Come on, Disney! Step it up already.

[gwmort]

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.

Does anyone remember when innoventions had a little theater at one end where Disney would preview ideas for attractions and have park guests give feedback on which they liked? I remember really looking forward to the prospective sneak peeks at what might be coming (pre-internet) and was disappointed when they repurposed the space.

 

[mbrou24]

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

Massive holes in your post. Back to the future hasn't been a ride in universal for years it's the Simpsons now which is getting an expansion and has been a popular show for over two decades. The Spider-Man ride was just updated to hd and is immaculate. Marvel land is themed to comics but was not built in the 80s cuz the park didnt exist.

In terms of lotr... There are two more hobbit movies planned giving the franchise two trilogies and the books have a huge fan base....

I agree the ride shelf life at universal is shorter cuz it's based on movies, but take splash mountain for example... What kid knows what that is based on? I'd say it wouldn't be a majority.

 

[khertz]

Massive holes in your post. Back to the future hasn't been a ride in universal for years it's the Simpsons now which is getting an expansion and has been a popular show for over two decades. The Spider-Man ride was just updated to hd and is immaculate. Marvel land is themed to comics but was not built in the 80s cuz the park didnt exist.

In terms of lotr... There are two more hobbit movies planned giving the franchise two trilogies and the books have a huge fan base....

I agree the ride shelf life at universal is shorter cuz it's based on movies, but take splash mountain for example... What kid knows what that is based on? I'd say it wouldn't be a majority.

And I wanted to add to your point, Seuss characters are definitely still relevant to some kids outside of the Grinch! I think my DS will love it when we visit this year. There is still a Cat in the Hat TV show on PBS (Cat is voiced by Martin Short) that DS loves! Plenty of kids watch PBS, Disney Jr. is not the only children's programming available. Just sayin'.

That, and I agree with your point about LOTR/The Hobbit. With them making the Hobbit into 3 movies, that franchise is still going to be around for quite awhile. Plus, it will probably bring in new fans to Tolkien, making those people then possibly seek out LOTR where they maybe were not interested when the movies were first released.

 

[MelissathePooh]

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.

First off - if you have never been there you can't say Universal doesn't do things that Disney does, because you don't know what Universal does. Universal is far more than coasters. I don't ride big coasters anymore and I love Universal.

A. DVC is not FREE. I am a DVC member and I promise you it has cost me a large amount of money even though far less than most as we bought as CM's.

The 3 onsite resorts at Universal are exceptional in quality and service. Theming outdoes Disney in elegance and the non-campy factor. Transportation is free from the resorts to the parks. The resort restaurants are excellent and have consistently been better than the Disney meals I've had in the last few years. FP for whatever FP+ is cannot even come close FOTL - again Disney can't offer given its size, but FOTL is outstanding. They are much less expensive that Disney - especially with discounts. Serioulsy though the quality can make Disney a little rough.

B. 2 unique themeparks - no one ever questions Disney's massive size.

C.. Universal puts as much into theming, music and landscaping as Disney. They don't hide behind the shadows of night to fix things, but music is piped in and details are over the top. They aren't trying to be Disney.

D. The food - quickservice outdoes Disney by miles, sit downs have all been very good. Meal Deal is an excellent value in the parks. I am in the camp though that the Disney Dining plan has ruined Disney dining so restaurants at Disney that used to hold allure for me have simply become factories for rushed meals and subpar quality. Our meals at Universal have been consistently good and outstanding service.

E. Extras - Universal has parades, evening shows, wandering entertainers and concerts as well.

Again Universal can do things Disney can't because they don't have the massive size or numbers to deal with that Disney does. I really think because of this Universal has been able to sustain its quality and customer service, where Disney is just getting to big and frankly playing to the lowest common denominator. Doesn't mean I don't love Disney and appreciate it, but I'm SICK of the crowds even in what used to be off season, I'm heartbroken at the loss of quality food at Disney. We're using our points at Aulani this summer, but just spent a quick weekend at Disney last month because we didn't want to miss the holiday decorations. But yeah - I think Universal's guest experience does outdo WDW at this point. I think its because they can and because Disney is just too big to be able to.

Lately I admit I really feel I get so much more for my money at Universal than at Disney. But if you haven't been to both you really don't know. None of this makes anyone on this thread anti-Disney - just that we all do love Disney and recognize they could do better.

 

[Laketravis]

First off - if you have never been there you can't say Universal doesn't do things that Disney does, because you don't know what Universal does. Universal is far more than coasters. I don't ride big coasters anymore and I love Universal.

A. DVC is not FREE. I am a DVC member and I promise you it has cost me a large amount of money even though far less than most as we bought as CM's.

