Like Disney/Not Like Disney Comparisons

[Subi WRX]

I am always amazed at the posts that ask a question that ends in "like at Disney." I'm not sure why anyone would expect the hotels to be "like at Disney" when you're NOT at Disney, but I digress.

Off the top of my head, I can only think of "not like Disney" comparisons:


No refillable mugs at the on-site Uni resorts
You don't need to make your reservations a year+ in advance.
RPR and PBH have a hotel loyalty program with upgrades, welcome gifts, free internet at certain levels. Disney doesn't.
You can walk to both parks from all 3 hotels.
The hotels offer unlimited express access at the parks for every member of your party who stays at one of the on-site hotels.
The RPR and HRH do not have balconies. PBH has very few balconies/patios. As yet, PBH didn't pull a Contemporary Resort and charge extra to specifically reserve one of these rooms (comparing to MK views here).
Parking at the Uni hotels is itemized. You bring your car, you pay. You don't bring a car, you don't subsidize everyone else who does.
There are no value resorts. On a good day, you can pay as much for the RPR as you would a Disney moderate, but still have 24-hour room service, walk to everything, and your room doesn't open to the outside, like a motel.
You stay concierge at Disney. You stay "club" at Universal. Staying club at Universal is more like staying club at Marriott or a Starwood property.
There is no Magical Express at Universal.


Other "not like Disney" comparisons out there?

Who can list some "like Disney" comparisons?

[Nie0214]

Someone in another thread earlier this week asked about a dining plan.

Here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1916628 #11, my reply was #13.

[Subi WRX]

Someone in another thread earlier this week asked about a dining plan.

Here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1916628 #11, my reply was #13.

Good one. At Universal, the meal plan is for anyone going to the parks. Menu items are limited, and it is primarily fast food fare. The dining plan is not tied to the hotels, like at Disney.

[Nie0214]

Also, the Disney Dining Plan is based on you booking a whole package, not just a room. You have to buy your room AND at least a 1 day ticket for everyone in the party or you won't be able to get the DDP. Such a big difference. :X

[Subi WRX]

Excellent point.

Just thought of another not like Disney comparison: pool hopping is allowed and encouraged at the Uni on-site hotels. You can't bring up pool hopping without getting into a debate on the Disney resorts boards. :thumbsup2

[damo]

Flat screen tv's and Keurig individual cup coffee makers in each room at Universal.

[goofy!]

Pets are allowed. There is even pet room service.

But Loews does an excellent job managing pets with limited pet rooms and strict rules on barking and pet clean-up.

[Subi WRX]

Thanks for your contributions.

I am having a hard time thinking of "like at Disney" comparisons? Anyone?

[macraven]

uni hotels have star service. one call to take care of all needs.
unlike disney where you have to go to the lobby counter to deal with your needs.

[starseed]

The "like Disney" comparison is that Universal is a theme park destination with specific resorts that are associated directly with the theme park brand. And due to all the varied offerings of both destinations, those planning a visit to either or both destinations have a lot of information to sort through.

I would imagine that the majority of people on the Dis end up here because they are looking for information on a Disney vacation. If either they are adding a Universal component or planning an exclusive Universal vacation, they would likely end up in this Universal area thinking, "How does the Universal experience compare to the Disney one?" I guess it's human nature to compare, right?

There are so many of you here who are SO helpful and great about sharing your experiences and knowledge about Universal. I know that I've benefited greatly from all the fantastic information here. And I think that when people unfamiliar with Universal comes here to ask "Is it like Disney?" it's not meant as a slight in anyway to Universal, but a curiosity and a willingness to experience something different.

I think it's also about time that I thank everyone here for helping me plan two great trips with another upcoming one to Universal! :yay:

[donaldduck352]

The "like Disney" comparison is that Universal is a theme park destination with specific resorts that are associated directly with the theme park brand. And due to all the varied offerings of both destinations, those planning a visit to either or both destinations have a lot of information to sort through.

I would imagine that the majority of people on the Dis end up here because they are looking for information on a Disney vacation. If either they are adding a Universal component or planning an exclusive Universal vacation, they would likely end up in this Universal area thinking, "How does the Universal experience compare to the Disney one?" I guess it's human nature to compare, right?

There are so many of you here who are SO helpful and great about sharing your experiences and knowledge about Universal. I know that I've benefited greatly from all the fantastic information here. And I think that when people unfamiliar with Universal comes here to ask "Is it like Disney?" it's not meant as a slight in anyway to Universal, but a curiosity and a willingness to experience something different.

I think it's also about time that I thank everyone here for helping me plan two great trips with another upcoming one to Universal! :yay:


And the great thing about this forum,you wonn't get bashed for asking a silly question :thumbsup2

Its happend to me overthere!!!

