Clash of the Theme Parks Article - Universal vs. Disney

WaltsMartini

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A recent article in the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/business/universal-armed-with-cash-from-comcast-takes-aim-at-disney.html got me thinking about Universal.

Frankly, the article kind of ticked me off – the title “Clash of the Theme Parks” mistakenly led me to believe that we’d be hearing two sides of the story. (To be fair though, Disney did decline to comment.)

So – could Universal ever be a true contender – not just nipping at Disney’s heels, but actually taking away a significant portion of Disney’s market share? Below are some Universal pros and cons and thoughts on Disney’s reaction to this situation.

Cons for Universal:

Lack of Space to Expand – at least in Orlando. Check out Universal on google maps – now check out WDW. I’m assuming Universal owns the two long tracts of land south of Islands of Adventure; they also appear to have a parking lot (I’m assuming it’s staff parking) in the northwest corner of the property behind Universal Studios. But that’s it. There is most likely room for a third gate and one or two hotels, but then they’ve maxed out their space. WDW, on the other hand, has 43 square miles of infinite potential.

Lack of Things to Do – if you’ve been to Universal, how many days did you spend? Two, three? I doubt many people spend more than three. If Universal were to add a third gate, I could see needing up to four days. But as of right now, even three days can be a stretch.

Lack of Immersive Experience – Universal has three hotels; WDW has 22. There are far more choices to stay “on-site” at WDW, and there are also much cheaper hotel options at WDW. In addition, thanks to Magical Express, free dining deals, and special events throughout the year, WDW gives visitors incentive to never leave property.

Lack of Cohesive Branding – Universal to me has always felt like a hodge podge. I can ride a Simpsons ride, a Mummy roller coaster, and then head over to WWoHP – which are all neat, but what the heck do they have to do with each other? Thanks to Disney acting as not just a cohesive brand with its films, but also theming its lands so well (except for you, DHS), nothing feels random in the parks – rather, it feels (again) like an immersive experience.

Pros for Universal:

Ability to Expand into Foreign Markets – this is just conjecture on my part, but I’m assuming it’s probably cheaper for Universal to build a theme park than it is for Disney to build a theme park; therefore, Universal has the ability to more cheaply expand into foreign markets, for instance a planned Moscow park.

Pro or Con?

Audience – Disney markets itself as a true family destination, especially with their recent memories theme. They also target 5 – 9 year olds – the “golden years” I think I saw it explained somewhere. As a consequence, most families I know feel almost obligated to plan a trip to Disney World. Universal, on the other hand, seems like the perfect park for teens and for guys. My fiancée, who only goes to Disney when I drag him, put it perfectly – “I don’t care about all the theming – I just want a really good thrill ride.” He LOVES the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Spiderman ride, etc… and was disappointed by Expedition Everest and Space Mountain. Is this seemingly different demographic draw a pro or con, or just a wash?

What will Disney’s reaction be?

Disney has already reacted to WWoHP with its $500 million Fantasyland Expansion, overhaul of CA Adventure and addition of Cars Land, and announcing an Avatar themed land at AK (which I don’t think much of, but that's a whole other post).

I read recently that when IoA was opening, a major expansion was planned for each park. After IoA initially flopped, plans were shelved, though we did get Mission Space, which had been part of the plans. Should Universal begin to actually cut into Disney’s market share, perhaps it may entice Disney to do something with DHS and perhaps do some updating over at EPCOT (and before you post hate mail to me, please know that I love EPCOT just the way it is – but I notice that many families, especially those with young children, tend to think this is the park to skip.)

Another possible reaction is another theme park overseas. The BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – are the world’s fastest growing economies; there are two theme parks in China but nothing readily accessible to the others. Would Disney consider opening something in Brazil, Russia, or India? I’m doubtful, but then again I know next to nothing about the market for theme parks in these countries.

So – what are your thoughts?
 
It is all personal preference. I'd much rather spend 5 days at Universal than 5 days at WDW.

I do really, really like DL. Rides of different themes are squished up beside each other and no one seems to care. Not sure why it is such a crime at Universal but at DL it is perfectly fine.
 
I like both of the titans and hope that they continue to expand and try to outdo each other. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

I personally have no trouble spending several days at Universal. We usually for for just a bit over a week and split the time.
 
