Come on, Disney! Step it up already.

[KapBoy77]

If Disney would go ahead and create the Star Wars universe that everyone of us wants they could big time take a huge leap ahead.

I mean can you imagine!? Having lunch in the Cantina? Just having Storm Troopers and various aliens randomly walking around would be so awesome. There are so many possibilities with this that I can't believe they will not jump at the chance.

The small section they have now is great and it's not even a fraction of what can be done.

By the way I really think all this Avatar stuff is taking away precious time and resources from what people actually and really want. Star Wars.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I mean can you imagine!? Having lunch in the Cantina? Just having Storm Troopers and various aliens randomly walking around would be so awesome.

Yes please!!!!!!!!!!

A whole section of the park that would be like SWW all the time?!

 

[MelissathePooh]

I think the problem is when people want to constantly compare the two - they are both theme parks, but they are very different and really neither trys to be the same It isn't a case of keeping up with the Jones's - they do what they want. Universal seems to be doing a little more of what the majority of people want and Disney sticks with its old Princesses for girls and Pirates for boys model.

I am a lifelong Disney guest and DVC owner. We love Disney, but I have to give a nod to Universal for understanding their target guest experience. Universal doesn't try to outdo Disney or be Disney - they just try to be the forefront of technology and use what space they have to make sure their guests have the best experience possible. They don't have to deal with the numbers Disney deals with and the resorts don't have to - Universal and their resorts can do more for their guests.

We started with a Scooby character dinner one night during ds6 Scooby phase. One step into their "value" resorts lobby and we realized that it was beyond anything offered at WDW. It was not campy or kitchy - it was a really nice hotel. We then ventured our next trip to add 2 nights at RPH. We were hooked. The service was amazing, the FOTL pass unmatched by anything Disney could do, and the parks - we all four had a ball.

There are enough playgrounds and water playgrounds, exciting smaller kid attractions, tons of characters (that you don't have to stalk and fight to see). I will say that it is more of a long weekend place for us - the perfect weekend vacation, but I can easily see the benefit to staying at Universal and driving to Disney vs the opposite.

HRH is outstanding and our family favorite. We were just there for Labor Day weekend and are heading down for MLK. None of that means I don't still love Disney, but there really are things that Universal just does better because they can (smaller).

I will say a couple of direct comparisons though - Kali River stinks and shouldn't be compared to anything. Its beautifully themed, but about 1/4 the length it should be. Popeye is just more fun even though theming is a bit less in your face. Now Grizzly River in DCA beats the pants off both!

Butterbeer - kicks LeFou's foammy backside. I can tolerate about 3 sips of the overly sweet and then too sour frozen apple juice before I'vd had to just throw it away. I'll make multiple special trips for a butterbeer when we're at IOA. Now that is personal opinion, but I hate LeFou's brew.

As to the longevity of Harry Potter and Spiderman - HP has become a "new" classic and will withstand the test of time without doubt. Spiderman shouldn't have to prove himself to anyone! I'm pretty sure LOTR was not in that mix as I'm hoping whoever said that does realize there were books before the movies - although in today's world you never can tell! I hated Avatar as a movie - loathe the idea of an entire world at Disney dedicated to something most have already forgotten. I'm sure they will do an amazing job with it, but would so much rather have seen something different. Now, Star Wars Galaxy - I can only hope and pray they don't squander that which they have been given (or bought)...I would quite possible move down there for that one! I'd still go to Universal on the weekends though

 

[Colleen27]

I think some of this buzz works against Universal in a way. I know several "Disney families" (regulars) who want to try US/IoA because of their new attractions but who keep kicking the can down the road because they want to see it all... So instead of going now, for HP, they're waiting on Transformers or the HP expansion, because they don't intend to become US regulars. If Universal gets Middle Earth, I'll bet those same people will hold off on US until that is complete.

But that aside, I think any major Orlando theme park development is a positive for Disney because it is a dollars-and-cents motivator to bring their "A game" to future projects.

