Come on, Disney! Step it up already.

[mickeysmith]

The two companies offer different experiences, choose the one you like best. Or go to both and enjoy that we have them both.

Agreed! We love all of the parks and would rather be in Orlando for vacation than anywhere else! Fall break is not long enough anymore to be able to do all we want to do!

 

[MichiganDVC]

I would like to say, first of all, that I have never been to Universal. Well, not Orlando - did the California one once as a kid.
I also am not a coaster enthusiast. Space Mountain is my limit - won't do Everest again, and I'm NEVER doing ToT or RR Coaster.
Oh, and I'm nearly 35 years old, so I missed that whole Harry Potter thing by 15 years.

As you can probably tell, Universal holds very little appeal for me. So here is my message to the Universal enthusiasts on this thread (and the lurkers):
1. Your call for more thrill rides falls on many deaf ears, except for the 20-somethings and 12 year old boys. I have read many posts on here about how someone's boys don't like Disney anymore, etc... While I agree that Disney NEEDS to capture that 12 year-old boy demographic, please don't confuse their needs with those of your average Disney vacationer. I completely concur with other posts that admit if we want thrill rides, we'll go to Cedar Point (which I live 2 hours from and haven't been to in 15 years.)

2. I may be drinking the Lou Mongello Kool-aid, but the Disney experience is WAY beyond the types of rides it has. And I'm always amused by the whiny posts I read about how so-and-so was so disappointed in their trip because the wait for Soarin' was too long. Or how they elbow grandmothers to get to the TSM fast pass at 8am. Universal can have those people.

Disney is about:
A. the ability to stay at a nice hotel of your price range (I'm DVC), with FREE... repeat, F-R-E-E transportation to all the parks, with usually excellent theming and restaurants.
B. the ability to visit 4 unique theme parks (plus DTD, golf courses, two water parks, ESPN WWoS, etc..) or choose to just visit one or two things...
C. The attention to detail that I think many Universal-fans overlook. Now perhaps Universal also incorporates these details, such as piped-in theme music that changes when you enter a different "land" in Magic Kingdom, the carefully-planned and maintained flora through park and resort, special smells in each land, ride, resort (Polynesian anyone?!).
D. The Food! Where else can you eat at 'Ohana, Sanaa, CRT, The Yachtsman and San Angel Inn in one trip!?
E. The free extras! At Epcot alone there are concerts during Flower and Garden festival + Food and Wine, not to mention the live music at: Britain, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Morocco. Again, free. And at MK, there is a day-time parade, nighttime parade, castle projection and fireworks. At Epcot and HS, there are fireworks. F-R-E-E!!

I keep saying free because I think many people overlook ALL the free things there are to do at these theme parks. They complain about the Disney buses, perhaps overlooking that they could rent a car $$ or take a taxi $$ or stay at a resort that is walking distance to a park or two. They say the tickets are too expensive, but spend all their park time elbowing grandmothers trying to get a fast pass and eating gross hamburgers, all the while ignoring the hidden, little things that make life enjoyable.

So, in closing, if your idea of a fun vacation is attempting to ride 17 roller coasters 10 times each, then Disney might not be your place. If your idea of a fun vacation is sitting out on a gazebo jutting out into World Showcase Lagoon, drinking a Dos Equis and looking at all the other pavilions, or staying at a resort where a giraffe is munching on a tree outside your window, or queuing up for a "dark ride" which relies on nostalgia, classic effects, memorable songs, and a story (Haunted Mansion, Pirates), then Disney is probably the place for you.

I'm completely in favor of many people choosing to spend more time at Universal, however. More room at Disney for people like me.

 

[meggiebeth]

So, here's a question- would the ride in WWoHP even amaze and appeal to non Harry Potter fans? Or is it more just for fans?

MK is a fantastic park and doesn't need much work. It is well maintained and looks brand new.

Epcot is very different. It looks dated, and very 70s. They have not really made an effort to update it. Walt wanted it to be a centre moving with the times, always using new technology, but it has stayed looking very much like it did when it first opened. I feel like Disney has lost sight oh what Epcot was meant to be like- not just traditional Disney magic but a park with the best rides and attractions technology wise. Future World is just not futuristic anymore, it is an example of what was considered futuristic in the 1970s.