The 3 onsite resorts at Universal are exceptional in quality and service. Theming outdoes Disney in elegance and the non-campy factor. Transportation is free from the resorts to the parks. The resort restaurants are excellent and have consistently been better than the Disney meals I've had in the last few years. FP for whatever FP+ is cannot even come close FOTL - again Disney can't offer given its size, but FOTL is outstanding. They are much less expensive that Disney - especially with discounts. Serioulsy though the quality can make Disney a little rough.

B. 2 unique themeparks - no one ever questions Disney's massive size.

C.. Universal puts as much into theming, music and landscaping as Disney. They don't hide behind the shadows of night to fix things, but music is piped in and details are over the top. They aren't trying to be Disney.

D. The food - quickservice outdoes Disney by miles, sit downs have all been very good. Meal Deal is an excellent value in the parks. I am in the camp though that the Disney Dining plan has ruined Disney dining so restaurants at Disney that used to hold allure for me have simply become factories for rushed meals and subpar quality. Our meals at Universal have been consistently good and outstanding service.

E. Extras - Universal has parades, evening shows, wandering entertainers and concerts as well.

Again Universal can do things Disney can't because they don't have the massive size or numbers to deal with that Disney does. I really think because of this Universal has been able to sustain its quality and customer service, where Disney is just getting to big and frankly playing to the lowest common denominator. Doesn't mean I don't love Disney and appreciate it, but I'm SICK of the crowds even in what used to be off season, I'm heartbroken at the loss of quality food at Disney. We're using our points at Aulani this summer, but just spent a quick weekend at Disney last month because we didn't want to miss the holiday decorations. But yeah - I think Universal's guest experience does outdo WDW at this point. I think its because they can and because Disney is just too big to be able to.

Lately I admit I really feel I get so much more for my money at Universal than at Disney. But if you haven't been to both you really don't know. None of this makes anyone on this thread anti-Disney - just that we all do love Disney and recognize they could do better.

Excellent post and articulated very well.

 

[PetePanMan]

New attractions at Universal are a positive thing. First, go there to experience and have fun - everyting doesn't need to be at Disney. Universal has done a great job on Harry Potter. Second, Disney will be forced to continue enhancements over time. Not sure how long it will take but I would be surprised they don't ultimately take advantage of a huge Star Wars following.

 

[RMulieri]

First off - if you have never been there you can't say Universal doesn't do things that Disney does, because you don't know what Universal does. Universal is far more than coasters. I don't ride big coasters anymore and I love Universal.

A. DVC is not FREE. I am a DVC member and I promise you it has cost me a large amount of money even though far less than most as we bought as CM's.

The 3 onsite resorts at Universal are exceptional in quality and service. Theming outdoes Disney in elegance and the non-campy factor. Transportation is free from the resorts to the parks. The resort restaurants are excellent and have consistently been better than the Disney meals I've had in the last few years. FP for whatever FP+ is cannot even come close FOTL - again Disney can't offer given its size, but FOTL is outstanding. They are much less expensive that Disney - especially with discounts. Serioulsy though the quality can make Disney a little rough.

B. 2 unique themeparks - no one ever questions Disney's massive size.

C.. Universal puts as much into theming, music and landscaping as Disney. They don't hide behind the shadows of night to fix things, but music is piped in and details are over the top. They aren't trying to be Disney.

D. The food - quickservice outdoes Disney by miles, sit downs have all been very good. Meal Deal is an excellent value in the parks. I am in the camp though that the Disney Dining plan has ruined Disney dining so restaurants at Disney that used to hold allure for me have simply become factories for rushed meals and subpar quality. Our meals at Universal have been consistently good and outstanding service.

E. Extras - Universal has parades, evening shows, wandering entertainers and concerts as well.

Again Universal can do things Disney can't because they don't have the massive size or numbers to deal with that Disney does. I really think because of this Universal has been able to sustain its quality and customer service, where Disney is just getting to big and frankly playing to the lowest common denominator. Doesn't mean I don't love Disney and appreciate it, but I'm SICK of the crowds even in what used to be off season, I'm heartbroken at the loss of quality food at Disney. We're using our points at Aulani this summer, but just spent a quick weekend at Disney last month because we didn't want to miss the holiday decorations. But yeah - I think Universal's guest experience does outdo WDW at this point. I think its because they can and because Disney is just too big to be able to.

Lately I admit I really feel I get so much more for my money at Universal than at Disney. But if you haven't been to both you really don't know. None of this makes anyone on this thread anti-Disney - just that we all do love Disney and recognize they could do better.

