Can new Harry Potter attraction put Universal on par with Disney as a vacation destin

[Pink Flamingo]

I am more afraid that by gaining WWOHP Universal will lose that which made it special to so many. ....I just dont want Universal to turn into a vacation I have to plan a year in advance and go commado style once I get there. Does anyone else share this concern.

I'm totally with you. One of the reasons I love Universal is that I don't have to "go commando" while on vacation. I'm hoping once the initial WWoHP craze dies down things will return to a more relaxed pace.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

Darn that wizard!

That's what I thought too, but we're staying Fri - Fri this next week at HRH for $129/night weekdays and $149/night weekends.

 

[black562]

I was just pricing rooms for September and the lowest was $219 a night, plus tax, plus parking, etc...and a two night package with two parks for one day costs close to $700. I'm doing 10 nights at Disney, with tickets, hoppers and dining for only $2,300 for both of us.

I was almost ready to pull the trigger on rooms until I read that they nickel and dime everything...I mean why would they charge $15 a day to park at a hotel???

 

[lildamo]

I was just pricing rooms for September and the lowest was $219 a night, plus tax, plus parking, etc...and a two night package with two parks for one day costs close to $700. I'm doing 10 nights at Disney, with tickets, hoppers and dining for only $2,300 for both of us.

I was almost ready to pull the trigger on rooms until I read that they nickel and dime everything...I mean why would they charge $15 a day to park at a hotel???

Disney does too, they just include it in everybody's room cost, and since they charge everybody, the increase per person is smaller. Instead, Universal only charges those who have cars to park and don't upcharge those without vehicles.

 

[damo]

Judging from the prices for the resorts this summer, I'd say that ship has sailed. We paid $134/night for HRH in January. This summer, it would cost over double that amount and that's with their stay more/pay less deal. Darn that wizard!

We're paying $125/night at the RPR next week. We've got a second room at $139/night.

 

[BrerFoxx]

I believe that Uni and Disney stand above other competitors in the theme park industry. Hence, they will always be compared. Personally, I love both but I prefer Uni over Disney. I hope that WWOHP brings in additional profits that Uni can use with its creative talents to come up with new rides and overall additions to the resort.

 

[Disney Padawan]

I believe that Uni and Disney stand above other competitors in the theme park industry. Hence, they will always be compared. Personally, I love both but I prefer Uni over Disney. I hope that WWOHP brings in additional profits that Uni can use with its creative talents to come up with new rides and overall additions to the resort.

That's what I've been saying too! This is what UO needs and wants. And if we get a 3rd gate out of all this extra revenue, then we all win!!!

 

[Pats Dragon]

Yes!!!Our family has been dis addicts for years but each year lately we become more disillusioned. Tickets cost a lot for a short stay and a long stay isn't as doable due to the outrageous increases. (I think 152 for pop is outrageous). All universal has to do is friendly up the parks a bit and they will win the park war.

 

[nmartin]

I am more afraid that by gaining WWOHP Universal will lose that which made it special to so many. That is the opportunity to have a stress free overall vacation experience. I think people are truly underestimating what the crowd level will be with HP.
Maybe I am selfish but I really do not want Uni/IOa to compete attendencewise with WDW. I enjoy low priced 4 and five star onsite accomedations for about the same price as a disney value. I usually get there at rope drop but sometimes like to sleep in knowing with FOTL I can sleep in and not worry about 2-3 hr waits for rides. I like knowing that even during busy seasons I can leave the park and go back to HRH and not worry that the park may reach capacity and prevent my returning.I hate having to make dining plans 6 months in advance. I just dont want Universal to turn into a vacation I have to plan a year in advance and go commado style once I get there. Does anyone else share this concern.

I have not been to US but that was what I was looking forward to the most! We are going for the first time at the end of August.

 

[scottmel]

i am anxious to see us in action. First time visit next month and so far my cast member impression is not so hot. Having been a disney lover forever, I come to expect certain things. US reminds me so far of a backwoods folksy kind of place where the people are real nice but are just not prepared for the onslaught that is about to occur. Below is my hour of life I spent trying to get reservations for MYthos, etc. Again, you call disney, one number, you get your entire vacation organized with meals in 10 mminutes. Not so at us...

I will never complain about Disney Cast members. Below has been my last 30 minutes with Universal.

Call the "dine line" and I use that term loosely.

1. I tell them I am 32 days out from my Mama Dellas reservation - and understand I can't book until day 30 but can I book for Mythos as today is day 30. She tells me to call Mythos directly.

2. i call Mythos and get a recording if I want to book a dining reservation call another number or if I am a cast member calling off work call another number.

3. Call the recommended number. they can only help me with LuNCH at mythos. For dinner I need to call Mythos directly. Hmmmm...ok you have twisted my arm for lunch to simply my life. I book lunch. Asks can she help me w/ anything else? I say well the rest of my ADRs are more than 30 days out. No problem she says. Asks what I want...She then keeps me on hold while we transfer to Portofino for Mama Dellas.

