Am I the Only One Who Thinks Disney is Failing In Its Progression Vs. Universal

[Running_Bell]

I love Disney for all it is... and all it isn't. If it were about 'thrill' rides... it would just be another amusment park. Disney is more than that.

 

[Planogirl]

I do not feel this way at all. In fact, all of the Universal rides you mentioned remind me of an already existing (or retired) Disney ride. I don't see any innovention there at all...Simpsons - Star Tours, Body Wars, Soarin' (to an extent), etc., Harry Potter - Sum of All Thrills, Mummy - Any Coaster...

The Mummy isn't just a coaster. Actually that's just one small element of the attraction.

As for simulators, those didn't start at Disney either nor did the Sum of All Thrills technology. I prefer to think of it as the themeparks taking existing technology and using it in creative ways.

 

[Birdman1511]

Hmmmm....okay Mr. Latecomer with your overly-simplified theory and solution after some people spent hours here trying to say something and barely arrived at a decent point....YOU REALLY HAVE SOMETHING HERE. Two large thrill rides would do it for me....one at Epcot and one at Animal Kingdom. Of course, if we are drawing up dreams here, the timeline would have to be by summer of 2012, but this would really show progress....IMHO

Haha hey, what can I say? I like to make a fashionably late entrance.. But you get the idea. I think two large thrill rides would do the trick for a lot of people, and Epcot and AK are the perfect parks to do it.... Summer 2012 sounds about right, i mean... IMO thats all Disney would need to do to add a few more steps ahead of Universal

 

[mariepapa]

I don't understand why they don't do more with the Pixar division. The movies are top notch and have stood the test of time. In fact, those are the only really quality movies that are coming out of Disney at the moment. A Monsters Inc. ride would be great.

The new real estate vacation home lots they are selling for 1.5-8 million. Those are just ludicrous! Scrap that and maybe do another moderate resort.

I have said before that I would like to see WDW stay more family oriented in its rides, I cannot do the majority, if not all of the ones at Universal. I like being able to go to WDW and do most of the rides. At least I don't get bored for the amount of money I am spending!

Just my $.02...

 

[Donut23]

Disney has been basing decision on the competition for years now. The problem is that Disney has not been raising many bars lately. In many cases they are even failing to meet the standards that they themselves created.

To the OP: No, you are not the only one who feels this way. Many longtime fans have been very upset at how Disney, but WDW in particular, has been run over the past few years.

DH and I stand right along side with your opinions. You are not alone. The huddled masses are right here with you.

I will even go as far as to say......

We Dis'ers, who go often, are better judges than anyone. Those of us who truly LOVE disney for all the pixie dust and fantasy also are the ones who have the courage to stand up and say....WE LOVE YOU DISNEY......but you are getting shabby and lazy.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Yep. Pretty much you're the only one.

Another vote for Yes here.

 

[d1gitman]

I don't understand why they don't do more with the Pixar division. The movies are top notch and have stood the test of time. In fact, those are the only really quality movies that are coming out of Disney at the moment. A Monsters Inc. ride would be great. They have one in CA, it's cute. I think over time there will be more Pixar attractions. However, as i previously posted, Toy Story DOES have a lot of real estate in the Disney Parks. Cars is getting it's own land in CA.
The new real estate vacation home lots they are selling for 1.5-8 million. Those are just ludicrous! Scrap that and maybe do another moderate resort. I think they are intended as more than a vacation home, rather a full time residence. However, I'd be willing to be that many people wiht that kind of coin won't be making WDW their primary residence. As much as i wish i had the money to live there, i think it's a mistake that Disney is putting a neighborhood on property.

I have said before that I would like to see WDW stay more family oriented in its rides, I cannot do the majority, if not all of the ones at Universal. I like being able to go to WDW and do most of the rides. At least I don't get bored for the amount of money I am spending! I don't have any fear that Disney will steer away from being family friendly. I think that's why we don't see extreme coasters and rides going in as fast as some would like.
Just my $.02...

.

 

[bolognehead]

I think you are. IMO

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I'm told that DVC'ers don't actually make Disney much money beyond the initial investment. I haven't seen any hard numbers though.

I do hope that Disney builds a few more resorts. Another moderate would be great.

