshipper!! :rotfl: :upsidedow :lmao:

[KEMdisney]

agreed!!!! very nicely written.

[Kurby]

can't compare yet but we are getting tickets for uni next year. we're staying at wdw for 17 nights and will have the 10 park/water tickets which will leave 3 days plus evenings when we go to the water parks for uni. we love disney so reading your post if we don't like it as much as we thought we'll just spend the 3 days at the resort pool and enjoying the disney resort life.

[IloveStarbuck]

I really don't think Disney compares with anywhere in the world.

[centurythree]

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.


That's the funniest thing I've seen in a while. :lmao:

I think that your review was great, thanks!

I will say that a few of the things I've never noticed myself. They may be summer issues since you're not the first person to bring them up here. Specifically I've never noticed a difference in crowd types or cleanliness . . . but the Universal parks are pretty empty when I go in January.

Staff attitudes have definitely varied from trip to trip. Sometimes everyone's happy and engaged, other times some people are "blah," and still other times I've seen verbal fights between employees or between employees and guests. :confused3

I was very disappointed in both Hulk and Dueling Dragons, so don't feel like you're missing anything. My hometown theme parks have far superior coasters. Universal does have a great thing going with its thrill rides . . . definitely some of the best in the country. :thumbsup2

As far as theming is concerned, I think that Universal Studios is pretty solid. I agree on IOA's Marvel Superhero Island falling a bit flat. I know what they were trying to go for, but it just feels cheap and ineffective. Things are even worse over at Toon Lagoon. The entry Island, Lost Continent, Suess Landing, Jurassic Park are all amazingly well done.

[centurythree]

Oh . . . I almost forgot. Universal's Express Pass system is simply awful. :mad: It's almost enough (and still might be enough) to make me not want to spend my money there. I know their hotels are probably really struggling in comparison to the Disney hotels, but not giving off-site guests equal access to express passes isn't winning them any friends in the long run. All it means for me is that I would never stay at a Universal resort because of how obnoxious I find the policy.

I doubt it's a coincidence that their attendance had dropped over the past several years. They've managed to nickle and dime people to keep their profits up, but they're not going to be able to manage that forever. I also don't think that the Harry Potter section will really help them that much in the long run. . . people's expectations are so high now that most will be disappointed with the end product, no matter how good it is. (I've seen several here asking about "the new Harry Potter park," for example . . . )

[Aliceacc]

What a GREAT review!!

I've never been to Universal FL, and my one trip to Universal CA was in 1987. So I read your review merely out of curiosity.. it's 6:17 am and I'm the only one awake;)

But your assessments were based on concrete logic, then followed up by examples. ( I loved your "equal opportunity thugginess" bit.)

Thank you for a well thought out review!!

[kimmylaj]

yep i have been heming and hawing. thanks for all the comparisons. i'm gonna stick with disney for my 2 and 5 year olds this year. maybe when they are a little older we will try but the whole express pass thing just irks me. i might have to stay at their hotel.

[thepwa]

Could not have said it better.

The only thing Universal has going for it, IMO, is the thrill rides. Disney versions of thrill rides are lame, but I get why they are lame.

When I want to ride rides, I go to Universal. When I want Magic, I go to Disney.

The essense of why I spend one day in Universal, and a week in Disney. It only takes a day to ride the rides. I can enjoy the Magic for much longer.

[swilphil]

Overall, I like Disney better because I'm not really into thrill rides. There were a few areas where I thought Universal outdid Disney. My kids had a great time in the Curious George section of Universal, especially the ball pit. I imagine that the water area would be great when it's really hot. They also enjoyed the Dr. Seuss Land at Islands of Adventure.

We stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort onsite, which is so close to both parks, and it's nicer than the Disney deluxes. The Express line worked great for us since we were onsite, but I wouldn't want to pay extra for it.

I agree about the attention to detail on the rides and queues, but I thought Universal Studios movie set atmosphere was amazing. It made MGM/Disney Studios streetscapes look like cardboard cutouts.

I'm waiting for Universal's addition of the Harry Potter Wizarding World before our next trip to Universal. Plus my kids will be into some of the thrill rides then.

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I agree with this completely, but I disagree about the characters. I love the Disney characters, and the US/IOA characters are just OK

[carmiedog]

Thank you for the review! I appreciate the thought put into it. We're super-excited to be going to Universal for the first time next June. We're currently in the same age group and my oldest son will be about the same age as yours. I'm sure he'll also appreciate the Shrek fart joke since he actually likes Stitch's burp. :rolleyes: :rotfl2: I'm looking forward to coming back and comparing my impressions of the parks to see what I agree/disagree on. I'm sure we'll have a great time - this summer we did Kings Island, Sesame Place, and Cedar Point and had a fantastic time at each of them.

[christophfam]

You hit the nail on the head! We went to Universal three years ago instead of our annual WDW trip and haven't been back since. We had a nice time, but we just didn't feel the magic! :goodvibes

Disney has been a better deal for us too. With the free dining and value resorts, it is hard to beat. Now if they make those changes to the free dining plan next year that I have been hearing about, then we may look at Universal again since my tweens are at the perfect age for Universal.

[hapandpam]

Thanks for the excellent post.

I think my tag line sums it up... I do enjoy Universal, but I love Disney. My whole family feels the same way, even dd who is the thrill rider. On the positive side for Universal, I like the theming. I actually find the Superhero area looks like a comic book, and I love the way the music changes when you go from one land to another. (I know Disney does this too, but it seems like IoA stands out more because the change is so drastic.)

Thirteen trips to WDW, 3 to US/IoA. The magic wins out every time....

[eliza61]

That was a great (and funny) review.
I'm another one who think of them as 2 different places all together. I will visit Universal but I like to vacation at Disney.

[bobbiwoz]

I enjoyed reading your comparisons. We only took our DS's to Universal once, it was enough.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[KStarfish82]

I'm not trying to sound obnoxious here....but why do these comparisons. Disney is Disney and Universal is Universal. I would not compare apples and oranges, so why compare these two?

I recommend both!

Oh..for the person that mentioned that there is more of a "thug"-like audience at Universal, I strongly suggest that you visit Six Flags in Jersey....that is where you will see the "thugs".

[PatriciaH]

I do love the Disney parks and they are my favorites but we have annual passes to Universal/IOA as well. I think the staff there is great and they seem very happy to be working there. I like that they can have pink hair or nose rings:) I am from NY though and love to see creative people expressing themselves. Only the Imagineers or other creatives are allowed to get away with that at Disney. Bit of a double standard. They say because some CM's are front of the line and guests see them but how many people see Joe Rhode all the time on TV shows/books?

Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.


Two words: chili-dog. :sick:

I think the food is great at Universal/IOA (Lombards, Mythos-top theme park restaurant for years running, Emerils, The Palm, Finnigans, etc.) The hotels are beautiful andm uch cheaper than Disney's.

I agree with the crowd totally. One of the main reasons we do not love going to Universal more. Very tough and "common" crowd.

[Metro West]

I have had annual passes to both Universal and Disney for the past five years and visit both resorts often. I don't understand the constant comparisons to the employees and how bad the Univeral folks are. I've never had any bad experiences with the TM's at Universal or the CM's at Disney. In fact, a lot of folks work at both places and I do not believe the sloppy, uncaring and troublesome TM's described in the review suddenly change their personalities once they step foot on the "magical" land known as Disney property.

I've had more bad meals at Disney than Universal and since Universal gives the passholders park discounts, it costs less for me. I believe most theme parks including Disney and Univeral overcharge for food...nothing new there.

The atmosphere and themeing at Universal is as good as Disney if not better. The whole of IOA is wonderful so I'm not sure where the disappointed came from. At the Studios...which is a real working studo unlike DHS which is a theme park, the atmosphere is superior IMO.

I guess I'm the only one who goes to Universal who doesn't see these so called "thugs". The only time I've seen a different crowd is for Halloween Horror Nights...not during the day.

The bottom line is...everyone is different and likes different things. I hope those who haven't been to Universal will give it a try and will enjoy themselves...just don't go with the idea of comparing everything to Disney.

[rainwatter]

Thanks for the great review!! My DH has be bugging me to try Universal, but I think I will hold out a few years until DD is a bit older.

[huskies90]

Great review. Not a knock USO. Just a fair assessment. Personally I like them both equally and on our last trip had a better time at USO for many reasons one of which was better overall cust service. But if you told me I was dying in a week and could only go to one of them one last time, I would still go to Disney. It is just better.

[the Dark Marauder]

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).
I have seen horrible/bored/disinterested help at Disney and have found amazingly well-informed, genuinely friendly people at Universal. You find that EVERYWHERE YOU GO.


b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.
I have seen this happen at Disney


d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan.
Are.you.freaking.kidding.me. There is a ton of attention to detail and theming at Universal. If you actually look, you'll notice how intricate attractions such as Doctor Doom, Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, MIB, Mummy, etc all immerse you in the ride story.

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.No, it doesn't. Fastpass/express DOES NOT WORK. It makes lines longer.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.I have seen the same at Disney.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.And what are the buildings made of at Disney? The skulls of crushed faries? Nope. They're made of the same thing everything is--steel, concrete, paint, plastic, etc. If you allow yourself to be immersed in it, you really feel/understand it.


For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.

Do others agree with this assessment?
It is what YOU make it and how go look at things. You went in with a "OMZ, Diznee is teh bestest evar!!!!!!!11111" mindset and look what happened--you could not let yourself go and truly enjoy Universal. You opted to nitpick and compare instead of immerse.

Fail.

[bennythepug]

Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.


Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.


Great review, and I must say I absoultly agree with you- espesially on the 2 points above. Also great comparitive of Kali river rapids vs the bluto ride- that was perfectly stated as to how I feel too :worship:

[HockeyMomNH]

We are doing both Dinsey and Universal this time. Last time we did both my daughter was too young for a lot of the Universal rides. My kids are 15 and 9 right now, so they are both really looking forward to Universal.

I agree with a lot of your assesment, except that I am a Mickey fan and love Disney.

I have to dissagree about the fast pass thing though. I think that the Universal system is terrific and a huge incentive to stay onsite there.

[nanceliz]

Thank you for the review! I agree. Universal is great for the thrill rides but it does not, in my opinion, have the magic of Disney.

The greatest difference we saw was in the employess. A couple of them were almost rude to my boys. Another gave wrong information.

They are 2 completely different types of parks. We usually go to Universal one day and Disney the other 7.

[Tinkerbell21]

What a great review. I can't say whether or not I agree with you because the last time I was at a universal park was when I was 5 years old in California and I don't really remember that much...however....what I do remember is that there were a few characters who were so RUDE it made me never want to go back. Beetlejuice was there when I was younger (not sure if he is still there or not), anyways I was wearing a Mickey Mouse hat because we had been at Disneyland the day before and he picked it off my head and threw it on the ground and stepped on it and told me that I shouldn't like Mickey Mouse! Well I don't think that is very funny at all especially to a 5 year old who is now crying and he just walked away when I started to cry! I know that the character Beetlejuice was kind of a jerk but I think that is pushing the limits BIG TIME! Tone it down a little bit when you are dealing with kids. Anyways we are going to try going next September when we head back down there and I hope that the experience is good. Just thought I would share.

[macraven]

wow, such extreme opinions.

i do both parks each year.
i could not imagine going to orlando and not spending time at universal and disney and stay on site at both.


i guess this means that universal won't have the crowds when parry hotter opens completely up in 2010.

and here i was worried about huge crowds there all for nothing....:laughing:

[yankeepenny]

I did not consider this assessment fair.

Not at all.

[motofox4]

some people love disney, some love universal/IOA...of course everyone's taste is different, however, i have to say... that is one of THE BEST reviews i've ever read!!!! Thanks for that! IMO, every theme park is different in its own way and NOTHING can compare to disney.. it's just THE theme park of all theme parks!!! :worship:

[choirchic]

Very Nicely written review!

One addition though...Most rides at Universal are most definitely NOT "pooh sized" friendly! :thumbsup2

[lorli]

This is a wonderful review. I have never been to Universal in Florida, but was to the one in CA in 1991. At that time I had never been anywhere so I thought it was great. Then in 1998 I met Disney and I fell as one might say in love :love: with the whole concept. In the next few years I know we will be checking out Universal because DD will want to and I think it might be nice to see what else Orlando has to offer but it is Disney that has my heart.:lovestruc

[jess98ac]

I have seen horrible/bored/disinterested help at Disney and have found amazingly well-informed, genuinely friendly people at Universal. You find that EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

I have seen this happen at Disney

Are.you.freaking.kidding.me. There is a ton of attention to detail and theming at Universal. If you actually look, you'll notice how intricate attractions such as Doctor Doom, Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, MIB, Mummy, etc all immerse you in the ride story.

No, it doesn't. Fastpass/express DOES NOT WORK. It makes lines longer.

I have seen the same at Disney.

And what are the buildings made of at Disney? The skulls of crushed faries? Nope. They're made of the same thing everything is--steel, concrete, paint, plastic, etc. If you allow yourself to be immersed in it, you really feel/understand it.

It is what YOU make it and how go look at things. You went in with a "OMZ, Diznee is teh bestest evar!!!!!!!11111" mindset and look what happened--you could not let yourself go and truly enjoy Universal. You opted to nitpick and compare instead of immerse.

Fail.

How does someone "fail" when giving their opinions on something?
:confused3

I don't necessarily agree with everything the OP said, but I thought it was a much more fair assessment than some of the ones on this board where people simply write about how horrible US is just because it's not Disney. I don't think the OP tried to sway people from going there, just said why THEY thought Disney was better. And I'd be willing to bet that if this were a US board, someone could have written the exact same thing touting US as the more magical place.

[cocowum]

OK, before doing Universal, I had asked many people how it stacked up against Disney. I got many replies, but there didn't seem to be any consensus at all.

I have very strong opinions about it after seeing both and thought I'd share for the benefit of others.

First of all, I don't think it's "Coke vs. Pepsi" at all. They are very different places. I personally thought WDW blew Universal out of the water. Not even close. But I can see that some people might feel differently.

Here's the difference: Disney Magic.

OK, OK hear me out. I'm not your typical "Disney magic" type person. I'm a guy who could care less about "Magic" and pixie dust and garbage. I could care less about the Disney characters. I haven't read most of the classic books, or seen 3/4 of the movies. I don't get teary eyed seeing the castle, Mickey Mouse is just OK, and tinkerbell and the cricket kind of annoy me. In fact, I didn't believe in "disney magic" at all.

Until I went to Universal.

The total lack of magic at universal made me realize that Disney does in fact have something special about it.

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.

If you care about attention to detail, you'll notice the difference. And if you care about these things, then it all starts adding up and making a big difference. There are a million little ways in which it shows up. For instance:

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).

b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.

c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)

d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan.

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

Other considerations.

1. The characters. I have zero attachment to Mikey Mouse, etc. In fact I like Universals character set better. Shaggy and Scoobie Doo! Cool. Curious George! Cool! Spiderman - come on! Lots of fun characters. For me advantage Universal. Your mileage may vary...

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

4. Older kids / thrill riders. Universal is THE place to be if you are between 10 and 25. Everything is louder, faster, etc. I'm a pretty young 37. In fact I was pumped up when I heard the entrance music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers the day I went! Cool! I LOVED the intensity of the drop in the Jurassic ride. Though I can't ride coasters, I can imagine that Hulk and Dragons must be sweet rides. If that's what you're after - if it's all about the rides and intense rides at that - then IoA and Universal will be a great choice. Still, for me, it didn't make up for the lack of quality and (to me) a sort of juvenile sense about things. Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET! It wasn't thoughtful thrills, it was just BAM, in your face. Bigger and Louder. That played well with my 11 year old, but got old with me. Even the sense of humor seemed geared to that age group. Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.

Again, none of this stuff is that important, but it adds up, cumulatively, to give you an impression of things.

What I will give Universal credit for is creativity. I didn't much like Terminator (3D effects were off and on and the movie itself was boring IMHO) the way it was done was different and creative. And Spiderman - wow! Too rough, but wow - really neat effects. Also, watch the video monitors in the Terminator queue. They show pictures of the waiting crowd, but have some interesting things happen.

Bottom Line: Kali River Rapids as compared to the Bluto ride at Universal is a perfect microcosm of the difference between Disney and Universal. Bluto is more intense. It gets you wetter. It moves faster. It's longer. But I prefer Kali 100 times over. Bluto is essentially a garish plastic chute. The quality of the "set" is sort of McDonald's Play landish. It gets you wet, but I noticed that TONS of water sloshes around on the floor and your feet get sopping wet (which seems to me to be sort of a poor design - when you may or may not get really wet, but your shoes are guaranteed to be sopping wet). In comparison Kali is just beautiful to look at and be a part of. From the waiting line on its attractive, jungly, mysterious. Just nice. So for me, I love being on Kali and found Bluto sort of boring and ugly. But my son who is 11 loved Bluto.

So think about what you like, what floats your boat, and what bugs you and you'll have a pretty decent idea of how you'll feel about each location.

For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.

Wow, very nicely put! I agree with you completely. :thumbsup2

I like how a pp put it..."We vacation at Disney and we visit US/IOA"

It's funny we were given annual pass vouchers back in 2005 that we still haven't activated. We'll probably use them when HP opens in 2010.

The last time we went to USO the TM's (?) were so rude, from the girl at the turnstiles to the boat captain taking us back to the Hard Rock. We decided that was it. I agree about the guests at US/IOA. :sad2: It's just not our type of place. They do have some pretty good rides though. :rolleyes:

[joviroxx]

I enjoyed your review as it was very well done but Im not sure that I would even compare both parks, apples and oranges.

They target different things and promise different experiences. I dont think Universal is trying to be like Disney and vice a versa so Im not sure whether comparing the "atmosphere" is really fair.

Comparing food, employees, etc, I get but not the atmosphere or even rides. All I know is my 11 year son is all "Disneyed" out as he says and picks Universal over Disney in a heartbeat LOL. Though he still enjoys Disney, he can't get enough of Universal. He could care less about the disney magic , only how fast can he go!! God bless my 5 year old who still loves everything about Disney!

Universal is much more affordable for Fl Residents so I can see how the weekend teenage crowd tends to congregate there more. But I do prefer the Universal express system for guests!

Anyway, different parks for different interests and I think thats great!

[RVGal]

First of all, when you post your "definitive comparison" on the DISNEY TP&A board, of course most people are going to agree with you when you say Disney is better overall.

Post this same thing on the Universal board here on the DIS and I'm betting you'll get a slightly different angle on the responses. Don't worry. As soon as a Mod sees the word "universal" in the title, it'll probably get moved there anyway. Not that it should, mind you, but it usually happens.

So, I get most of what you are saying and giving specifics to back your opinions makes it all seem to be tied up in a nice neat locigal package. The problem is that experiences at theme parks are personal. What you saw (or didn't see), what you felt (or didn't feel)... these things are based on your expectations, your reactions, your feelings, etc.

For me, the attention to detail is there at both Disney and Universal. The "magic" is different at both places, but it is there for me. While Disney has a spoon-fed-from-birth nostalgia to base their magic on, Universal has an at-the-moment-isn't-this-cool magic going on.

For example, in the Pooh ride at MK there is a picture on the wall during the ride of Mr Toad shaking hands with Pooh as a nod to the ride that used to be there. In the Mummy ride at US there is a Kong statue in the ride and bananas scattered all over the que line as a nod to the ride that used to be there.

Personally, I can stand those kinds of comparisons. So what? They both did a bang up job of tossing in details. Who did it better? That's a personal opinion and a waste of typing space to debate.

When I go to Disney World, I love it. When I go to Universal, I love it. Are they the same? No. And I am very thankful for that.

Carry on.

[inkkognito]

With Express Pass, actually I think it IS equal access. People in the on-site hotels pay more to be there and get EP. People who don't stay on-site pay less and don't get EP, but they can pony up the extra $$ to buy one. You pay extra either at the hotel or the parks, but it equals out in the end.

Personally I don't bother comparing Universal and Disney because they are much too different...like comparing cats and dogs and arguing over which makes the better pet. I have APs for both (too bad Disney has nothing to equal USF/IOA's Premier Pass), and I love them both for different reasons.

[Metro West]

I have APs for both (too bad Disney has nothing to equal USF/IOA's Premier Pass), and I love them both for different reasons.Disney is sorely lacking in their passholder benefits...no doubt about it. When I go to Universal and show my AP for lunch or a t-shirt and get a discount, that makes the pass worth it. When I go to Disney...nothing. Well at least we don't have to pay for parking. :rotfl:

[Feralpeg]

I totally disagree. I love Disney. I love Universal just as much, but in a different way. I always find the Universal parks to be beautifully maintained. I frequent both Disney and Universal parks more than most people because I live within ten minutes of both. I find the Universal staff to be very good and very nice. I like to eat at Universal park restaurants more than Disney's counter-service. IMHO, Universal offers more variety of items and the quality is very good. Universal gift shops outside their rides are themed to the rides, unlike Disney who now offers the same generic merchandise everywhere.

I think the Universal rides are incredible. Spiderman is just amazing. I certainly think the queue linke for E.T. rivals any of Disney's queue lines. Not all are themed as well as E.T., but many have neat things. I am absolutely fascinated as I watch the tornado videos in the queue line to Twister. When you get inside the building, the queue line is like you are walking through a home that has been hit be a Twister. Walking through the queue line for Jaws, you get the feeling that your are really in a small fishing village. I can give a lot more examples. Perhaps, the OP didn't ride the classic Universal rides. I agree that the outside queue line for Shrek is pretty boring, but once you get inside into the holding room, it is great! Much like the holding room for Muppets 3-D.

Universal has some terrific stage shows. I absolutely love the Horror Makeup Show at US. The Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue is worth watching over and over.

I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder. I will continue to go to both Disney and Universal and love them for their specific contributions. I will never understand why people think they can't like both.

[inkkognito]

Disney is sorely lacking in their passholder benefits...no doubt about it. When I go to Universal and show my AP for lunch or a t-shirt and get a discount, that makes the pass worth it. When I go to Disney...nothing. Well at least we don't have to pay for parking. :rotfl:
We may get free parking at Disney, but it can't hold a candle to the lovely little Premier with free valet! I'd like to see The Mouse top that! I've been so spoiled by that benefit that I can't even imagine parking in the lot...the only way they'll ever get my Premier away from me is to pry it from my cold, dead hands.

And at Universal, we got an AP event with Brendan Fraser for the release of the Mummy movie. Disney needed to drag Johnny Depp out here for Pirates!!

And I agree, the Universal AP discounts blow Disney out of the water.

[kakiegirl]

Oh..for the person that mentioned that there is more of a "thug"-like audience at Universal, I strongly suggest that you visit Six Flags in Jersey....that is where you will see the "thugs".


I don't know you should try Six Flags over Georgia. I wonder which park as the best thugs the North or the South. We went there three years ago during the summer and I said never again I would rather pay a little more and go to Disney.

[Metro West]

We may get free parking at Disney, but it can't hold a candle to the lovely little Premier with free valet! I'd like to see The Mouse top that! I've been so spoiled by that benefit that I can't even imagine parking in the lot...the only way they'll ever get my Premier away from me is to pry it from my cold, dead hands.

And at Universal, we got an AP event with Brendan Fraser for the release of the Mummy movie. Disney needed to drag Johnny Depp out here for Pirates!!

And I agree, the Universal AP discounts blow Disney out of the water.When I left the MK on Sunday after spending a pleasant but hot day with friends, my car had to have been 1,700 degrees sitting in the parking lot all day. I thought I was going to pass out from the heat wave when I opened the door. Good thing we get the parking garage at Universal and don't have to worry about that. :thumbsup2

Sorry...back to our regularly scheduled bedate! :rolleyes1

[the Dark Marauder]

How does someone "fail" when giving their opinions on something?
:confused3

I don't necessarily agree with everything the OP said, but I thought it was a much more fair assessment than some of the ones on this board where people simply write about how horrible US is just because it's not Disney. I don't think the OP tried to sway people from going there, just said why THEY thought Disney was better. And I'd be willing to bet that if this were a US board, someone could have written the exact same thing touting US as the more magical place.
One word: slant.

Watch and learn:

Opinion without slant:
"I like apples and I like oranges. For me, I find I like the taste and texture of apples more than oranges. I enjoy the crispness of biting into an apple that you just can't get from an orange."

Opinion with slant:
"I like apples, but I LOVE oranges. Apples lack the juiciness of oranges. No matter how tasty an apple can be, an orange will always be an orange, which is the superior fruit."

[bookmama]

Thanx for your honest opinion. The fam wants to do uni next year with our disney trip. we have babies going so now i know what to expect.

[LoraJ]

I really think you can only compare US to DHS. And between those two parks I think US is much better. More to do there.

With IOA, I think you can only compare to other thrill ride parks. And it's much better than Six Flags.

The next time we go after this upcoming trip, I think we may spend a couple of nights at a Universal hotel and try it out.

[skifast22]

I'm one who loves both parks, and admittedly give Universal the slight advantage as I love roller coasters. Most of what the OP said I'm fine with, as it is their opinion. But the one comment I do have to question is the one regarding the lack of detail in the line queue. I've always described this as a huge selling point as to why I prefer Universal. For most of the rides, the story begins to get told in the line queue. The OP mentioned Shrek as an example, which is one of the weaker ones. It's mostly your typical queue with some Shrek signs and video clips. But, doesn't the signs and clips make it better than the queus for any of the rides in Fantasyland? And what about the queues for Spiderman, Dudley Do-right, Poseidon, Dr. Doom, Men In Black, Mummy, ET (the inerior portion, not the exterior), and the biggest most elaborate one of all...Dueling Dragons? Each of those are highly themed to equisite detail and offer up the story of the attraction long before you board.