I love both Disney and Universal. If I had to choose just one destination for our Orlando visits from now on....Universal would win.

As the pp said I would much rather spend 5 days at Universal than 5 at Disney. Now if I have a whole 8-10 days that's different. I can totally experience, and feel I've got my moneys worth from, Disney. On site at Universal I can spend 6 days and feel like I've had the best of both worlds, a true "vacation" at a 5 star resort, excellent food, pool, atmosphere, etc and still have an exciting time with DD riding rides at a theme park.

Disney on the other hand, as much as I love it, I need more time. And that means more money. I like to have down time on vacation, it's hard to do that with 4 parks to take the little one to. Add in the expanded bus transportation time between the hotel, parks and restaurants and we don't enjoy having a "few days" at Disney as much as we do Universal, especially if your goal is to have a deluxe vacation on a budget.;)

Of course it could be the rides at UN appeal more to my thrill seeking DH and DD who is following in his footsteps (I on the other hand am way more a Pirates of the Caribbean than a Hulk coaster kinda girl LOL) we stayed on site at Universal 6 days in September and 5 more days earlier this month, we haven't gotten tired of anything at Universal yet...this time we bought season passes.
 

I love both, but I could easily spend 5-6 days at Universal..I actually did spend that many days and had PLENTY of time to see everything and relax too.It was what Disney was to me 20+ yrs ago..A nice vacation .I love Disney, but I never leave disney well-rested or relaxed and it takes me 7 days to do the parks and between resort prices escalating and ticket costs .It adds up.I did the same amount of days at Universal for a lot LESS money and felt like I HAD a vacation for once
 
I can easily spend 1 day exploring both Universal parks and Citywalk. I'd rather spend 5 days at Disney then Universal. I only ride 4 freaking rides at both Universal parks TBH.
 
Now coming from a family that lives in Florida and cab visit quite often, we choose Universal over Disney hands down. Years ago before IOA was added we used to do all the parks on each trip. But this was always a very tiring experience. Since the opening of IOA we have been dedicated to Universal. Yes we have made a few split stays but we always feel do tired after Disney.

The problem for us, Disney has grown so big with such huge overhead that the prices to spend enough time at their parks and resorts is not cheap. I cannot justify Disney AP's because they are extreamly expensive. Now Universal on the other hand is very reasonable to keep up with AP prices. Yes I know Disney has more parks, but still to much to juggle both.

The other reason we choose US is for the convenience. We stay onsite and everything is so close. Also you get the unlimited express and don't have to run around for fastpasses. Yes Disney has EMH but to our family this is more of an inconvenience. These are just our views. :thumbsup2
 
I can easily spend 1 day exploring both Universal parks and Citywalk. I'd rather spend 5 days at Disney then Universal. I only ride 4 freaking rides at both Universal parks TBH.

That is just like me but at WDW. I could easily do all four parks in a day if I could walk between them. My biggest problems with WDW are the huge amount of time wasted in transportation and the number of rides that I have absolutely no interest in riding but fill up most of the parks. Most of the attractions I have no desire to ride after riding them once because they are mostly just sit and watch rides. At Universal, the rides are much more innovative and there is so much more going on.

Again, it is all personal preference.
 
I enjoy both sides or Orlando the same. I love disney for what it offers and I love Universal for what it offers.

Last year we bought season passes to disney instead of buying Christmas gifts and it was the best gifts ever!

This year we decided to do Universal instead. Next year we plan on going back to disney. The plan is to alternate between the two year to year.
 
That is just like me but at WDW. I could easily do all four parks in a day if I could walk between them. My biggest problems with WDW are the huge amount of time wasted in transportation and the number of rides that I have absolutely no interest in riding but fill up most of the parks. Most of the attractions I have no desire to ride after riding them once because they are mostly just sit and watch rides. At Universal, the rides are much more innovative and there is so much more going on.

Again, it is all personal preference.

:scratchin: Aren't all rides sit and watch?
 
Ya but at Universal, you have to hang on!:cool1:

Mm hmm, and what about Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Rockin Rollercoaster, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Test Track, Dinosaur, Everest, and Kahali River Rapids?
 