Disney makes money from DVC owners because by buying we are committing to visiting many times over the next 40-50 years. That means buying park admission, food, merchandise, buying more points as the family grows, etc.
They don't need to spend marketing dollars on us or offer discounts because they have our business.

And totally agree on a new mod. Hopefully after my other wish of a DVC addition at the Poly!

 

[Feralpeg]

For those who think that Universal is just thrill rides, I think you are mistaken. I don't like thrill rides. I don't ride coasters, yet I find an amazing number of things to do at US and IOA.

If I go to AK, I don't ride Everest. I do Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safari and the rest of the time I spend looking at things and enjoying the shows. That's how I do IOA. I do just a few non-thrill rides and enjoy the shows.

The shows at US are great. I adore the Monster Makeup show and the Graveyard Review.

I certainly don't consider Twister, Terminator, ET or Jaws thrill rides. They are pretty tame. Bilge Rat Barges at IOA is a blast and something for both adults and kids. Both parks have very nice areas for the little kids. At US, the Curious George water area is great. They also have the Fievel and Barney areas as well as the Woody Woodpecker coaster (very similar to Barnstormer). Of course, IOA has Seuss Landing for the little ones.

If people would just give Universal a chance, they might find that they like it. I just find it sad that people are so fanatic about Disney that they reject anything else without giving it a chance. I have annual passes to WDW, Universal, Sea World and Busch Gardens. I love them all for their differences. Disney will always be special to me because I grew up a Disney fan, but I can appreciate the other parks as well.

 

[Figment632]

No Potterland will not effect WDW at all if anything it will bring more people to WDW. ANd Potterland is more similar to FLE than people think. 1 new ride and 2 rethemed.

 

[Bradsdadg]

The ride was re-themed in that way b/c of the classic disney movie from 1945, the Three Caballeros. The movie had donald and the other two birds exploring Mexico and South America. So in that way, it does go with the Mexico theme. But for those who haven't seen the movie, I can see where the confusion is.

Oh I know what you are saying. But still, to me it doesn't fit in with Epcot. Or trying to get a real feel/theme of Mexico. If the Donald aspect of it was in MK that would be one thing. But every other country in Epcot tries to be authentic and not cartoonish.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

There is nothing dirty about Universal parks. They are as clean and maybe even fresher looking that the WDW parks. I visit both on a regular basis since I live within a few minutes of both. Also, most of the people I see at Universal are not teenagers.

By the way, the British seem to LOVE Universal. Try asking about it on the UK board. I think you'll find that many come to Florida in part because of Universal.

It never ceases to amaze me. As soon as someone brings up a thread comparing WDW to Universal, there are those that think they have to bash Universal. Both WDW and Universal have great parks. One can like Universal and not be disloyal to WDW.

Every time I have been to US/IOA I have stepped over trash as I go through the lines. Some trashcans were filthy and overflowing. Some smelled like they hadn't been emptied for days. Don't remember foul odors at WDW. It seems to me management has not instilled a sense of pride in staff to take care of the park like WDW has. The place does not have a paint every day look like WDW, but a we can put off touching up yet another year if we dim the lights a little look.
I would put US at about a 3 or 4 on cleanliness and WDW at an 8 or 9. I have heard people who have been there recently say the same thing.
I am not out to bash Universal. I am stating my thoughts which is what this thread is about. No need to get upset if people who do not see things the way you do.

 

[nytimez]

I'm told that DVC'ers don't actually make Disney much money beyond the initial investment. I haven't seen any hard numbers though.

Told by who? DVC represents 10 percent of all park and resort profit, and 20 percent of all the profit growth in parks and resorts, according to Morgan Stanley.

Disney isn't a charity -- they wouldn't be doing any of this if they weren't making money.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I'm not trying to put words in your mouth or anything and I apologize in my implication is wrong, but it seems implied that we teenagers are annoying? Please don't go there, now I'm not trying to be rude but I'm not a person who does well with children, unfortunately I have a short patience span when it comes to the young ones. So I can turn around and say that I don't want to go to Disney cause it's full of kids, and that is not true, I would never single out an age group to stop me from going to a park.

I've met a very good amount of Europeans that have preference to Universal to Disney and in the many times I've been to Universal I've seen the same amount of tour groups I've seen at a Disney park.