Hollywood Studios has some great rides but not enough. STAR WARS LAND!!! That is the answer. My family would be far more eager to come back to WDW should SWL be built. The possibilities are endless. Star Wars is one of the most popular movie franchises of all time. It would probably be just as popular as Harry Potter and IOA.

AK does need new rides but not as desperately as Epcot and DHS. come on Disney!

I love Disney but they are falling behind. Increasing their prices by a greedy amount and not investing much in their parks in return. Epcot and DHS really need some work.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Jennasis]

Remember, there doesn't have to be a winner or loser. Just go to whichever park you prefer. Why must it always be a case of "My park can beat up your park"?











Cause, Disney could totally beat up Universal.

 

[bcrook]

I would like to say, first of all, that I have never been to Universal. Well, not Orlando - did the California one once as a kid.
I also am not a coaster enthusiast. Space Mountain is my limit - won't do Everest again, and I'm NEVER doing ToT or RR Coaster.
Oh, and I'm nearly 35 years old, so I missed that whole Harry Potter thing by 15 years.

As you can probably tell, Universal holds very little appeal for me. So here is my message to the Universal enthusiasts on this thread (and the lurkers):
1. Your call for more thrill rides falls on many deaf ears, except for the 20-somethings and 12 year old boys. I have read many posts on here about how someone's boys don't like Disney anymore, etc... While I agree that Disney NEEDS to capture that 12 year-old boy demographic, please don't confuse their needs with those of your average Disney vacationer. I completely concur with other posts that admit if we want thrill rides, we'll go to Cedar Point (which I live 2 hours from and haven't been to in 15 years.)

2. I may be drinking the Lou Mongello Kool-aid, but the Disney experience is WAY beyond the types of rides it has. And I'm always amused by the whiny posts I read about how so-and-so was so disappointed in their trip because the wait for Soarin' was too long. Or how they elbow grandmothers to get to the TSM fast pass at 8am. Universal can have those people.

Disney is about:
A. the ability to stay at a nice hotel of your price range (I'm DVC), with FREE... repeat, F-R-E-E transportation to all the parks, with usually excellent theming and restaurants.
B. the ability to visit 4 unique theme parks (plus DTD, golf courses, two water parks, ESPN WWoS, etc..) or choose to just visit one or two things...
C. The attention to detail that I think many Universal-fans overlook. Now perhaps Universal also incorporates these details, such as piped-in theme music that changes when you enter a different "land" in Magic Kingdom, the carefully-planned and maintained flora through park and resort, special smells in each land, ride, resort (Polynesian anyone?!).
D. The Food! Where else can you eat at 'Ohana, Sanaa, CRT, The Yachtsman and San Angel Inn in one trip!?
E. The free extras! At Epcot alone there are concerts during Flower and Garden festival + Food and Wine, not to mention the live music at: Britain, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Morocco. Again, free. And at MK, there is a day-time parade, nighttime parade, castle projection and fireworks. At Epcot and HS, there are fireworks. F-R-E-E!!

I keep saying free because I think many people overlook ALL the free things there are to do at these theme parks. They complain about the Disney buses, perhaps overlooking that they could rent a car $$ or take a taxi $$ or stay at a resort that is walking distance to a park or two. They say the tickets are too expensive, but spend all their park time elbowing grandmothers trying to get a fast pass and eating gross hamburgers, all the while ignoring the hidden, little things that make life enjoyable.

So, in closing, if your idea of a fun vacation is attempting to ride 17 roller coasters 10 times each, then Disney might not be your place. If your idea of a fun vacation is sitting out on a gazebo jutting out into World Showcase Lagoon, drinking a Dos Equis and looking at all the other pavilions, or staying at a resort where a giraffe is munching on a tree outside your window, or queuing up for a "dark ride" which relies on nostalgia, classic effects, memorable songs, and a story (Haunted Mansion, Pirates), then Disney is probably the place for you.

I'm completely in favor of many people choosing to spend more time at Universal, however. More room at Disney for people like me.

I understand all of your points. I can wander around wdw for a couple of weeks and not get tired of it. But, you can't really call the perks you listed as free. I will spend about a $100,000 on my DVC membership after my 50 years is up, and this year alone I will shell out about $2000.00 in tickets for my family of four. Last summer I spent about $2000.00 in food! With those kind of prices we better get all those things you listed, and we should also expect upgrades and new attractions at the parks. The company is financially sound, no reason not to reinvest. Hopefully the Universal expansion will spur it on.