Excellent POST

I love both , I don't think that makes those of us that do evil,disney bashers or stupid and on the flip side being an avide Disney lover doesn't make anyone superior...Universal does NOT just cater to teens and young adults..My 8 yr old had an absolute BLAST at Universal and she was too small and not as adventurous as many other kids.She enjoyed it so much that she asked to go back there.DH is not a HUGE thrill ride person( doesnt ride them) and he had a blast, and for someone that despises themeparks and usually goes to make me happy , that is saying alot... so obviously people other than thrill seekers and teens like it.The resorts are Gorgeous, deluxe and still cheaper than Disney deluxe a times and the theming everywhere is fantastic..IF you have never been to universal , then you really can't comment about it ..I left my trip at Universal completely relaxed and happy I went.Universal does not appeal to everyone, and I get that.Disney doesn't appeal to everyone either.

 

[DorianDonP]

Harry Potter, Transformers, Spiderman - these all have little interest to me, and I don't think they have the staying power. 50 years from now, anyone gonna still be watching these movies? Showing them time after time to their kids as they grow up? Doubt it.

I'm totally biased because I grew up going to Disney, and me and my kids love it, so US won't compete just because I have no interest in their themes.

If they get LOTR, that'll change, I'll be interested. But not enough to bail on the Disney movies/themes. Not even close.

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

They aren't comparable. They are better than any of the Disney resorts.

I think you are very mistaken if you think Harry Potter and Spiderman don't have lasting power.

 

[maxiesmom]

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.

That is the only thing that bothers me. It is not that some people prefer US, it is the sweeping generalizations that people use to justify the fact that they do. Comments like the one that Disney hasn't done anything, when in fact, they have been doing quite a lot!

Say you like US for what it is, but don't dismiss Disney out of hand as just sitting there, doing nothing, when that is so not the case.

 

[Robbi]

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.

1. My daughter is 19 and has loved thrill rides since she was 4 and rode ToT.

2. I'm a DVC member and that membership was not a gift.

3. You can W A L K from any Universal resort to the parks, or you can take a boat, or a bus-they're all free.

4. Disney deluxe resorts have pretty exteriors, fabulous lobbies, and medicore restaurants. Uni resorts have understated exteriors, lobbies, and wonderful restaurants.

5. Why do people who have never visited a place think they can do comparisons?

Would you like me to judge all of Michigan by what we see about Detroit on the news?

 

[AntFarm]

Excellent POST

I love both , I don't think that makes those of us that do evil,disney bashers or stupid and on the flip side being an avide Disney lover doesn't make anyone superior...Universal does NOT just cater to teens and young adults..My 8 yr old had an absolute BLAST at Universal and she was too small and not as adventurous as many other kids.She enjoyed it so much that she asked to go back there.DH is not a HUGE thrill ride person( doesnt ride them) and he had a blast, and for someone that despises themeparks and usually goes to make me happy , that is saying alot... so obviously people other than thrill seekers and teens like it.The resorts are Gorgeous, deluxe and still cheaper than Disney deluxe a times and the theming everywhere is fantastic..IF you have never been to universal , then you really can't comment about it ..I left my trip at Universal completely relaxed and happy I went.Universal does not appeal to everyone, and I get that.Disney doesn't appeal to everyone either.

Thank you! I am so tired of the misconceptions put out there that Universal is only for older kids or thrill ride lovers or that immersive theming can't be found there. You can still be a Disney fan and appreciate that other parks and resorts are great and sometimes provide a better experience than Disney in certain areas. It seems that Universal has really made an effort to appeal to a wider demographic these recent years and kept going even after WWOHP.

 

[DorianDonP]

I think many people are using 15-year-old arguments in an attempt to compare the parks.

"Well Universal was only a thrill ride haven in 2002, so it's no way it can be a full-out theme park in 2012."

That really speaks to how far Universal has come and really hammers home why the excitement is building up for the resort. Not only are they adding quality, they are doing it very fast. The Harry Potter expansion with a train that will connect both parks (the train will be an e-ticket attraction in itself) is about the most exciting thing I've had the pleasure of following since I became interested in theme parks.

It's not a roller coaster. It's a marriage of theming, imagination, immersion, and technology. I think that's what have people excited, not roller coasters. I too, don't like the misconception that they only offer roller coasters, ala a 6 Flags. I'd accept that they rely on screens a bit much than relying on roller coasters.

Either way. The next 10 years for Florida theme parks should be awesome. More awesome than the last 10 years. I'm getting ready to make a trip to Sea World. Will be going back to Universal and Disney over the summer when Transformers opens. I'll make a decision about renewing my APs then.

Nobody is losing. Theme park lovers are winning.