[eventamy]

We will be going to Universal for the first time next February. We are excited to try it out and are doing 2 days there with 4 at Disney. We're mostly excited about the Simpsons ride and doing the Simpsons Character breakfast etc. I'm also excited for my daughter to see some of her favorite characters (way more favorite then some of the Disney, like: Scooby, Curious George etc).
I know it will be different and I'm not expecting Disney, I'm just hoping there are some things my DDs can do that won't totally freak them out! I'm actually kind of hoping that my mom will not be into going and will just stay at the hotel/pool with my then 21 month old!

[braddillman]

I've seen comparisons here from time to time, and I can't help comparing them myself (mostly because I can't afford to do both in the same year).

In my past experiences (USF/IoA x 4, WDW x 2) US wasn't as busy (similar time of year, Sept/Oct). That's fine by me.

I know USF/IoA has less for smaller kids, but then I notice smaller kids are more easily impressed anyway. When my oldest was 7, she still loved Curious George vs. TL/BB. She was probably overwhelmed by all the walking in the larger water parks, and felt more comfortable in the smaller CG area. Back when she was 4, Barney was the big hit. Now she's 10 and prefers TL/BB (of course).

My own fav type of ride is the rapids, and I prefer Popeye over Kali because it's more intense. I don't like to ride and stay dry. But that's me (actually the whole family).

I don't notice any difference in the service or food. Or the TM/CMs or the attendees. Both are fine.

I find USF/IoA more 'dense packed' and less walking, which is good. But I don't mind more walking at WDW because it's also enjoyable. But walking does wear out the 5-10 yr. crowd more so.

We just did WDW in April 08, and are planning USF/IoA/SW/Aq for Aug/Sep 2010. After that, it'll probably be back to WDW, but that's a long time from now.

My kids fav WDW park turned out to EPCOT, and I think I understand why now. Because it doesn't make a good direct comparison with USF/IoA; it seems distinct from MK/AK/HS, mostly because of WS. But like Kali vs. Bluto I think the kids are comparing and rating (like me, obviously).

I'm really not a fan of express FOTL, I don't think its fair to those without. However I don't mind fastpass since it is an equaly opportunity for all (for now...)

[3girls4me05]

Six Flags in Agawam, MA holds the title for Most Thuginess! You can't take that away from them. I had a dad encouraging his child to cut me and my child in line one time there. He was pushing him forward and telling him to sneak around me. Nice..we have never gone back

[minnierealtor]

I have to agree 100% with the OP. My DD would like to visit Universal because of the thrill rides and I have to say that if you are looking for faster moving rides, then Universal is the place. I like to be immersed in the experience and I didn't get that at Universal. It could be that I had to drive to the park and I currently love not having to do anything but ride a bus or boat to get anyplace at Disney. Yes, I could stay on site at Universal but doesn't seem to be a value to me. I think everyone's experience could be different at each place, Disney or Universal based on what makes you happy. If you stay off property and drive to WDW to see the parks that gives you a different experience than staying on property.

[inkkognito]

Six Flags in Agawam, MA holds the title for Most Thuginess! You can't take that away from them. I had a dad encouraging his child to cut me and my child in line one time there. He was pushing him forward and telling him to sneak around me. Nice..we have never gone back
Heck, I can beat that. At Six Flags Great America in IL, the workers are as thuggy as the clientele! One Halloween season we were waiting to board Iron Wolf. A group of line jumpers shoved past us, and when I got to the loading platform, I notified the ride attendant. All of the people around us backed us up and confirmed that the group had shoved by everyone and cut. The attendant rolled his eyes at me and said, "Too bad. If you don't like it, you should learn to cut yourself." After I picked up my jaw from the floor, I told him I'd be having a word with guest services, and he said, "Good luck." I did complain to GS and could tell why he didn't care...it was clear they didn't give a whoop either, although at least they didn't tell me to learn to be a cutter.

[tentaguasu]

I'm the original poster. Let me point out a few things.

1. I'm giving an opinion. I'm not saying that everyone has to share it. I'm just trying to give an idea of what you might think about one or the other if you haven't been there.

2. I am absolutely UNBIASED. I went into each park with no preconceived notions. In fact, my guess was that I was going to like Universal more. My opinion is not based on anything but what I experienced at each park.

3. On food - I'm only comparing the cheap eats. I haven't done restaurants at either location.

But in general, I stand by my observations.

The service was a LOT different between locations. And on different days, in different parts of the park, and both with my wife and I. And I'm not a stodgy old guy. I'm pretty flexible about stuff, I tip well because I've been in service jobs, etc. But it was what it was.

For some people these differences may not matter. That's fine. Different strokes for different folks.

But in my opinion, and my wife's, those differences are very real.

I'm not saying that Universal isn't right for some people. It's just not right for me.

[WillCAD]

What a terrible review!

I'll address it point for point:

OK, before doing Universal, I had asked many people how it stacked up against Disney. I got many replies, but there didn't seem to be any consensus at all.

I have very strong opinions about it after seeing both and thought I'd share for the benefit of others.

Did you form those strong opinions before or after you ever set foot inside Universal?

First of all, I don't think it's "Coke vs. Pepsi" at all. They are very different places. I personally thought WDW blew Universal out of the water. Not even close. But I can see that some people might feel differently.

Well, I certainly feel different. While each place has its strengths and weaknesses, I wouldn't say that either place could blow the other out of the water.
Here's the difference: Disney Magic.

OK, OK hear me out. I'm not your typical "Disney magic" type person. I'm a guy who could care less about "Magic" and pixie dust and garbage. I could care less about the Disney characters. I haven't read most of the classic books, or seen 3/4 of the movies. I don't get teary eyed seeing the castle, Mickey Mouse is just OK, and tinkerbell and the cricket kind of annoy me. In fact, I didn't believe in "disney magic" at all.

Until I went to Universal.

The total lack of magic at universal made me realize that Disney does in fact have something special about it.

Wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

Complaining about the lack of Disney Magic at Uni is like looking for Coke at a Pepsi plant, then complaining that there's nothing to drink - while you're surrounded by thousands of litres of Pepsi!

There is abundant magic at Universal - Movie Magic. If you know how to look for it, and open your heart to it, it flows as strongly as Disney Magic. But it's a different flavor. Just because you don't like the taste doesn't means it's not there; you just didn't try a sip.

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.

If you care about attention to detail, you'll notice the difference. And if you care about these things, then it all starts adding up and making a big difference. There are a million little ways in which it shows up. For instance:

Did you go to the same Universal that I've been going to for the last 18 years? I see plenty of attention to detail, from the stars on the street to the old Hollywood style street lamps to the Blues Brothers live performance (daily) to the replicas of Doc Brown's train and Delorean... it goes on.

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).

Did you speak to any TMs while you were there? Because I have not had a bad experience with a Uni TM, in either park, in years. I find the TMs at Uni to be not only just as good at Disney CMs, but happier and more enthusiastic in their jobs. Their smiles aren't forced, and they truly enjoy working for Uni.

b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.

Again, I think you must have been at a different Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida than I have been visiting for the last 18 years, because I have not encountered any significant difference in "sloppiness" between CMs and TMs. And I have never, ever seen a character at either place step out of character, nor have I seen duplicate characters. I'm sure they do happen; nobody is perfect, and with as many Tiggers and Scoobies as there are, once in a while there must be more than one on the street. On the other hand, AFAIK, Uni only has one Mystery Machine van, which drives Scooby and Shaggy out to their meeting places, so I'm not sure how you could have seen more than one Scoob and Shag at the same time in the same park. Maybe it was the same Scoob and Shag - they move around a lot, and might have repositioned by van while you were walking.

c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)

I disagree completely on quality - I think generally, WDW and Uni are about equal, with a few exceptions. And I've never gotten a turkey leg from either place that was more than mediocre.

But on options, I agree that Uni falls behind. Uni has made the mistake of putting their best restaurants in CityWalk and the resorts, not in the parks. I guess they wanted the additional opening time (since resort restaurants are not tied to park hours) and the additional exposure (since you don't need a park pass to eat at either CityWalk or the resorts), but it tends to leave the parks short on good dining. Still, if you want some great food, it's a lot easier to walk out of either park to CityWalk than it is to walk out of a WDW park and go to Downtown Disney. Uni's 3 resorts are as close as the Epcot resorts are to Epcot and DHS, as well.

d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan.

Okay, so I guess you missed the Speak and Spell and the man with the keys on ET, and you missed the Wakita signs and Meg's wind chimes in Twister, and you missed the bloody hand print on the Orca's window in Jaws, and the overwhelming details in T2:3D, and maybe you missed the Disney nametag on the shirt that the compys are fighting over on the Jurassic Park River adventure - but you couldn't have missed the sounds of the compys moving through the grass all around JP or the way that the park's theme music comes from speakers disguised as Jurassic Park motion trackers!

Lack of details? Boring? I think NOT! At least, not if you pay attention and are even passingly familiar with the source materials (movies, TV, cartoons, and comics) of the various USF and IOA areas and attractions.

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

What sort of problems? And what, exactly, do you mean by "undemocratic?"

Other considerations.

1. The characters. I have zero attachment to Mikey Mouse, etc. In fact I like Universals character set better. Shaggy and Scoobie Doo! Cool. Curious George! Cool! Spiderman - come on! Lots of fun characters. For me advantage Universal. Your mileage may vary...

Ditto, though I was a fan of the Hundred Acre Wood gang as a kid, so the first time I ever saw Winnie the Pooh in the parks I went from 21 to 9 in a half second, practically jumped off a moving bus, and ran up to get a pic with him.

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.

Uni has always tried to attract an older demographic than WDW. If you go there looking for nothing by kiddie rides, you'll be disappointed. You're dead if you aim only for kids, anyway.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

That hasn't been my experience at Uni. I won't say anything more than that.

4. Older kids / thrill riders. Universal is THE place to be if you are between 10 and 25. Everything is louder, faster, etc. I'm a pretty young 37. In fact I was pumped up when I heard the entrance music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers the day I went! Cool! I LOVED the intensity of the drop in the Jurassic ride. Though I can't ride coasters, I can imagine that Hulk and Dragons must be sweet rides. If that's what you're after - if it's all about the rides and intense rides at that - then IoA and Universal will be a great choice. Still, for me, it didn't make up for the lack of quality and (to me) a sort of juvenile sense about things. Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET! It wasn't thoughtful thrills, it was just BAM, in your face. Bigger and Louder. That played well with my 11 year old, but got old with me. Even the sense of humor seemed geared to that age group. Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.

Uni's target demographic is families with teens. It's a teen-friendly place, with lots of teen-oriented and teen-appropriate areas and attractions. As a "young 37" (FYI - I'm an OLD 38, myself), naturally you might not fully appreciate or even understand all of the humor, the intensity, or the sights and sounds.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.

Boy, I can't even begin to address this one. Amity, the various New York streets, the Embarcadero... all of these areas are themed as well as anything WDW has, and all of the IOA islands blow WDW away on atmosphere and architecture. I don't recall Disney ever putting stuff in the grass to rustle it as though there were dinosaurs walking through it, coupled with sound effects of the dinos calls and footsteps - and that's not even a queue, it's just the walkways! The only parts of WDW that are as totally immersive on theming as IOA are the World Showcase pavilions and perhaps Main Street USA.

Again, none of this stuff is that important, but it adds up, cumulatively, to give you an impression of things.

I disagree - ALL of that stuff is important, specifically because it all adds up.

What I will give Universal credit for is creativity. I didn't much like Terminator (3D effects were off and on and the movie itself was boring IMHO) the way it was done was different and creative. And Spiderman - wow! Too rough, but wow - really neat effects. Also, watch the video monitors in the Terminator queue. They show pictures of the waiting crowd, but have some interesting things happen.

If you found T2:3D boring, I would guess that you're not a fan of the Terminator franchise, and thus would not be terribly impressed with the attraction no matter what.

Bottom Line: Kali River Rapids as compared to the Bluto ride at Universal is a perfect microcosm of the difference between Disney and Universal. Bluto is more intense. It gets you wetter. It moves faster. It's longer. But I prefer Kali 100 times over. Bluto is essentially a garish plastic chute. The quality of the "set" is sort of McDonald's Play landish. It gets you wet, but I noticed that TONS of water sloshes around on the floor and your feet get sopping wet (which seems to me to be sort of a poor design - when you may or may not get really wet, but your shoes are guaranteed to be sopping wet). In comparison Kali is just beautiful to look at and be a part of. From the waiting line on its attractive, jungly, mysterious. Just nice. So for me, I love being on Kali and found Bluto sort of boring and ugly. But my son who is 11 loved Bluto.

I don't ride the water rides, so I can't address your comments except to say that Toon Lagoon and its attractions are supposed to be "McDonalds Playland-ish" because it's a cartoon-themed land. It's supposed to look like a cartoon - bright, garish, loud, and fake. Cartoonish.

So think about what you like, what floats your boat, and what bugs you and you'll have a pretty decent idea of how you'll feel about each location.

For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.
Magic doesn't come from theme parks. It doesn't come from rides, or shows, or restaurants or resorts. Magic, whether Disney or any other variety, comes from us, from our own hearts. You can't experience Disney Magic unless you have some within you to begin with - WDW just lets it out and lets it breathe.

The same holds true for Universal. The Uni parks are designed to celebrate movies, TV shows, cartoons, and comic books. They have a more limited appeal, because not everyone likes movies - just like not everyone likes Disney. But for those of us who do love the Terminator movies, E.T., Jaws, the Simpsons, Shrek, the Nickelodeon characters, the Blues Brothers, the Marx Brothers, Scooby and Shaggy, or Lucy and Ricky, Universal lets that magic out every time.
Do others agree with this assessment?

Not hardly (movie fans - name that quote!)

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.

Which one did you stay in? What sort of things did they "nickel and dime" you on? Did you feel anything else was wrong with them? Was service lacking? Was your room not clean? Did you get a bad view?

The Uni resorts all seem comparable to WDW Deluxes to me - at similar or lower prices - and the theming, dining options, and service all seem as good or better than most Disney resorts.

Personally, I can't believe anyone would spend $240 on one night in any hotel, but that's just me; I'm a Value guy and love the All-Stars, and when I stay in the Uni area I stay at an off-site hotel on I-drive and get a good value for my money.

Pound for pound, I'd say this comparisson is about as far off as it can get.

[minniejack]

I have had annual passes to both Universal and Disney for the past five years and visit both resorts often. I don't understand the constant comparisons to the employees and how bad the Univeral folks are. I've never had any bad experiences with the TM's at Universal or the CM's at Disney. In fact, a lot of folks work at both places and I do not believe the sloppy, uncaring and troublesome TM's described in the review suddenly change their personalities once they step foot on the "magical" land known as Disney property.

I've had more bad meals at Disney than Universal and since Universal gives the passholders park discounts, it costs less for me. I believe most theme parks including Disney and Univeral overcharge for food...nothing new there.

The atmosphere and themeing at Universal is as good as Disney if not better. The whole of IOA is wonderful so I'm not sure where the disappointed came from. At the Studios...which is a real working studo unlike DHS which is a theme park, the atmosphere is superior IMO.

I guess I'm the only one who goes to Universal who doesn't see these so called "thugs". The only time I've seen a different crowd is for Halloween Horror Nights...not during the day.

The bottom line is...everyone is different and likes different things. I hope those who haven't been to Universal will give it a try and will enjoy themselves...just don't go with the idea of comparing everything to Disney.

:thumbsup2 Agreed. Family with teens and tweens, love Universal, but love Disney, too.

I know it is hard to remember, but they are both Just Amusement Parks:laughing: You have them all over the world with each offering different things to different people.

When we want just the true amusement park experience my family heads to Kennywood, PA or Cedar Point, OH. These are both close for us--we don't bust our buttons trying to compare the two because we realize that we are there for fun and thrills.

To have fun at either Disney or Universal, don't obsess and go and enjoy being with your family at an amusement park Amuse yourself--hence the name;)

[keishashadow]

With Express Pass, actually I think it IS equal access. People in the on-site hotels pay more to be there and get EP. People who don't stay on-site pay less and don't get EP, but they can pony up the extra $$ to buy one. You pay extra either at the hotel or the parks, but it equals out in the end.

Personally I don't bother comparing Universal and Disney because they are much too different...like comparing cats and dogs
and arguing over which makes the better pet. I have APs for both (too bad Disney has nothing to equal USF/IOA's Premier Pass), and I love them both for different reasons.

so true, it's probably the reason we luv doing a split stay; 2 totally different vacations in one:thumbsup2 if U would only set up a onsite TS w/FOTL i'd be in :cloud9:

imagine the outcry if they ever do put many of the ideas they have copy-written on the last several years as to FastPasses tied into the $s spent or level of accommodation!

I totally disagree. I love Disney. I love Universal just as much, but in a different way. I always find the Universal parks to be beautifully maintained. I frequent both Disney and Universal parks more than most people because I live within ten minutes of both. I find the Universal staff to be very good and very nice. I like to eat at Universal park restaurants more than Disney's counter-service. IMHO, Universal offers more variety of items and the quality is very good. Universal gift shops outside their rides are themed to the rides, unlike Disney who now offers the same generic merchandise everywhere.

I think the Universal rides are incredible. Spiderman is just amazing. I certainly think the queue linke for E.T. rivals any of Disney's queue lines. Not all are themed as well as E.T., but many have neat things. I am absolutely fascinated as I watch the tornado videos in the queue line to Twister. When you get inside the building, the queue line is like you are walking through a home that has been hit be a Twister. Walking through the queue line for Jaws, you get the feeling that your are really in a small fishing village. I can give a lot more examples. Perhaps, the OP didn't ride the classic Universal rides. I agree that the outside queue line for Shrek is pretty boring, but once you get inside into the holding room, it is great! Much like the holding room for Muppets 3-D.

ET is amazing, @ times (when park isn't too busy) we skip the FOTL perc just to marvel @ it:goodvibes

Universal has some terrific stage shows. I absolutely love the Horror Makeup Show at US. The Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue is worth watching over and over.

I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder. I will continue to go to both Disney and Universal and love them for their specific contributions. I will never understand why people think they can't like both.

nice to have many choices...different strokes & all that

always wondered why many (not this specific OP) feel the need to randomly compare the two parks, other than the fact that they are both located in Orlando area? Reminds me of trip reports/blogging in general. Everybody is entitled to an opinion, yet I marvel;) why those who don't like it or care to visit on a regular basis, would even care or invest so much time running Universal down?:confused3

[tentaguasu]

What a terrible review!

Did you form those strong opinions before or after you ever set foot inside Universal?

I won't even try to respond to everything you said, except to say:

1. I had not a whit of bad impression about Universal UNTIL I went there. All my observations are based on what I saw and did there.

2. I love the terminator franchise. I think it's great, and am looking forward to the next season of the TV series. The 3D movie I found lacking. Your milage may vary, but it's not because of the franchise.

3. I think it's perfectly reasonable to compare the two. Yes, they are different, but they are both theme parks in Orlando competing for our time and money. Of COURSE they are different. My point is that not ONLY are they different, but from MY viewpoint one is better than the other and thus worth more time and money. I just tried to explain why one works better for me than the other for the benefit of others who are making decisions like I made.

Finally, I stand 100% by what I said. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I liked and didn't like about each.

From a person who is NOT a Dole Whip swilling, Mickey adoring, DVC owning, Boutique attending guy, I just observed both and that's what I have to say about it.

[ConcKahuna]

and the biggest most elaborate one of all...Dueling Dragons?

Funny enough DD was origionally done for Disney (by an outside company, all the companies tend to hire out some design work) to go in the "Beastly Kingdom" at AK. I was speaking with a gentleman who works for that company once and he was laughing that Universal changed so little about the attraction that there are still hidden Mickeys in the queue.

As for other detailed attractions, I used to LOVE 'Posiedon's Fury" when it was a walk-through.

[Fintastic]

What a great review! I agree with it 100%. DH and I have been to Universal once in 2002 and haven't been back. We didn't HATE it, but we enjoyed Disney more. However, we do want to see the Harry Potter setup, so we'll probably go for a day during our trip next December. But it won't be an every year or every other year thing like Disney is.

[DeblovesPoohbear]

My family and I are huge Disney fans but we also LOVE US/IOA

You cannot put a price on the FOTL Access that Universal gives their hotel guests. It is amazing!:love:
We love the Hard Rock Hotel, just got back not even a month ago
That's why we have to do Disney and then US/IOA during our trips

Because of the wait times at Disney(even with Fast Pass)
you coulnd't do US first and wait in no lines and then go to Diseny and wait
in lines.

But I do agree with the Disney Magic, I jsut love the characters there,
the customer service.
But US/IOA is amazing too, just different
And we CANNOT WAIT for Harry Potter to open! :banana:

[boxer]

What a terrible review!

I'll address it point for point:



Did you form those strong opinions before or after you ever set foot inside Universal?



Well, I certainly feel different. While each place has its strengths and weaknesses, I wouldn't say that either place could blow the other out of the water.


Wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

Complaining about the lack of Disney Magic at Uni is like looking for Coke at a Pepsi plant, then complaining that there's nothing to drink - while you're surrounded by thousands of litres of Pepsi!

There is abundant magic at Universal - Movie Magic. If you know how to look for it, and open your heart to it, it flows as strongly as Disney Magic. But it's a different flavor. Just because you don't like the taste doesn't means it's not there; you just didn't try a sip.



Did you go to the same Universal that I've been going to for the last 18 years? I see plenty of attention to detail, from the stars on the street to the old Hollywood style street lamps to the Blues Brothers live performance (daily) to the replicas of Doc Brown's train and Delorean... it goes on.



Did you speak to any TMs while you were there? Because I have not had a bad experience with a Uni TM, in either park, in years. I find the TMs at Uni to be not only just as good at Disney CMs, but happier and more enthusiastic in their jobs. Their smiles aren't forced, and they truly enjoy working for Uni.



Again, I think you must have been at a different Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida than I have been visiting for the last 18 years, because I have not encountered any significant difference in "sloppiness" between CMs and TMs. And I have never, ever seen a character at either place step out of character, nor have I seen duplicate characters. I'm sure they do happen; nobody is perfect, and with as many Tiggers and Scoobies as there are, once in a while there must be more than one on the street. On the other hand, AFAIK, Uni only has one Mystery Machine van, which drives Scooby and Shaggy out to their meeting places, so I'm not sure how you could have seen more than one Scoob and Shag at the same time in the same park. Maybe it was the same Scoob and Shag - they move around a lot, and might have repositioned by van while you were walking.



I disagree completely on quality - I think generally, WDW and Uni are about equal, with a few exceptions. And I've never gotten a turkey leg from either place that was more than mediocre.

But on options, I agree that Uni falls behind. Uni has made the mistake of putting their best restaurants in CityWalk and the resorts, not in the parks. I guess they wanted the additional opening time (since resort restaurants are not tied to park hours) and the additional exposure (since you don't need a park pass to eat at either CityWalk or the resorts), but it tends to leave the parks short on good dining. Still, if you want some great food, it's a lot easier to walk out of either park to CityWalk than it is to walk out of a WDW park and go to Downtown Disney. Uni's 3 resorts are as close as the Epcot resorts are to Epcot and DHS, as well.



Okay, so I guess you missed the Speak and Spell and the man with the keys on ET, and you missed the Wakita signs and Meg's wind chimes in Twister, and you missed the bloody hand print on the Orca's window in Jaws, and the overwhelming details in T2:3D, and maybe you missed the Disney nametag on the shirt that the compys are fighting over on the Jurassic Park River adventure - but you couldn't have missed the sounds of the compys moving through the grass all around JP or the way that the park's theme music comes from speakers disguised as Jurassic Park motion trackers!

Lack of details? Boring? I think NOT! At least, not if you pay attention and are even passingly familiar with the source materials (movies, TV, cartoons, and comics) of the various USF and IOA areas and attractions.



What sort of problems? And what, exactly, do you mean by "undemocratic?"



Ditto, though I was a fan of the Hundred Acre Wood gang as a kid, so the first time I ever saw Winnie the Pooh in the parks I went from 21 to 9 in a half second, practically jumped off a moving bus, and ran up to get a pic with him.



Uni has always tried to attract an older demographic than WDW. If you go there looking for nothing by kiddie rides, you'll be disappointed. You're dead if you aim only for kids, anyway.



That hasn't been my experience at Uni. I won't say anything more than that.



Uni's target demographic is families with teens. It's a teen-friendly place, with lots of teen-oriented and teen-appropriate areas and attractions. As a "young 37" (FYI - I'm an OLD 38, myself), naturally you might not fully appreciate or even understand all of the humor, the intensity, or the sights and sounds.



Boy, I can't even begin to address this one. Amity, the various New York streets, the Embarcadero... all of these areas are themed as well as anything WDW has, and all of the IOA islands blow WDW away on atmosphere and architecture. I don't recall Disney ever putting stuff in the grass to rustle it as though there were dinosaurs walking through it, coupled with sound effects of the dinos calls and footsteps - and that's not even a queue, it's just the walkways! The only parts of WDW that are as totally immersive on theming as IOA are the World Showcase pavilions and perhaps Main Street USA.



I disagree - ALL of that stuff is important, specifically because it all adds up.



If you found T2:3D boring, I would guess that you're not a fan of the Terminator franchise, and thus would not be terribly impressed with the attraction no matter what.



