Shock13
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2006
USO vs. WDW Comparison
I seriously can't help myself when comparing my theme park experiences so here's the lowdown if you are interested in reading. Just some background is that I have visited WDW four times and three of those visits I stayed onsite at Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Swan and Pop Century. I will try and keep it brief.
Resorts: Cabana Bay is quite exceptional and I'm sure when Pop first opened it was fun and shiny and of course very family-friendly but CBR is just more enjoyable for my taste and needs. The standard rooms are interior which made it safer for a female solo traveler and of course no dark areas when walking from my room to the lobby area. The vanity area seems to be much bigger than at Pop and more lit-up. With it being an interior room, the large windows brought in that natural light which was so nice. Lobbies at both resorts are open and spacious but CBR has that more wow factor. Gift shops were pretty similar too with merchandise selection although I do like the fact that CBR's gift shop isn't connected to the food court. Which brings me to the food...quality is the same and I think prices are similar as well. The separate serving areas seemed to be more open at CBR. The food selection is by far more abundant at Pop. The grab-and-go items at Bayliner were seriously lacking. CBR's dining area was more spacious and open with rows of windows on either side bringing in that natural light and of course it was so much fun watching the old commercials while eating which added to the ambiance. I also felt staff were more friendly at CBR.
Rides: I love rides. I love the interactions and theming as well as a fun time on a roller coaster. I also love movies so I think Universal is the perfect mix. I feel as though I'm getting a ride and a show with them instead of just floating by animatronics. Universal does a great job of including the rider into the story. I understand that some Disney rides do this as well. Radiator Springs Racers at DLR is a perfect example of it being interactive but most of the time, the rider is just an observer.
Shows: Okay, so I'll admit that Disney puts on some pretty spectacular shows but Universal does not disappoint especially with the comedy. The Horror Make-Up show was my ultimate favorite and Beetlejuice from Graveyard Mash-Up was spot-on.
Characters: Universal characters definitely interact more than the ones at Disney. Rarely do Disney characters ask where I'm from and actually instigate a conversation. Being a solo it can be awkward with characters but with only one exception at USO (Shaggy) the characters I took pics with never seemed to be in any hurry to take the picture and then move along.
Clientele I'll state the obvious and say that there are far less young kids at Universal. Which was great for me since that meant very few strollers which eliminated a rather pesky obstacle when walking about. I saw more families with older kids and groups of adults. There was also many international visitors who were so friendly and helpful (I'm looking at you England!)
Please keep in mind that these comparisons come from a solo traveler with vision limitations so I understand that young families and couples may have a different view on things.
I seriously can't help myself when comparing my theme park experiences so here's the lowdown if you are interested in reading. Just some background is that I have visited WDW four times and three of those visits I stayed onsite at Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Swan and Pop Century. I will try and keep it brief.
Resorts: Cabana Bay is quite exceptional and I'm sure when Pop first opened it was fun and shiny and of course very family-friendly but CBR is just more enjoyable for my taste and needs. The standard rooms are interior which made it safer for a female solo traveler and of course no dark areas when walking from my room to the lobby area. The vanity area seems to be much bigger than at Pop and more lit-up. With it being an interior room, the large windows brought in that natural light which was so nice. Lobbies at both resorts are open and spacious but CBR has that more wow factor. Gift shops were pretty similar too with merchandise selection although I do like the fact that CBR's gift shop isn't connected to the food court. Which brings me to the food...quality is the same and I think prices are similar as well. The separate serving areas seemed to be more open at CBR. The food selection is by far more abundant at Pop. The grab-and-go items at Bayliner were seriously lacking. CBR's dining area was more spacious and open with rows of windows on either side bringing in that natural light and of course it was so much fun watching the old commercials while eating which added to the ambiance. I also felt staff were more friendly at CBR.
Rides: I love rides. I love the interactions and theming as well as a fun time on a roller coaster. I also love movies so I think Universal is the perfect mix. I feel as though I'm getting a ride and a show with them instead of just floating by animatronics. Universal does a great job of including the rider into the story. I understand that some Disney rides do this as well. Radiator Springs Racers at DLR is a perfect example of it being interactive but most of the time, the rider is just an observer.
Shows: Okay, so I'll admit that Disney puts on some pretty spectacular shows but Universal does not disappoint especially with the comedy. The Horror Make-Up show was my ultimate favorite and Beetlejuice from Graveyard Mash-Up was spot-on.
Characters: Universal characters definitely interact more than the ones at Disney. Rarely do Disney characters ask where I'm from and actually instigate a conversation. Being a solo it can be awkward with characters but with only one exception at USO (Shaggy) the characters I took pics with never seemed to be in any hurry to take the picture and then move along.
Clientele I'll state the obvious and say that there are far less young kids at Universal. Which was great for me since that meant very few strollers which eliminated a rather pesky obstacle when walking about. I saw more families with older kids and groups of adults. There was also many international visitors who were so friendly and helpful (I'm looking at you England!)
Please keep in mind that these comparisons come from a solo traveler with vision limitations so I understand that young families and couples may have a different view on things.