 

[skullsplitter]

Here's one way LOTR could work for Disney if they get it before Universal. Scroll to the bottom for LOTR or read the whole thing. I actually his whole idea for DHS though the Marvel idea can't be done due to licensing.

http://idealbuildout.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/disneys-hollywood-studios-2025.html

 

[WDSearcher]

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.

OK ... but I don't understand how you can walk into BOG and not find a wow factor there in the fact that they accurately recreated an animated ballroom into reality. It's the exact same thing that Universal did in creating Hogwarts, and I cannot see how the detail and feel and theming of one is any less marvelous than the detail and feel and theming of the other. Universal gets enormous props for their attention to detail. But Disney's has no wow factor?

That's what I mean by different expectations. No one expected Universal to be able to pull off WWoHP like they did, so when they DID do it, everyone was speechless. Disney? They do that every day. Ho hum.

Let's look at WWoHP -- we get a rethemed double coaster, a rethemed family coaster, one totally new ride / attraction, a restaurant (also sorely needed) and a bunch of shops (that are fun and beautifully themed, but small and claustrophobic), two new atmosphere groups, and butterbeer. You can't meet any of the HP characters (unless you want to count the guy at Ollivanders or the guy standing by the train), and there's nothing for little kids (no playground, water spray park, attraction, etc). You have to be 48" for Forbidden Journey; 54" for Dragon Challenge. 36" for Hippogriff (48" to ride alone). And there are size issues for both Dragon Challenge and FJoHP (for those of us who are Pooh-sized).

Fantasyland expansion got a rethemed family coaster, a copy of a DL ride (although no one seems to think that Universal is somehow cheating because their Transformers will be a "copy of a California & Singapore ride"), a Dumbo set-up that literally doubles capacity with an interactive play / queue area, a newly-themed character greeting area, two new restaurants, a new Ariel character greeting space, a new storytelling show, two new atmosphere groups and one rethemed atmo group, a new kids water play area and (coming soon) a new princess greeting area and the new "family thrill" mine coaster. Little kids (and large adults) can ride everything in the land with the possible exception of the mine coaster, which they haven't released a height requirement for.

Universal reportedly spent around $250m on WWoHP. Disney reportedly spent the same on the phases of NFL that are currently open -- there'll be more spent on the stuff still being built.

So the areas are comparable, IMO. The difference comes in two places:

1. Disney's land is themed for families with small kids. If you're looking for big thrill rides or massive fx attractions, you won't find them in Fantasyland. That's not what the land is about. You do, however, find them at WWoHP. And you should. They are specifically aiming for the tween / teen / role-playing adult audience. If they were trying to hit Disney's family market, they'd have put in attractions for little kids. They didn't. The two lands are aiming for different demographics.

2. WWoHP is far beyond what people thought Universal was capable of. If it wasn't, people wouldn't be so surprised at how good it is. Face it -- no one thought Universal could pull of "what Disney does". But WWoHP did it, and people are rightfully amazed. Disney builds a beautifully themed area that not only stands on its own, but blends into a part of the park that has been standing for 40 years, and ... boo ... they need to step it up.

It's like being the kid in the family with straight As when everyone else gets Cs. If you normally come home with Cs every semester, and then you show up with a B in Math, there's a celebration! If you normally come home with As every semester, and then you show up with a B in Math, you get told to work harder. Both kids got a B, but there are very different expectations and reactions to that grade.

 

[MichiganDVC]

DVC is something unto itself and as an owner, you've got to know that. The fact that you, and I, have chosen to purchase that doesn't have anything to do with what we should expect at the parks. You are paying to stay at a Deluxe resort for a fraction of the rack rate. You could also stay at Pop Century for $50 a night and you wouldn't end up paying $100,000 over 50 years.

I was never saying that Disney doesn't need to clean their trash bins or repaint or maintain their facilities.
However, I will rephrase my "free perks" statement to: "overlooked amenities that require no extra charge." My point remains. Several people look at Disney as though they pay way too much for a handful of rides. I'm saying that for $60 a day (10-day, non-expiring PH), you are actually getting much more than that! But in their stampede toward Expedition Everest, they don't stop to notice. Its there...and its what makes Disney worth it! IMO, more so than a Universal park that is more thrill rides than atmosphere.