I don't ride the water rides, so I can't address your comments except to say that Toon Lagoon and its attractions are supposed to be "McDonalds Playland-ish" because it's a cartoon-themed land. It's supposed to look like a cartoon - bright, garish, loud, and fake. Cartoonish.


Magic doesn't come from theme parks. It doesn't come from rides, or shows, or restaurants or resorts. Magic, whether Disney or any other variety, comes from us, from our own hearts. You can't experience Disney Magic unless you have some within you to begin with - WDW just lets it out and lets it breathe.

The same holds true for Universal. The Uni parks are designed to celebrate movies, TV shows, cartoons, and comic books. They have a more limited appeal, because not everyone likes movies - just like not everyone likes Disney. But for those of us who do love the Terminator movies, E.T., Jaws, the Simpsons, Shrek, the Nickelodeon characters, the Blues Brothers, the Marx Brothers, Scooby and Shaggy, or Lucy and Ricky, Universal lets that magic out every time.


Not hardly (movie fans - name that quote!)



Which one did you stay in? What sort of things did they "nickel and dime" you on? Did you feel anything else was wrong with them? Was service lacking? Was your room not clean? Did you get a bad view?

The Uni resorts all seem comparable to WDW Deluxes to me - at similar or lower prices - and the theming, dining options, and service all seem as good or better than most Disney resorts.

Personally, I can't believe anyone would spend $240 on one night in any hotel, but that's just me; I'm a Value guy and love the All-Stars, and when I stay in the Uni area I stay at an off-site hotel on I-drive and get a good value for my money.

Pound for pound, I'd say this comparisson is about as far off as it can get.

Who are you to say this was a 'terrible review'? This is this guys OPINION on the park, and one that alot of us agree with. Personally I don't care if anyone likes, dislikes, attends, or stay away from Universal.

No one really cares if you rated it a 'terrible review', because no one asked you to.

[macraven]

Heck, I can beat that. At Six Flags Great America in IL, the workers are as thuggy as the clientele! One Halloween season we were waiting to board Iron Wolf. A group of line jumpers shoved past us, and when I got to the loading platform, I notified the ride attendant. All of the people around us backed us up and confirmed that the group had shoved by everyone and cut. The attendant rolled his eyes at me and said, "Too bad. If you don't like it, you should learn to cut yourself." After I picked up my jaw from the floor, I told him I'd be having a word with guest services, and he said, "Good luck." I did complain to GS and could tell why he didn't care...it was clear they didn't give a whoop either, although at least they didn't tell me to learn to be a cutter.


hey, you're preaching to the choir here when you talk great america.....

i'm a 15 minute drive to there and have their season passes.

bet you didn't know there are more guns found thru the metal detectors at that park.......

it can have a rough group there, but i only go for some of the shows and certain rides.
and i drop by in the summer evenings at times for the funnel cakes.

you never feel safe with your car locked in their parking lots.
in our weekly local newspaper, the police blotter always lists the weeks arrests at six flags, and car break ins......

[Weegl]

When I want to ride rides, I go to Universal. When I want Magic, I go to Disney.

The essense of why I spend one day in Universal, and a week in Disney. It only takes a day to ride the rides. I can enjoy the Magic for much longer.

We go frequently to both, and enjoy each intensely as if were the first time for us! My kids are now 10 & 9 so the Disney rides are a bit sedate, but we love the immersive experience that only Disney can provide. The rides at Universal are GREAT!

Universal has fun rides and coasters, while I believe they do a great job theming. Not Disney great, but great nontheless.

[skifast22]

Funny enough DD was origionally done for Disney (by an outside company, all the companies tend to hire out some design work) to go in the "Beastly Kingdom" at AK. I was speaking with a gentleman who works for that company once and he was laughing that Universal changed so little about the attraction that there are still hidden Mickeys in the queue.

As for other detailed attractions, I used to LOVE 'Posiedon's Fury" when it was a walk-through.

Wow, thats a new one on me. I'll have to keep an eye out for the hidden mickey's next time I'm there. Granted, that will be after the Harry Potter conversion so I'm not sure if it will be the same or not. Any idea where/what the hidden mickey's are?

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Do others agree with this assessment?

Unfortunately no, I don't agree 100% with your assessment. But that's OK.

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).
In our dozens of trips over the years, we have run into more poor employees at Disney than at Universal. As Metro West said, a lot of people work at both WDW and US.

b. Sloppiness. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done.
I agree, for someone who believes the “illusion” of one and only real characters, this would be somewhat confusing.


c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)
One of our pet peeves is food at Disney. While we like the variety of restaurants at Disney, they also can't compare to Universal/IOA. We've found that Disney offers a lot of the same food at their restaurants but at Universal/IOA and Citywalk you have a number of restaurants each offering something unique. The restaurants at Universal/IOA & CityWalk offer much more than burgers and turkey legs.

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.
I have heard people say that as their kids grow up, they find Disney more "childish" as compared to Universal. Universal/IOA is definitely more "grown up" overall however there are still plenty of attractions for all age groups. Saying that, we are spoon fed Disney from the time we are born - Disney movies, Disney plush toys, Disney everything, and I feel that's why we hold Disney so close to our hearts. It's like part of the family and there is nothing wrong with that.


3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.
Hmmmmm …. We’ve never run into any “thug” types at Universal … :confused3 . I think what you were seeing is that "grown up” thing at Universal . Disney and Universal both offer totally different experiences and cater to people with different interests.

As the others have said, WDW and US really can't be compared - even Universal Studios and IOA are completely different environments.

Bottom line is what's right for you and your family, might not be right for someone else. Arguing about which park is better is just silly - it's like arguing over which flavor of ice cream is best. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and it doesn’t make it wrong because they don't share the same opinion as you, or you prefer one over the other.

Bonny

[WillCAD]

Funny enough DD was origionally done for Disney (by an outside company, all the companies tend to hire out some design work) to go in the "Beastly Kingdom" at AK. I was speaking with a gentleman who works for that company once and he was laughing that Universal changed so little about the attraction that there are still hidden Mickeys in the queue.

As for other detailed attractions, I used to LOVE 'Posiedon's Fury" when it was a walk-through.

That doesn't ring true to me, because if a company hires a consulting firm to design something, the resulting design belongs entirely to the company, not the consulting firm. And I'm sure that if Disney hired an outside firm to design a roller coaster for their parks, they would write it into the contract in no uncertain terms that the resulting design would belong solely to Disney.

Even though there was no "Beastly Kingdom" ever built, if there was a coaster or other attraction designed for it, whether by Disney in-house or by an outside firm, Disney would own those designs and never let them go, especially not to its number one rival in the theme park business in Orlando.

[WillCAD]

Who are you to say this was a 'terrible review'? This is this guys OPINION on the park, and one that alot of us agree with. Personally I don't care if anyone likes, dislikes, attends, or stay away from Universal.

No one really cares if you rated it a 'terrible review', because no one asked you to.

Who are you to ask me who I am?

I notice that you didn't take anyone to task who wrote, "What a terrific review!" Who are they to say whether it was a terrific review - This is OPs OPINION on the park, and one that a lot of us disagree with.

Obviously, you cared enough to write this post. If my opinion didn't matter to you, you would have ignored it and read on.

And for the record, the OP asked me when he said:
Do others agree with this assessment?

[grimgrinnin]

Hehe - you said "fart".



grim pirate:

[kaffinito]

Who are you to ask me who I am?

I notice that you didn't take anyone to task who wrote, "What a terrific review!" Who are they to say whether it was a terrific review - This is OPs OPINION on the park, and one that a lot of us disagree with.

Obviously, you cared enough to write this post. If my opinion didn't matter to you, you would have ignored it and read on.

And for the record, the OP asked me when he said:

WillCAD - :thumbsup2

As for the review I'm glad the OP posted here. I like to read about places I plan to go to, so I have some kind of an idea what to expect. All of the reviews I've read on WDW have let me wean out the places/attractions that we would like or might not like. Those reviews both good and bad have been invaluable for me.

We will be doing US/IOA on our next trip to Orlando, because I just can't see paying the increased Disney prices for less product again next year. (My kids will be in a different price bracket) I'm looking forward to staying at the Royal Pacific or the Portofino. ;) We will go back to WDW in a few years, but I would like to go somewhere else in Orlando too. :)

[mickeyluv'r]

Uni has always tried to attract an older demographic than WDW. If you go there looking for nothing by kiddie rides, you'll be disappointed. You're dead if you aim only for kids, anyway.

Uni's target demographic is families with teens. It's a teen-friendly place, with lots of teen-oriented and teen-appropriate areas and attractions. As a "young 37" (FYI - I'm an OLD 38, myself), naturally you might not fully appreciate or even understand all of the humor, the intensity, or the sights and sounds.


Interesting review from op, with some interesting details...I thin it can be difficult to assess the differences. I can see why some would say it shouldn't be done, but tehn....

I agree withthis point by Willcad - and I think that sums upa good part of the difference I notice. WDw is unique as far as theme parks to me, because tehre are SO MANY rides that appeal to the whole family. And that just sets the tone for the whole park. Every other amusement park I've been to has THRILL rides, and KIDDIE rides - and very little in between. In most cases, kids can't ride teh thrill rides, and sadly, in mamny cases, the adults can't even go on the kiddie rides.

So that's sets up a different tone. Since Universal is more of a teen/adult park, people act more like teens/adults. There is more overt drinking, more adult language. At WDW, you see more adults acting like kids. Sure, sometimes they are whiney...but you also see plenty of adults wearking Goofy ears. That was one thing that stood out to me greatly at Disney Paris - I didn't see hardly any adults wearing any character themed items.

I do think Universal has some great rides, and some great theming. Indeed, Spiderman, The Mummy, and Shrek are dead on, IMO. I also think MIB blows away Buzz

[donaldduck352]

Very intresting.Evryone does have a wright to there own opinion,I have no problem with that at all..

But you really cann't compare the two...

Disney has their theme(that are outdated to me)
US-IOA have there own(which to me is newer and more cutting edge)

See I have a opinion also..

I'm just going to sit back and watch this silly thread popcorn::

[disney111]

I agree with a lot of what you said. I really like Universal and it is better than most theme parks I've been to - except for Disney. It will always be #2 behind Disney for me. I don't really agree with what you said about the resorts. I personally think all three of them are on par with any of the Disney deluxe resorts and aren't too overpriced. Also, I think the theming is pretty great at Universal (although they aren't near as good as Disney is at upkeeping it) and their ride queues are just as good or better than the lines at Disney, especially Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, Spider-Man, and of course Dueling Dragons. :)

[kmaclou]

So people are being really unkind about this guy simply giving his opinion...in essence saying their opinion is more credible than his. Fascinating...

popcorn::

[CanadianGuy]

ALL OPINIONS ARE WELCOME.

Let me say that again.. Because it's very important...

All opinions are welcome.

You don't have agree and yes you can absolutely disagree.

As long as it doesn't devolve into name-calling and such ... it can stay at a level of civil discourse and so far in this thread, it seems it has.

The poster asked if others agreed, that definitely invites competing opinions to post and disagree.

Share your opinions and experiences - of course - that's what the DIS is all about. Please keep it respectful and courteous.

Knox

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I'm not trying to sound obnoxious here....but why do these comparisons. Disney is Disney and Universal is Universal. I would not compare apples and oranges, so why compare these two?

I recommend both!

Oh..for the person that mentioned that there is more of a "thug"-like audience at Universal, I strongly suggest that you visit Six Flags in Jersey....that is where you will see the "thugs".

But they're both Theme Parks, so we are comparing Apples to Apples

[Disneyfreak508]

I really enjoyed reading your opinions. I have never been to Universal, (and I probably never will. Unless I end up staying in Florida for a month) and I don't think it would be able to live up to my expectations for theme parks.

Your comparison made me feel good and love disney even more.

Thanks :)

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I am quoting this, and answering these with my own answers
What a terrible review!

I'll address it point for point:



Did you form those strong opinions before or after you ever set foot inside Universal?
After


Wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

Complaining about the lack of Disney Magic at Uni is like looking for Coke at a Pepsi plant, then complaining that there's nothing to drink - while you're surrounded by thousands of litres of Pepsi!
He was complaining that the "Disney Magic" Made WDW tons better than Uni and that the lack of it made Uni bland

There is abundant magic at Universal - Movie Magic. If you know how to look for it, and open your heart to it, it flows as strongly as Disney Magic. But it's a different flavor. Just because you don't like the taste doesn't means it's not there; you just didn't try a sip.
I saw no magic at all there


Did you go to the same Universal that I've been going to for the last 18 years? I see plenty of attention to detail, from the stars on the street to the old Hollywood style street lamps to the Blues Brothers live performance (daily) to the replicas of Doc Brown's train and Delorean... it goes on.
I saw tons of flaws at Uni that Disney would never have


Did you speak to any TMs while you were there? Because I have not had a bad experience with a Uni TM, in either park, in years. I find the TMs at Uni to be not only just as good at Disney CMs, but happier and more enthusiastic in their jobs. Their smiles aren't forced, and they truly enjoy working for Uni.
You're right, their smiles aren't forced, they don't smile at all. "Heh, I guess" "*Rolls eyes*" and "Why?" were things I heard all day from TMs. They were extremely unfriendly and seemed like they hated their job. They didn't want to do anything at the CS restaurants. The only nice employees that I found where at the NBA City, and they were not Uni employees.

Again, I think you must have been at a different Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida than I have been visiting for the last 18 years, because I have not encountered any significant difference in "sloppiness" between CMs and TMs. And I have never, ever seen a character at either place step out of character, nor have I seen duplicate characters. I'm sure they do happen; nobody is perfect, and with as many Tiggers and Scoobies as there are, once in a while there must be more than one on the street. On the other hand, AFAIK, Uni only has one Mystery Machine van, which drives Scooby and Shaggy out to their meeting places, so I'm not sure how you could have seen more than one Scoob and Shag at the same time in the same park. Maybe it was the same Scoob and Shag - they move around a lot, and might have repositioned by van while you were walking.
Hmm, I saw this happen too, maybe you just don't pay attention since you love Uni so much. The characters even seemed that they hated their job, and they weren't "real"


I disagree completely on quality - I think generally, WDW and Uni are about equal, with a few exceptions. And I've never gotten a turkey leg from either place that was more than mediocre.
You're right about Turkey Legs, but I got a Chicken Sandwich that was $10 and was smaller than a McD's burger, and it didn't come with fries or a drink. It tasted worse than a tofu sandwich too. :scared1:

But on options, I agree that Uni falls behind. Uni has made the mistake of putting their best restaurants in CityWalk and the resorts, not in the parks. I guess they wanted the additional opening time (since resort restaurants are not tied to park hours) and the additional exposure (since you don't need a park pass to eat at either CityWalk or the resorts), but it tends to leave the parks short on good dining. Still, if you want some great food, it's a lot easier to walk out of either park to CityWalk than it is to walk out of a WDW park and go to Downtown Disney. Uni's 3 resorts are as close as the Epcot resorts are to Epcot and DHS, as well.
But there are great restaurants inside of the parks, which Uni does not have


Okay, so I guess you missed the Speak and Spell and the man with the keys on ET, and you missed the Wakita signs and Meg's wind chimes in Twister, and you missed the bloody hand print on the Orca's window in Jaws, and the overwhelming details in T2:3D, and maybe you missed the Disney nametag on the shirt that the compys are fighting over on the Jurassic Park River adventure - but you couldn't have missed the sounds of the compys moving through the grass all around JP or the way that the park's theme music comes from speakers disguised as Jurassic Park motion trackers!
But Disney has better hidden details, such as the Hidden Mickey's. Uni is copying Disney with a lot of things too, FastPass, Pins, etc...

Lack of details? Boring? I think NOT! At least, not if you pay attention and are even passingly familiar with the source materials (movies, TV, cartoons, and comics) of the various USF and IOA areas and attractions.
I did not see any details that were worth noting, and I do pay attention to details

Uni has always tried to attract an older demographic than WDW. If you go there looking for nothing by kiddie rides, you'll be disappointed. You're dead if you aim only for kids, anyway.
Uni's target demographic is families with teens. It's a teen-friendly place, with lots of teen-oriented and teen-appropriate areas and attractions. As a "young 37" (FYI - I'm an OLD 38, myself), naturally you might not fully appreciate or even understand all of the humor, the intensity, or the sights and sounds.
Yes, they are gearing it towards Teens, but I am a Teen and I hate Uni


Boy, I can't even begin to address this one. Amity, the various New York streets, the Embarcadero... all of these areas are themed as well as anything WDW has, and all of the IOA islands blow WDW away on atmosphere and architecture. I don't recall Disney ever putting stuff in the grass to rustle it as though there were dinosaurs walking through it, coupled with sound effects of the dinos calls and footsteps - and that's not even a queue, it's just the walkways! The only parts of WDW that are as totally immersive on theming as IOA are the World Showcase pavilions and perhaps Main Street USA.
Gosh, have you ever waited in line for any Disney attraction? The windows at Space Mountain, the whole Test Track queue, Expedition Everest with all of the aritifacts, TOY STORY MANIA!

There basically is no theming at all at Uni. Speaking of architecture, have you seen ANY of the buildings at EPCOT? Look at the amazing structures there, then tell me that IOA's blocks blow it away.


Magic doesn't come from theme parks. It doesn't come from rides, or shows, or restaurants or resorts. Magic, whether Disney or any other variety, comes from us, from our own hearts. You can't experience Disney Magic unless you have some within you to begin with - WDW just lets it out and lets it breathe.
Magic DOES come from theme parks. It DOES come from rides, shows, restaurants, and resorts. HAVE YOU EVER VISITED A DISNEY PARK? They are so magical, how they do everything and all.

The same holds true for Universal. The Uni parks are designed to celebrate movies, TV shows, cartoons, and comic books. They have a more limited appeal, because not everyone likes movies - just like not everyone likes Disney. But for those of us who do love the Terminator movies, E.T., Jaws, the Simpsons, Shrek, the Nickelodeon characters, the Blues Brothers, the Marx Brothers, Scooby and Shaggy, or Lucy and Ricky, Universal lets that magic out every time.
There is no magic in any of those movies


The Uni resorts all seem comparable to WDW Deluxes to me - at similar or lower prices - and the theming, dining options, and service all seem as good or better than most Disney resorts.
The Uni resorts are blocks, and the WDW Deluxes are not. The architecture and theming do not stack up to WDW.


Pound for pound, I'd say this comparisson is about as far off as it can get.
I'd say that it's as close as you can get to an accurate, unbiased review

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

No, it doesn't. Fastpass/express DOES NOT WORK. It makes lines longer.

I have seen the same at Disney.

It makes the standby longer, but it is a great system
I have not, Disney's attention to detail is too high

[the Dark Marauder]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l79/JeepJeep8/facepalm.jpg

[inkkognito]

Give it up, Marauder...just think of it as more space and shorter lines for us magic hating, bland loving Universal fans!

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Give it up, Marauder...just think of it as more space and shorter lines for us magic hating, bland loving Universal fans!

If you hate magic so much, get out of this "DISNEY" board and go to a "Uni" board

Why would you be on this board if you hate disney?

[CanadianGuy]

I am moving this to the ThemeParks Community Board.

:)

Knox

[vcgirl925]

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.



How dare you? Not pixie dust?

Joking aside i enjoyed your comparison and i totally agree. We've only been to universal and islands of adventure once and it was after our first time to WDW. Imagine that, our first time seeing and experiencing wdw and all of it's pixie dust...eh um (attention to detail). Then going to universal and that was before their version of FP came out. We hated the old universal, ET wasn't running, and jaws and king kong were so outdated. You could see Jaws coming from a mile away. We did LOVE spiderman! That one was awesome.

ITA about the crowds, the loud and in your face, and the attention to detail.

However the club area (citywalk?) is much better than the pleasure island. Sorry that's JMO, don't flame me!

[Metro West]

If you hate magic so much, get out of this "DISNEY" board and go to a "Uni" board

Why would you be on this board if you hate disney?I think she was kidding.

[the Dark Marauder]

Give it up, Marauder...just think of it as more space and shorter lines for us magic hating, bland loving Universal fans!

:woohoo: :woohoo:

[KatMark]

What a well thought out comparison--and right on too. I don't think any place will EVER compare to Disney. Great job! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[vcgirl925]

I don't know you should try Six Flags over Georgia. I wonder which park as the best thugs the North or the South. We went there three years ago during the summer and I said never again I would rather pay a little more and go to Disney.

I stopped going to 6 flags in NJ because of that. It's just not a fun atmosphere to be in . I literally haven't been there in 6 years!

[AngieBelle]

For me, my preference of Disney over Universal comes down to just one thing- I'm a much bigger fan of the Disney stories and characters than I am of the ones featured at Universal. It's just a personal preference. I certainly like Scooby Doo, the Nickelodeon characters, Dr. Suess characters,and those toons featured at Toon Lagoon, but the Marvel superheros, the Mummy, and Jurassic Park mean little to me. Disney has movies that I love with a passion. Plus, I'm a big kid at heart who is very nostalgic so Disney just suits me better.

I think Universal has some wonderful theming of it's own and lots of fun details. The Lost Continent at IOA is amazing- my favorite area. I also don't get the constant comments about the low service quality. I have been there many times and never had a bad experience with them. I worked there for Halloween Horror Nights one year, and went through their orientation. Having been through Disney orientation as well, I can tell you Universal teaches exactly the same qualities as Disney! (not to mention, *many* people at Universal either used to or currently work at WDW- I met one of the original Dreamfinders when I was working there!)

Funny thing about Shrek 4-D...In the holding area, they have this terrific theme that you are Lord Farquad's prisoners. But the minute you enter the theater, the theming is gone! It's just a theater! And the character's don't acknowledge you at all. You are not part of the story. The movie is a lot of fun, and the 3-d looks great, but it's a more immersive experience at Disney. In Muppet 4-D, you are IN the Muppet Theater. In HISTA, you are actually there at the science awards ceremony, and the characters are talking to you.

I pretty much live at Disney, so once in a while it's a nice to escape to Universal! I love the Spiderman ride.

[KatMark]

I stopped going to 6 flags in NJ because of that. It's just not a fun atmosphere to be in . I literally haven't been there in 6 years!

You could NOT pay me to go to 6 flags in St. Louis or Gurnee, IL (suburb of Chicago). The clientele gives me the creeps. I remember riding the rapid water ride with a group of kids when our boys were approximately 6 and 8. The foul language coming out of their mouths was unbelievable (I would guess they were in the 14-16 year old range). I nicely asked them to refrain from using the language in front of my children. I can't begin to tell you what came out of their mouth then. :mad:

[jillybeene71]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l79/JeepJeep8/facepalm.jpg


:rotfl: I feel ya.

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I think she was kidding.

I'm sorry, it's hard to pick up sarcasm when you are not hearing a voice

[Metro West]

I'm sorry, it's hard to pick up sarcasm when you are not hearing a voiceI understand...people are passionate about Disney and Universal. I don't think I could ever hate either place and since I go so often I've seen things that bother me at Disney and Universal. That's the advantage of living here.

[tentaguasu]

Funny thing about Shrek 4-D...In the holding area, they have this terrific theme that you are Lord Farquad's prisoners. But the minute you enter the theater, the theming is gone! It's just a theater! And the character's don't acknowledge you at all. You are not part of the story. The movie is a lot of fun, and the 3-d looks great, but it's a more immersive experience at Disney. In Muppet 4-D, you are IN the Muppet Theater. In HISTA, you are actually there at the science awards ceremony, and the characters are talking to you.


Bingo! That's exactly what I meant. The actual Shrek theater is very plain and with regards to being "immersive" - that's exactly what I meant about Terminator. The whole movie leaves you in a very passive role, just sort of watching things run around and occur (except in the final sequence, which I admit is pretty creepy).

Also, I strongly disagree with the general characterization that the difference between the two is a "younger kids park" and an "older/ teen park".

That's what I thought, and that's why I was initially excited about trying out the "more grown up" Universal.

But it wasn't JUST different - it was also (again, IMHO) worse. Substantially so. For the reasons stated.

I'm not saying there's nothing good at Universal. I enjoyed Twister. I enjoyed Jurassic. In fact, I think the T Rex in Jurassic is better than the one in Dinosaur - and even more "subtle" and realistic. The slushes are awesome at Universal. Spiderman is perhaps more innovative than anything at Disney. The mini-waterpark at USO was way better than anything comparable at Disney.

But my honest opinion is that Disney is not only DIFFERENT but much BETTER. That is not a "biased" opinion. Biased means that you have an interest in one side or the other, that your opinion is somehow not pure, but tainted by some other consideration. My opinion is strong - I like Disney better, by a long shot - but it's not biased. I have a stronger childhood attachment to Scooby Doo, Spiderman, and ET than I do to any of the Mouse characters. I was prepared - excited - to really love USO. I just didn't.

I could give many more examples. Spending 30+ minutes to park, or disorganization in ride loading. The air conditioning was way lower in most places - except expensive restaurants. Many of the queue lines were boring and unadorned. When I asked the guy at the slush stand whether lemon or blueberry was better, he just looked at me bored and shrugged. No response. Big deal. No. For course not... None of this is a big deal. But again cumulatively it left me with a sense of unmagicalness.