 

[disprincess4ever]

Personally I compair Disney to a classy woman dressed in a ball gown and universal to a girl at the nightclub in a miniskirt. Universal is geared more for the young adult, while disney is family friendly and timeless classy, not new and edgy like universal. Universal will never have the name status that disney does. Yes I liked Harry potter world, but that one small section of the park was not impressive enough to get me to go back in the future. Disney is a tale as old as time...I want to be there everyday.

 

[DaisyD]

I love Disney but I have to admit, it is definitely falling behind. It is looking more and more like a 6 Flags without the thrill rides. The rides have gotten run down looking, the parks aren't as clean, the stuff is breaking left and right. DHS has got to be the most boring theme park out there. Can they not put in new movies in the Great Movie ride? The only good thing about that park is Toy Story. We happened to see the new PoTC attraction in there and everyone was like, was that it? Seriously? There was so much more that could have been done to that attraction but it took some money and disney wasn't going to put out.

Universal used to be just thrill rides but now they theme VERY WELL. You can be totally immersed as you walk through that park now. While it was never my favorite park, it is quickly rising to that with the new stuff they keep putting in and keeping mine and my family's interests.

I'm excited to hear they will have LotR.

 

[alecshawn]

Yawn,,,,,,thats what i think about this thread.

 

[Peter Fan]

I love Disney but I have to admit, it is definitely falling behind. It is looking more and more like a 6 Flags without the thrill rides. The rides have gotten run down looking, the parks aren't as clean, the stuff is breaking left and right. DHS has got to be the most boring theme park out there. Can they not put in new movies in the Great Movie ride? The only good thing about that park is Toy Story. We happened to see the new PoTC attraction in there and everyone was like, was that it? Seriously? There was so much more that could have been done to that attraction but it took some money and disney wasn't going to put out.

Universal used to be just thrill rides but now they theme VERY WELL. You can be totally immersed as you walk through that park now. While it was never my favorite park, it is quickly rising to that with the new stuff they keep putting in and keeping mine and my family's interests.

I'm excited to hear they will have LotR.

I agree!

 

[damo]

Before Harry Potter, US/IOA occasionally offered free passes to FL teachers. That was the last time my husband and I were there. We had fun-- don't get me wrong-- but we always found the experience better at WDW. Better attention to detail, better attention to service, better everything. So we were willing to shell out considerably more $ for Disney APs for several years.

Right now, we are excitedly anticipating our son's (now 6 mos old) first trip to Disney World (probably around his first birthday). It is a rite of passage that has no equal at Universal. I think that no matter what happens, the "first trip" rite of passage will always be a major point in Disney's favor.

That said, I can also see a time 10 or so years from now when Disney- as it stands now-- will hold little appeal for our son. Harry Potter, Transformers, and Middle Earth will beckon him, and we will trade our Disney APs for Universal ones.

Disney needs to take a cue from Universal-- though it pains me to say it-- and give the people what they want-- not just would-be princesses. If they do what they should with newly acquired Lucas rights-- a Star Wars land with AWESOME, state-of-the-art attractions like the Harry Potter ride-- then, it will be game over, Disney for the win. Also, I don't think it has been mentioned on this thread yet that Disney now owns the rights to Marvel. IoA's Superhero Island cannot be updated and will eventually have to be rethemed, opening another super cool set of opportunities for Disney. But, come on Disney, really grab on to these opportunities. Make my little boy a fan for life. Vv

Universal in Orlando holds the rights to its current Marvel characters for as long as they want them. I can see Disney buying them out though but it will cost them big bucks.

 

[mbrou24]

Universal in Orlando holds the rights to its current Marvel characters for as long as they want them. I can see Disney buying them out though but it will cost them big bucks.

Probably wouldn't buy them out. Especially to use them in parks. I posted about this on another thread and was told Disney gets paid by universal for the marvel products they sell. To but them out it would cost billions to pay for the new theming and rides that would replace marvel in ioa. Then Disney would have to pay millions maybe billions to establish any marvel land in their parks. For a company that doesn't like spending a ton of money on attractions it doesn't seem feasible now at least

 

[DOOM1001]

The only good thing about that park is Toy Story. We happened to see the new PoTC attraction in there and everyone was like, was that it? Seriously? There was so much more that could have been done to that attraction but it took some money and disney wasn't going to put out.