A Premium annual pass for DVC members costs $399. If you purchased one of those, it would have cost your family of four $1600, not $2,000. If you spend $2000 in food, it means that you chose not to take advantage of your kitchen facilities in your villa (yes, even studios). I usually make breakfast in my villa (no money spent at parks/resort) and save left-overs there for mid-day/late-night snacks.

Now look, honestly I sometimes do try to go on a budget, and other times I splurge. It really depends on what kind of trip I'm trying to take. If you decided to go to some nice dinners or character breakfasts and spent $2000, that's well within your right. But its not a mandatory part of any trip.

 

[aubriee]

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.

Sorry, but I agree with Laketravis. Other than Star Tours, I have not been impressed with any of the changes in the last few years.

New Fantasyland: they added another Dumbo, moved Goofy's Barnstormer, added a boring Ariel ride, and maybe someday will open the Dwarf's coaster, but it's taken them forever. Oh, yeah, they opened the new Belle show. We were there in early Sept and got picked to preview it. We were not impressed and have no desire to see it again. I am looking forward to dining at BoG though. MK really needed another restaurant and it seems to be a very good addition and they did a wonderful job with it's theming.

DVCs: I have no interest in joining DVC. I go to WDW 4-6 times a year, so would never have enough points and can either stay at Bonnet Creek or rent DVC points alot cheaper.

New Resorts: I had to think on that for a minute, then thought oh yeah, AoA. Sorry, not a fan of the Values and have no desire to stay there.

Refurbing current resorts: well yeah, I have to agree WDW is doing some nice work there

Test Track: has been closed my last 3 or 4 trips. It's been closed so long that I'd about given up on it and from what I've read, now that it's finally open they are having problems with it. Gotta agree though, they did a good job with Star Tours, but there is just so much more they could have done with the Star Wars franchise.

New castle light show: have only seen it twice, but was not impressed and left early both times

Wi fi: not in the least interested. When I go on vacation I want to get away from the real world. I never carry my laptop down there and seldom even carry a phone in the parks.

RFID keys and passes=alot of money wasted. I had no problem with the old keys and passes and thus far hate everything I have heard about Fast Pass Plus

Buses: we are not a fan of the buses and use a rental car down there anyway

Don't get me wrong I do love Disney. In fact, I love both parks and go to both several times a year. I just think WDW is not progressing forward the way Universal is right now.

 

[andyman8]

I would like to say, first of all, that I have never been to Universal. Well, not Orlando - did the California one once as a kid.
I also am not a coaster enthusiast. Space Mountain is my limit - won't do Everest again, and I'm NEVER doing ToT or RR Coaster.
Oh, and I'm nearly 35 years old, so I missed that whole Harry Potter thing by 15 years.

As you can probably tell, Universal holds very little appeal for me. So here is my message to the Universal enthusiasts on this thread (and the lurkers):
1. Your call for more thrill rides falls on many deaf ears, except for the 20-somethings and 12 year old boys. I have read many posts on here about how someone's boys don't like Disney anymore, etc... While I agree that Disney NEEDS to capture that 12 year-old boy demographic, please don't confuse their needs with those of your average Disney vacationer. I completely concur with other posts that admit if we want thrill rides, we'll go to Cedar Point (which I live 2 hours from and haven't been to in 15 years.)

2. I may be drinking the Lou Mongello Kool-aid, but the Disney experience is WAY beyond the types of rides it has. And I'm always amused by the whiny posts I read about how so-and-so was so disappointed in their trip because the wait for Soarin' was too long. Or how they elbow grandmothers to get to the TSM fast pass at 8am. Universal can have those people.

Disney is about:
A. the ability to stay at a nice hotel of your price range (I'm DVC), with FREE... repeat, F-R-E-E transportation to all the parks, with usually excellent theming and restaurants.
B. the ability to visit 4 unique theme parks (plus DTD, golf courses, two water parks, ESPN WWoS, etc..) or choose to just visit one or two things...
C. The attention to detail that I think many Universal-fans overlook. Now perhaps Universal also incorporates these details, such as piped-in theme music that changes when you enter a different "land" in Magic Kingdom, the carefully-planned and maintained flora through park and resort, special smells in each land, ride, resort (Polynesian anyone?!).
D. The Food! Where else can you eat at 'Ohana, Sanaa, CRT, The Yachtsman and San Angel Inn in one trip!?
E. The free extras! At Epcot alone there are concerts during Flower and Garden festival + Food and Wine, not to mention the live music at: Britain, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Morocco. Again, free. And at MK, there is a day-time parade, nighttime parade, castle projection and fireworks. At Epcot and HS, there are fireworks. F-R-E-E!!