I think what I love most about Disney is the sense, for a day, that you're in sort of a parallel world. Not a perfect world, or even a magical world, just a different place. And I think the reason is the cumulative effect of lots of little things - like not waiting very long to park, or having someone be just a shade nicer to you, or noticing a cute detail in a ride - heck, I swear there is even a particular smell about many Disney rides. But at Universal, each time I had to wait to park, or got bored service, or had to queue up in a boring line, etc. it just felt like... well like I was at an amusement park. Nothing wrong with that - but not comparable to the Disney experience for me.

Was my experience unique? Might it have been different on a different day? Maybe. But I had three days and logged an awful lot of examples of things that jumped out at me as inferior to Disney. My wife felt the same way.

I certainly understand why others may disagree. Some people - particularly teens and young adults - are going to want adrenaline over all else, and Universal gives that. Some people just don't care or notice some of the details that bug me. Do you care (like I did) if the theater in "bugs life" is way cooler than that in Sherk? Maybe not. There's nothing weird or wrong about that, its just not something that registers as important for you. (For instance, a stereo system with really bad bass really bugs me. My sister in law could care less. That's just a difference in how we view things. On the other hand, I'm not very fussy about my food, whereas my wife has a fit about some small details.)

But, if you have the same sensibility as I do, I can't imagine you'll enjoy Universal as much as you like Disney.

In the last 18 months or so I've spent roughly 15 days at WDW. In my 3 days at USO and IoA, I left early twice to spend time at Disney again.

Should you go to Universal if you haven't? Absolutely. I'm glad I went. There's some cool stuff over there. Would I go again? No. (Except, perhaps, to see Potter). On the other hand, I'm already planning my next Disney trip.

[keishashadow]

I understand...people are passionate about Disney and Universal. I don't think I could ever hate either place and since I go so often I've seen things that bother me at Disney and Universal. That's the advantage of living here.

nirvana:goodvibes

@ the risk of being drummed out of the DIS...

i've talked to many people who, after making their first visit to WDW, have vowed to NEVER, EVER return:sad2: ...

of course, they r the ones who stroll into the MK early afternoon & wonder why the only get on a couple rides and why all the FPs are gone already:confused3 . Also perplexed as to why they can't find a seat in the TS restaurants.

I try to explain the "system" and they don't want to hear it. Many have pre-conceived notions about being able to relax & be spontaneous on their vacation:rolleyes: ...to them, i suggest staying onsite @ Universal.

Between "the World" and "the Universe" plenty of room for all of us to play:goodvibescertainly no need to run one down in order to justify being a fan of the other:confused3

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Bingo! That's exactly what I meant. The actual Shrek theater is very plain and with regards to being "immersive" - that's exactly what I meant about Terminator. The whole movie leaves you in a very passive role, just sort of watching things run around and occur (except in the final sequence, which I admit is pretty creepy).

Also, I strongly disagree with the general characterization that the difference between the two is a "younger kids park" and an "older/ teen park".

That's what I thought, and that's why I was initially excited about trying out the "more grown up" Universal.

But it wasn't JUST different - it was also (again, IMHO) worse. Substantially so. For the reasons stated.

I'm not saying there's nothing good at Universal. I enjoyed Twister. I enjoyed Jurassic. In fact, I think the T Rex in Jurassic is better than the one in Dinosaur - and even more "subtle" and realistic. The slushes are awesome at Universal. Spiderman is perhaps more innovative than anything at Disney. The mini-waterpark at USO was way better than anything comparable at Disney.

But my honest opinion is that Disney is not only DIFFERENT but much BETTER. That is not a "biased" opinion. Biased means that you have an interest in one side or the other, that your opinion is somehow not pure, but tainted by some other consideration. My opinion is strong - I like Disney better, by a long shot - but it's not biased. I have a stronger childhood attachment to Scooby Doo, Spiderman, and ET than I do to any of the Mouse characters. I was prepared - excited - to really love USO. I just didn't.

I could give many more examples. Spending 30+ minutes to park, or disorganization in ride loading. The air conditioning was way lower in most places - except expensive restaurants. Many of the queue lines were boring and unadorned. When I asked the guy at the slush stand whether lemon or blueberry was better, he just looked at me bored and shrugged. No response. Big deal. No. For course not... None of this is a big deal. But again cumulatively it left me with a sense of unmagicalness.

I think what I love most about Disney is the sense, for a day, that you're in sort of a parallel world. Not a perfect world, or even a magical world, just a different place. And I think the reason is the cumulative effect of lots of little things - like not waiting very long to park, or having someone be just a shade nicer to you, or noticing a cute detail in a ride - heck, I swear there is even a particular smell about many Disney rides. But at Universal, each time I had to wait to park, or got bored service, or had to queue up in a boring line, etc. it just felt like... well like I was at an amusement park. Nothing wrong with that - but not comparable to the Disney experience for me.

Was my experience unique? Might it have been different on a different day? Maybe. But I had three days and logged an awful lot of examples of things that jumped out at me as inferior to Disney. My wife felt the same way.

I certainly understand why others may disagree. Some people - particularly teens and young adults - are going to want adrenaline over all else, and Universal gives that. Some people just don't care or notice some of the details that bug me. Do you care (like I did) if the theater in "bugs life" is way cooler than that in Sherk? Maybe not. There's nothing weird or wrong about that, its just not something that registers as important for you. (For instance, a stereo system with really bad bass really bugs me. My sister in law could care less. That's just a difference in how we view things. On the other hand, I'm not very fussy about my food, whereas my wife has a fit about some small details.)

But, if you have the same sensibility as I do, I can't imagine you'll enjoy Universal as much as you like Disney.

In the last 18 months or so I've spent roughly 15 days at WDW. In my 3 days at USO and IoA, I left early twice to spend time at Disney again.

Should you go to Universal if you haven't? Absolutely. I'm glad I went. There's some cool stuff over there. Would I go again? No. (Except, perhaps, to see Potter). On the other hand, I'm already planning my next Disney trip.
:thumbsup2

And on Muppet 4-D, you are in the Muppet Storage Area!

[KStarfish82]

I don't know you should try Six Flags over Georgia. I wonder which park as the best thugs the North or the South. We went there three years ago during the summer and I said never again I would rather pay a little more and go to Disney.

Been there....not as bad as the Jersey and New York audiences...trust me! :rotfl:

[TaylorsDad]

Four years ago, My family and I went to Disney for the first time. I had always dreamed of going when I was a child but it never happened, so I was excited to be there with DD and Dw but afraid it would never live up to its hype. Within minutes of entering MK I knew the entire trip was going to be a disappointment. Not that anything was bad, just not what I was expecting.
I began looking for flaws and Lord knows there were many to find. We didn't know about needing to make Adrs 180 days in advance so had almost nothing but CS, the whole fastpass system seemed a mess, and the rides were okay only if you were under 10yrs of age. This may not have been a fair assesment but was my view at the time.
We then went to Universal and IOA on the same trip and after being disappointed with Disney I was really impressed. Not only did they have a great area for kids with Barney in the Park and Cat in the Hat area. But they had great rides for adults as well. And attractions that more fully brought to life the whole movie experience.
And when we went back the next year a lady working in the Barney attraction remembered my daughter from the previous year (that amazed and delighted us all)and asked her to stay after the show and meet Barney, and the other characters as well. And wow were were impressed with staying onsite and Fotl. No longer waiting for a return time, just ride whatever we want whenever we wanted.
As I said we went back to both Disney and Universal the next year and this time I was determined to look for the Disney Magic and not the flaws. Guess what , we had an amazing time at both places. My point being if you go looking for things to complain about you will find them.
Disney is an amazing place that we love to visit, but the same is true about Universal. Each place has its own charm and you can love both without betraying either.

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Four years ago, My family and I went to Disney for the first time. I had always dreamed of going when I was a child but it never happened, so I was excited to be there with DD and Dw but afraid it would never live up to its hype. Within minutes of entering MK I knew the entire trip was going to be a disappointment. Not that anything was bad, just not what I was expecting.
I began looking for flaws and Lord knows there were many to find. We didn't know about needing to make Adrs 180 days in advance so had almost nothing but CS, the whole fastpass system seemed a mess, and the rides were okay only if you were under 10yrs of age. This may not have been a fair assesment but was my view at the time.
We then went to Universal and IOA on the same trip and after being disappointed with Disney I was really impressed. Not only did they have a great area for kids with Barney in the Park and Cat in the Hat area. But they had great rides for adults as well. And attractions that more fully brought to life the whole movie experience.
And when we went back the next year a lady working in the Barney attraction remembered my daughter from the previous year (that amazed and delighted us all)and asked her to stay after the show and meet Barney, and the other characters as well. And wow were were impressed with staying onsite and Fotl. No longer waiting for a return time, just ride whatever we want whenever we wanted.
As I said we went back to both Disney and Universal the next year and this time I was determined to look for the Disney Magic and not the flaws. Guess what , we had an amazing time at both places. My point being if you go looking for things to complain about you will find them.
Disney is an amazing place that we love to visit, but the same is true about Universal. Each place has its own charm and you can love both without betraying either.

You are now the 3rd person that I know that does not like disney

I just don't get how it could be a disappointment

[vcgirl925]

Four years ago, My family and I went to Disney for the first time. I had always dreamed of going when I was a child but it never happened, so I was excited to be there with DD and Dw but afraid it would never live up to its hype. Within minutes of entering MK I knew the entire trip was going to be a disappointment. Not that anything was bad, just not what I was expecting.
I began looking for flaws and Lord knows there were many to find. We didn't know about needing to make Adrs 180 days in advance so had almost nothing but CS, the whole fastpass system seemed a mess, and the rides were okay only if you were under 10yrs of age. This may not have been a fair assesment but was my view at the time.
We then went to Universal and IOA on the same trip and after being disappointed with Disney I was really impressed. Not only did they have a great area for kids with Barney in the Park and Cat in the Hat area. But they had great rides for adults as well. And attractions that more fully brought to life the whole movie experience.
And when we went back the next year a lady working in the Barney attraction remembered my daughter from the previous year (that amazed and delighted us all)and asked her to stay after the show and meet Barney, and the other characters as well. And wow were were impressed with staying onsite and Fotl. No longer waiting for a return time, just ride whatever we want whenever we wanted.
As I said we went back to both Disney and Universal the next year and this time I was determined to look for the Disney Magic and not the flaws. Guess what , we had an amazing time at both places. My point being if you go looking for things to complain about you will find them.
Disney is an amazing place that we love to visit, but the same is true about Universal. Each place has its own charm and you can love both without betraying either.

You know, i think it really depends on the person and your experience on that particular day. I've been to Sesame Place a million times and i LOVE IT, i've never once thought it was dirty or sub-par. But i've seen a lot of people on here have such negative thoughts about it and i just couldn't imagine it because i've never experienced it.

[macraven]

Give it up, Marauder...just think of it as more space and shorter lines for us magic hating, bland loving Universal fans!

inkkognito, you know what this means don't ya'


no long lines and crowds when parry hotter opens up in '10.......

[the Dark Marauder]

For me, my preference of Disney over Universal comes down to just one thing- I'm a much bigger fan of the Disney stories and characters than I am of the ones featured at Universal. It's just a personal preference. I certainly like Scooby Doo, the Nickelodeon characters, Dr. Suess characters,and those toons featured at Toon Lagoon, but the Marvel superheros, the Mummy, and Jurassic Park mean little to me. Disney has movies that I love with a passion. Plus, I'm a big kid at heart who is very nostalgic so Disney just suits me better.

I think Universal has some wonderful theming of it's own and lots of fun details. The Lost Continent at IOA is amazing- my favorite area. I also don't get the constant comments about the low service quality. I have been there many times and never had a bad experience with them. I worked there for Halloween Horror Nights one year, and went through their orientation. Having been through Disney orientation as well, I can tell you Universal teaches exactly the same qualities as Disney! (not to mention, *many* people at Universal either used to or currently work at WDW- I met one of the original Dreamfinders when I was working there!)

Funny thing about Shrek 4-D...In the holding area, they have this terrific theme that you are Lord Farquad's prisoners. But the minute you enter the theater, the theming is gone! It's just a theater! And the character's don't acknowledge you at all. You are not part of the story. The movie is a lot of fun, and the 3-d looks great, but it's a more immersive experience at Disney. In Muppet 4-D, you are IN the Muppet Theater. In HISTA, you are actually there at the science awards ceremony, and the characters are talking to you.

I pretty much live at Disney, so once in a while it's a nice to escape to Universal! I love the Spiderman ride.
Now, THIS is a fair comparison! :worship: :worship: :worship:

[Subi WRX]

OK, before doing Universal, I had asked many people how it stacked up against Disney. I got many replies, but there didn't seem to be any consensus at all.

I have very strong opinions about it after seeing both and thought I'd share for the benefit of others.

First of all, I don't think it's "Coke vs. Pepsi" at all. They are very different places. I personally thought WDW blew Universal out of the water. Not even close. But I can see that some people might feel differently.

Here's the difference: Disney Magic.

OK, OK hear me out. I'm not your typical "Disney magic" type person. I'm a guy who could care less about "Magic" and pixie dust and garbage. I could care less about the Disney characters. I haven't read most of the classic books, or seen 3/4 of the movies. I don't get teary eyed seeing the castle, Mickey Mouse is just OK, and tinkerbell and the cricket kind of annoy me. In fact, I didn't believe in "disney magic" at all.

Until I went to Universal.

The total lack of magic at universal made me realize that Disney does in fact have something special about it.

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.

If you care about attention to detail, you'll notice the difference. And if you care about these things, then it all starts adding up and making a big difference. There are a million little ways in which it shows up. For instance:

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).

b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.

c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)

d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan.

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

Other considerations.

1. The characters. I have zero attachment to Mikey Mouse, etc. In fact I like Universals character set better. Shaggy and Scoobie Doo! Cool. Curious George! Cool! Spiderman - come on! Lots of fun characters. For me advantage Universal. Your mileage may vary...

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

4. Older kids / thrill riders. Universal is THE place to be if you are between 10 and 25. Everything is louder, faster, etc. I'm a pretty young 37. In fact I was pumped up when I heard the entrance music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers the day I went! Cool! I LOVED the intensity of the drop in the Jurassic ride. Though I can't ride coasters, I can imagine that Hulk and Dragons must be sweet rides. If that's what you're after - if it's all about the rides and intense rides at that - then IoA and Universal will be a great choice. Still, for me, it didn't make up for the lack of quality and (to me) a sort of juvenile sense about things. Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET! It wasn't thoughtful thrills, it was just BAM, in your face. Bigger and Louder. That played well with my 11 year old, but got old with me. Even the sense of humor seemed geared to that age group. Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.

Again, none of this stuff is that important, but it adds up, cumulatively, to give you an impression of things.

What I will give Universal credit for is creativity. I didn't much like Terminator (3D effects were off and on and the movie itself was boring IMHO) the way it was done was different and creative. And Spiderman - wow! Too rough, but wow - really neat effects. Also, watch the video monitors in the Terminator queue. They show pictures of the waiting crowd, but have some interesting things happen.

Bottom Line: Kali River Rapids as compared to the Bluto ride at Universal is a perfect microcosm of the difference between Disney and Universal. Bluto is more intense. It gets you wetter. It moves faster. It's longer. But I prefer Kali 100 times over. Bluto is essentially a garish plastic chute. The quality of the "set" is sort of McDonald's Play landish. It gets you wet, but I noticed that TONS of water sloshes around on the floor and your feet get sopping wet (which seems to me to be sort of a poor design - when you may or may not get really wet, but your shoes are guaranteed to be sopping wet). In comparison Kali is just beautiful to look at and be a part of. From the waiting line on its attractive, jungly, mysterious. Just nice. So for me, I love being on Kali and found Bluto sort of boring and ugly. But my son who is 11 loved Bluto.

So think about what you like, what floats your boat, and what bugs you and you'll have a pretty decent idea of how you'll feel about each location.

For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.


Great review for those of us Universal Phanatics that are dreading all the "matching-shirts-carry-a-clipboard-and- whistle-complete-with-a-touring-plan-and-dining-reservations-made-6-months-in-advance-you-mean-I-have-to-PAY-for-Express-Passes?" pixie-dusted Disneyphiles who will invade Universal solely for Harry Potter.

So, let's keep this thread bumped through 2010/2011. :thumbsup2


$240 per night for the hotel included express passes for your entire family. Not a bad deal at all, IMHO.

[Shelton123]

I have seen horrible/bored/disinterested help at Disney and have found amazingly well-informed, genuinely friendly people at Universal. You find that EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

I have seen this happen at Disney

Are.you.freaking.kidding.me. There is a ton of attention to detail and theming at Universal. If you actually look, you'll notice how intricate attractions such as Doctor Doom, Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, MIB, Mummy, etc all immerse you in the ride story.

No, it doesn't. Fastpass/express DOES NOT WORK. It makes lines longer.

I have seen the same at Disney.

And what are the buildings made of at Disney? The skulls of crushed faries? Nope. They're made of the same thing everything is--steel, concrete, paint, plastic, etc. If you allow yourself to be immersed in it, you really feel/understand it.

It is what YOU make it and how go look at things. You went in with a "OMZ, Diznee is teh bestest evar!!!!!!!11111" mindset and look what happened--you could not let yourself go and truly enjoy Universal. You opted to nitpick and compare instead of immerse.

Fail.

Jeez, you dont have to knock him! It's funny because, IMHO, the people who are on the Universal side are, with a few exceptions, being very very insulting, while the people on the Disney side are giving fair assessments of both parks, based on what they've seen.

[Subi WRX]

Jeez, you dont have to knock him! It's funny because, IMHO, the people who are on the Universal side are, with a few exceptions, being very very insulting, while the people on the Disney side are giving fair assessments of both parks, based on what they've seen.

A Fair assessment?

He equated us with a Jerry Springer crowd.

[loribell]

Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET!.

I have ridden these rides many times. Where is the scary factor?

IMHO your assesment was not even close to being fair.


Very Nicely written review!

One addition though...Most rides at Universal are most definitely NOT "pooh sized" friendly! :thumbsup2

Not true. I am pooh sized and can ride EVERYTHING at both Universal parks.


It's funny we were given annual pass vouchers back in 2005 that we still haven't activated. We'll probably use them when HP opens in 2010.

The last time we went to USO the TM's (?) were so rude, from the girl at the turnstiles to the boat captain taking us back to the Hard Rock. We decided that was it. I agree about the guests at US/IOA. :sad2: It's just not our type of place. They do have some pretty good rides though. :rolleyes:

Since you don't want to return why don't you just go ahead and give those passes to someone that will enjoy them. I really doubt they will be able to do the HP area right if they haven't been able to do anything right so far. I would be glad to take them off your hands!;)




From a person who is NOT a Dole Whip swilling, Mickey adoring, DVC owning, Boutique attending guy, I just observed both and that's what I have to say about it.

While I don't like dole whips I do love Mickey &the gang, especially Tink, I own 360 DVC points & plan to buy many more, have taken my dd to the BBB and will be making appointments for her & my dgd for our next trip. I love Universal as much as Disney, as does my entire family. We can not even imagine visiting Orlando and not going to both. My kids are 25, 23, 16, & 9. My 9 year old considers them all to be wonderful.



But there are great restaurants inside of the parks, which Uni does not have

Louies, Finegans, Cafe Le Bamba, The Enchanted Oak, Mythos, Confisco's, ? All of them are amazing! And inside the parks.

There is no magic in any of those movies
There is no magic in ET?????????????????????????


The Uni resorts are blocks, and the WDW Deluxes are not. The architecture and theming do not stack up to WDW.
Have you actually seen these resorts?

Here is a link to some photos from right here on the DIS. http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/photos/

They are all fabulously themed.


If you hate magic so much, get out of this "DISNEY" board and go to a "Uni" board

Why would you be on this board if you hate disney?

Obviously sarcasm. And that was very rude. We were asked if we agreed. We do not. We have the right to say so.

Jeez, you dont have to knock him! It's funny because, IMHO, the people who are on the Universal side are, with a few exceptions, being very very insulting, while the people on the Disney side are giving fair assessments of both parks, based on what they've seen.

So because we love both parks we are being insulting? I think the thug comment is ridiculous.

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Jeez, you dont have to knock him! It's funny because, IMHO, the people who are on the Universal side are, with a few exceptions, being very very insulting, while the people on the Disney side are giving fair assessments of both parks, based on what they've seen.

:eek: :sad2:
Ok, that's just not nice. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and just because it's different from yours doesn't make it wrong.

[Roxy8491]

1st post...
I love debates so I had to chime in

First off I am not going to bash the OP like some others have done. But I do disagree with many of their points.

Since I live in Orlando I have been in and out of all the parks too many times to count. And I can honestly say I have had just as many bad experiences with Disney employees as Universal. It's not like Disney has genetically bred their employees - they are human, and to suggest that they are somehow less rude or less snappy than others just doesn't make sense. It's not like they are paid more at Disney, and Disney hires the same type of people - mostly teenagers and young adults who live in the area. Disney doesn't treat them better, either. In fact, from what I've heard from people who work at Disney or Universal, Disney is markedly worse. I know a lot of people who left Disney to work at Universal. So, in my opinion, the people who are seeing huge contrasts in service are either biased, or came on an off day.

I do agree that the parks aren't taken care of as well as at Disney. A great example of this is the Jurassic Park ride at IoA. Anyone else who has ridden it within the past two years will know what I'm talking about. I think this has a lot to do with Disney having a generally larger budget for those kind of things than Universal.

I strongly disagree about ride-themeing. I actually agree about the Shrek line being unimaginative, but I also think it is rather unfair to claim Disney does a better job all around when every single fantasy land ride line is just as badly themed, if not worse, than Shrek. There are other examples, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, which is pretty much identical as far as concept to Shrek. You zigzag endless times with some monitors above your head explaining the story. For some reason you seem to have swept those under the rug and only concentrated on the well themed lines at Disney. Similarly you seem focused on bland lines at Universal, yet ignore the Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, ET, Twister, Spider-man, and Dueling Dragons. Look at Jurassic Park and Jaws, who have whole lands built around them. The themed area around Jaws doesn't even have any other rides - they built it solely because Jaws was there. The old King Kong ride had a whole freaking city as it's queue line. You could look into every window and see so many details..you could look in store windows and see each individual product, serving no other purpose than to add to the theme of the ride. The queue area for Dueling Dragons must take up more space than the ride itself. I'd say it is easily the best themed line in Central Florida. The only queues that come close to this level of detail at Disney are Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain.

And how can you say IoA doesn't have great themeing? Future World at Epcot, Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, and most of Hollywood Studios fall completely flat when compared to most of the themed lands at IoA. The only thing at Disney that compares to Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and The Lost Continent at IoA is the World Showcase.

I personally don't see what's so great about Kali River Rapids. I have never gotten wet on the ride, which is the whole point of it, in my opinion. As far as the scenery, I saw a few trees, a truck, and smelled burning wood.

I've also noticed the "smells" at particular Disney rides. I think this may have more to do with nostalgia and memory than quality of rides..as I also have the smells of half the Universal rides stored in my brain, particularly ET. When you've been to a park tons of times, you start noticing things like the smell of certain rides. I guarantee if you went to Universal a few more times you would notice the same thing.

[TaylorsDad]

You are now the 3rd person that I know that does not like disney

I just don't get how it could be a disappointment

I didn't say I didn't like Disney. I said the first time I went there I was disappointed, I just expected way too much. You totally missed the point of my post. The second time I went with an open mind without being critical I found many things to love. We have been back to both parks each year since the first visit and appreciate each place. I just dont get why people have to dis Universal to show their love of Disney. Both parks are amazing, and if you stick to just one you really are limiting yourself and your vacation experience.

[jillybeene71]

hi, my name is Jill everyone Hi, Jill.
I am a Universal addict. (I love it and I dont need help)

[ajleone]

At Disney we just liked BEING there.

I have to agree 100% with this statement! When I'm at WDW I don't even need to go on a ride and I still have the best time. There is just something about being at WDW for me that's like coming home.:wizard:

[yankeepenny]

Great review for those of us Universal Phanatics that are dreading all the "matching-shirts-carry-a-clipboard-and- whistle-complete-with-a-touring-plan-and-dining-reservations-made-6-months-in-advance-you-mean-I-have-to-PAY-for-Express-Passes?" pixie-dusted Disneyphiles who will invade Universal solely for Harry Potter.






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

[yankeepenny]

hi, my name is Jill everyone Hi, Jill.
I am a Universal addict. (and I love it)



Hi Jill!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tentaguasu]

A Fair assessment?

He equated us with a Jerry Springer crowd.

Please read what I actually said.

1. I never equated YOU or anyone from this board as "Jerry Springer crowd". I never said everyone at Universal fits that description. That would be "equating" you and other USO lovers with the Jerry Springer crowd. Instead I said, and completely stand by, my observation that a higher percentage of people at USO fit that description. That's what I observed. Should I not say what I saw? Should I lie? You can disagree, but I don't see the value in ignoring a valid observation. It's like saying (which is also true in my experience) that Disney a higher percentage of the infamous "Brazilian touring groups". Does that equate everyone who likes Disney with Brazilian touring groups?! Absolutely not. It just points out (based on my experience) a certain mix of people you're likely to see.

2. I *specifically stated* that there is nothing wrong with being from the Jerry Springer audience. My family consists of people from the highest levels of academic achievement to people who barely made it out of high school. It consists of outlaw bikers, lawyers, truck drivers, nurses, and line workers. Some of them enjoy a rousing show of Jerry Springer, others prefer Nova on PBS. I respect and love them all. But they ARE different. I wouldn't invite my PBS loving aunt to a Jerry Springer show and I wouldn't take my biker bar cousin to an open mike poetry reading. By observing that a higher percentage (again, not everyone) at Universal is a Jerry Springer audience style, I'm telling you what to expect (again, in my experience) not what is good or bad or right or wrong.