Mm hmm, and what about Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Rockin Rollercoaster, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Test Track, Dinosaur, Everest, and Kahali River Rapids?

Those are the ones at WDW that are distributed over 4 parks that I would ride...take out Space Mountain though. That is an awful coaster.
 
Those are the ones at WDW that are distributed over 4 parks that I would ride...take out Space Mountain though. That is an awful coaster.

Quick question: You like DL but don't like WDW? Sorry to get a little off topic, but I don't get it.
 
I have to agree, while I don't dislike WDW, I enjoy DL much more. I hate all of that time trying to get from park to park at WDW. I think Fantasyland at DL is truly whimsical & magical. I like strolling across the walkway to enter CA after spending the morning at DL. IMHO, it is easier to enjoy the Disney experience at DL.
I think everyone should experience WDW, it is amazing. I prefer just having the 2 parks to make my way through.
 
That is just like me but at WDW. I could easily do all four parks in a day if I could walk between them. My biggest problems with WDW are the huge amount of time wasted in transportation and the number of rides that I have absolutely no interest in riding but fill up most of the parks. Most of the attractions I have no desire to ride after riding them once because they are mostly just sit and watch rides. At Universal, the rides are much more innovative and there is so much more going on.

Again, it is all personal preference.

I totally agree about the transportation thing - we usually don't even bother with a park hopper at WDW because travel times take so long. I had my first DLR trip last year and I think that may be by new favorite park - you can walk everywhere!

I have to laugh on the boards when people say that certain DLR hotels aren't walking distance, when it's really about 15 minutes. That's how long it takes to walk to the bus stop and pick up all the other stops at some of the WDW resorts - and after that you still have to drive to the park!
 
Quick question: You like DL but don't like WDW? Sorry to get a little off topic, but I don't get it.

At DL, everything is right there...you don't have to take any transportation between parks---just like at Universal Orlando. You walk to everything. You aren't wasting time standing and waiting for a bus all the time.

I find the rides much superior. Space Mountain is great, Indiana Jones is great, Screamin is great. They don't waste park space with filler so that you have to walk forever between rides. They are nicely spaced together. Prices are lower than at WDW. You don't have to make ADRs forever in advance.

It is just a much better value for your money and much more fun, IMO. I also prefer the Cast Members. It isn't this "magical day" stuff all the time.
 
-Lack of Things to Do

-Lack of Immersive Experience

-Lack of Cohesive Branding

None of these things are cons/issues for me.
 
At DL, everything is right there...you don't have to take any transportation between parks---just like at Universal Orlando. You walk to everything. You aren't wasting time standing and waiting for a bus all the time.

I find the rides much superior. Space Mountain is great, Indiana Jones is great, Screamin is great. They don't waste park space with filler so that you have to walk forever between rides. They are nicely spaced together. Prices are lower than at WDW. You don't have to make ADRs forever in advance.

It is just a much better value for your money and much more fun, IMO. I also prefer the Cast Members. It isn't this "magical day" stuff all the time.

I can understand that. IMO Im fine with having to drive to another park, personal opinion then. Oh, but actually WDW is now cheaper on a lot of things :rotfl::rotfl:
 
Pro or Con?

Audience – Disney markets itself as a true family destination, especially with their recent memories theme. They also target 5 – 9 year olds – the “golden years” I think I saw it explained somewhere. As a consequence, most families I know feel almost obligated to plan a trip to Disney World. Universal, on the other hand, seems like the perfect park for teens and for guys. My fiancée, who only goes to Disney when I drag him, put it perfectly – “I don’t care about all the theming – I just want a really good thrill ride.” He LOVES the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Spiderman ride, etc… and was disappointed by Expedition Everest and Space Mountain. Is this seemingly different demographic draw a pro or con, or just a wash?

I would think that Disney might be the winner here, when you think of overall spending.

A teenager or general thrill seeker is going to (usually) go to the parks, ride the thrills, eat and maybe grab a t shirt or other similar souvenir.

A family is going to go to the parks, and (again, usually) spend a whole lot more money on stuffed animals, photo packages, etc.

So, if you can bring a family, especially one with young children, into your establishment, you stand to gain a lot more financially.
 


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