I keep saying free because I think many people overlook ALL the free things there are to do at these theme parks. They complain about the Disney buses, perhaps overlooking that they could rent a car $$ or take a taxi $$ or stay at a resort that is walking distance to a park or two. They say the tickets are too expensive, but spend all their park time elbowing grandmothers trying to get a fast pass and eating gross hamburgers, all the while ignoring the hidden, little things that make life enjoyable.

So, in closing, if your idea of a fun vacation is attempting to ride 17 roller coasters 10 times each, then Disney might not be your place. If your idea of a fun vacation is sitting out on a gazebo jutting out into World Showcase Lagoon, drinking a Dos Equis and looking at all the other pavilions, or staying at a resort where a giraffe is munching on a tree outside your window, or queuing up for a "dark ride" which relies on nostalgia, classic effects, memorable songs, and a story (Haunted Mansion, Pirates), then Disney is probably the place for you.

I'm completely in favor of many people choosing to spend more time at Universal, however. More room at Disney for people like me.

While I agree with your points (that is what I love about Disney), I just think Disney needs to kick it up a notch with ride technology and even thrill rides. Combine those will classic family friendly experiences. That's why I'm particularly looking forward to the SDMT even though I'm sure the thrill level will be just below BTMRR at best.

One reason that, so far at least, New Fantasyland has generated as much hype as WWoHP or even Cars Land is that it lacks that "wow" (also known as an "e-ticket") attraction. The majority of theme park guests desire thrill rides and innovative attractions and the "return of the classic dark ride" (quoting our good pal Lou) doesn't make people say "wow!". Then again, I could be exaggerating like I always do. I love Disney; I really do.

And by the way, I don't think you were drink the Lou kool-aid. I spent all day yesterday, searching through his blogs, podcasts, and such, attempting to find one negative thing he said about Disney and I couldn't find anything. Maybe I'll book him to speak and ask him...

So, here's a question- would the ride in WWoHP even amaze and appeal to non Harry Potter fans? Or is it more just for fans?

It's funny that you mention that because when it was first announced, I said "that's lovely and all but I hate those books/movies. Not interested." I read the first half of the book and got bored and saw one of the movies, had no idea what was going on, and hated it. Yet when I decided to give WWoHP a try, I thought it was great! Even though, I hate the franchise, I loved the park.

Remember, there doesn't have to be a winner or loser. Just go to whichever park you prefer. Why must it always be a case of "My park can beat up your park"?

That's how I feel. I visit them both in separate trips and enjoy them both! But now it's off to work.

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

I really don't know why people are complaining. Having both WDW and Universal better their parks only benefits us, the vacationer.

I have been a Disney guy for years. I only went to Universal in California once back in 2005 after spending 4 days at DL (all of the crowded) and we went to Universal on a whim. Glad we did becuase it was empty (on a Tuesday) and the kids had fun. I went to HHN in 2011 in Orlando and rode the Hary Potter ride (I know I am in the minority but I never read any HP books or have seen the movies) but the ride was incredible! Loved it! Can't wait to take my kids on it! Does this mean I will chose Universal over Disney? No! I will do both.

With all the improvements both parks are making, it's a win-win for me!!

 

[andyman8]

With all the improvements both parks are making, it's a win-win for me!!

Exactly! I think more attractions like RSR and SDMT (combining mild and fun thrills with classic stories/dark rides) are steps in the right direction.

 

[bcrook]

However, I will rephrase my "free perks" statement to: "overlooked amenities that require no extra charge." My point remains. Several people look at Disney as though they pay way too much for a handful of rides. I'm saying that for $60 a day (10-day, non-expiring PH), you are actually getting much more than that! But in their stampede toward Expedition Everest, they don't stop to notice. Its there...and its what makes Disney worth it! IMO, more so than a Universal park that is more thrill rides than atmosphere.

I think this statement is at the heart of FP plus. Disney is choosing to refocus its customers on the whole experience. On the theming, artists and performers, shows, character interaction, wide range of restaurants, gardens and landscaping, sunsets over an abundance of lakes, fishing opportunities, bowling, shopping, and stunningly themed resorts.

If you spend any time on My Disney Experience app, you will notice immediately all kinds of things people could do instead of waiting in line for their third time for EE.