I'm amazed at how some pro USO people are just wigging out about my review.

Take a chill pill.

Feel free to disagree, but don't react like I just kicked mud into your baby stroller.

What I wrote is what I observed and felt. I didn't have preconceived notions, I didn't go looking to find problems, I don't hate Universal, I don't think that you have to pick Disney or USO exclusively.

I went with an open mind and found USO to be inferior in many important ways. I thought I'd share for the benefit of others and so see what others thought.

Your mileage may vary.

[macraven]

Jeez, you dont have to knock him! It's funny because, IMHO, the people who are on the Universal side are, with a few exceptions, being very very insulting, while the people on the Disney side are giving fair assessments of both parks, based on what they've seen.


for a smart man as you are, that was not a very smart thing to say.
please don't generalize when a poster thinks different than you.

it only helps the thread go south.

the op is asking for others opinions about what he stated.
he did not ask for opinions of what you think of those that are disagreeing with him.

the mod stated earlier to be respectful when you post.

[skifast22]

1st post...
I love debates so I had to chime in

First off I am not going to bash the OP like some others have done. But I do disagree with many of their points.

Since I live in Orlando I have been in and out of all the parks too many times to count. And I can honestly say I have had just as many bad experiences with Disney employees as Universal. It's not like Disney has genetically bred their employees - they are human, and to suggest that they are somehow less rude or less snappy than others just doesn't make sense. It's not like they are paid more at Disney, and Disney hires the same type of people - mostly teenagers and young adults who live in the area. Disney doesn't treat them better, either. In fact, from what I've heard from people who work at Disney or Universal, Disney is markedly worse. I know a lot of people who left Disney to work at Universal. So, in my opinion, the people who are seeing huge contrasts in service are either biased, or came on an off day.

I do agree that the parks aren't taken care of as well as at Disney. A great example of this is the Jurassic Park ride at IoA. Anyone else who has ridden it within the past two years will know what I'm talking about. I think this has a lot to do with Disney having a generally larger budget for those kind of things than Universal.

I strongly disagree about ride-themeing. I actually agree about the Shrek line being unimaginative, but I also think it is rather unfair to claim Disney does a better job all around when every single fantasy land ride line is just as badly themed, if not worse, than Shrek. There are other examples, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, which is pretty much identical as far as concept to Shrek. You zigzag endless times with some monitors above your head explaining the story. For some reason you seem to have swept those under the rug and only concentrated on the well themed lines at Disney. Similarly you seem focused on bland lines at Universal, yet ignore the Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, ET, Twister, Spider-man, and Dueling Dragons. Look at Jurassic Park and Jaws, who have whole lands built around them. The themed area around Jaws doesn't even have any other rides - they built it solely because Jaws was there. The old King Kong ride had a whole freaking city as it's queue line. You could look into every window and see so many details..you could look in store windows and see each individual product, serving no other purpose than to add to the theme of the ride. The queue area for Dueling Dragons must take up more space than the ride itself. I'd say it is easily the best themed line in Central Florida. The only queues that come close to this level of detail at Disney are Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain.

And how can you say IoA doesn't have great themeing? Future World at Epcot, Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, and most of Hollywood Studios fall completely flat when compared to most of the themed lands at IoA. The only thing at Disney that compares to Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and The Lost Continent at IoA is the World Showcase.

I personally don't see what's so great about Kali River Rapids. I have never gotten wet on the ride, which is the whole point of it, in my opinion. As far as the scenery, I saw a few trees, a truck, and smelled burning wood.

I've also noticed the "smells" at particular Disney rides. I think this may have more to do with nostalgia and memory than quality of rides..as I also have the smells of half the Universal rides stored in my brain, particularly ET. When you've been to a park tons of times, you start noticing things like the smell of certain rides. I guarantee if you went to Universal a few more times you would notice the same thing.


Just wanted to say that was an excellent post for your first! You hit on many of the points I've been feeling while reading this thread the past day.

[Subi WRX]

Please read what I actually said.

1. I never equated YOU or anyone from this board as "Jerry Springer crowd". I never said everyone at Universal fits that description. That would be "equating" you and other USO lovers with the Jerry Springer crowd. Instead I said, and completely stand by, my observation that a higher percentage of people at USO fit that description. That's what I observed. Should I not say what I saw? Should I lie? You can disagree, but I don't see the value in ignoring a valid observation. It's like saying (which is also true in my experience) that Disney a higher percentage of the infamous "Brazilian touring groups". Does that equate everyone who likes Disney with Brazilian touring groups?! Absolutely not. It just points out (based on my experience) a certain mix of people you're likely to see.

2. I *specifically stated* that there is nothing wrong with being from the Jerry Springer audience. My family consists of people from the highest levels of academic achievement to people who barely made it out of high school. It consists of outlaw bikers, lawyers, truck drivers, nurses, and line workers. Some of them enjoy a rousing show of Jerry Springer, others prefer Nova on PBS. I respect and love them all. But they ARE different. I wouldn't invite my PBS loving aunt to a Jerry Springer show and I wouldn't take my biker bar cousin to an open mike poetry reading. By observing that a higher percentage (again, not everyone) at Universal is a Jerry Springer audience style, I'm telling you what to expect (again, in my experience) not what is good or bad or right or wrong.

I'm amazed at how some pro USO people are just wigging out about my review.

Take a chill pill.

Feel free to disagree, but don't react like I just kicked mud into your baby stroller.

What I wrote is what I observed and felt. I didn't have preconceived notions, I didn't go looking to find problems, I don't hate Universal, I don't think that you have to pick Disney or USO exclusively.

I went with an open mind and found USO to be inferior in many important ways. I thought I'd share for the benefit of others and so see what others thought.

Your mileage may vary.

Take a chill pill, YMMV, mud in baby strollers .... maybe I just HANG with the Jerry Springer crowd, but I'm not a member?

[vcgirl925]

for a smart man as you are, that was not a very smart thing to say.
please don't generalize when a poster thinks different than you.

it only helps the thread go south.

the op is asking for others opinions about what he stated.
he did not ask for opinions of what you think of those that are disagreeing with him.

the mod stated earlier to be respectful when you post.

He asked for opinions about his comparison, he did not ask to be insulted.

[cocowum]

Please read what I actually said.

1. I never equated YOU or anyone from this board as "Jerry Springer crowd". I never said everyone at Universal fits that description. That would be "equating" you and other USO lovers with the Jerry Springer crowd. Instead I said, and completely stand by, my observation that a higher percentage of people at USO fit that description. That's what I observed. Should I not say what I saw? Should I lie? You can disagree, but I don't see the value in ignoring a valid observation. It's like saying (which is also true in my experience) that Disney a higher percentage of the infamous "Brazilian touring groups". Does that equate everyone who likes Disney with Brazilian touring groups?! Absolutely not. It just points out (based on my experience) a certain mix of people you're likely to see.

2. I *specifically stated* that there is nothing wrong with being from the Jerry Springer audience. My family consists of people from the highest levels of academic achievement to people who barely made it out of high school. It consists of outlaw bikers, lawyers, truck drivers, nurses, and line workers. Some of them enjoy a rousing show of Jerry Springer, others prefer Nova on PBS. I respect and love them all. But they ARE different. I wouldn't invite my PBS loving aunt to a Jerry Springer show and I wouldn't take my biker bar cousin to an open mike poetry reading. By observing that a higher percentage (again, not everyone) at Universal is a Jerry Springer audience style, I'm telling you what to expect (again, in my experience) not what is good or bad or right or wrong.

I'm amazed at how some pro USO people are just wigging out about my review.

Take a chill pill.

Feel free to disagree, but don't react like I just kicked mud into your baby stroller.

What I wrote is what I observed and felt. I didn't have preconceived notions, I didn't go looking to find problems, I don't hate Universal, I don't think that you have to pick Disney or USO exclusively.

I went with an open mind and found USO to be inferior in many important ways. I thought I'd share for the benefit of others and so see what others thought.

Your mileage may vary.


Again, very well said! :thumbsup2 Especially your first point.::yes::

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

He asked for opinions about his comparison, he did not ask to be insulted.

:thumbsup2

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

There is no magic in ET?????????????????????????
Yes, magic, but no, no ride magic.

Basically, it's just a ride through to me

Have you actually seen these resorts?

Here is a link to some photos from right here on the DIS. http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/photos/

They are all fabulously themed.
To me, they are just blocks, and yes, I have seen them in person



Obviously sarcasm. And that was very rude. We were asked if we agreed. We do not. We have the right to say so.
She said that she didn't like Disney, and she loved Uni. So I asked why you would be on a Disney fansite if you didn't like Disney. Not rude, a simple question of why she would be wasting her time on something completely Disney themed.


So because we love both parks we are being insulting? I think the thug comment is ridiculous.
No, not by disagreeing, but by bashing us for hating Uni. And I don't think that the thug comment is ridiculous, because the amount of people wearing all black, extraordinarily long jean shorts, chains, and bandannas at Uni compared to WDW is phenomenal.

[the Dark Marauder]

$10 says if someone were to post a "Universal vs Disney" thread and point out flaws on the Disney side, they would get ANNIHILATED over here.

[jillybeene71]

$10 says if someone were to post a "Universal vs Disney" thread and point out flaws on the Disney side, they would get ANNIHILATED over here.


$15 says it would get so ugly they would shut down the thread

[HonnyDipp]

Kudos to the OP, great info!:thumbsup2

[TaylorsDad]

This is what I consider a fair comparrison
To me What Disney does best is the characters (Still wish they had more character meals for boys, such as Star Wars or villians though.) They have many characters that we have all grown to love since earlly childhood. And seeeing these characters can help bring back pleasant childhood memories.Universal, IOA does have some good characters and most of which can be enjoyed more by boys, however they cannot match the sheer volume of great cartoon icons that Disney has. Disney does many things great but this is what they excell at. Also like Disney's photopass system better than anything Universal has availible.
What Universal does best is offer a great experience for all ages. More thrill rides that are awesome and must have experiences(although TOT at Disney is probably our all time favorite ride but overall Universal has a better selection of thrill rides) as well as great attractions for little ones.
But what I think about Universal is great is that someone new who has never been to the parks can just stay onsight and not worry about planning their trip 6 months in advance. Actually our first visit we stayed offsite and everything went great. I love Disney and want to get the most out of each visit but after my first trip, there is no way I would ever just show up without planning every detail. Even as informed about the parks as I am now after several trips I couldn't experience all the "Disney Magic "without a lot of work and planning.
But hey guys, keep sticking to only your favorite park and I'll continue to get the most of my Orlando trips by experiencing the best that WDW and Universal has to offer.

[minniejack]

nirvana:goodvibes

@ the risk of being drummed out of the DIS...

i've talked to many people who, after making their first visit to WDW, have vowed to NEVER, EVER return:sad2: ...

of course, they r the ones who stroll into the MK early afternoon & wonder why the only get on a couple rides and why all the FPs are gone already:confused3 . Also perplexed as to why they can't find a seat in the TS restaurants.

I try to explain the "system" and they don't want to hear it. Many have pre-conceived notions about being able to relax & be spontaneous on their vacation:rolleyes: ...to them, i suggest staying onsite @ Universal.
Between "the World" and "the Universe" plenty of room for all of us to play:goodvibescertainly no need to run one down in order to justify being a fan of the other:confused3


OMG That is what I was trying to say--these are amusement parks built to have fun in--not have to go commando about and get back home more exhausted than when you went.

[Tinkerbell21]

$15 says it would get so ugly they would shut down the thread

I'm in for $50!

[KStarfish82]

Apples and oranges.....enough said.....

:thumbsup2

[loribell]

Yes, magic, but no, no ride magic.

Basically, it's just a ride through to me

I don't see magic in many of the Disney rides. Iwas going to name them out but thought this wold be easier...the only Disney ride I really see magic in is Splash Mountain. But I love all the Disney parks and rides, even Small World. I guess the magc must be in being with my family.

To me, they are just blocks, and yes, I have seen them in person

And to me they are amazing places that transport you to a new place. The only Disney resorts that do that to me are Wilderness Lodge & Animal Kingdom lodge.

She said that she didn't like Disney, and she loved Uni. So I asked why you would be on a Disney fansite if you didn't like Disney. Not rude, a simple question of why she would be wasting her time on something completely Disney themed.

And it was obvious sarcasm. At least to me.

No, not by disagreeing, but by bashing us for hating Uni. And I don't think that the thug comment is ridiculous, because the amount of people wearing all black, extraordinarily long jean shorts, chains, and bandannas at Uni compared to WDW is phenomenal.

HATE is a very strong word. I really don't understand why anyone would HATE a theme park.

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

HATE is a very strong word. I really don't understand why anyone would HATE a theme park.

Well if you have a problem with me hating that park then you have a problem, questioning what I like

[loribell]

Well if you have a problem with me hating that park then you have a problem, questioning what I like

Don't have a problem with it at all. Never said I did. Just said I didn't understand why anyone would HATE a theme park. I hope you enjoy your Disney vacations. Tell Art hi for me!

[DisGal520]

:goodvibes

Here's an observation. You're reading an interesting thread about differences in two theme park organizations ................and

you're reading it on the Disboards. Would that be because there is not a separate forum devoted to only Universal? At least none that I could find (and I'm not referencing the Universal Studios /Sea World section of this forum - I mean on the whole web).





DisGal
:cool2:

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I can't understand hating a theme park either :confused3 Maybe that awful 6 Flags we went to last summer, but I wouldn't consider that a theme park, just a third rate amusement park.

Anyway, we are WDW lovers and really enjoy Universal as well. They are different, but then again they should be. I love the ET ride, The Mummy, Shrek 4-D, MIB, Dueling Dragons, Suessland, Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls, etc. I think they are imaginative, well themed attractions.

We absolutely love the Universal Resorts. We have been loyal WDW monorail resort guests and honestly have had some better experiences at Uni resorts, specifically Portofino Bay Resort, which by the way is far from a block. It is actually a reproduction of the town of Portofino and is very well done. And FOTL is a perk that is definitely worth staying there. I understand that WDW would not be able to have that kind of system due to the number of resort guests that they have, but it is great!

Another plus is the great ticket prices, much more affordable than WDW. The close proximity of the two parks to the resorts is very convenient as well.

I'm a dyed in the wool Disney fan, but I have the ability to enjoy more than one type of experience and would not pass up an opportunity to visit Universal every few years, and have a great time.

BTW, we liked SeaWorld too!

We have had many people who did not enjoy their WDW experience at all and vowed not to return. Some who liked Uni better and some who really loved SeaWorld more. WDW is not the only game in town, and thank God for that.

[WillCAD]

:goodvibes

Here's an observation. You're reading an interesting thread about differences in two theme park organizations ................and

you're reading it on the Disboards. Would that be because there is not a separate forum devoted to only Universal? At least none that I could find (and I'm not referencing the Universal Studios /Sea World section of this forum - I mean on the whole web).





DisGal
:cool2:

While there are some forums devoted to Disney only that leave out Universal, I feel the need to point out that all of the major boards dealing with Disney, and all of the major guidebooks, also have sections dealing with Universal, or at least "other parks" in the Orlando area. And even those forums that don't have sections specifically devoted to Uni will always have some mention of Uni.

[Subi WRX]

:goodvibes

Here's an observation. You're reading an interesting thread about differences in two theme park organizations ................and

you're reading it on the Disboards. Would that be because there is not a separate forum devoted to only Universal? At least none that I could find (and I'm not referencing the Universal Studios /Sea World section of this forum - I mean on the whole web).





DisGal
:cool2:




http://ioacentral.com

[the Dark Marauder]

IOACENTRAL.COM (http://ioacentral.com)


:worship: :worship: :worship:

[coastermom]

Ok I am a theme park / amusement park JUNKIE . I have gone to Cedar Point , Bush Gardens VA, Kings Dominion , Dorney Park, Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags New England, Geauga Lake ( now closed) , as well as Universal and WDW . ALL parks are different form different reasons. I LOVE WDW and I also LOVE UNIVERSAL and IOA. We enjoy both for many different reasons . Just as we love Six Flags . Some hate Six Flags some hate Universal you really shouldn't hate any amusement park all have something that makes them unique and enjoyable . Unless of cause they are CLOSED :rotfl2: then they are just not enjoyable . :lmao:

Just my 2 cents on this whole issue .

[Finally08]

I've always thought Universal had cool stuff "to do'" there, but just being there wasn't anything special. You want to "do do do" to have fun. Where as at WDW I could sit on a curb on Main St and just soak up being there. I don't have to do anything to have a completely wonderful time.

It's all about the atmosphere.

[goofy!]

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.
.

I haven't read the whole thread, so if this was addressed, I apologize.

But I would like to know how the Universal Fast Passes were messing up? You said they had lots of problems and didn't always work. How so? Were the machines not dispensing them correctly? Were the Team Members standing at the Fast Pass line not honoring them?

Thanks in advance!

[rie'smom]

OK, before doing Universal, I had asked many people how it stacked up against Disney. I got many replies, but there didn't seem to be any consensus at all.

I have very strong opinions about it after seeing both and thought I'd share for the benefit of others.

First of all, I don't think it's "Coke vs. Pepsi" at all. They are very different places. I personally thought WDW blew Universal out of the water. Not even close. But I can see that some people might feel differently.

Here's the difference: Disney Magic.
OK, OK hear me out. I'm not your typical "Disney magic" type person. I'm a guy who could care less about "Magic" and pixie dust and garbage. I could care less about the Disney characters. I haven't read most of the classic books, or seen 3/4 of the movies. I don't get teary eyed seeing the castle, Mickey Mouse is just OK, and tinkerbell and the cricket kind of annoy me. In fact, I didn't believe in "disney magic" at all.

Until I went to Universal.

The total lack of magic at universal made me realize that Disney does in fact have something special about it.

But it's not pixie dust. It's attention to detail.

If you care about attention to detail, you'll notice the difference. And if you care about these things, then it all starts adding up and making a big difference. There are a million little ways in which it shows up. For instance:

a. The quality of the help is off the charts different. Universal had typical McDonald's-esque type help. Not terrible, but visibly disinterested in being there. Poorly trained, etc. I can give examples. Disney folks were usually nice and helpful (and without being fakey sappy, for the most part).

b. Sloppiness. At Universal, some things are just sloppy. Sloppy uniforms. Less well tended grounds. Cheesier sets. One great example: I was excited to see Shaggy and Scooby Doo. Then I walked a couple of blocks down and guess what? ANOTHER Shaggy and Scooby! I've never seen that at Disney and can't imagine it happening. Talk about breaking the illusion that these are the "one and only, real" characters. It just seemed sort of dumb and poorly done. I saw characters completely fall out of character in public on numerous occasions. One princess got whinny and started talking to friends.

c. Food. Just fewer options, lower quality. Burgers were fattier, Turkey legs were less tasty. (However their lemon and blueberry slushes were awsome!!)

d. Ride theme-ing. I care about this. I love the intricate details and atmosphere at Disney rides. There is little if any of this at Universal. The quality is just not there. Queing areas are usually very boring. For instance, the actual place Sherk 4D is shown is spartan. Spa

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

Other considerations.

1. The characters. I have zero attachment to Mikey Mouse, etc. In fact I like Universals character set better. Shaggy and Scoobie Doo! Cool. Curious George! Cool! Spiderman - come on! Lots of fun characters. For me advantage Universal. Your mileage may vary...

2. Traveling with younger kids. Disney is much better. Universal had some cool stuff for young ones. In fact, I absolutely adored their mini water park at Universal Studios. BUT, most rides not explicitly for kids are inappropriate for them. In Disney most rides are kid friendly, but there are a few rides kids shouldn't do. In Universal it is exactly the opposite.

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

4. Older kids / thrill riders. Universal is THE place to be if you are between 10 and 25. Everything is louder, faster, etc. I'm a pretty young 37. In fact I was pumped up when I heard the entrance music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers the day I went! Cool! I LOVED the intensity of the drop in the Jurassic ride. Though I can't ride coasters, I can imagine that Hulk and Dragons must be sweet rides. If that's what you're after - if it's all about the rides and intense rides at that - then IoA and Universal will be a great choice. Still, for me, it didn't make up for the lack of quality and (to me) a sort of juvenile sense about things. Every darned ride seemed to try and have some element of scary or "in your faceness". Even Dr. Seuss and ET! It wasn't thoughtful thrills, it was just BAM, in your face. Bigger and Louder. That played well with my 11 year old, but got old with me. Even the sense of humor seemed geared to that age group. Shrek has a fart joke in it. When I saw it I just sighed. I'm not a big fan of fart humor. It just seems dumb to me. My 11 year old, of course, loved it - it's the first thing he mentioned.

Overall, the theming isn't close in most places. Studios is OK, but not great. IoA had my hopes up. The entrance and most of the adventure area is pretty much Disney quality, but it goes downhill quickly as you move around. By the Superhero area, it's just loud, in your face, steel and plastic.

Again, none of this stuff is that important, but it adds up, cumulatively, to give you an impression of things.

What I will give Universal credit for is creativity. I didn't much like Terminator (3D effects were off and on and the movie itself was boring IMHO) the way it was done was different and creative. And Spiderman - wow! Too rough, but wow - really neat effects. Also, watch the video monitors in the Terminator queue. They show pictures of the waiting crowd, but have some interesting things happen.

Bottom Line: Kali River Rapids as compared to the Bluto ride at Universal is a perfect microcosm of the difference between Disney and Universal. Bluto is more intense. It gets you wetter. It moves faster. It's longer. But I prefer Kali 100 times over. Bluto is essentially a garish plastic chute. The quality of the "set" is sort of McDonald's Play landish. It gets you wet, but I noticed that TONS of water sloshes around on the floor and your feet get sopping wet (which seems to me to be sort of a poor design - when you may or may not get really wet, but your shoes are guaranteed to be sopping wet). In comparison Kali is just beautiful to look at and be a part of. From the waiting line on its attractive, jungly, mysterious. Just nice. So for me, I love being on Kali and found Bluto sort of boring and ugly. But my son who is 11 loved Bluto.

So think about what you like, what floats your boat, and what bugs you and you'll have a pretty decent idea of how you'll feel about each location.

For my wife and I, we ended up leaving early both days we were at the Universal parks to go back to Disney. At Universal we tried to get ride to ride to do each thing. At Disney we just liked BEING there. The cumulative effect of all those things just make Disney a nice place to be. And that is the "Magic" as far as I'm concerned.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.


This whole post is laughable and I say TROLL ALERT!!!


BTW, I don't understand how you could have messed up the Express Pass. It's not like a ballot with a hanging chad. There's a person checking the tickets. They do stop people from riding more than 1x if they aren't onsite guests but that is printed on the ticket.

$240 for 1 night and complaining? Sounds a little Jerry Springerish to me.

[muffyn]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l79/JeepJeep8/facepalm.jpg

lol

:thumbsup2


there is soooooooo much "magic" in US, I wonder where some people get their blinders from :confused3

I LOVE all the parks, each has their own appeal.

for each US bad experience thread I can find several for WDW where CM's/guests/ride experiences have dissapointed people, so not all is :wizard: at WDW for everyone all the time.

but , hey,,, US haters,, stay away & give the rest of us a less crowded park.
:rolleyes:

[muffyn]

You are now the 3rd person that I know that does not like disney

I just don't get how it could be a disappointment

I know at least 30 familys who either have NO desire to go to WDW OR once going would never set foot there again! :confused3

WDW makes it really 1st time visitor unfriendly, most people do not expect to have to do homework before entering the parks, their 1st experience with fast pass & TS restaurants are when they walk in the parks. many are po'd to find out the restaurant they want to try has been booked for months & by the time they figure out the fast pass system they are all handed out!
very discouraging for many people. & they wander around & do NOT "get it":sad2:

[ChrisFL]

I feel there's a need for a few replies...

The resorts at Universal being "blocks"....really? So the same block resort that Portofinio Bay has, must never be one that Disney would, you know, ever want to duplicate then?

http://images.leonardo.com/imgs/R/R54728/R54728_EXT_01_J.jpg

Except that Disney DID...in the Hotel Miracosta in Japan:

http://www.jtcent.com/disneysea/medharbor/images/medmsc055.jpg

As far as the restaurants...I guess those awards that Mythos wins year after year after year for being the #1 Theme Park restaurant in the world are all fake, right? :rolleyes:

And i can't understand why there's so many people with glowing trip reports of their first time at Universal, a place where you don't have to worry about 180 day ADR's, or taking overcrowded buses to get to the resorts/parks, you can park hop in 5 mins, back and forth all day and get to the front of the line by being a resort guest.

Some are thinking, hey, it's not fair that the resort guests have that perk, but at Disney, they get extra hours to themselves!!

[damo]

I think the whole magic bit is totally in the eyes of the beholder. I've been going to Disney for most of my life and to Universal for almost half. I actually prefer Universal and that is where I get my warm and fuzzies. We tend to pick Disney apart because the Universal parks are our favourites and we prefer how they are run and the types of attractions. We laugh at the instructions on how to wash our hands and how they tell us at rope drop to put on our sunscreen. We cringe at waiting for transportation and when the fastpass machines have run out and how I can't eat at a nice restaurant because I didn't make my reservations six months in advance. We cringe at the prices of multi-day passes and deluxe hotels and the lack of benefits for people who stay on-site. I could go on but the faults are there if you want to take the time to state them. There are many threads about people's least favourite Disney rides and usually it turns out that just about every ride is disliked by someone. That doesn't mean that people should not try and judge for themselves. I think that is probably a natural instinct to find fault in what you don't prefer. However, I think everyone should try all the parks and what I see as faults in Disney, other people will not even notice and vice versa. I think it is often a disservice to make a big deal out of things that may in fact keep people away from an experience they may treasure.