4. THE SAME LADY - Pat - that answered moments ago that said I have to call back on day 30, easily took this information on day 32. So I booked that.

5. So then I mention that I would at some point maybe like a Mythos DINNEr and am advised to call LATER when the chef is in to make the reservations for dinner????

I am happy to hang up at least knowing I have Mythos for lunch - no reservation number, nothing. Just last name...And Mama Dellas for dinner. Anything else beyond this is too much for me to try to attempt!!!!!

 

[damo]

i am anxious to see us in action. First time visit next month and so far my cast member impression is not so hot. Having been a disney lover forever, I come to expect certain things. US reminds me so far of a backwoods folksy kind of place where the people are real nice but are just not prepared for the onslaught that is about to occur. Below is my hour of life I spent trying to get reservations for MYthos, etc. Again, you call disney, one number, you get your entire vacation organized with meals in 10 mminutes. Not so at us...

I will never complain about Disney Cast members. Below has been my last 30 minutes with Universal.

Call the "dine line" and I use that term loosely.

1. I tell them I am 32 days out from my Mama Dellas reservation - and understand I can't book until day 30 but can I book for Mythos as today is day 30. She tells me to call Mythos directly.

2. i call Mythos and get a recording if I want to book a dining reservation call another number or if I am a cast member calling off work call another number.

3. Call the recommended number. they can only help me with LuNCH at mythos. For dinner I need to call Mythos directly. Hmmmm...ok you have twisted my arm for lunch to simply my life. I book lunch. Asks can she help me w/ anything else? I say well the rest of my ADRs are more than 30 days out. No problem she says. Asks what I want...She then keeps me on hold while we transfer to Portofino for Mama Dellas.

4. THE SAME LADY - Pat - that answered moments ago that said I have to call back on day 30, easily took this information on day 32. So I booked that.

5. So then I mention that I would at some point maybe like a Mythos DINNEr and am advised to call LATER when the chef is in to make the reservations for dinner????

I am happy to hang up at least knowing I have Mythos for lunch - no reservation number, nothing. Just last name...And Mama Dellas for dinner. Anything else beyond this is too much for me to try to attempt!!!!!

Lol. We usually just make reservations the morning of. It has never been necessary before. It is very different from Disney in that respect.

 

[scottmel]

I just don't think us is geared up to handle the onslaught that is about to come. no clue........which in a way I think will help WDW keep the crowds this summer....

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I like the themeing, service, and food better at Disney. I think Universal may have better rides though.

 

[FayeW]

OP, have you been under a rock? The Universal parks are already a vacation destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year! Universal is the reason we go to Orlando...WDW is just something else we do while we are there, and how much time we spend at those parks varies from stay to stay. We always spend 3-5 days at the Universal parks.

 

[phamton]

Call the "dine line" and I use that term loosely.

1. I tell them I am 32 days out from my Mama Dellas reservation - and understand I can't book until day 30 but can I book for Mythos as today is day 30. She tells me to call Mythos directly.

The reason is because Universal isn't geared for reservations for days ahead. It is necessary to get reservation at least 30 days out for Disney because of the free dining. At Universal, 90% are just walk ins for dining. 5% make the reservation at the dining window in Citywalk on the way to the parks that day and less than 1% call for reservations more than a day earlier than their planned visit. In fact many of the restaurants do not even accept reservations for dinner after 5:00 PM.

I personally love it that way. I have never made reservations and have been able to walk into even Emerils and Mythos. The only time I have ever been turned down as a walk-in at any restaurant was once at Margaritaville because of a private event being held there. But being a local, going to eat at Disney can be a nightmare. I don't plan my visit 30 days in advance. I just go to the Disney parks on a whim and it is often hard to get into anywhere without a reservation. Before the free dining was offered at Disney, I could usually walk up to any restaurant and get in at Disney but not anymore. My idea of fun is not counting off the days for when I can call for a reservation. What if on that day, I didn't feel like getting up early to eat at Chef Mickey's but didn't dare miss it since I had booked 30 days in advance? Personally I like the ease of eating where I want and whatever time I feel like eating. I can do that at Universal.

 

[marivaid]

If you're looking at attendance alone, I don't see how Universal could be on par with Disney. It's got nothing to do with the quality of the parks, it's simply a question of size and space. People would be standing on top of each other! WDW is so much bigger, US and IoA could not possibly handle those numbers. Of course if US added a third, or even fourth (!) park, now we'd be talkin. They need more resorts too but unless Universal buys off I-Drive (wouldn't be a huge loss) I don't know where they would put all that.

scottmel, you don't need to make reservations that far in advance. It's one thing I enjoyed when I planned my trip to Universal, I don't need to decide months in advance where I'm going to eat! During the summers we were not in WDW we enjoyed popping over to Citywalk for dinner and never needed a reservation.

 

[scottmel]

The reason is because Universal isn't geared for reservations for days ahead. It is necessary to get reservation at least 30 days out for Disney because of the free dining. At Universal, 90% are just walk ins for dining. 5% make the reservation at the dining window in Citywalk on the way to the parks that day and less than 1% call for reservations more than a day earlier than their planned visit. In fact many of the restaurants do not even accept reservations for dinner after 5:00 PM.