I think your points support the direction that Disney is heading and the OP is suggesting that that model is not enough. People want other incredibly cool rides like TSMM to disperse the crowds in DHS. Then if there are more attractions, wait times and FP feeding frenzy will shorten and then there will be more time for all the sunset viewing. Disney apparently is trying to disperse crowds without building the new rides.

 

[khertz]

Before having DS, we regularly visited both Disney and Universal on every vacation. Since having him, we have done 2 trips of Disney World only, just because we did not want to spend the whole day child swapping since he was too little for most of the rides, and in our opinion, too little to enjoy the other "kiddie" things there. On our trip this fall, we are heading back to Universal, and I'm thrilled to finally be able to see WWoHP! I have been excited to see it since the day it was announced, and this year we will finally be able to! I'm also excited for the new Transformers attraction, and if they do actually end up adding LOTR, I will be over the moon! HP and LOTR are two of my absolute favorite fantasy franchises.

As for WDW, we will always LOVE Disney, but I'm having a hard time getting thrilled about all of the changes there, most glaringly FP+ which sounds increasingly more awful the more that is released about it. Didn't get to see any of the FLE on our October trip since they were in CM previews, but we have ridden Little Mermaid in DL so the only new thing is the Belle show and Be Our Guest for us. Also hard for me to get excited about anything proposed with Avatar crazy2: blech!) or Star Wars since I'm not interested in either one. The new Test Track doesn't sound all that great to me, although I can't say much until I actually have the chance to ride it. If the rumored Cars Land does come to DHS, it will greatly improve our appreciation of that park since DS is crazy about Cars right now. DH and I enjoyed it on our Anniversary trip to DL in August, but DS was not with us to experience it.

It is hard for us, being so much more excited about the changes happening at Universal, but loving Disney and having it be a better week long destination for us right now with a toddler and eventually a sibling. I'm hoping since DS will be 3, there will be more to entertain him in Universal this time, but we are still planning on only one day there, whereas in the past we would spend 2-3 days at Universal and the rest at Disney World.

 

[dansdad]

Hopefully this will be a huge boon for Universal and WDW will actually get back having some slow periods.

 

[lynypixie]

Next time we go, we'll go to Universal too. Right now, I feel like the kids are too young to truly enjoy it (only my son can do the thrill rides, and not even half of them), but in 4-5 years, Universal might interest them much more than Disney. They already love harry potter.

So yes, I will still go to DIsney, but probably no onsite and not as long.

 

[Jennasis]

Bottom line is this...

Disney/Universal didn't consult ME as to what I want done in the park and the things they have done are of no interest/value to ME and therefore of no interest/value to ANYONE. Therefore they have failed and I will continue to complain (while simultaneously continuing to spend money in that park) about it until they build something I want.

And before anyone points out my hypocrisy, I admit to thinking this way myself.

 

[disneyworld1977]

Wow! What a thread! I don't know where to start. I enjoy Universal. Its well themed and they have good rides and attractions. I still, and probably will always, enjoy Disney Parks better. Yes, there needs some improvement, but as large as WDW is, there is always going to be. We want some new things, and what Disney has a hold of now in Star Wars, we could see some BIG things. I think it would be worse if they weren't doing anything at all. Cars Land last year at DCA, New Fantasyland at WDW, which I enjoyed and don't have any kids. BOG was great! They have a new park overseas they are doing which I haven't check on that lately. I would rather see more here, but so be it.

I am still skeptical on all this new FP+ and RFID (is that right?) stuff.

Universal did something BIG which was good for them, and I think Disney will respond, but they are doing it on their time and how they want to IMO. Avatar I don't think is the answer to that, Star Wars maybe. But keep moving forward Disney, that's all we ask.

 

[dsanner106]

My take on this arguement , as someone who visits both parks when in town and has for the last 15 years is that Universal started out going after a different niche than Disney occupied, within the same overall market. More recently they have stepped it up and tried to go toe to toe and are doing pretty well so far.

Disney dominates the kid market in theme parks, with MK aimed mostly at them. The characters from Disney are timeless and recognized by all ages. I watched spiderman cartoons as a child but it was off the air for my kids. Fievel stopped with my oldest child, the rest never knew anything about him. Barney used to be huge, but today the kids in my family have no clue about him. Seuss is huge at christmas with the grinch, seen by all to this day, but how often do they show the cat in the hat on tv? The book sales on seuss are still steady but not at levels of old and aside from the Lorax, what has come out new in this arena to bring in the new generation?