[Ileana]

Who are you to say this was a 'terrible review'? This is this guys OPINION on the park, and one that alot of us agree with. Personally I don't care if anyone likes, dislikes, attends, or stay away from Universal.

No one really cares if you rated it a 'terrible review', because no one asked you to.

Soooooooooooo he can't disagree with the OP's opinion (with his OWN opinion) but you can tell him that no one asked for his opinion??

Got it - we are no longer allowed to have opinions

I'm going back to my corner

[scammermom]

We went to Disney when my girls were 4 & 6.
We went to Universal when my girls were 5 & 7.
We went to SeaWorld when my girls were 6 & 8.
We went to Disney last year when my girls were 7 & 9.

I asked my girls this year if they want to go to Disney or to Universal and they both yelled Universal without skipping a beat.

[patster734]

Do others agree with this assessment?

No.

[boxer]

Soooooooooooo he can't disagree with the OP's opinion (with his OWN opinion) but you can tell him that no one asked for his opinion??

Got it - we are no longer allowed to have opinions

I'm going back to my corner

Ummmm....if you read my response, I was only meaning that his opening line was "thats a terrible review". Is that not degrading someone else's OPINION??????

My point is if he disagreed with the OP's statements, a simple "nice review, but I disagree' would have been a much nicer opening line----NOT 'that's a terrible review'. Then he goes on to basically cut down on the OPINIONS that the OP detailed.

My OPINION is WillCall or whatever his name is was a little harsh with his post......don't be so dramatic that I said no one can disagree with a thread.

[Ileana]

Ummmm....if you read my response, I was only meaning that his opening line was "thats a terrible review". Is that not degrading someone else's OPINION??????

My point is if he disagreed with the OP's statements, a simple "nice review, but I disagree' would have been a much nicer opening line----NOT 'that's a terrible review'. Then he goes on to basically cut down on the OPINIONS that the OP detailed.

My OPINION is WillCall or whatever his name is was a little harsh with his post......don't be so dramatic that I said no one can disagree with a thread.

But this is a DEFINITIVE comparison

End all be all to all comparisons!!!

Internets

Serious business

[boxer]

But this is a DEFINITIVE comparison

End all be all to all comparisons!!!

Internets

Serious business


Don't

Quite

Understand

Your

Reply. Although I do like your line spacing between thoughts.

[Melanie230]

Oh . . . I almost forgot. Universal's Express Pass system is simply awful. :mad: It's almost enough (and still might be enough) to make me not want to spend my money there. I know their hotels are probably really struggling in comparison to the Disney hotels, but not giving off-site guests equal access to express passes isn't winning them any friends in the long run. All it means for me is that I would never stay at a Universal resort because of how obnoxious I find the policy.

I doubt it's a coincidence that their attendance had dropped over the past several years. They've managed to nickle and dime people to keep their profits up, but they're not going to be able to manage that forever. I also don't think that the Harry Potter section will really help them that much in the long run. . . people's expectations are so high now that most will be disappointed with the end product, no matter how good it is. (I've seen several here asking about "the new Harry Potter park," for example . . . )

I have to ask this question. Why does it bother you that Universal offers FOTL to its onsite guests? I don't understand the comments of undemocratic, and obnoxious. People like myself pay the extra $$$ to stay onsite at Universal for many reasons and FOTL being one of them. I just find it odd to criticize Universal for their policies yet do not mention that a comparable trip to Disney costs twice as much. I have compared prices every single year, and even staying at the value resorts at Disney the cost is still much higher than Universal.

Now for your Harry Potter will be a disappointment....why do you think that? The park planners have stressed authenticity, and the park will be 20 acres in size. What do you think will be a disappointment?

I can honestly say that I find the staff at both Disney and Universal VERY friendly and very helpful...yet the crowds at Disney are MUCH more rude, and impatient than Universal. Must be all that time waiting in line. ;)

[Ileana]

Don't

Quite

Understand

Your

Reply. Although I do like your line spacing between thoughts.

Actually you had the same exact line spacing that I did - except that you had a lot more to say in each sentence than I did.

See just like this.

Easier to read than a block of run-on sentences. But I'm not the grammar police for this board. (It's practically a full-time job)

[patster734]

Ummmm....if you read my response, I was only meaning that his opening line was "thats a terrible review". Is that not degrading someone else's OPINION??????

My point is if he disagreed with the OP's statements, a simple "nice review, but I disagree' would have been a much nicer opening line----NOT 'that's a terrible review'. Then he goes on to basically cut down on the OPINIONS that the OP detailed.

My OPINION is WillCall or whatever his name is was a little harsh with his post......don't be so dramatic that I said no one can disagree with a thread.

That sounds like an honest opinion to me! The OP's review wasn't a nice review, it was terrible because it reeks of biasness!

[Ileana]

I have to ask this question. Why does it bother you that Universal offers FOTL to its onsite guests? I don't understand the comments of undemocratic, and obnoxious. People like myself pay the extra $$$ to stay onsite at Universal for many reasons and FOTL being one of them. I just find it odd to criticize Universal for their policies yet do not mention that a comparable trip to Disney costs twice as much. I have compared prices every single year, and even staying at the value resorts at Disney the cost is still much higher than Universal.

Now for your Harry Potter will be a disappointment....why do you think that? The park planners have stressed authenticity, and the park will be 20 acres in size. What do you think will be a disappointment?

I can honestly say that I find the staff at both Disney and Universal VERY friendly and very helpful...yet the crowds at Disney are MUCH more rude, and impatient than Universal. Must be all that time waiting in line. ;)

It's not going to be at Disney :confused3

[patster734]

It's not going to be at Disney :confused3

Exactly!:thumbsup2

[boxer]

Actually you had the same exact line spacing that I did - except that you had a lot more to say in each sentence than I did.

See just like this.

Easier to read than a block of run-on sentences. But I'm not the grammar police for this board. (It's practically a full-time job)

Then you would know that is not a sentence then........LOL. Who cares anyhow----you have your opinion on this thread, and I have mine. End of story.....sad fact is, I like Universal alot also, and in no way am I anti-anything-not-Disney.

[Melanie230]

Ahhh...thanks for clearing that up for me. :rotfl2:

[goofy!]

Ummmm....if you read my response, I was only meaning that his opening line was "thats a terrible review". Is that not degrading someone else's OPINION??????

It is as valid an assessment of his review as all the posters that said it was a great review.

The OP asked if people agreed. WiiCad did not and thought it a terrible review. Just as some agreed and thought it was a great review.

I think it funny that so many people will post how wonderful and perfect Disney is when trashing another theme park.

However, you can then come to the Disney side of the boards and find umpteen threads about:


All sorts of other disgusting things (there was a great thread about a year ago about the most disgusting things at Disney and last I remember it was over 20 pages long). My favorites were the dirty diapers found in the bushes - happened more than one cared for and the numerous comments about guests letting their kids urinate in line
The Brazil groups putting their feet in fountains, the football players, the cheerleaders and every other rude youth group
The rude guests that A) cut in lines B) hit you with their strollers C) dress like tramps d) abuse of ECVs e) cooking in hotel rooms f) abuse of mugs, pools, etc, etc, etc
The rude CM's


Folks, you can find lots of bad stuff in both parks if you are looking for it.

And FWIW - I also found the "definitive" comparison terrible. I cannot say it was "a good review but I disagree" because I don't think it was a good review at all.

He was not backing any of his statements with facts, only his opinions and calling it the Definitive review. I do appreciate hearing the good and bad of any place I travel, but this review was completely without substance. And filled with so many flat out untruths, even with opinion factored in, that I am not convinced the OP even visited Universal.

And by stating it is the definitive comparison, this is no longer an opinion just by definition of the word "definitive."

[patster734]

It is as valid an assessment of his review as all the posters that said it was a great review.

The OP asked if people agreed. WiiCad did not and thought it a terrible review. Just as some agreed and thought it was a great review.

I think it funny that so many people will post how wonderful and perfect Disney is when trashing another theme park.

However, you can then come to the Disney side of the boards and find umpteen threads about:


All sorts of other disgusting things (there was a great thread about a year ago about the most disgusting things at Disney and last I remember it was over 20 pages long). My favorites were the dirty diapers found in the bushes - happened more than one cared for and the numerous comments about guests letting their kids urinate in line
The Brazil groups putting their feet in fountains, the football players, the cheerleaders and every other rude youth group
The rude guests that A) cut in lines B) hit you with their strollers C) dress like tramps d) etc, etc, etc
The rude CM's


Folks, you can find lots of bad stuff in both parks if you are looking for it.

And FWIW - I also found the "definitive" comparison terrible. I cannot say it was "a good review but I disagree" because I don't think it was a good review at all.

He was not backing any of his statements with facts, only his opinions and calling it the Definitive review. I do appreciate hearing the good and bad of any place I travel, but this review was completely without substance. And filled with so many flat out untruths, even with opinion factored in, that I am not convinced the OP even visited Universal.

And by stating it is the definitive comparison, this is no longer an opinion just by definition of the word "definitive."

::yes:: Spot on! :thumbsup2

[Disneygirl26]

Four years ago, My family and I went to Disney for the first time. I had always dreamed of going when I was a child but it never happened, so I was excited to be there with DD and Dw but afraid it would never live up to its hype. Within minutes of entering MK I knew the entire trip was going to be a disappointment. Not that anything was bad, just not what I was expecting.
I began looking for flaws and Lord knows there were many to find. We didn't know about needing to make Adrs 180 days in advance so had almost nothing but CS, the whole fastpass system seemed a mess, and the rides were okay only if you were under 10yrs of age. This may not have been a fair assesment but was my view at the time.
We then went to Universal and IOA on the same trip and after being disappointed with Disney I was really impressed. Not only did they have a great area for kids with Barney in the Park and Cat in the Hat area. But they had great rides for adults as well. And attractions that more fully brought to life the whole movie experience.
And when we went back the next year a lady working in the Barney attraction remembered my daughter from the previous year (that amazed and delighted us all)and asked her to stay after the show and meet Barney, and the other characters as well. And wow were were impressed with staying onsite and Fotl. No longer waiting for a return time, just ride whatever we want whenever we wanted.
As I said we went back to both Disney and Universal the next year and this time I was determined to look for the Disney Magic and not the flaws. Guess what , we had an amazing time at both places. My point being if you go looking for things to complain about you will find them.
Disney is an amazing place that we love to visit, but the same is true about Universal. Each place has its own charm and you can love both without betraying either.

I totally agree
this tread is why I love the Dis its nothing like a good debate. I personally don't get how so many people say Disney is this magical place, I just can't seem to find the magical part, To me its a theme park its fun just like Univ is a theme park and fun, I don't feel any different when I walk to either place. I never really thought even thought to compare the two because there just different. I guess everyone is entittle to their opinion and thats why the DIS boards rock.

[the Dark Marauder]

I guess everyone is entittle to their opinion and thats why the DIS boards rock.
<------ The real reason the boards rock. :cool2:


:rotfl:

[goofy!]

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.
.
I haven't read the whole thread, so if this was addressed, I apologize.

But I would like to know how the Universal Fast Passes were messing up? You said they had lots of problems and didn't always work. How so? Were the machines not dispensing them correctly? Were the Team Members standing at the Fast Pass line not honoring them?

Thanks in advance!

Yes, I quoted myself.

Still waiting for the OP to explain (with facts) how the Fast Pass system at Universal had lots of problems and didn't always work.

What problems were encountered by the OP with his "Fast Pass?"

[patster734]

Yes, I quoted myself.

Still waiting for the OP to explain (with facts) how the Fast Pass system at Universal had lots of problems and didn't always work.

What problems were encountered by the OP with his "Fast Pass?"

I'm of the opinion that you'll never get an answer to this question.

[rie'smom]

Trolls post a debate and then sit back and watch the fireworks.

[WillCAD]

Ummmm....if you read my response, I was only meaning that his opening line was "thats a terrible review". Is that not degrading someone else's OPINION??????

My point is if he disagreed with the OP's statements, a simple "nice review, but I disagree' would have been a much nicer opening line----NOT 'that's a terrible review'. Then he goes on to basically cut down on the OPINIONS that the OP detailed.

My OPINION is WillCall or whatever his name is was a little harsh with his post......don't be so dramatic that I said no one can disagree with a thread.

And my OPINION is that your bashing of my opinion was more than a little harsh, especially the part where you said,
No one really cares if you rated it a 'terrible review', because no one asked you to.

And as I said in an earlier post, I don't see you taking anyone to task who began their post with "That's a great review!" and telling them that "nobody cares because nobody asked them."

Trolls post a debate and then sit back and watch the fireworks.
I don't think OP is a troll at all, just a person with a very stron opinion about Universal (an opinion that is diametrically opposed to mine).

[boxer]

And my OPINION is that your bashing of my opinion was more than a little harsh, especially the part where you said,


And as I said in an earlier post, I don't see you taking anyone to task who began their post with "That's a great review!" and telling them that "nobody cares because nobody asked them."


I don't think OP is a troll at all, just a person with a very stron opinion about Universal (an opinion that is diametrically opposed to mine).


Why are you still on this? I didn't post anything more to you directly, so give it up......I really don't care either way about the Disney vs Universal debate, as it is getting annoying now.

BTW, is that a fanny-pack you're wearing in your slide show of pictures? I'm just wondering....

[ChrisFL]

Since the OP is looking for other opinions.

Question: Does Universal and IOA have fully themed enviornments comparable to other Disney parks like DHS and Magic Kingdom?

Answer: Yes, But you have to actually VISIT to see for yourself, pictures do not do (IOA specifically) justice

Question: Does Universal offer restaurants with high caliber food?

Answer: Yes (Mythos, Lombard's Landing, Confisco's, Thunder Falls Terrace just to name a few, and those are only in the parks...the CityWalk restaurants also have very good options)

Question: Does Universal have rides on-par with Disney in quality?

Answer: Yes (see Spiderman, E.T., The Mummy, MIB, Poseidon's Fury)

Question: Does Disney offer rides that are not immersive or themed well at all?

Answer: Yes (See Dino-Rama)

Question: Does Disney have quick access between their parks, resorts and nightlife areas that take less than 10 mins to get to?

Answer: No

Question: Does Disney have easy access to restaurants that you haven't made a reservation for?

Answer: Not from what I've seen

Question: Are Universal's 3 resorts on par with Disney's Deluxe resorts?

Answer: Yes

Question: Can people really enjoy and love both resorts without bashing the other constantly?

Answer: YES, it's possible

Question: Is it reccomended for most people to visit Universal for themselves?

Answer: Yes, depending on your family, if there are kids about 6-up it's definitely reccomended

[WillCAD]

Why are you still on this? I didn't post anything more to you directly, so give it up......I really don't care either way about the Disney vs Universal debate, as it is getting annoying now.

BTW, is that a fanny-pack you're wearing in your slide show of pictures? I'm just wondering....

I find it a little annoying that you accused me of being "a little harsh," yet when I defended myself you came back with the above response. Give up talking about me, and I'll give up responding to you.

What I'm wearing in my signature pic is a weird old mini messenger bag that I used to have. It was a messenger-style bag, but was worn around the waist like a fanny pack instead of shoulder slung. I got rid of it some time ago in favor of a bagless setup that allows me to skip the bag check lines (which can be as long as 20 minutes during the early morning periods):

This is off the topic of this thread, but since you asked directly, the following is excerpted from recent post I made in a different thread:

I have no manequin, and I find it difficult to take pictures of myself (I can't afford to keep replacing the broken lenses), so I just put all my crap, er, equipment on my computer chair for these photos.
Front View:
1. Mickey Photographer pin
2. Spare CF card
3. Spare camera battery
4. Remote shutter release
5. Mickey lens cloth
6. Sunglasses on neck cord
7. Mini LED flashlight (one each side)
8. ID/KTTW/FP lanyard
9. Spare CF card
10. Patriot Mickey Head pin
11. Business cards
12. Canon Digital Rebel 300D
13. Sigma 18-125 w/ petal hood
14. 2" web belt
15. SPF 50 (in summer months)
16. Cell phone
http://************/images/gear/gear-front.jpghttp://************/images/gear/gear-back.jpg

Back View:
17. LGMH
18. Brita Fill and Go filtered sports bottle
19. Rolled WalMart poncho (Mickey finally retired after 3 years)
20. Tabletop tripod

No spare lenses, no camera bags (no bags of any kind), no full-size tripod. I travel light in the parks - well, as light as a 275lb guy can travel - and don't even stop for those bag check lines at the entrances.

[tlinus]

Disney is Disney.

Universal is Universal.

And you all need to see that the OP specifically asked if his opinion was one that we agree with. Some do. Some do not. When posting reasons why some do not agree, those posters are being attacked viciously by those who do agree.

A big waste of time if you ask me. Defending someone who, kind of, asked for it in the first place. :confused3 :confused3

Whatever.

The reason I am posting on this thread is to defend the "thug" and Jerry Springer comments thrown out there. But I guess we all forget the "thugs" at Disney, huh? Two of the biggest "thug" stories in recent history happened at Disney:

- woman gets beat in front of her family in line at the Tea Cups?
- underage and supposed drunken teens/early twenties that had to be tasered?

Me and my posse will continue to visit Universal and not feel threatened because there aren't gangs, thugs, all black wearing emos or goths, chain wielding, long jean short wearing punks taking the place over - how ridiculous :laughing: :laughing:

[goofy!]

And I don't think that the thug comment is ridiculous, because the amount of people wearing all black, extraordinarily long jean shorts, chains, and bandannas at Uni compared to WDW is phenomenal.

To further address the Thugs and Jerry Springer comments and to correct some of the untruths in the OP's and other's definitive comparison,

here are some random crowd shots from Universal taken in late November, 2007. I fail to see the overabundance of chains, bandannas and thugs. I do see some black t-shirts, but those are mainly on dads paired with their yuppie dockers. I took these pictures specifically for the Christmas decorations, so if the amount of people wearing all black, extraordinarily long jean shorts, chains and bandanas at Uni is phenominal, wouldn't, just by sheer percentages, some of them show up in random crowd shots?

All I see are nicely dressed families, the same as I see at Disney.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas1.jpg
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas10.jpg
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas2.jpg
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas8.jpg

I guess Moises Arias (Rico on Hanna Montana), Beethoven and Jonathan Silverman could be considered thugs. I mean, they are stealing Beethoven for the movie they are filming :rotfl2:

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/12242moises1_resized.jpg
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/12242guy_from_weekend_from_bernies.jpg

More Universal thugs:
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242newyorkparkxmas3.jpg
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242ioachristmasentrance.jpg

[muffyn]

Question: Does Disney offer rides that are not immersive or themed well at all?

Answer: Yes (See Dino-Rama)




are you talking about dinoland USA area?

welllllll it "is" themed.. it is supposed to be a parking lot!:rotfl2:

really.....
I read that is is supposed to be , well , like IF the dinosaurs set up a traveling carnival & this is what they would do. it is supposed to be tacky.

( I was like "gahhhh" at first , but now I think of the theme, & it helps :lmao: )

[secretpantssam]

Tentaguasu, you are completely right. It's the attention to detail. At Universal, it's a theme park, at WDW, it's a complete experience. Disney puts you in a completely different world, and they focus on making that world as real as possible. The one time I went to Universal, I saw a guy from The Mummy ride walking in the Hollywood area. It seems that is the only way for them to get "backstage" but Walt Disney World was build specifically so that things like this won't happen. Something so simple as seeing a character in the wrong section can ruin the whole fantasy. And I think Disney works extremely hard everyday to make a trip to WDW a complete experience and not just a day in a theme park.

[rie'smom]

Tentaguasu, you are completely right. It's the attention to detail. At Universal, it's a theme park, at WDW, it's a complete experience. Disney puts you in a completely different world, and they focus on making that world as real as possible. The one time I went to Universal, I saw a guy from The Mummy ride walking in the Hollywood area. It seems that is the only way for them to get "backstage" but Walt Disney World was build specifically so that things like this won't happen. Something so simple as seeing a character in the wrong section can ruin the whole fantasy. And I think Disney works extremely hard everyday to make a trip to WDW a complete experience and not just a day in a theme park.

Sometimes at they shoot commercials and parts of movies at Universal. They do have "backstage" areas.

I see characters from all the different sections of Disney during the parade in the afternoon. Does this bother you? After all the characters are not in their proper places. Maybe WDW should rethink their parades.

[the Dark Marauder]

Tentaguasu, you are completely right. It's the attention to detail. At Universal, it's a theme park, at WDW, it's a complete experience. Disney puts you in a completely different world, and they focus on making that world as real as possible. The one time I went to Universal, I saw a guy from The Mummy ride walking in the Hollywood area. It seems that is the only way for them to get "backstage" but Walt Disney World was build specifically so that things like this won't happen. Something so simple as seeing a character in the wrong section can ruin the whole fantasy. And I think Disney works extremely hard everyday to make a trip to WDW a complete experience and not just a day in a theme park.

Strange. I clearly remember seeing CMs from Canada walking to their area from Future World. And last I checked, Epcot was a part of Walt Disney World.

That's right, the "tunnel" only exists at Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom =/= Disney World.

[Disneyhappy]

Is my experience the same as the OP's? Not really. I enjoy both parks for different reasons. We always stay on site so the whole experience is how I judge- parks, dining and resorts. Universal is a much better overall value for the money if you are used to staying moderate or deluxe. Fast pass is no competition for universal's express pass. In my opinion, dining has gone down the tubes at WDW and even when we are staying on site at WDW, we will drive to offsite restaurants, often to Universal, to eat. Universal's Mythos retaurant has been named the best theme park restaurant for at least the past 3 years. No WDW dining has that distinction. (Although some of WDW signature restuarants are wonderful but not are over twice the price.) As far as the Jerry Springer comment, we visit both resorts a couple times per year and I can honestly say that I have seen both parks attract the same type of crowds. I have seen obnoxious drunks at Universal only at HHN but I see an obnoxious drunk at practically every evening visit in EPCOT's WS. Does it deter me from enjoying EPCOT or make me hold my nose up in the air? Nope! I just head in the other direction.

I still love WDW and we continue to vists, just not quick as frequently as we used to. There is no competing with WDW theming, no matter how hard Universal tries. Disney still has the magical feeling. I am anxious to see the Harry Potter island for theming.

One other thermometer on the two parks. We used to combine our trips to both US and WDW. DS for years thought it was all one big park. When asked his favorite attractions at WDW by his cousin, his reply was Spiderman, Men In Black, Mummy, TOT, Hulk and RNR. This is just a simple child's perspective.

[khertz]

I've never had a bad experience at US/IoA, but there's no denying the Disney magic. That's why we always do US for the first couple days, and save Disney/the best for last. My last trip was my honeymoon where we dd the opposite and did US last, and maybe because we got extra attention around Disney for our Just Married pins was why we really felt the difference between the two. Not that the Universal employees were rude, but I found they seemed to just be there to do their job, didn't go out of their way to greet visitors, etc. However, I don't spend much time comparing the two. We love the magic of Disney, and couldn't visit Orlando without also hitting the great thrill rides of Universal.

[secretpantssam]

Geez guys, relax. You really don't have to act like people are personally attacking you if they prefer one park to another.

[minniejack]

It is as valid an assessment of his review as all the posters that said it was a great review.

The OP asked if people agreed. WiiCad did not and thought it a terrible review. Just as some agreed and thought it was a great review.

I think it funny that so many people will post how wonderful and perfect Disney is when trashing another theme park.

However, you can then come to the Disney side of the boards and find umpteen threads about:


All sorts of other disgusting things (there was a great thread about a year ago about the most disgusting things at Disney and last I remember it was over 20 pages long). My favorites were the dirty diapers found in the bushes - happened more than one cared for and the numerous comments about guests letting their kids urinate in line
The Brazil groups putting their feet in fountains, the football players, the cheerleaders and every other rude youth group
The rude guests that A) cut in lines B) hit you with their strollers C) dress like tramps d) abuse of ECVs e) cooking in hotel rooms f) abuse of mugs, pools, etc, etc, etc
The rude CM's


Folks, you can find lots of bad stuff in both parks if you are looking for it.

And FWIW - I also found the "definitive" comparison terrible. I cannot say it was "a good review but I disagree" because I don't think it was a good review at all.

He was not backing any of his statements with facts, only his opinions and calling it the Definitive review. I do appreciate hearing the good and bad of any place I travel, but this review was completely without substance. And filled with so many flat out untruths, even with opinion factored in, that I am not convinced the OP even visited Universal.

And by stating it is the definitive comparison, this is no longer an opinion just by definition of the word "definitive."


Every time I think of Disney I think about the people who tried to run us over with their strollers going into Bug's Life. Happened more than once.

Also not leaving their strollers where they are clearly told to, then just ditching them or trying to push them back through the line.:3dglasses

Nope, no rude people at Disney.

[KStarfish82]

I saw an attendant from the Tower of Terror at McDonald's once in full uniform......isn't that a bit out of place...?


:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[BarbieGal457]

On my upcoming trip my friends are all dying to visit both parks on an open day that we have. I, however, am not. Neither is my boyfriend/ex-bf..long story! I visited a few times when I was younger, and was absolutely terrified of the entire park. Too many thrills and spills and jerks and dips! ET scared the living daylights out of me! This year my friends want to visit on the one "open" day we have. I think me and the friend will sit this day out and venture off on our own around the World.