I personally love it that way. I have never made reservations and have been able to walk into even Emerils and Mythos. The only time I have ever been turned down as a walk-in at any restaurant was once at Margaritaville because of a private event being held there. But being a local, going to eat at Disney can be a nightmare. I don't plan my visit 30 days in advance. I just go to the Disney parks on a whim and it is often hard to get into anywhere without a reservation. Before the free dining was offered at Disney, I could usually walk up to any restaurant and get in at Disney but not anymore. My idea of fun is not counting off the days for when I can call for a reservation. What if on that day, I didn't feel like getting up early to eat at Chef Mickey's but didn't dare miss it since I had booked 30 days in advance? Personally I like the ease of eating where I want and whatever time I feel like eating. I can do that at Universal.

30 days out???? Wouldn't get many good choices at disney in that narrow time frame. i make my dining reservations 180 days in advance....I just think Universal staff is in for a rude awakening with potter fans pour in. Waiting 30 days out to make a reservation, I don't have an issue with. Obviously the place is not as large as disney or demand would dictate a longer window. But for the love of all things holy, they ought to have people giving the same answer pretty much. This trip will be interesting. I feel already it will be my one and only universal trip but I hope I am wrong.

 

[phamton]

The thing is that Disney owns all of their restaurants and central dining can accommodate that. Most of the restaurants on Universal property are not owned by them. Each restuarant sets it's own rules on how many days out that reservations can be made. If you stop by the dining cart on your way in, they can easily make reservations for you at almost eveyr restaurant. If you call 30 days out, they can't do that and they must transfer you to the restaurant itself.

Even with Harry Potter fans streaming in, it will not be necessary to make a reservation that early.

 

[Metro West]

I personally love it that way. I have never made reservations and have been able to walk into even Emerils and Mythos. The only time I have ever been turned down as a walk-in at any restaurant was once at Margaritaville because of a private event being held there. But being a local, going to eat at Disney can be a nightmare. I don't plan my visit 30 days in advance. I just go to the Disney parks on a whim and it is often hard to get into anywhere without a reservation. Before the free dining was offered at Disney, I could usually walk up to any restaurant and get in at Disney but not anymore. My idea of fun is not counting off the days for when I can call for a reservation. What if on that day, I didn't feel like getting up early to eat at Chef Mickey's but didn't dare miss it since I had booked 30 days in advance? Personally I like the ease of eating where I want and whatever time I feel like eating. I can do that at Universal.

Even the thought of having to plan when and where you want to eat 180 days in advance is just silly to me. But I understand why people do it...they have to if they want to eat somewhere nice. I rarely ever eat a heavy lunch or breakfast so it's all counter service and that's fine with me.

 

[nmartin]

i am anxious to see us in action. First time visit next month and so far my cast member impression is not so hot. Having been a disney lover forever, I come to expect certain things. US reminds me so far of a backwoods folksy kind of place where the people are real nice but are just not prepared for the onslaught that is about to occur. Below is my hour of life I spent trying to get reservations for MYthos, etc. Again, you call disney, one number, you get your entire vacation organized with meals in 10 mminutes. Not so at us...

I will never complain about Disney Cast members. Below has been my last 30 minutes with Universal.

Call the "dine line" and I use that term loosely.

1. I tell them I am 32 days out from my Mama Dellas reservation - and understand I can't book until day 30 but can I book for Mythos as today is day 30. She tells me to call Mythos directly.

2. i call Mythos and get a recording if I want to book a dining reservation call another number or if I am a cast member calling off work call another number.

3. Call the recommended number. they can only help me with LuNCH at mythos. For dinner I need to call Mythos directly. Hmmmm...ok you have twisted my arm for lunch to simply my life. I book lunch. Asks can she help me w/ anything else? I say well the rest of my ADRs are more than 30 days out. No problem she says. Asks what I want...She then keeps me on hold while we transfer to Portofino for Mama Dellas.

4. THE SAME LADY - Pat - that answered moments ago that said I have to call back on day 30, easily took this information on day 32. So I booked that.

5. So then I mention that I would at some point maybe like a Mythos DINNEr and am advised to call LATER when the chef is in to make the reservations for dinner????

I am happy to hang up at least knowing I have Mythos for lunch - no reservation number, nothing. Just last name...And Mama Dellas for dinner. Anything else beyond this is too much for me to try to attempt!!!!!

I too found that booking meals was a little more labour intensive than at WDW. Every time I called I had to leave a message and they were always quick to return my phone call but I was always unavailable. After a week of "playing phone tag" I finally spoke to Maureen (she was wonderful). I am a little worried about the 30 day reservation mark. I am not going until the end of August and I was able to book at Mythos, NBA, Finnegans, and Margarittaville a few weeks ago. Finnegans and Mytho were only taking lunch reservations at the time but that is ok with me so I booked. I will have to call back and confirm closer to the date.