Honestly I don't think the two are all that comparable, they are both on different levels. They both go for different crowds, one is more family oriented and one is more thrill seeker oriented. And frankly I like both, Universal has all the thrills you can't find elsewhere and Disney has that magic touch you can't find elsewhere. My point, they are both great parks in their own ways.

I was not at all thinking teenagers are annoying--I am a mom of a few and volunteer with the youth at church whenever I can.
My thought was that US develops new thrill rides to target teenagers whereas families will always be having babies to bring to WDW to experience the ageless attractions like Pooh, Dumbo, and yes even It's a Small World.
I agree with your last paragraph.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I have never been to Universal so I can't compare Disney to Universal. I have been (and continue to go) to other amusement parks like Six Flags, Cedar Point, Waterworld, and local amusement parks. Disney does not have the thrill rides that these other parks have. Disney does not have the fastest roller coaster. That is a fact. Disney does have a more diverse amount of attractions though and they are done quite well. Disneyworld for me is a place to stroll, enjoy, watch, and sometimes ride a fast ride. I do think Disney is introducing more up to date attractions but part of the enjoyment for me is enjoying the 'older' attractions (Carousel of Progress anyone???).

I obviously love Disney but I will say I am disappointed in 2 (sort of) new rides they put in. The nemo ride at the living seas. We are watching snippets of the movie. Very unexciting in my opinion. The second one is Toy Story Mania. It's ok, but I think Buzz Lightyear blows it away. So I don't understand why their 'new' attractions have not been all that great.

 

[Feralpeg]

Every time I have been to US/IOA I have stepped over trash as I go through the lines. Some trashcans were filthy and overflowing. Some smelled like they hadn't been emptied for days. Don't remember foul odors at WDW. It seems to me management has not instilled a sense of pride in staff to take care of the park like WDW has. The place does not have a paint every day look like WDW, but a we can put off touching up yet another year if we dim the lights a little look.
I would put US at about a 3 or 4 on cleanliness and WDW at an 8 or 9. I have heard people who have been there recently say the same thing.
I am not out to bash Universal. I am stating my thoughts which is what this thread is about. No need to get upset if people who do not see things the way you do.

Wow! We must be visiting different Universal parks. Universal is spotless. I never see or smell trash. They touch up the paint on attractions on a nightly basis. I know this because I have very good friends who work there. I don't go at night, so there is no dimming of the lights to hide imperfections. And, just to be fair, try taking a look at some of the walls around Disney parks. They could use some sprucing up as well. I'm not bashing Disney. It is impossible to keep everything perfect all the time.

The only time I've seen trash at Universal is during their big Mardi Gras celebration or after one of their concerts. It takes a few minutes for them to clean things up once the crowds move out. It reminds me of MK right after Wishes. There is trash on the street that the CMs are cleaning up as quickly as possible.

I am not upset. I'm also just stating facts. I go to Universal at least once a month. If fact, I'm going over later today. I don't know when you last visited Universal, but I suggest you take another look.

 

[Planogirl]

DH and I stand right along side with your opinions. You are not alone. The huddled masses are right here with you.

I will even go as far as to say......

We Dis'ers, who go often, are better judges than anyone. Those of us who truly LOVE disney for all the pixie dust and fantasy also are the ones who have the courage to stand up and say....WE LOVE YOU DISNEY......but you are getting shabby and lazy.

The flip side to that might be that the group here is biased like no other. Well-informed but biased.

The uninformed huddled masses go to WDW as kind of a rite of passage IMO and don't really know that Disney hasn't been trying or that things aren't as well-polished as they once were. We might see it but our devotion makes it irrelevant.

 

[jimmymac]

I do not feel this way at all. In fact, all of the Universal rides you mentioned remind me of an already existing (or retired) Disney ride. I don't see any innovention there at all...Simpsons - Star Tours, Body Wars, Soarin' (to an extent), etc., Harry Potter - Sum of All Thrills, Mummy - Any Coaster...

How many suns are there on the the planet you inhabit?

 

[Planogirl]

Told by who? DVC represents 10 percent of all park and resort profit, and 20 percent of all the profit growth in parks and resorts, according to Morgan Stanley.

Disney isn't a charity -- they wouldn't be doing any of this if they weren't making money.

Supposedly, the income is mostly from selling the DVC but an already existing DVC account makes little money for Disney. I don't know but this has been a point of discussion on the rumor and news boards in the distant past.