[goofy!]

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.

.
I haven't read the whole thread, so if this was addressed, I apologize.

But I would like to know how the Universal Fast Passes were messing up? You said they had lots of problems and didn't always work. How so? Were the machines not dispensing them correctly? Were the Team Members standing at the Fast Pass line not honoring them?

Thanks in advance!Yes, I quoted myself.

Still waiting for the OP to explain (with facts) how the Fast Pass system at Universal had lots of problems and didn't always work.

What problems were encountered by the OP with his "Fast Pass?"

Still waiting ............

Op, would you please post specific examples of what problems you experienced with the Fast Pass system and how it did not work for you?

Thanks!

[loribell]

Why are you still on this? I didn't post anything more to you directly, so give it up......I really don't care either way about the Disney vs Universal debate, as it is getting annoying now.

BTW, is that a fanny-pack you're wearing in your slide show of pictures? I'm just wondering....

Excuse me, you called his post out but he can't respond?

And what difference does it make what he is wearing?


I have known Will for a very long time and I know that picture is at least 6 years old, if not older.

[loribell]

Hey goofy you know you doctored those pictures to take out the Jerry Springer crowd. Go ahead and admit it!;)

[goofy!]

Hey goofy you know you doctored those pictures to take out the Jerry Springer crowd. Go ahead and admit it!;)

You caught me :rotfl2:

Although, getting those bandanas off the thugs heads and replacing them with hair did prove to be a bit tricky :goodvibes

[goofy!]

Geez guys, relax. You really don't have to act like people are personally attacking you if they prefer one park to another.

To be honest, except for one poster that seems to be taking anything negative about Disney personally and being exceptionally rude to posters, I haven't seen very much attacking on either side.

People are politely saying what they don't like, which is then answered by others politely posting experiences that counter it. Basics of a good debate.

After 12 pages, it could have become much nastier.

We are debating corporate businesses, both aimed at taking your almighty dollar. :goodvibes . They obviously both do it extremely well if they can foster such loyalty amongst their customers!

[damo]

Here are a few more Universal Studios websites for anyone else who would like to research their next trip.

http://www.universalexcitement.com/
www.universalignited.com
http://www.guide2usf.com/
http://www.discoveruniversal.com/
www.orlandorocks.com

[crashbb]

Here are a few more Universal Studios websites for anyone else who would like to research their next trip.

http://www.universalexcitement.com/
www.universalignited.com
http://www.guide2usf.com/
http://www.discoveruniversal.com/
www.orlandorocks.com

Thanks - I'm going to Universal for the first time this fall and those sites look ver helpful.

[Purseval]

3. Public. The crowd at Universal, particularly on the weekend was... different. There was a much higher "Jerry Springer Audience" quotient at Universal. I'm not saying that's bad, it's just different. What was bad was there was also a significant "thug" quotient at Universal on the weekend. And I'm not using that as code for any particular ethnic group. There was equal opportunity thugishness going on. Not like it was dangerous or anything. Just a lot more tough characters around.

Since I've been to Universal/IOA plenty of times and didn't remember the "Jerry Springer" crowd being any different from the crowds I've seen at WDW I went to the US/IOA section here and browsed through the trip reports, which contain plenty of pictures. If you blacked out the backgrounds and just looked at the people I'd love to see you show us the Disney visitors. Odds are most people end up in both parks at one time or another, except for maybe the Brazilian tour groups. Do you really think the crowds are different or are you just looking for things to pick apart?

[bluejasmine]

We took the kids 14, 11, 7 to Universal in June and we had an HORRIBLE trip! We are a family of disney fanatatilcs so I thought we were just being prejudice so Im glad I read your comparison. Service was a joke, CM were rude! Food was cheap, cheap, cheap! Very little variety and it was served either cold, or over cooked! We went to guest services to complain twice, we recieved free meal vouchers which when we tried to use were ignored at one restaurant so we left went to another and they reluctantly seated us then ignored us, food came out not with what the menu said came with it and was nasty. We complained manager offered us more food we just wanted to leave..CityWalk in my opinion is just for party goers not at all a family atmosphere at all. My kids complained that every restaurant we seemed to go to most ppl appeared drunk..They still tell me they would have rather gone to WDW but at that time I couldnt afford to take 5 ppl to WDW I wish I would have just scrounged for more $$ and took them to WDW!

[Dressedinlovex]

I really don't understand why people go to Disney if they don't enjoy the magic, characters, or anything to that extent. I also don't think you can compare WDW to anywhere else.

[loribell]

I swear the posts against Universal that always amaze me the most are the ones about the food. From my very first visit I have raved about the food quality & variety inside the Universal parks. :confused3

[INeedaVacation]

We took the kids 14, 11, 7 to Universal in June and we had an HORRIBLE trip! We are a family of disney fanatatilcs so I thought we were just being prejudice so Im glad I read your comparison. Service was a joke, CM were rude! Food was cheap, cheap, cheap! Very little variety and it was served either cold, or over cooked! We went to guest services to complain twice, we recieved free meal vouchers which when we tried to use were ignored at one restaurant so we left went to another and they reluctantly seated us then ignored us, food came out not with what the menu said came with it and was nasty. We complained manager offered us more food we just wanted to leave..CityWalk in my opinion is just for party goers not at all a family atmosphere at all. My kids complained that every restaurant we seemed to go to most ppl appeared drunk..They still tell me they would have rather gone to WDW but at that time I couldnt afford to take 5 ppl to WDW I wish I would have just scrounged for more $$ and took them to WDW!

phew, read the entire thread.

This sounds more like you were extremely disappointed you didn't have the funds for WDW, so you settled for Universal. And you took your disappointment out on Universal. I would lay bets that no matter what hoops people jumped through, you would have found fault with your 2nd choice.

We love both parks. Magic Kingdom is different than Epcot, just as Islands of Adventure is different from Epcot. We view it as just more wonderful parks to visit when we go to Orlando.

I love Italian food and I love Mexican food. I don't hate one just because I love the other. They are similar in that they are both food, yet they are vastly different in tastes. It provides a wonderful variety to our diet, just as all the parks provide a wonderful variety to our vacations.

[secretpantssam]

To be honest, except for one poster that seems to be taking anything negative about Disney personally and being exceptionally rude to posters, I haven't seen very much attacking on either side.

People are politely saying what they don't like, which is then answered by others politely posting experiences that counter it. Basics of a good debate.

After 12 pages, it could have become much nastier.

We are debating corporate businesses, both aimed at taking your almighty dollar. :goodvibes . They obviously both do it extremely well if they can foster such loyalty amongst their customers!


I posted that because there were two posts basically telling me I was wrong to think Disney was special within one minute of me posting how I thought Disney paid "attention to detail". It really wasn't directed at most posters.

[INeedaVacation]

I really don't understand why people go to Disney if they don't enjoy the magic, characters, or anything to that extent. I also don't think you can compare WDW to anywhere else.

The same could be said for the Disney people. If they are so loyal to Disney that nothing else will be able to compare, why leave Disney property to just make yourself miserable?

You are already setting yourself up for disappointment if you go in thinking you have to compare everything to Disney.

I don't think you can compare WDW to anywhere else, just as you cannot compare Universal to anywhere else.

They are both wonderful.

But, admit it to yourself and save yourself the disappointment if you just know that Disney is the best and nothing else will ever be good enough.

[INeedaVacation]

Tentaguasu, you are completely right. It's the attention to detail. At Universal, it's a theme park, at WDW, it's a complete experience. Disney puts you in a completely different world, and they focus on making that world as real as possible. The one time I went to Universal, I saw a guy from The Mummy ride walking in the Hollywood area. It seems that is the only way for them to get "backstage" but Walt Disney World was build specifically so that things like this won't happen. Something so simple as seeing a character in the wrong section can ruin the whole fantasy. And I think Disney works extremely hard everyday to make a trip to WDW a complete experience and not just a day in a theme park.

Sometimes at they shoot commercials and parts of movies at Universal. They do have "backstage" areas.

I see characters from all the different sections of Disney during the parade in the afternoon. Does this bother you? After all the characters are not in their proper places. Maybe WDW should rethink their parades.

Strange. I clearly remember seeing CMs from Canada walking to their area from Future World. And last I checked, Epcot was a part of Walt Disney World.

That's right, the "tunnel" only exists at Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom =/= Disney World.

I posted that because there were two posts basically telling me I was wrong to think Disney was special within one minute of me posting how I thought Disney paid "attention to detail". It really wasn't directed at most posters.

You stated that part of the Disney Magic was that no character was ever out of place, yet at Universal, you saw a Mummy character out of place.

The other posters added their experiences that they had also witnessed Disney characters out of place.

So, it is ok for you to post your experience of seeing a Universal character out of place, but you get offended when somebody posts of seeing Disney characters out of place?

This entire thread (not any single poster) reeks of notion that some Disney people can sure dish it out, but can't take it when others push back and present their experiences to the contrary.

[bluejasmine]

You stated that part of the Disney Magic was that no character was ever out of place, yet at Universal, you saw a Mummy character out of place.

The other posters added their experiences that they had also witnessed Disney characters out of place.

So, it is ok for you to post your experience of seeing a Universal character out of place, but you get offended when somebody posts of seeing Disney characters out of place?

This entire thread (not any single poster) reeks of notion that some Disney people can sure dish it out, but can't take it when others push back and present their experiences to the contrary.

WOAH! This thread was just ppl making comparisons.. No need to take everything so personally. Just a suggestion but if you really like Universal that much we do have a part of the board you may be happier at! Everyone has a right to voice their opinion without getting attacked. Just remember your on a DISNEY board!

Cant we all just get along?? :cool1:

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Oh . . . I almost forgot. Universal's Express Pass system is simply awful. :mad: It's almost enough (and still might be enough) to make me not want to spend my money there. I know their hotels are probably really struggling in comparison to the Disney hotels, but not giving off-site guests equal access to express passes isn't winning them any friends in the long run. All it means for me is that I would never stay at a Universal resort because of how obnoxious I find the policy.

I doubt it's a coincidence that their attendance had dropped over the past several years. They've managed to nickle and dime people to keep their profits up, but they're not going to be able to manage that forever. I also don't think that the Harry Potter section will really help them that much in the long run. . . people's expectations are so high now that most will be disappointed with the end product, no matter how good it is. (I've seen several here asking about "the new Harry Potter park," for example . . . )

This is blowing my mind! Why would Universal give off-site guest equal access to unlimited express pass? We stay at the Universal Resorts because they are
absolutley beautiful, within walking distance to the parks and yes, the express pass is the best thing ever invented :thumbsup2
Next time I stay offsite at Disney, I am going to insist that they let me attend their EMH! :idea:
BTW, you can get express pass as an offsite guest, you just have to pay extra for it and you can only use it once per ride
So yes, the express pass is pretty sweet :woohoo:
and just one of the reasons I return to US/IOA over and over again

[INeedaVacation]

WOAH! This thread was just ppl making comparisons.. No need to take everything so personally. Just a suggestion but if you really like Universal that much we do have a part of the board you may be happier at! Everyone has a right to voice their opinion without getting attacked. Just remember your on a DISNEY board!

Cant we all just get along?? :cool1:

If you noticed, I said I loved all the parks equally.

It is just that this thread is extremely biased.

All the mudslinging, calling people names (such as thugs, jerry springer types), asking people not to post anything negative about Disney World on this thread, reminding people they are on a DISNEY board :snooty: - that is all coming from the Disney fanatics.

Almost every person defending Universal has not only mentioned that they loved both sets of parks and visit them equally, but they have just presented examples of their version of magic, presented examples of detailed theming, presented their experiences of what the Disney people say never happens at Disney really does happen at Disney.

Read the thread again. There is only one side slinging mud and calling names. And it is not the people defending Universal.

[INeedaVacation]

Got to give the OP credit though.

At least he posts threads about his disappointments about Disney too.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1423311&page=0&highlight=

And here he complains about ECV users and the increase must be due to laziness (nice)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18159805#post18159805&highlight=

These are just a couple you can find when you do a "find all posts by OP". I think he just likes to :stir: a bit ;)


But back to his original OP in this thread. He complains about the Universal Resorts ($240.00 a night in his OP) and that he had problems with his express pass, yet here he states he has reservations off site.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1878891&page=1&highlight=

He also has several posts asking if the purchased express pass is necessary for his days he is visiting and says it is very expensive. Which leads one to believe that he visited the parks, staying off site and not using a purchased express pass.

How can he make a definitive comparison if he did not stay at the onsite hotel or use Express Pass? Makes his whole original "definitive comparison" pretty suspect.

[jillybeene71]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas10.jpg

^^ looks like some "thug" is doing a drive-by over at circus mcgirkus, run for your lives :rotfl:

[jillybeene71]

I find it a little annoying that you accused me of being "a little harsh," yet when I defended myself you came back with the above response. Give up talking about me, and I'll give up responding to you.

What I'm wearing in my signature pic is a weird old mini messenger bag that I used to have. It was a messenger-style bag, but was worn around the waist like a fanny pack instead of shoulder slung. I got rid of it some time ago in favor of a bagless setup that allows me to skip the bag check lines (which can be as long as 20 minutes during the early morning periods):

This is off the topic of this thread, but since you asked directly, the following is excerpted from recent post I made in a different thread:

I have no manequin, and I find it difficult to take pictures of myself (I can't afford to keep replacing the broken lenses), so I just put all my crap, er, equipment on my computer chair for these photos.
Front View:
1. Mickey Photographer pin
2. Spare CF card
3. Spare camera battery
4. Remote shutter release
5. Mickey lens cloth
6. Sunglasses on neck cord
7. Mini LED flashlight (one each side)
8. ID/KTTW/FP lanyard
9. Spare CF card
10. Patriot Mickey Head pin
11. Business cards
12. Canon Digital Rebel 300D
13. Sigma 18-125 w/ petal hood
14. 2" web belt
15. SPF 50 (in summer months)
16. Cell phone
http://************/images/gear/gear-front.jpghttp://************/images/gear/gear-back.jpg

Back View:
17. LGMH
18. Brita Fill and Go filtered sports bottle
19. Rolled WalMart poncho (Mickey finally retired after 3 years)
20. Tabletop tripod

No spare lenses, no camera bags (no bags of any kind), no full-size tripod. I travel light in the parks - well, as light as a 275lb guy can travel - and don't even stop for those bag check lines at the entrances.

This is too cool...:thumbsup2 are you married? :lovestruc

kidding :rolleyes1

[disneyfan67]

I have been reading and trying to catch up with this thread and I'm still sitting back and saying, wow!

I have been to WDW 4 times since 2002 and stayed onsite all 4 times. All of them have been 1 week stays or more and all at Deluxe resorts. I'm telling you because having been to Universal studios last year, I can honestly compare them without any hidden bias.

I stayed at the Portofino Bay Resort last July and I found it not only gorgeous, but one of the nicest places I have ever stayed for the price I paid. I got a room for $239 a night and it was worth every penny. I have never got a room at a Disney Deluxe for that price. The pool was fantastic and food very good at the hotel. I found some of the food at the parks to be so so, but Mythos was about the best meal I had during my stay there. I could see why it got voted the best theme park restaurant 5 years in a row. The people were nice, the parks looked clean, and the 3 onsite hotels looked great. It's like the OP and others were looking to find something wrong. If you have that kind of attitude, most likely you will find the negatives in anything.

Were both of Universals parks the greatest thing ever? No, but they don't deserve the scorn some of you on this thread heaped upon them either. If you're looking for Disney magic and themeing at a US & IOA, then you should go further down the road and go to the real thing. Both of the parks at Universal are nice, IMO and a pleasant addition to any WDW vacation. Some of the rides were very high tech and I found the IOA to well themed in many areas. I kept my mind open and didn't compare them to Disney. It's not like they were the Six Flags in my town and US & IOA should be judged without comparing them to WDW. When I go again to WDW, I plan on staying at Universal Studios for 3 nights in the beginning of the trip and, IMO doing it that way on the last trip, really added to the vacation. My family still talks about. Some you should realise that's there's room for both Universal and WDW in Orlando and you don't have to choose just one as your favorite and ignore the other.

[macraven]

WOAH! Just a suggestion but if you really like Universal that much we do have a part of the board you may be happier at! Everyone has a right to voice their opinion without getting attacked. Just remember your on a DISNEY board!




your point is.... :confused3

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

These are just a couple you can find when you do a "find all posts by OP". I think he just likes to :stir: a bit ;).

It sounds like you are right!

[Melanie230]

We took the kids 14, 11, 7 to Universal in June and we had an HORRIBLE trip! We are a family of disney fanatatilcs so I thought we were just being prejudice so Im glad I read your comparison. Service was a joke, CM were rude! Food was cheap, cheap, cheap! Very little variety and it was served either cold, or over cooked! We went to guest services to complain twice, we recieved free meal vouchers which when we tried to use were ignored at one restaurant so we left went to another and they reluctantly seated us then ignored us, food came out not with what the menu said came with it and was nasty. We complained manager offered us more food we just wanted to leave..CityWalk in my opinion is just for party goers not at all a family atmosphere at all. My kids complained that every restaurant we seemed to go to most ppl appeared drunk..They still tell me they would have rather gone to WDW but at that time I couldnt afford to take 5 ppl to WDW I wish I would have just scrounged for more $$ and took them to WDW!


I hate that you had a bad trip there. I must say that we don't enjoy the food inside the parks at Universal OR Disney. IMHO they are both just plain old theme park food. The only difference is, Disney charges a lot more than Universal does. As for CityWalk, I disagree. I have 2 children and we have been to Universal twice and every time eat at CityWalk for dinner. My children LOVE Margaritaville with the guys walking around on stilts making balloon animals. They love the music, and the lava explosion!

Bubba Gumps has to be our favorite. We have so many DISCO light glasses that they still turn on every time they use them. They love the theme and get a kick out of the STOP FORREST STOP signs to get the waitress to bring them something they need.

Hard Rock is always crazy. No matter where you live or what you do. LOUD, and WILD! We love the fact that we can go there and make reservations online a month in advance and get seated within 10 minutes every single time.

We also love the onsite hotels. They really cater to families in a way I have never seen before. My children love the BIG MOVIE screen by the pool at night while DH and I relax in a lounge chair.

It really is all about opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience. Ours has always been very wonderful. That is why we just book another trip to Universal this year last week!

[goofy!]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/12242seusslandxmas10.jpg

^^ looks like some "thug" is doing a drive-by over at circus mcgirkus, run for your lives :rotfl:

Those Sneetches are such thugs! :rotfl2: :lmao:

[jillybeene71]

Those Sneetches are such thugs! :rotfl2: :lmao:


just the star-bellied ones :rotfl:






did i just say that out loud? omg i just totally did

Kidding homies...I love all the star and no star sneeches

[patster734]

just the star-bellied ones :rotfl:






did i just say that out loud? omg i just totally did

Kidding homies...I love all the star and no star sneeches

:eek: :rotfl:

[Subi WRX]

Geez guys, relax. You really don't have to act like people are personally attacking you if they prefer one park to another.

My mama always said ... "Watch whose baby you're calling ugly." ;)

[Subi WRX]

We took the kids 14, 11, 7 to Universal in June and we had an HORRIBLE trip! We are a family of disney fanatatilcs so I thought we were just being prejudice so Im glad I read your comparison. Service was a joke, CM were rude! Food was cheap, cheap, cheap! Very little variety and it was served either cold, or over cooked! We went to guest services to complain twice, we recieved free meal vouchers which when we tried to use were ignored at one restaurant so we left went to another and they reluctantly seated us then ignored us, food came out not with what the menu said came with it and was nasty. We complained manager offered us more food we just wanted to leave..CityWalk in my opinion is just for party goers not at all a family atmosphere at all. My kids complained that every restaurant we seemed to go to most ppl appeared drunk..They still tell me they would have rather gone to WDW but at that time I couldnt afford to take 5 ppl to WDW I wish I would have just scrounged for more $$ and took them to WDW!


So I guess it's safe to say you won't be visiting for Harry Potter?

[Subi WRX]

Got to give the OP credit though.

At least he posts threads about his disappointments about Disney too.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1423311&page=0&highlight=

And here he complains about ECV users and the increase must be due to laziness (nice)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18159805#post18159805&highlight=

These are just a couple you can find when you do a "find all posts by OP". I think he just likes to :stir: a bit ;)


But back to his original OP in this thread. He complains about the Universal Resorts ($240.00 a night in his OP) and that he had problems with his express pass, yet here he states he has reservations off site.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1878891&page=1&highlight=

He also has several posts asking if the purchased express pass is necessary for his days he is visiting and says it is very expensive. Which leads one to believe that he visited the parks, staying off site and not using a purchased express pass.

How can he make a definitive comparison if he did not stay at the onsite hotel or use Express Pass? Makes his whole original "definitive comparison" pretty suspect.


OMG .. he paid $240 to stay OFF-SITE and then complained about an "undemocratic" express pass?!!!!!!

Thank you. That's all I need to know.

Brings new meaning to the term "definitive" when he didn't even stay on-site. I mean

Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night.

Would imply that he stayed at either RPR, HRH, or PBH: all of which would have been WELL worth $240 a night at a time he went. Those are the UNIVERSAL RESORTS.

[the Dark Marauder]

If you noticed, I said I loved all the parks equally.

It is just that this thread is extremely biased.

All the mudslinging, calling people names (such as thugs, jerry springer types), asking people not to post anything negative about Disney World on this thread, reminding people they are on a DISNEY board :snooty: - that is all coming from the Disney fanatics.

Almost every person defending Universal has not only mentioned that they loved both sets of parks and visit them equally, but they have just presented examples of their version of magic, presented examples of detailed theming, presented their experiences of what the Disney people say never happens at Disney really does happen at Disney.

Read the thread again. There is only one side slinging mud and calling names. And it is not the people defending Universal.

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

[tlinus]

I have been reading and trying to catch up with this thread and I'm still sitting back and saying, wow!

I have been to WDW 4 times since 2002 and stayed onsite all 4 times. All of them have been 1 week stays or more and all at Deluxe resorts. I'm telling you because having been to Universal studios last year, I can honestly compare them without any hidden bias.

I stayed at the Portofino Bay Resort last July and I found it not only gorgeous, but one of the nicest places I have ever stayed for the price I paid. I got a room for $239 a night and it was worth every penny. I have never got a room at a Disney Deluxe for that price. The pool was fantastic and food very good at the hotel. I found some of the food at the parks to be so so, but Mythos was about the best meal I had during my stay there. I could see why it got voted the best theme park restaurant 5 years in a row. The people were nice, the parks looked clean, and the 3 onsite hotels looked great. It's like the OP and others were looking to find something wrong. If you have that kind of attitude, most likely you will find the negatives in anything.

Were both of Universals parks the greatest thing ever? No, but they don't deserve the scorn some of you on this thread heaped upon them either. If you're looking for Disney magic and themeing at a US & IOA, then you should go further down the road and go to the real thing. Both of the parks at Universal are nice, IMO and a pleasant addition to any WDW vacation. Some of the rides were very high tech and I found the IOA to well themed in many areas. I kept my mind open and didn't compare them to Disney. It's not like they were the Six Flags in my town and US & IOA should be judged without comparing them to WDW. When I go again to WDW, I plan on staying at Universal Studios for 3 nights in the beginning of the trip and, IMO doing it that way on the last trip, really added to the vacation. My family still talks about. Some you should realise that's there's room for both Universal and WDW in Orlando and you don't have to choose just one as your favorite and ignore the other.

both sides have their faults.....but there is not a comparison, they are ALL theme parks....we find the better "bang for the buck" with Universal.

Awww heck - did my thug just escape with that^^^^ statement?


It sounds like you are right!

also no answer to my post about the beating of the woman and the tasering of the peeps at the Magic Kingdom. :rolleyes1


thought not.

come on people......this thread is like http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/images/smilies/other_beatingA_DeadHorse.gif

[d4est]

I think the whole magic bit is totally in the eyes of the beholder. I've been going to Disney for most of my life and to Universal for almost half. I actually prefer Universal and that is where I get my warm and fuzzies. We tend to pick Disney apart because the Universal parks are our favourites and we prefer how they are run and the types of attractions. We laugh at the instructions on how to wash our hands and how they tell us at rope drop to put on our sunscreen. We cringe at waiting for transportation and when the fastpass machines have run out and how I can't eat at a nice restaurant because I didn't make my reservations six months in advance. We cringe at the prices of multi-day passes and deluxe hotels and the lack of benefits for people who stay on-site. I could go on but the faults are there if you want to take the time to state them. There are many threads about people's least favourite Disney rides and usually it turns out that just about every ride is disliked by someone. That doesn't mean that people should not try and judge for themselves. I think that is probably a natural instinct to find fault in what you don't prefer. However, I think everyone should try all the parks and what I see as faults in Disney, other people will not even notice and vice versa. I think it is often a disservice to make a big deal out of things that may in fact keep people away from an experience they may treasure. :thumbsup2

Probably the most intelligent thing I have read on this entire thread...

[WillCAD]

come on people......this thread is like http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/images/smilies/other_beatingA_DeadHorse.gif

Every so often someone on the Disney side of the site feels the need to post a "comparisson" like this one, or some other thread bashing Universal. I remember a couple of years ago someone posted one calling the Universal TV ad campaign "Kinda rude" because it used the slogan, "Fairy tales and pixie dust not for you?" That thread went on for pages, too, with the Disneyphiles bashing every aspect of Universal as being inferior to Disney. There were the same "rude CM," "dirty park," "crappy resorts," "express pass is evil because you have to pay for it," and "low-life Guest" comments - none of which are any truer at Uni than they are at WDW.