Universal used to be just thrill rides but now they theme VERY WELL. You can be totally immersed as you walk through that park now. While it was never my favorite park, it is quickly rising to that with the new stuff they keep putting in and keeping mine and my family's interests.

I'm excited to hear they will have LotR.

Toy Story is very good but at least for me it will be the best ride for FP+ since I'm never at DHS early to get a FP for it and I'm not waiting 60-90 minutes to ride it.You are also forgetting Tower of Terror which in my opinion is the greatest ride at any of the 4 major parks.I will also say you should consider yourself lucky you didn't do the Narnia attraction that was in the location of the PotC attraction at DHS,if you thought the new PotC was bad,you're right it's pretty bad and nothing worth more than a 5 minute wait for,but believe me the Narnia thing (not worthy of being called an attraction) they had in there was 10 times worse,I remember it was a group of people standing by some big fake boulders and being shown a movie clip,BAD!!!I'm still not getting overly excited about the LotR rumor as it is still a rumor,if in 5 months we have leaks coming out giving better proof that it's happening then I'll be more excited,one thing we know is the money is there for it and they're willing to spend,unlike their neighbors 20 minutes away.

 

[skullsplitter]

OK, my bad ... I haven't seen anything other than spectulation regarding the new Harry Potter area. Did Universal announce that? I'd only heard the Transformers announcement. I'd love a link to the official Universal announcement or press release on the Amity change-over. Thanks.

As for the other stuff ... I was in Seuss Landing in October and it was faded and filthy. If it's been painted since then, great. Want to compare Popeye to Kali? OK ... still no contest. Kali wins.

The "Universal vs. Disney" argument happens all the time and no one's mind is ever changed. But if we're going to talk about "the new stuff set to open" ... the last thing they opened that was new was Minion Mayhem last July. The next thing on the list is Transformers this summer. One ride in one park. My point being that when Universal opens one new ride in one park, that's seen as huge. When Disney opens a park expansion that includes rides, shows, restaurants and new character areas, that's seen as "so what, where's my coaster?"

Going back to my original post that started all of this, I do not mention coaster. Let's look at the Fantasy Land expansion. We get a second carnival spinner and copy of a ride from DL, a restaurant (which MK sorely needed), more meet and greet, a spray park. I'm saying "so what, where's the wow factor?" To me Universal is putting alot more energy and thought into things whereas Disney is sort of just on cruise control.

 

[twinboysmom]

I haven't read every post but for my DH and I, we much prefer universal. We have been to WDW very frequently since our boys were born but we can't wait to get back to universal. I feel the rides are better maintained, find the employees to be just as polite, and I like the food options too. I don't have to plan for anything 6 months in advance. I love the hotel choices on universal property. They are lovely and IMO, a much better value than what WDW offers. We own DVC and will always go to WDW but when the boys get a little bit older i imagine that universal will becme our preferred choice. DH and I are anxiously trying to get an adult only trip to universal. We really miss it.

 

[Planogirl]

I like Universal better too but I still enjoy WDW. I really believe that Disney can and will step it up at some point which to me is a win-win situation. I am so thrilled that we have two wonderful resorts to enjoy in central Florida. And of course Sea World which is no slouch either.

By the way, we're not much for roller coasters so we don't make the trek to Busch Gardens but I understand that it's quite nice too.

I'll also comment on another DISer's comments that much is outdated in Universal. Should I mention IASW, Peter Pan (love it!), COP and so on? Being old doesn't make a ride bad by any means.

As for the Middle Earth rumor, I doubt it. The Tolkien heirs don't seem likely to give in to a themepark.

 

[Mad Hattered]

OK, my bad ... I haven't seen anything other than spectulation regarding the new Harry Potter area. Did Universal announce that? I'd only heard the Transformers announcement. I'd love a link to the official Universal announcement or press release on the Amity change-over. Thanks.