Uni went after the thrill ride market primarily because disney was not competing for it, they picked up on the trendy kids stuff, which is great, but needs more updating than the disney model. This is by no means a put down on Universal, they made smart business decisions. You don't walk into the arena of a giant and start out by trying to take the turkey leg out of his hands, you go after the stuff he is not interested in at the moment. They have grown up now and are trying to go for the same stuff now.

The turning point for me was the Mummy. The theming through the que is fantastic and reminds me of the DL indiana jones ride que a bit, but is definately disney-like Now with HP they had topped disney in my mind in that limited area of the park. Disney is still, overall the master at theming and immersing an audience in the experience of the venue. Uni is trying hard with newer rides to keep up the pressure in this area, and I hope they do. Nothing will keep disney on its toes more than competition.

On the repairs issue, I have seen a crack in paint at MK one day and noticed it painted the next. I watched seuss fade for 2 years before the spots I was watching were repaired and painted. The last time I was there we rode spiderman 3 times over 2 days, it broke down all 3. parts of the video have not worked in a year. I know Disney runs repair crews nightly not just to repair rides but repainting railings, fixing loose bricks etc. Uni schedules that sort of work and concentrates on ride repairs. Again, not that big of a deal, just a different approach and focus.

The HP acquisition was fantastic for Uni, it reaches kids from 5 to adults, and should last for decades. The shrek franchise has been good but you can already see the interest fading away and the lines are almost never very long. Back to the future was great but today?? ET was great but none of my kids have seen the movie. Jaws was really good but gone and again, my kids didn't know it was based on a movie so didn't get the theming that was there. Jimmy Neutron was good but gone. The shelf life on the Uni projects is not as long in general and requires more updating. I worry that although LOTR is hot now, there is just the last hobbit movie to go and it will surely be out before they could open a ride area for it. Tolkein was required reading 25 years ago but not now in our local schools so all hopes are pinned on the movies to bring the traffic. I personally read all the books, and liked the films but aside from my son, the rest of the family has no interest. Disney themes to areas, not individual films or names, that is the main difference.

Universal IOA has harry potter land themed to one movie franchise, marvel comics themed to a company Disney now owns so may be forced to change eventually which was built during the comic book peak in the 80's. Seuss land again tied to one author who is not producing new work. Disney has tomorrow land, fantasyland etc. In AK they are themed to Africa, Asia etc. This theming takes more imagination but never needs updating. They can change out individual rides etc. but huge areas don't become obsolete. Disney has 3 attractions that spawned movies on their own including the very successful Pirates of the Carribean series.

I have hopes that universal keeps this up forever. They have the thrill ride niche covered and a little theming with those will go a long way. They just need to spend smart going forward and dig into the things they are really good at.

D

No, I guess they don't. Universal does it better, in our opinion. Theming, rides, FUN... all better. In our opinion.





2 years ago I got a survey from Universal asking how I would feel about LOTR there.

I bet they've been talking with the family since long before then.




But what about Barney? Woody Woodpecker? Curious George? playgrounds? The whole Seuss area? And all the other things both parks have for little kids to do?

What about a *family friendly* child-swap policy where you don't split up outside the ride building, but shortly before boarding? With little rooms, instead of hot benches (or having to go find something to do), to wait in?

What about Princess Fiona? Oh, and hey, there's a form of Tinkerbell on the Shrek attraction.




You might find yourself tremendously surprised.







It seems that some think you can't go to the real place if you've been to a pavilion of the place.

Now, I'm not saying that money is infinite, LOL. But one can have a NZ savings account and a Universal savings account.




Some? To me it's THE best. I could take pictures of every square inch of Port of Entry. And I practically do, each time we go through it.






I wonder when the last time YOU did all those things? Because I do a lot of them, and it's AMAZING there.

I found Beetlejuice to be hilarious, as did all of the other people in the theater. Even my son, who has not seen the movie, thought it was funny.

Did anyone EVER wear a Woody Woodpecker costume? But the coaster is so kid friendly that DS takes his express pass card (from the hotel, since we stay onsite there) and goes around and around and around that ride. I think he's done the ride 15 times in a row as his current record. He LOVES that ride. 14 in a row is his max so far for Hippogriff.