Disney has come out of its post-9/11 doldrums since 2004, but with the current economic recession and accompanying travel industry depression, I'm holding my breath to see if Disney again engages in the same lousy cutbacks they did from 2001 thru about 2004, where the bathrooms got steadily dirtier and dirtier throughout the parks, the parks got messier and dingier because needed maintenance like paint and new concrete were not applied (particularly Epcot), and attractions, eateries, and even whole resorts were shuttered to save money in the slump. Things didn't get better until mid-2004, when Disney started shining up the place in preparation for the HCOE.

During those same years, Uni got better and better with each visit - to the point where Uni had a clear upper hand in cleanliness and TM performance during my Dec 2003 trip.

Disney is better now, but still not up to the standard they had in the early to mid 1990s when I had my first few visits. But Uni has improved its standards and kept them up, and for my money, Uni does most things just as well at WDW, and a few things (like Passholder cost vs. bennefits) better than WDW.

Mention of WDW inadequacies always causes a backlash against Uni for being "dirty," while mention of those things that Uni does right brings up the "thug life" and "rude TM" comments, and any mention of how much joy and fun can be had with Uni attactions inevitably brings declarations that "Universal has no magic."

Well, as I've said before - Magic doesn't come from theme parks. It doesn't come from rides, shows, restaurants, or resorts. The Magic comes from our hearts. It comes from the happiness we experience at spending time with our loved ones - no matter the place - and leaving the humdrum routine of regular life behind for a few days. The parks - both Disney and Universal - just provide a place where we can let the Magic out of ourselves to breathe and stretch.

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Every so often someone on the Disney side of the site feels the need to post a "comparisson" like this one, or some other thread bashing Universal. I remember a couple of years ago someone posted one calling the Universal TV ad campaign "Kinda rude" because it used the slogan, "Fairy tales and pixie dust not for you?" That thread went on for pages, too, with the Disneyphiles bashing every aspect of Universal as being inferior to Disney. There were the same "rude CM," "dirty park," "crappy resorts," "express pass is evil because you have to pay for it," and "low-life Guest" comments - none of which are any truer at Uni than they are at WDW.

Disney has come out of its post-9/11 doldrums since 2004, but with the current economic recession and accompanying travel industry depression, I'm holding my breath to see if Disney again engages in the same lousy cutbacks they did from 2001 thru about 2004, where the bathrooms got steadily dirtier and dirtier throughout the parks, the parks got messier and dingier because needed maintenance like paint and new concrete were not applied (particularly Epcot), and attractions, eateries, and even whole resorts were shuttered to save money in the slump. Things didn't get better until mid-2004, when Disney started shining up the place in preparation for the HCOE.

During those same years, Uni got better and better with each visit - to the point where Uni had a clear upper hand in cleanliness and TM performance during my Dec 2003 trip.

Disney is better now, but still not up to the standard they had in the early to mid 1990s when I had my first few visits. But Uni has improved its standards and kept them up, and for my money, Uni does most things just as well at WDW, and a few things (like Passholder cost vs. bennefits) better than WDW.

Mention of WDW inadequacies always causes a backlash against Uni for being "dirty," while mention of those things that Uni does right brings up the "thug life" and "rude TM" comments, and any mention of how much joy and fun can be had with Uni attactions inevitably brings declarations that "Universal has no magic."

Well, as I've said before - Magic doesn't come from theme parks. It doesn't come from rides, shows, restaurants, or resorts. The Magic comes from our hearts. It comes from the happiness we experience at spending time with our loved ones - no matter the place - and leaving the humdrum routine of regular life behind for a few days. The parks - both Disney and Universal - just provide a place where we can let the Magic out of ourselves to breathe and stretch.

Can I get an amen!!
It really is just about spending time with the ones you love
Yes, I feel the Disney magic while I am there
But I also feel the magic when I watch my 4 yr old son watch Barney
and his face is all lit up :love:
Or when we fly with ET, I could go on and on

[d4est]

I am quoting this, and answering these with my own answers

After



He was complaining that the "Disney Magic" Made WDW tons better than Uni and that the lack of it made Uni bland

I saw no magic at all there

You would have to open your eyes


I saw tons of flaws at Uni that Disney would never have

Never say never


You're right, their smiles aren't forced, they don't smile at all. "Heh, I guess" "*Rolls eyes*" and "Why?" were things I heard all day from TMs. They were extremely unfriendly and seemed like they hated their job. They didn't want to do anything at the CS restaurants. The only nice employees that I found where at the NBA City, and they were not Uni employees.


Hmm, I saw this happen too, maybe you just don't pay attention since you love Uni so much. The characters even seemed that they hated their job, and they weren't "real"

Your own argument can be used against you, since you love Disney so much



You're right about Turkey Legs, but I got a Chicken Sandwich that was $10 and was smaller than a McD's burger, and it didn't come with fries or a drink. It tasted worse than a tofu sandwich too. :scared1:


But there are great restaurants inside of the parks, which Uni does not have

Just not true

But Disney has better hidden details, such as the Hidden Mickey's. Uni is copying Disney with a lot of things too, FastPass, Pins, etc...


I did not see any details that were worth noting, and I do pay attention to details

Again, one would have to open their eyes

Yes, they are gearing it towards Teens, but I am a Teen and I hate Uni

And you are entitled to, just as others are entitled to actually like or love it



Gosh, have you ever waited in line for any Disney attraction? The windows at Space Mountain, the whole Test Track queue, Expedition Everest with all of the aritifacts, TOY STORY MANIA!

There basically is no theming at all at Uni. Speaking of architecture, have you seen ANY of the buildings at EPCOT? Look at the amazing structures there, then tell me that IOA's blocks blow it away.

Again, unfair assessment. You don't have to like or appreciate UO's theming, but you can't deny that it's there.


Magic DOES come from theme parks. It DOES come from rides, shows, restaurants, and resorts. HAVE YOU EVER VISITED A DISNEY PARK? They are so magical, how they do everything and all.


There is no magic in any of those movies

Seriously? "NO" as in zero? That's just not a fair assessment.

The Uni resorts are blocks, and the WDW Deluxes are not. The architecture and theming do not stack up to WDW.

http://www.interiordestiny.com/store/images/category/Block-Group.jpg

VS

http://images.triseptsolutions.com/slideshow/MCORYPC_P01.jpg

or

http://www.visitflorida.com/images/photos/expert_photos/1210942178_288.jpg



I'd say that it's as close as you can get to an accurate, unbiased review

And that's because you agree with it. :rolleyes1

There is no such thing as an unbiased review when you factor in opinion and feelings. Somebody mentioned slant, if I recall...

[hapandpam]

Wow! Over 200 posts on this! I was one of the early ones, and have read all the way though but feel that , "Now it's time, to say goodby...." I love WDW but I do enjoy IoA, US, and Sea World. I actually enjoyed the Universal "Fairy tales and pixie dust not for you?" commercial and appreciate the fact that these parks do not try to be clones of Disney. It wouldn't work for anyone if they did.

Enjoy the debate!

[the Dark Marauder]

Somebody mentioned slant, if I recall...
That was me, several pages ago. :cool2:

[goofy!]

c. Fastpass. Disney's is good, democratic, and works. Universal's had a lot of problems, didn't always work, and was undemocratic.
.
.
.
Side point - what the heck is up with the resorts at Universal. I felt it was way overpriced, and I felt we got nickeled and dimed all the time. Can't believe I spent $240 for one night


.
I haven't read the whole thread, so if this was addressed, I apologize.

But I would like to know how the Universal Fast Passes were messing up? You said they had lots of problems and didn't always work. How so? Were the machines not dispensing them correctly? Were the Team Members standing at the Fast Pass line not honoring them?

Thanks in advance!

Yes, I quoted myself.

Still waiting for the OP to explain (with facts) how the Fast Pass system at Universal had lots of problems and didn't always work.

What problems were encountered by the OP with his "Fast Pass?"

Still waiting ............

Op, would you please post specific examples of what problems you experienced with the Fast Pass system and how it did not work for you?

Thanks!

Still waiting OP. I know you have been logged on this morning. Your profile states your last activity was today at 10am.

Please come back and clarify some of your definitive comparisons.

Did you stay on site? Which hotel?
Exactly what fees were you nickeled and dimed with?
Please give us examples of how the fast pass system did not work.

Thanks in advance.

(I know, this is a lost cause and he will never come back and answer, but we can keep asking. Makes one wonder why he won't answer simple questions like this :goodvibes )

[Angel Ariel]

Ok--seriously, checking out people's log time? My goodness....this thread started out much more respectfully than it's ended up...

[minniejack]

Ok--seriously, checking out people's log time? My goodness....this thread started out much more respectfully than it's ended up...

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[goofy!]

Ok--seriously, checking out people's log time? My goodness....this thread started out much more respectfully than it's ended up...
Oh my, I am so sorry you found that disrespectful. I do offer my sincerest apologies.

I merely right clicked on his name to read his profile to learn a bit more about him. Lots of people put their interesting info in their profiles rather than making long siggies. I thought that is what the profile is there for. :goodvibes

Then, I noticed he had just logged on, so I thought I would ask him again what problems he had with the fast pass. Nothing disrespectful there.

I am really interested in what problems with the "Fast Pass."

He said he had problems and that it didn't work, but he didn't give any examples of how it didn't work.

It would be helpful to all of us to know what kind of problems he had so that we can avoid them when we visit. :teeth:

pixiedust: :flower3: Have a Disney Day :flower3: pixiedust:

[LilMommyBug]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GpZpoaZaSE

[the Dark Marauder]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[rie'smom]

Then there's this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8iK12baYFM&NR=1

[donaldduck352]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Then there's this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8iK12baYFM&NR=1


This is to funny:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I think Mickey was the producer on both of them:lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Angel Ariel]

And the sarcasm is so necessary.....really helps prove a point. The question is valid, I don't disagree, but if you really want to know the answer so badly, why don't you PM the OP if they're not answering quickly enough for you? B/c the way it's being handled in the thread really comes across as trying to instigate more drama.

[tentaguasu]

I am the OP, sorry for not responding earlier, but to be honest when this thread hit 9 pages I figured it was pretty much played out and didn't follow it any more. I was shocked to see it out to 15 pages.

1. I can't believe people take this so personally!

2. I think it's absolutely natural to compare Disney to Universal. They certainly compete with each other, and they compete for our time, attention, and money. You're welcome to feel that - for you - Disney and Universal are complimentary apples and oranges. For ME, I have limited time and money for Orlando theme park diversion and I have to figure out how to allot my time. And in my opinion, I far prefer Disney. I also pointed out why I thought others might prefer USO.

3. I'm not discouraging anyone from going to USO. In fact, I specifically said in a later post that it's probably a good idea. But part of having an online community is to share opinions and perspectives. We try to let each other know what to expect. I gave my opinion, and others are of course welcome to disagree (though I'm absolutely amazed at the tone! If people get this worked up about theme parks, no wonder Democrats and Republicans can't get along).

4. Once and for all - HAVING AN OPINION, even a strong one, DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE BIASED! Biased means there is some reason which prevents you from forming an objective opinion. I'm not biased, and was not biased when I went. I was completely open to both experiences. I was LOOKING FORWARD to going to Universal and frankly EXPECTED TO LIKE IT MORE. I'm not "creating magic" in my heart for one over the other, or other things people have accused me of.

It's really very simple. I had an objective experience at both and thought Universal pretty much stunk in comparison.

5. My problem with the hotel - which was the ON SITE Pacific - was:

a. I felt it was overpriced. I had a similar room off site for $80. Is it a good deal compared to Disney resorts. I don't know. I just stayed at a lot of places and thought it wasn't worth $240.

b. I felt nickeled and dimed. Pay a lot for a room. Pay for parking. $7 for bottled water. Expensive breakfast. Etc. I'm sure everyone will argue with this because that's how hotels are... but I'm just comparing my experience with other hotels I stayed at during the same trip. The ratio of money spent to services received was far worse there than anywhere else. NOW I don't spend a lot of time in the pool or use a lot of specific amenities. If you do, your mileage may vary.

6. The Express comparison. I don't know the details of how Universal manages it, but I see no mention of them shutting it down after a certain number have been sold. Therefore there is no specific control total holders or any way to smooth the returning people over time. Maybe they have controls that I could not detect. On the other hand, Disney's is free, open to everyone, limited, and spread over time which prevents pile ups. There was an hour wait with Express at the Ripsaw falls ride at Universal. Granted, Disney's isn't always completely smooth, but an hour plus? I haven't seen it.

7. I'm guessing that Universal's cheaper resident rate means that on weekends, when I was there, you get a different crowd mix that at Disney. Point is, that's what I saw. I'm not crazy, or blind. Maybe it was a strange couple of days. Maybe that's not representative. But I saw what I saw.

8. I was very careful to say "MY definitive review" when I posted. Granted, it may be a bit ambiguous, but I said "MY" on purpose. It's only my opinion - but for me it is definitive. USO has lost the majority of my business, though I will be back to see Potter.

9. Read my posts, both here and in other threads. Form your own opinion as to whether I'm a troll, or just a person with an opinion.

In summation: I thought USO sort of sucked. USO lovers have no right or reason to suggest I'm biased. I suggest any theme park lover visit both to form their own opinion. But, if your sensibility is similar to mine, I'd be careful to budget more than a couple of days there until you've had a chance to see if it's really your cup of tea.

[TaylorsDad]

Thought about asking this on a new thread, but didn't want two threads bashing the parks as I love both parks equally but for different reasons. Still I am sure someone will tell me I should ask on resort board. Anyways, I have stayed at Hard Rock hotel a couple of times now and really love the hotel. The service, cleanliness, comfort has been outstanding with plenty of space in our room. How do the Disney Deluxe hotels compare? We will be visiting Orlando again soon and thinking of trying their Deluxe resorts for a change. We have tried their values (all star music good, POP Century excellent) and a moderate POFQ -horrible experience, and the number one reason we hate to try upgrading our stay. Are the Deluxes at Disney worth the extra money, or after HRH would they be a disappointment?

[d4est]

SNIP
6. The Express comparison. I don't know the details of how Universal manages it, but I see no mention of them shutting it down after a certain number have been sold. Therefore there is no specific control total holders or any way to smooth the returning people over time. Maybe they have controls that I could not detect. On the other hand, Disney's is free, open to everyone, limited, and spread over time which prevents pile ups. There was an hour wait with Express at the Ripsaw falls ride at Universal. Granted, Disney's isn't always completely smooth, but an hour plus? I haven't seen it.

I have never waited more than 10 minutes in the express line. This was during Pres. week.


In summation: I thought USO sort of sucked. USO lovers have no right or reason to suggest I'm biased. I suggest any theme park lover visit both to form their own opinion. But, if your sensibility is similar to mine, I'd be careful to budget more than a couple of days there until you've had a chance to see if it's really your cup of tea.

Not quite sure how to take that one. Are you saying you are sensible and therefore would only budget a few days? And those of us who would budget an entire week? Maybe I am not understanding what you mean by "sensibility." Before I think I've been insulted, unintentionally??, I'd love for you to clarify. Maybe sensibility wasn't such a great word to use there?

[Angel Ariel]

sensibility:
awareness of and responsiveness toward something (as emotion in another)

perhaps reactions would be a better word choice, but anyways...though the words are similar, sensibility is not the same thing as being sensible (in terms of having good sense/reason).

[Angel Ariel]

TaylorsDad- I haven't been to HRH, so I can't compare, but I can tell you that my experiences at the WDW Deluxe hotels have been absolutely amazing. I've been to both the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian (GF for my honeymoon), and thoroughly enjoyed both locations. IMHO, The GF was absolutely magical and I can't wait to stay there again someday! The service was great, the CMs were very personable and helpful, and the view of MK from our balcony was incredible! I felt like i was in heaven :)

[d4est]

sensibility:
awareness of and responsiveness toward something (as emotion in another)

perhaps reactions would be a better word choice, but anyways...though the words are similar, sensibility is not the same thing as being sensible (in terms of having good sense/reason).

Fair enough...different, obviously, than what I was thinking.

[nascarcheshirecat]

Someone PLEASE end this thread! :scared1:

[rie'smom]

Thought about asking this on a new thread, but didn't want two threads bashing the parks as I love both parks equally but for different reasons. Still I am sure someone will tell me I should ask on resort board. Anyways, I have stayed at Hard Rock hotel a couple of times now and really love the hotel. The service, cleanliness, comfort has been outstanding with plenty of space in our room. How do the Disney Deluxe hotels compare? We will be visiting Orlando again soon and thinking of trying their Deluxe resorts for a change. We have tried their values (all star music good, POP Century excellent) and a moderate POFQ -horrible experience, and the number one reason we hate to try upgrading our stay. Are the Deluxes at Disney worth the extra money, or after HRH would they be a disappointment?

I don't know if you'd be disappointed, but we were.The Grand Floridian is ok-not fab. The building is pretty but the service is NOT the same as any of the Universal resorts. Where the Uni hotel's staffs go out of their way to make you feel welcome, the GF doesn't. The 1 good thing that I can say about the GF is that it's on the monorail.
WDW resorts just don't cut it for me, except CSR because the CMs there go the extra step.
You might be happier at the Swan/Dolphin because they are more along the line of the Universal resorts.

[Angel Ariel]

Where the Uni hotel's staffs go out of their way to make you feel welcome, the GF doesn't. The 1 good thing that I can say about the GF is that it's on the monorail.

I completely disagree with this...I'm not saying you didn't experience that, but as has been said many times in this thread, off-service happens in both locations. We had amazing service at the GF, from the time we checked in until we checked out, and felt compeltely welcome the entire time we were there.

[d4est]

Thought about asking this on a new thread, but didn't want two threads bashing the parks as I love both parks equally but for different reasons. Still I am sure someone will tell me I should ask on resort board. Anyways, I have stayed at Hard Rock hotel a couple of times now and really love the hotel. The service, cleanliness, comfort has been outstanding with plenty of space in our room. How do the Disney Deluxe hotels compare? We will be visiting Orlando again soon and thinking of trying their Deluxe resorts for a change. We have tried their values (all star music good, POP Century excellent) and a moderate POFQ -horrible experience, and the number one reason we hate to try upgrading our stay. Are the Deluxes at Disney worth the extra money, or after HRH would they be a disappointment?

In December we stayed at AKL for 4 nights before moving on to the HRH for 3 nights. Yes, we save FOTL for last as it does slow the pace and the level of relaxation increases...for us.

We loved AKL. It's a beautiful resort. The pool was great. We had a Savannah view with a queen bed and bunk beds...awesome to see the animals roaming. How would it compare to HRH? Not sure if it's perceived, but I think the AKL room was smaller. Didn't matter much, there was only 3 of us. Both nice rooms, both great hotels. A nice thing about the AKL room--the fridge isn't pre-stocked with beverages like at HRH, so you have room to stock up on water, soda, etc...and to store the desserts to go!

We've also stayed at Coronado Springs. Honestly, we liked that one better. Main reason...the bus service seemed 10x better at CSR than at AKL. Buses came and went for resorts and we waited and waited for AKL. Another reason, DH is a smoker and it was easy to leave our room (CSR) and go outside to smoke. At AKL, he'd have to go to the elevator and then down the hall and through the lobby and outside to smoke. Oh, and we loved the Pepper Market. Small things, but I think we'll do CSR when we return to WDW. You've stayed at HRH, so I don't need to give details there. It's a beauty too, as you know. Dh fell in love with it. If he could somehow stay at HRH and dine at Kona every night, he'd be in his glory.

[minniejack]

Thought about asking this on a new thread, but didn't want two threads bashing the parks as I love both parks equally but for different reasons. Still I am sure someone will tell me I should ask on resort board. Anyways, I have stayed at Hard Rock hotel a couple of times now and really love the hotel. The service, cleanliness, comfort has been outstanding with plenty of space in our room. How do the Disney Deluxe hotels compare? We will be visiting Orlando again soon and thinking of trying their Deluxe resorts for a change. We have tried their values (all star music good, POP Century excellent) and a moderate POFQ -horrible experience, and the number one reason we hate to try upgrading our stay. Are the Deluxes at Disney worth the extra money, or after HRH would they be a disappointment?

Loew's hotels are 4-5 star establishments and top of the line. After having been in a top end hotel that has larger rooms than the moderates and values, I would probably want a deluxe room just to have more elbow room. Disney is top of the line, too, so you probably would still enjoy the deluxe hotels, depends on how long you will be staying in your room and how much you use the parks. Like any hotel, anywhere, you are paying for the view and the name.

:charac4: ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo pooh: :tinker:

[donaldduck352]

This thread has ran its coarse.Eveyone has thier opinion...

But I have one question:Did you do WDW 1'st?????(before you came up with your opinon)on the USO decision?????

Thats what all we are asking!!!

It sounded like USO is the worst place to be in Orlando>>>

Please be honest,and put this to rest. :thumbsup2

[tentaguasu]

OP again.

I was at Disney as a kid about 30 years ago.

Then I was at Disney about 18 months ago.

Then a few weeks ago we did an Orlando drip that started at Disney and ended at USO/IoA.

As stated, I was excited to go to USO/IoA and that's why I wanted to do it last - sort of save the best for last.

I was just disappointed. Disappointed enough to return to Disney on 2 of our 3 Universal days.

[Notatourist]

Op-

Forgive me if I ask a question or two, but, did you do a lot of research before your visit to UO? For the rate you paid at RPR, it sounds like you didn't get the amazing rates some of the folks here did.

Also, an hour wait for express? really? Did the ride have any down time in advance? It sounds like it.

My problem with your review is that you weren't very thorough. You stated you didn't like something, but you weren't very forthcoming with why..

[tentaguasu]

I did a reasonable amount of research, though I suppose it's possible to get a cheaper rate. But again, that wasn't my main problem with Universal.

I have no idea whether there was some downtime prior to the wait I had. Generally though, I like the Disney system.

Finally, I tried to give a few examples to illustrate my general feeling. I'm happy to give more for any point that anyone is particularly interested in.

I didn't come to my opinions out of thin air, though like anything *some* of it is hard to put into words.

[minniejack]

I am not trying to get another argument started, but I find Disney's fast pass a PITA. You have to go to the ride to get the ticket then go find something else to do for the time for in between your stated ride time, then go back between your ride time. If you are too early, they will not let you ride.

A lot of wasted time by going back and forth to rides with fast pass feature.

At Universal, the FOTL allows pass holder to just walk on the line without going from attraction to attraction wasting time.

Love Disney for the memories, too, but really like the coolness factor at Universal as do my 13 and soon to be 15 year olds.

[sha_lyn]

I swear the posts against Universal that always amaze me the most are the ones about the food. From my very first visit I have raved about the food quality & variety inside the Universal parks. :confused3


ITA
Mythos is the number 1 rated theme park restaurant in the country and is constantly receiving awards. It constatnly ranks as one of the top restaurants in FL (in all of FL, not just theme parks). Finnegans is also a must do for us.
The complaints that there isn't enough choices really stump me. There is more variety at USO than there is at WDW.


Yes we've had 2 bad meals at US, one at Monster Cafe and one at Mels.
However we've also had horrible meals at WDW. I don't see how Chef Mickey's stays open. The "hot" food was barely warm, certainly a health hazzard. the fish and chips at the place in DTD are awful.


AS for the complaints that USO doesn't have atsmophere, doesn't pay attention to the details etc....only someone who wasn't paying attention could say that. I really had no desire to vist USO, but DS really wanted to go so our first trip was spring break 2001. I really didn't want to be there, I wanted to be at WDW. Well as soon as I walked into IOA I was blown away. My very first comment on IOA was "Wow, they out Disney'ed WDW"

I really don't care if someone doesn't like USO, but the name calling of USO patrons and the out and out lies have to stop.

[sha_lyn]

This is blowing my mind! Why would Universal give off-site guest equal access to unlimited express pass? We stay at the Universal Resorts because they are
absolutley beautiful, within walking distance to the parks and yes, the express pass is the best thing ever invented :thumbsup2
Next time I stay offsite at Disney, I am going to insist that they let me attend their EMH! :idea:
BTW, you can get express pass as an offsite guest, you just have to pay extra for it and you can only use it once per ride
So yes, the express pass is pretty sweet :woohoo:
and just one of the reasons I return to US/IOA over and over again

ITA...where is the outrage over WDW not giving equal access of EMH to off site guest? If USO's express pass is enough to keep someone away, shouldn't that same person want to stay away from WDW because EMH is restricted to onsite guest only?

[vcgirl925]

But this is a DEFINITIVE comparison

End all be all to all comparisons!!!

Internets

Serious business

This is "HIS" definitive comparison. HIS, he's not saying it has to be YOURS.

Wow, it's amazing how upset people are getting over this. It is just his opinion on an amusement park, he's not killing anyones cat.

[tentaguasu]

You know what... I actually wrote a reply to some of the last notes and then I realized how pointless it is. I've answered all those criticisms already.

If you love USO so much and are concerned about its image, instead of attacking me let me offer another suggestion:

Talk with Universal and figure out how they lost the future business of a family who went predisposed to love the place....

[Brian_WDW74]

The moderators have decided that thread has run its course. After 17 pages of posts it comes down to this: either you agree with the OP's opinions or you don't. No amount of discussion on this board will change anyone's mind.