As for the other stuff ... I was in Seuss Landing in October and it was faded and filthy. If it's been painted since then, great. Want to compare Popeye to Kali? OK ... still no contest. Kali wins.

The "Universal vs. Disney" argument happens all the time and no one's mind is ever changed. But if we're going to talk about "the new stuff set to open" ... the last thing they opened that was new was Minion Mayhem last July. The next thing on the list is Transformers this summer. One ride in one park. My point being that when Universal opens one new ride in one park, that's seen as huge. When Disney opens a park expansion that includes rides, shows, restaurants and new character areas, that's seen as "so what, where's my coaster?"

Seriously? Are you this far behind the times? You wan't something official before you believe it? LOL Just head over to Orlando United...you are in for a rude awakening. Have you not seen the London waterfront wall already built on the lagoon?? You haven't seen Kings Cross Station that will connect the two parks via the Hogwart's Express (a ride in itself...literally)? Gringotts is that GIANT building being built in Amity LOL....you seem very much in denial....big time. Oh yeah...and check out Magic Quest online when you feel like catching up to reality. Imagine that with the Potter wands....it will put Disney's "card game" to shame.

And to top it off (and I honestly haven't read the whole thread to know if anyone brought it up) but they are also in the process of breaking ground on a new family coaster in the Jurassic Park area of IOA that should pick up after Transformers is completed. If you throw LOR in the mix then this is gonna get ugly. Sorry.

Kids are kids for so long.....then there is the rest of life. Universal is banking on the rest of life. I am excited for the future of Universal (and even Seaworld). They aren't living in the past....they are being innovative, without the use of cardboard cutouts.

Long live Disco Yeti!!

 

[Indy Denise]

Yawn,,,,,,thats what i think about this thread.

Well alrightly then!!! So glad you could join us.

 

[aubriee]

Other than the Harry Potter section, I think Disney still beats Universal for theming.

But I've got to say the Harry Potter section is amazing. The amount of detail that went into it was great. I really am impressed with all of the shop window detail and all of the little touches that you really don't see as much through out the rest of the park.

LotR could be a very interesting addition.

I disagree! I love Universal's theming. I'll eat at Mythos every trip, just to look at the theming. I adore Suess land and the queue for ET (still can't figure out what that smell in the forest is though). I can wander around Super Hero Island just snapping pictures. I love Expedition Everest at Disney, but my favorite coaster is still Mummy over at Universal. I can ride Men in Black over and over (and usually do using single rider liner). I like both parks, but don't believe Disney has Universal beat as far as theming go.

Yes it is! But what surprised me most about my one day at Islands of Adventure was how cool the Port of Entry is at that Park. Some of the best theming I have ever seen. The restaurants were cool at all the islands, and The Wizarding World of HP tops the list for theme, rides, and experience. I didn't make it to Universal.

I don't think I can afford visiting both sites during my trips. Tough decisions coming up.

I agree, I always spend time just looking around as I enter IOA. I love Port of Entry. The theming is great. As far as affording both, Universal is not that expensive really. Their APs are less than half what an AP for WDW is and they give a really good discount for renewing APs ($172.00/year, including taxes), plus they give great AP room discounts, AP discount on CS as well as TS meals, and AP discounts on all merchandise, plus free parking with APs. Even if I go just two days a year the AP is a good deal. A couple of years ago I stayed at Royal Pacific for $129.00/night using the AP discount. No way could you ever get a Deluxe resort at WDW for that.

Your post is very dated. Amity is being redone into a new Harry potter land, suesslanding got fresh paint and is vastly popular around the holidays with the grinchmas stuff, marvel island is awesome in terms of comic book theming. Splash is not a legit comparison to popeye... Kali river rapids would be. Rip saw falls would be the equivalent of splash. Splash is in a dire state at this point and in need of major refurbishment which it is currently getting btw. The Jurassic park area has a lot of non ride attractions for kids, then there is Harry potter and that is just one park. US has a lot to offer and is getting extremely more entertaining with the new stuff set to open. I personally like disaster. And men in black is just as good as buzz and not comparable to tsmm.

Other than the fact that I don't care for Disaster, I 100% agree with your post.

