A few comments after returning from first trip

[DisneyWalker44]

1. First, thanks to everyone here for all the info and question answers. You helped make the trip great.

2. We did a 2-day, one night at RPR trip. Just about perfect.

3. It's somewhat unfair to view US/IOA it terms of how they contrast with WDW but (a) this is a Disney boards and (b) even my "innocent" nephews instantly commented on how US tries to be like Disney. So here goes

The biggest surprise was that US/IOA did best in those thinks Disney built it's reputation on. The parks were spotless, themeing was top-notch, "cast members" were all great, landscaping was beautiful, etc. I didn't see anything where it looked like maintenance was being skimped, or the barrel scraped when hiring employees. Sorry to say, we can't say the same about Disney.

Although this is included above, I really though the "actor" cast members (Disaster and Jaws) were just great - as were all the rid ops.

Another surprise was how much better the crowds were than at Disney. For some reason, I expect more hoards of annoying teenagers. Saw none. Also so demanding parents "insisting their kids have more fun since we paid a lot for this trip" (alas, something too common at Disney), so knock down crowds attacking characters, line jumpers, fights over waiting spots, etc.

FOTL was amazing - almost always right to the front.

Nice to see every bit of the resort connected by walking trails.

The "TS" restaurants - both in the parks and resort - were head and shoulders above Disney. Not that the food was much better - it wasn't - but the prices didn't get me angry, and servers were all great, and I didn't have to make ADR's 90 days ahead of time.

Coasters - loved Hulk; really liked Fire and Ice. I appreciated the intensity level. These certainly aren't kiddy coasters, but they weren't pushing the envelope trying to be the highest/fastest/most-sickening rides ever.

For "Cons" - I did notice a few places that didn't quite the attention to detail you see at Disney. For example, there were some designs that were painted at Universal that would have been sculpted at Disney.

My biggest cons - and the thing that will keep me headed back to Disney far more often than Universal - was the attraction selection and design. Mostly thrill rides, a few kiddie rides, but nothing in-between. What's there for an adult who doesn't want to get shaken up (or soaked) at the moment? I was especially disappointed in the Cat in the Hat and MIB, which tacked on annoying spins to what could have been really nice rides. MIB goes down as my least favorite ride just about ever. I can't remember the last time I was feeling that bad and wanted a ride to just be over.

I'm not sure when my next trip will be. The boys had a good time, so I'm sure we will be back.

Thanks again to the forum

[2BigKIdz]

Originally Posted by DisneyWalker44

1. First, thanks to everyone here for all the info and question answers. You helped make the trip great.

2. We did a 2-day, one night at RPR trip. Just about perfect.

3. It's somewhat unfair to view US/IOA it terms of how they contrast with WDW but (a) this is a Disney boards and (b) even my "innocent" nephews instantly commented on how US tries to be like Disney. So here goes

The biggest surprise was that US/IOA did best in those thinks Disney built it's reputation on. The parks were spotless, themeing was top-notch, "cast members" were all great, landscaping was beautiful, etc. I didn't see anything where it looked like maintenance was being skimped, or the barrel scraped when hiring employees. Sorry to say, we can't say the same about Disney.

Although this is included above, I really though the "actor" cast members (Disaster and Jaws) were just great - as were all the rid ops.

Another surprise was how much better the crowds were than at Disney. For some reason, I expect more hoards of annoying teenagers. Saw none. Also so demanding parents "insisting their kids have more fun since we paid a lot for this trip" (alas, something too common at Disney), so knock down crowds attacking characters, line jumpers, fights over waiting spots, etc.

FOTL was amazing - almost always right to the front.

Nice to see every bit of the resort connected by walking trails.

The "TS" restaurants - both in the parks and resort - were head and shoulders above Disney. Not that the food was much better - it wasn't - but the prices didn't get me angry, and servers were all great, and I didn't have to make ADR's 90 days ahead of time.

Coasters - loved Hulk; really liked Fire and Ice. I appreciated the intensity level. These certainly aren't kiddy coasters, but they weren't pushing the envelope trying to be the highest/fastest/most-sickening rides ever.

For "Cons" - I did notice a few places that didn't quite the attention to detail you see at Disney. For example, there were some designs that were painted at Universal that would have been sculpted at Disney.