[goofy!]

Thanks for your contributions.

I am having a hard time thinking of "like at Disney" comparisons? Anyone?

The three onsite resorts are AAA 4 diamond resorts, same designation that AAA has given 5 of the Disney hotels for 2008; the Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, The Contemporary, The Beach Club and the Yacht Club.

So, the onsite hotels are like Disney's best Deluxes. :cool1:

But unlike Disney, they are more reasonably priced.

[damo]

Standard rooms either have 2 queens or 1 King, unlike many Disney hotels which have doubles.

[everylastbreath]

Not Like Disney:

No need to make ADR's 180 days out
FOTL (The best)
Rooms are 1/2 price of Disney Deluxes
Citywalk geared more towards adults

[LovePug]

Pets are allowed.

I have nothing to contribute because my first trip is yet to be (83 days, 19 hours;) ), but I just wanted to say that my trip was originally planned for WDW, but, on a whim, I started researching the Universal hotels. The pet friendly policy sold me because we bring our Pug with us on every trip. pug:
That was the start of my "accidental" Universal trip. When I called about ressies and got the deal for the 7 day/2 park, unlimited tickets included with the rooms at no additional charge...well, it was all over but the shoutin'.:confused3

Now, we are dying to go and cannot wait! :hyper2:

[minniejack]

To those who have never been to Universal. It is not Disney. Do not go into the park ready to compare and contrast.

Go into the parks ready to have fun.

You will go on a vacation not a kamikaze mission to see how you can get the most bang for your buck.

Rides are incredible. Food is great.

If you are staying onsite, hotels are beautiful.

Our 1st trip, we knew nothing other than if you stay on site, you get FOTL.
We went to Universal for that reason alone without knowing anything about it. Well, we of course compared, but came out saying we love Universal. Do we now hate Disney, no, will go to both in about 4 months. But we love Universal.

Did I say we love Universal???

[Metro West]

To those who have never been to Universal. It is not Disney. Do not go into the park ready to compare and contrast.

Go into the parks ready to have fun.

You will go on a vacation not a kamikaze mission to see how you can get the most bang for your buck.

Rides are incredible. Food is great.

If you are staying onsite, hotels are beautiful.

Our 1st trip, we knew nothing other than if you stay on site, you get FOTL.
We went to Universal for that reason alone without knowing anything about it. Well, we of course compared, but came out saying we love Universal. Do we now hate Disney, no, will go to both in about 4 months. But we love Universal.

Did I say we love Universal??? :thumbsup2

[bubba's mom]

If you are a AAA member or AP holder, you will get a discount on dining and shopping at Universal & City Walk.

[happymommy]

Just got back from our first trip to Universal. I must admit, I was sucked in by the inexpensive tickets (we got them for $82 at AAA).

I found the people working at Universal theme parks a bit less professional than at Disney. I don't quite know why, but there was just something. Like I don't think Disney cast members would have scruffy beards or untidy hair like I saw at Universal. They weren't rude or anything, just not quite as helpful. They seemed more like teenagers at a summer job, like Six Flags type. DH even commented first day (we were at IOA) that it seemed like a cross between Disney and six flags. I brushed the comment off, then told him after a couple of days, yes, I agreed.

Free ice water is a little tiny cup at US, at Disney you can get a large cup. Kind of annoying.

The whole feel was much more teenagers and adult at US. At Disney it feels like there is more for a wider age range (very young to grandparents).

The simulators are WAY more realistic at Universal - even Shrek 3D show was having me reach for my dramamine! Oh, and I never needed dramamine at Disney, but definitely took it at US! More action rides, so if you are into that, it is definitely the way to go (thus maybe teens like it better!). DH and I actually rode the Hulk - nothing like that at Disney (but once was enough!). Spiderman was cool. Didn't get to any shows, except for the Poseidon one, and that was neat, but I missed the Disney shows.

I feel much more confident in Disney for my DS who has food allergies - US was okay, but Disney delivers here.

The hotel we stayed at Portofino Bay was very much like a Disney deluxe - nice and great service. But we only spent $300/night including club level - Disney is a bit more expensive.

All in all, you pay more at Disney (for the tickets) but I think you get what you pay for. It was fun to compare, but next time we go to Orlando we'll definitely be doing Disney only. We may stay offsite or at the Swan, as it's less expensive, and we've been so many times, but definitely Disney in my opinion is much nicer.

[damo]

Just got back from our first trip to Universal. I must admit, I was sucked in by the inexpensive tickets (we got them for $82 at AAA).