The only BIG coasters I've done, in 3 separate visits, so far are Rip Ride Rockit and Dragon Challenge. More are on the list because my son is now tall enough and I cannot let him go on THOSE alone. Does Mummy count? I guess it does, I've done that, too. Before those were experienced, I did Forbidden Journey and Spiderman, which were the most adventurous I'd gone on at Universal, which was on our first trip, no one else did any "bigger" rides, and 4 days was nowhere NEAR enough. When we went back to Disney, we were in foul moods. We wanted MORE Universal. FastPass was clunky and sad in comparison.

People did indeed complain about the faded paint, and it was taken care of! Just like at Disneyland, one person can walk by cracked paint around a window and complain forever, never knowing that there was a CM with paint and a brush walking 2 minutes behind them, sometimes it's easy to assume that nothing has changed, like you've done.

I marveled at the theming of Marvel island last time (and I'm not a comic book fan, though I loved watching Spiderman cartoons in the late 70s early 80s). I plan to explore more this time.

My son still loves Barney (and likes to torture his dad with it even more), and looks forward to watching American Tail so he knows who Feivel is, but in the meantime he's happy to play in the playground.

MIB is lower than Buzz to you? We're going to have to disagree seriously on that one, LOL. There's nothing wrong with Buzz (except for the issue of the blaster being fixed, unlike at Disneyland), but MIB is not a lesser ride.

We'll be at Universal Feb 10-12. Come tour with us. We will be in the parks as soon as we can get out of Port Canaveral, pick up a rental car at the airport, and stash our stuff at HRH. I'm sure we'll hit the Butterbeer stand first off (though it's hard to pass up Cat in the Hat!!!!) We'll have fun. Maybe you can see it through our eyes this time.

 

[WDSearcher]

Sorry, but I agree with Laketravis. Other than Star Tours, I have not been impressed with any of the changes in the last few years.

New Fantasyland: they added another Dumbo, moved Goofy's Barnstormer, added a boring Ariel ride, and maybe someday will open the Dwarf's coaster, but it's taken them forever. Oh, yeah, they opened the new Belle show. We were there in early Sept and got picked to preview it. We were not impressed and have no desire to see it again. I am looking forward to dining at BoG though. MK really needed another restaurant and it seems to be a very good addition and they did a wonderful job with it's theming.

DVCs: I have no interest in joining DVC. I go to WDW 4-6 times a year, so would never have enough points and can either stay at Bonnet Creek or rent DVC points alot cheaper.

New Resorts: I had to think on that for a minute, then thought oh yeah, AoA. Sorry, not a fan of the Values and have no desire to stay there.

Refurbing current resorts: well yeah, I have to agree WDW is doing some nice work there

Test Track: has been closed my last 3 or 4 trips. It's been closed so long that I'd about given up on it and from what I've read, now that it's finally open they are having problems with it. Gotta agree though, they did a good job with Star Tours, but there is just so much more they could have done with the Star Wars franchise.

New castle light show: have only seen it twice, but was not impressed and left early both times

Wi fi: not in the least interested. When I go on vacation I want to get away from the real world. I never carry my laptop down there and seldom even carry a phone in the parks.

RFID keys and passes=alot of money wasted. I had no problem with the old keys and passes and thus far hate everything I have heard about Fast Pass Plus
Buses: we are not a fan of the buses and use a rental car down there anyway

Don't get me wrong I do love Disney. In fact, I love both parks and go to both several times a year. I just think WDW is not progressing forward the way Universal is right now.

All of the bolded points are what I think the real problem is here. It's not that Disney hasn't done anything. They haven't done anything that matters to you. You personally don't care about or aren't interested in anything that they've done lately except for Star Tours, so, therefore, Disney is not progressing. A vast majority of guests may LOVE the new values or think the new castle show is top-notch, but you don't and so they're non-starters.

On the other hand, Universal seems to be doing things that you DO enjoy, and so they get the nod this time.

It's not necessarily Disney's fault if the stuff they're doing and spending money on doesn't appeal specifically to you. That's your personal preference, and maybe you've outgrown it for the time being. Thankfully, both parks are always growing, so there'll be new stuff to see in the future. Maybe next time, Disney will be opening something you're excited about while Universal rolls out a boring old RFID system. Or ... who knows? Maybe SeaWorld's Antarctica will blow them BOTH out of the water.