Are the on-site resorts at US anything comparable to Disney's? Just curious.

At the moment all they have are the three Deluxe resorts and yes they are very nice and if you use one of the discounts (AP discount or Stay More) they are alot cheaper than WDW Deluxes. Plus all three are within walking distance of the parks and also have boat transportation. We love not having to use the buses, like at WDW.

For us the difference is we feel like we're on vacation at Universal while we feel that Disney World is work because in order to have a nice trip, you have to plan and it's getting worse. It used to be plan 1.5 years in advance to book a room, then you had to get to Epcot early to get on the computer thingees to make a dining reservation, then came ADRs, now they'll want us to not only make room and dining reservations but also to plan in advance which rides we'll want to ride at a certain time of day 6 months in advance.

I agree! Universal is so much more relaxing because you don't need ADRs, can book rooms with a discount at fairly late notice, and don't need to plan which ride at which time in which park andwe love the front of the line pass you get if you stay onsite at Universal. I like being able to ride each ride as many times as I want, without standing in long lines or dealing with a fast pass that is just good for one ride. I really, really, really hate everything I'm hearing about Disney's new Fast Pass Plus and I think it may be enough to push us over to Universal completely. I have APs to both parks and usually go to both parks every time I'm down there (4-6 times a year), but I'm really starting to prefer Universal more and Fast Pass Plus may be just enough to push me completely over.

Combine that with characters roaming the parks (got great pics of Shaggy that year with my boys), a more leisurely pace because there's no running from one end of the park to the other for Fastpasses, and posh hotels that are only a few minutes' walk to everything, we said back in 2002 this was the best.

Everyone should try at least once staying on property at US with the front-of-the-line access, the short walk or boat ride to the parks and Citywalk, and the stunning theming and scenery before saying it's not for you. Then if it's not your cup of tea, so be it. I'm sure it's not for everyone. But we love it!

My thoughts exactly!

Kids are kids for so long.....then there is the rest of life. Universal is banking on the rest of life. I am excited for the future of Universal (and even Seaworld). They aren't living in the past....they are being innovative, without the use of cardboard cutouts.

Long live Disco Yeti!!

You are soooo right! I love Disney, but they really need to get their act together. Universal and Sea World are both going forward, but WDW seems to lagging really far behind. Rides keep breaking down, CMs are not as friendly, nothing new (except that stupid Fast Pass Plus, which I think is going to alienate alot of people, especially their formerly loyal AP holders).

 

[maxiesmom]

You are soooo right! I love Disney, but they really need to get their act together. Universal and Sea World are both going forward, but WDW seems to lagging really far behind. Rides keep breaking down, CMs are not as friendly, nothing new (except that stupid Fast Pass Plus, which I think is going to alienate alot of people, especially their formerly loyal AP holders).

So Disney has done nothing? New Fantasyland (still under construction) new DVCs, new resorts, refurbing almost all of the current resorts, new test track, new star tours, new castle light show, wi-fi, rfid keys and passes, new buses,


yeah, they have done nothing at all.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I want to bring up another option... Disneyland! We now prefer DL over WDW. No need for 180 day ADRs or frantic FP runs. Toy Story doesn't even have FP and the wait rarely gets above 45 minutes! Everything is so close... California Adventure and Disneyland are so close together. The distance is comparable to Future World and World Showcase. No buses, everything is right there! We love to park hop multiple times a day. Walking to the Grand California for lunch or Downtown Disney. There is plenty to do.to make a multiple day exclusive Disney vacation, or take in the many southern Californian sites.

 

[Laketravis]

So Disney has done nothing? New Fantasyland (still under construction) new DVCs, new resorts, refurbing almost all of the current resorts, new test track, new star tours, new castle light show, wi-fi, rfid keys and passes, new buses,


yeah, they have done nothing at all.

I think you just did a very good job of proving the point that while WDW has done things, they have not been things that the market has appreciated or been impressed with or even remembered.

Misguided efforts. Not hitting the mark. We've been just three times in the last three years and I have to admit, yes, I've seen changes. But none of them good, in my opinion.