I found the people working at Universal theme parks a bit less professional than at Disney. I don't quite know why, but there was just something. Like I don't think Disney cast members would have scruffy beards or untidy hair like I saw at Universal. They weren't rude or anything, just not quite as helpful. They seemed more like teenagers at a summer job, like Six Flags type. DH even commented first day (we were at IOA) that it seemed like a cross between Disney and six flags. I brushed the comment off, then told him after a couple of days, yes, I agreed.

Free ice water is a little tiny cup at US, at Disney you can get a large cup. Kind of annoying.

The whole feel was much more teenagers and adult at US. At Disney it feels like there is more for a wider age range (very young to grandparents).

The simulators are WAY more realistic at Universal - even Shrek 3D show was having me reach for my dramamine! Oh, and I never needed dramamine at Disney, but definitely took it at US! More action rides, so if you are into that, it is definitely the way to go (thus maybe teens like it better!). DH and I actually rode the Hulk - nothing like that at Disney (but once was enough!). Spiderman was cool. Didn't get to any shows, except for the Poseidon one, and that was neat, but I missed the Disney shows.

I feel much more confident in Disney for my DS who has food allergies - US was okay, but Disney delivers here.

The hotel we stayed at Portofino Bay was very much like a Disney deluxe - nice and great service. But we only spent $300/night including club level - Disney is a bit more expensive.

All in all, you pay more at Disney (for the tickets) but I think you get what you pay for. It was fun to compare, but next time we go to Orlando we'll definitely be doing Disney only. We may stay offsite or at the Swan, as it's less expensive, and we've been so many times, but definitely Disney in my opinion is much nicer.

Universal isn't going be everyone's cup of tea. Good for you for giving it a try and deciding on your own. You didn't mention anything about FOTL, though. What did you think of that compared to Disney?

[keishashadow]

i enjoy them both:)

many good points made here:thumbsup2 , my thought no "welcome home":rolleyes1it gives me the warm & fuzzies:laughing:

seriously, imo a TS w/FOTL perc would be incentive for guests who like that type of vacation experience:confused3 ...think it'd be a very hot ticket

[happymommy]

FOTL was very nice! It was the best part. Although we only needed it a few times, as we went in the morning and the parks weren't crowded, it was much better than fastpasses.

If I were going to US during any type of busy time, I would say you HAVE to stay onsite!

It was fun all in all, and the kids enjoyed it a lot, but I really think Disney is a notch above.

[antmaril]

We recently returned from five nights at Universal (Portofino Bay). We have been to Universal before and do enjoy it, however, it's not Disney and I know going in I won't enjoy it as much as Disney.

What I do like is that I get a deluxe resort with Club level for a reasonable amount of money. FOTL is fantastic - the best perk ever and the cost of a ticket was VERY reasonable (I paid $80.50 through AAA for a seven consecutive days/two park ticket).

Universal doesn't feel as "special" to me. Kind of hard to explain. I don't think they pay as much attention to the details. For example, when we did Poseidon's Fury, I remember thinking when walking through the line where it gets very dark, that it gets too dark - you are almost afraid you are going to stumble. I think at Disney it would be handled differently. I don't know - I can't put my finger on it, but it is different.

I took my son (21) and his girlfriend (also 21) on this trip. They enjoyed the trip (although they both missed Disney) and overall we had a nice time.

I will say my son is looking forward to the opening of "Harry Potter" at Universal, which will probably require a return trip in 2010! He's still a kid at heart.

Just my two cents, of course.

[damo]

Interesting!!! I think Disney has a lot of nostalgia to it. If you are a person who did Disney when young, it is hard to let it go. We took teens (well, 18 and 23) this year who had never done either Universal or Disney before an they both much preferred Universal because they felt they were always doing something where at Disney they felt they were always watching. They preferred the more thrills at Universal. They all felt that Disney catered to the younger set.

My kids who are 19 and 22 love Universal -- we've been going since before IOA was built but they also love Disneyland -- we've gone 3 times in the past 6 years. They aren't too crazy about WDW and they've probably been there 10 times.

They are all really looking forward to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter too.

[Phil from PA]

Interesting!!! I think Disney has a lot of nostalgia to it. If you are a person who did Disney when young, it is hard to let it go.


Funny you brought that up as I was going to say the same thing. I have been going to DW since 1972. Nothing can capture the overwhelming shock value and impression that was going on when you went to the MK for the first time back then. At that time you never saw anything like the Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion.

Keep in mind the entertainment available in the 70's - no computer, no cable TV, no VCR's, etc. Plus WD was the front runner in creating that style of amusement parks. Now everyone has caught up/copied what WD has done, which therefore diminishes slightly what peoples first impressions are these days.