My biggest cons - and the thing that will keep me headed back to Disney far more often than Universal - was the attraction selection and design. Mostly thrill rides, a few kiddie rides, but nothing in-between. What's there for an adult who doesn't want to get shaken up (or soaked) at the moment? I was especially disappointed in the Cat in the Hat and MIB, which tacked on annoying spins to what could have been really nice rides. MIB goes down as my least favorite ride just about ever. I can't remember the last time I was feeling that bad and wanted a ride to just be over.

I'm not sure when my next trip will be. The boys had a good time, so I'm sure we will be back.

Thanks again to the forum

I'm glad you had a nice trip. I just wanted to say that MIB is my husband's all time favorite ride, he would ride it all day if given the opportunity. Just funny how different people like different things. The Star Wars ride at WDW and the Arctic Expedition thing at Sea World are by far the worst rides for me, I'll never do those again! I do like Cat in the Hat, I think it's really cute.

[Laurabearz]

Great Report!

I could do without the spinning on MIB myself

[Hug the Mouse]

Good report! ...though I must reprectfully disagree on MIB as worst ever, when in fact it is one of the best rides ever!!! I can't ride it enough times when we visit.

[Metro West]

Good report...fair and honest!

[dogodisney]

Thank you for the report. I love reading everyone's experience.

[WillCAD]

Glad you had a good time. It's always nice to see a die-hard WDW lover who can go to Uni and judge it on its own merits and enjoy all that Uni has to offer.

Your experience sounds pretty much in line with my own experiences at Uni over the years. In some areas, Uni does it better than WDW, in other areas is falls short, but the Uni Team is always trying to improve the park experience for their Guests.

Which TS restaurants did you try? My current faves are the Islands Dining Room at RPR, and Lombards at USF.

BTW, Uni employees are called Team Members, or TMs, as opposed to Disney's Cast Members.

[shoney]

I am so glad you had a great time.

[damo]

Lol about Men in Black. My son and I could do just that ride for the whole day. It is one of those rides, however, that unless you know what you are doing and that there is actual skill involved you can be unimpressed. Once you do realize that your score of 49,000 can actually become 999,999 using some skill and practice, it becomes very addictive and a great family competitive ride. Then you try to get 999,999 before you hit the last room. Then you try to get 999,999 on two different guns. Then you see what you can score with your eyes closed. It is basically a live video game but unless you realize that (and perhaps take a dramamine before you go), I can see where you may be less than impressed.

Universal tried to make each attraction ride exciting. Disney leaves many attractions where the ride itself is not part of the experience but only a means of transportion through the attraction. It is interesting that it is this fact that made our friends, who had never been to either USF or WDW, prefer Universal. They said they got tired of "just watching" at Disney.

[nerdboyrockstar]

I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip to Universal for the most part! As for your comments on the types of rides, I completely understand what you mean. I've always thought that Universal is a ride or two short from really having something for everybody, like a nice boat ride or another slow-moving dark ride.

I was hoping Harry Potter would add 1 but it looks like we're getting one big thrilling E-Ticket which is for me but not necessarily for you.

[Planogirl]

I think that Universal is almost perfect but then I like the pace of the rides. I can see where everyone might not feel the same way!

Thanks for the review. It sounds reasonable which is refreshing.

[JeNScHuB]

I have not been to IOA since 2000. I'm very excited to go back. Also I'm excited to see they have a 2 park one day option...which was not available 9 years ago. I have not been to the regular Universal since 1998. I liked hearing what you had to say about your trip. I will keep it in mind for my upcoming trip!

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Great review. We just had our first US and IOA experience this past spring. We loved the coasters and the wet rides but were a little split on the others. I also did not like MIB but DH and kids loved it. Maybe next time when I use some of the tips from here to up my score...maybe... My issue is getting :shaken" as you put it. Too many simulator rides that are killer on my neck. yeah--I could do a stationary seat but what fun is it then? I wish there was something like Soarin and Test Track at Universal. Soarin is an easy-on-you simulator ride that is so incredible.

We loved the food at Universal though. All in our group thought it was better than WDW.

Thanks again for the trip report

[donaldduck352]

I think Harry Potter is gonna bring it a notch closer to DW.There is so many what-ifs that can be done there.Only time(spring 2010)will tell.But as huge as the area is I think its gonna have something for everyone!!

I'm glad you had a great trip and went with a open mind.I agree with alot of your post except MIB...