I think the history of the Mouse as an identity and singular unifying character for all of the parks creates a cohesiveness that you don't find at US. I believe this creates a different type experience than you will find anyplace else,

[Subi WRX]

Uggh. I was not trying to be subjective here; just factual. All opinions on Universal v. Disney are a dime a dozen. Please don't make this into that kind of thread.

Subjective: Universal doesn't have magic. Disney does.

Objective: You can get unlimited express pass access to the rides when you stay on site at Universal. You get extra magic hours when you stay on site at Disney.

Any chance we can keep this objective and factual, rather than subjective and opinionated?

[Worfiedoodles]

Here's a similarity -- no matter which you go to, you will swelter in the Florida heat during the summer! :lmao:

Both offer "luau" experiences, and both have a South Pacific themed hotel. Both offer character meals, and both have characters you will recognize from everyday life, rather than a knockoff, made up mascot.

You generally pay for parking at both venues. Both have designated "lands" or areas where a specific theme is emphasized. Both have gift shops o'plenty, and both have many rides that empty right into the gift shops. Both offer shows and photo ops.

You will get funny looks from friends and relatives if you repeatedly return to either complex. :rolleyes1

To the PP who said that the staff at UO looked "scruffy" and were bearded in comparison with the Disney cast -- you are right, the Disney cast would not look like that because they are not allowed to have beards :confused3 , or hair past a certain level, as I understand it. I could be wrong, but I am under the impression there are very strict standards for the personal appearance of Disney cast. If you need your ride operators without facial hair, Disney is the experience for you. :thumbsup2

Maria :upsidedow

[wen8jr]

While we had a GREAT vacation at Disney last year and we know there aren't many things in life quite like it, we are looking forward to going to US, IOA and SW just as much (now that we have Disney under our belts). :rolleyes:

I think we have discovered that staying onsite is the key to a great vacation for my family. We love to be within walking distance of attractions.

My DS is 13 (soon to be 14) and he is really hyped up about going to US, more so than he was about Disney. I think it is an age factor and what the child and adults are more interested in. We love movies and thrill rides, so it is a given that US and IOA will probably be cool for us. Our favorite park at Disney (second to Epcot) was Hollywood Studios...MK was the least favorite, (except Space Mountain...my personal fav). Now if I had younger children, my opinion may have been different.

We like to experience different things...we are not expecting it to be just like Disney, if it were than it would not be as fun!!! :thumbsup2

[minniejack]

Another positive about Universal is the fact that it has many large and small rides packed into a small area which means far less walking to and from attractions.

Disney's rides are spread out within each individual theme park and you have to have 4 parks for a similar amount of attractions.You have to have transportation from one park to the other. At Universal you can hoof it from one park to the other. Therefore, you save a lot of time not waiting for transportation or walking from attraction to attraction. Time is also not wasted on retrieving fastpasses for big rides while doing something close by just so you can go back to ride it.

Smaller crowds at Universal so less chance that your and family will get irritable and grumpy.:sad2:

[minniejack]

Here's another fact: Cheaper

Due to us getting one-day parker hopper passes, including water park option,for being there during Hurricane Charley, I checked the Disney site to see what kind of magic I was getting. If we would have had to pay for those tickets, cost would be $747 for the 4 of us for one day.
Wow.

So....I then thought what about Disney hotels for the same time period that we would be staying at the PBH with parks included.
My PBH stay in a deluxe with citywalk pass and parks included, incl. tax is $2322.07 for Dec 27-Jan1 09

The following hotels were only chosen because that is all that would show due to unavailability, park hopper option, no dining plan:
Coronado Springs 5885.08
Animal Kingdom $3671.80
Wildreness $3562.02
Yacht $3899.52
Saratoga $4355.12

So...based on those figures alone, Universal is a much better value.
If you factor in the deluxe accomadations and several great rides in two smaller locations, then Universal is definitely for the value minded consumer.;)

[rwdavis2]

To those who have never been to Universal. It is not Disney. Do not go into the park ready to compare and contrast.

Go into the parks ready to have fun.

You will go on a vacation not a kamikaze mission to see how you can get the most bang for your buck.



I agree! I've likened a Disney trip to an Everest expedition. Planning, the stamina necessary, packing, and the cost. :)
Bob

[minniejack]

bump

[Hollywoodhaha]

Prices!

For 3 adults, 1 child and 4 days ..

Universal:
Portofino: 1107.00
Royal Pacific: 912.00
Hard Rock: 927.00-1017.00

Disney:
Polynesian: 1485.00


Tickets:
Universal: 54.00 for 1 day 1 park [not florida resident]

Disney: for 1 day florida resident $92.50 for 1 person plus park hopper.

Just comparing..