 

[reelmom]

I love Disney and it will always be my favorite resort. However, I am in the minority with my family. My DH and 2 boys love Universal. Universal offers them what they are looking for. Thrills and adventure. It also provides a relaxing vacation for my DH. We stayed onsite for the first time this past summer. Will never stay offsite again. The hotels are great, the express pass is wonderful, and they encourage pool hopping. We love the early entry into Harry Potter. The hotels area all within walking distance and they have boats if you do not want to walk. I enjoy Universal, although I will admit coasters are not my thing. Universal offers a different type of vacation than Disney. But I think it all depends on what you are looking for. I like Disney because I like to plan, plan,plan. I like to tour Commando style and make ADR's. I like to get there for rope drop and stay until closing. I don't have to do this at Universal and it makes me crazy. I think I enjoy the planning as much as the trip. My DH hates having every minute planned so he prefers Universal. Universal is expanding at a fast rate. I don't know if they are doing more than Disney but what they are doing appeals more to my family at this time.

 

[awoogala]

Code words for "smoke and mirrors"

Universal and Dinsey offer two different things. They share a city and "compete" for vacation dollars, but make no mistake about it, they do not offer the same thing.

It's like going to Las Vegas. Yeah, the golf courses and the gentlemen's clubs are both competing for what the black jack table doesn't take from you, but they don't offer the same thing. If they do, I must be playing golf at the wrong places.

Seriously though, Universal is more thrill ride/attraction driven while Disney is more story and experience driven. In time, Disney will offer something more to compete for the thrill ride dollars, but their focus is on telling a story with each ride, not just replicating a movie into something that turns out G forces.

That USED to be the case. But by all accounts, they have made (and are expanding) the Harry Potter into a full theme, comparable (over tha last few years, some would say better) than what Disney is doing. They have a wand experience, shops, themed beverages, and 2 rides, soon to expand into a train ride that looks amazing, and immersive, and better themed than anything disney has put forth lately. (circus?)
Harry Potter 2.0 looks amazing, and it's not just thrill rides. LOTR would be breathtaking if they do it on the same scale.
I am a Disney nut. Before HP, I would have agreed with you. But HP well themed and LOTR? Uni may be getting my dollars in the next few years.
I still don't want to go on all their other rides, but they are definately kicking disney's butt lately.

 

[Planogirl]

I like both and consider myself lucky for feeling that way. The two going head to head I see as a positive for both companies and I personally don't see the point in these arguments. You don't like Universal? Fine don't go. You don't like Disney? Also fine, don't go. Those of us who like both stand to enjoy what both has to offer and to me that's pretty sweet.

 

[Planogirl]

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.

I'd like to see Disney try!

 

[SaraJayne]

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.

You pay for every single one of those perks, in one way or another.

 

[awoogala]

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.



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.

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I would not say that mk is in great condition. COP is desperate. It is falling apart, and at least 20 years behind the times in the last scene. Splash is LITERALLY falling apart. Rock work was falling on the lines, it has gotten a net to hold it up. Animatronics on it and water features have not been working for months.
The facades in Fantasyland (not the new part) are faded and look awful. Peter pan needs paint at the least on their figures.

Everytime I go these days, it seems more and more looks rundown. I can't say anymore that Disney cares. They used to be perfection when it came to upkeep. The last few years.. it seems maintenance has gone downhill.

Epcot is a disaster. It has always been my favorite park, but it looks worse than 6 flags these days. Everything there needs a major overhaul, cleaning, much of it needs a whole new theme. Imagination, energy adventure, and many others need to just be redone completely.
I think it's sad. All I want is to go to Disney every year. They are making it harder and harder to do that.
Uni is putting things in at a faster rate. I wish disney would just do something already. FLE took YEARS. and it's nice, and restaurant was needed, but nothing there screams WOW. The dwarves train looks great, but how many years should it take for a small, not very innovative, ride to go in?
From what I hear, some of Little mermaids animatronics are already somewhat broken, as well.

 

[RMoneyTheHBomb]

I'm always amused with the " fine go there and its less of you at my park" attitude that comes up a lot.

I love Disney, have spent all my days vacationing Disney, and used to work at Disney. That being said I can admit when they have been out done. Potter hit them in the jewels and they really need to respond. This is Disney for crying out loud, the group that gave us pirates, Indy in California, soarin, and mansion. We know what they can do if they try. Potter and IOA was Universal channeling Disney of old and it was awesome.

Mermaid in New FL was a clone of a cute dark ride that should be nothing more than a D ticket, yet they are trying to pass it off as the highlight of the land!

Come on Disney! As the OP said, step it up!

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[maxiesmom]

Epcot is a disaster. It has always been my favorite park, but it looks worse than 6 flags these days. Everything there needs a major overhaul, cleaning, much of it needs a whole new theme. Imagination, energy adventure, and many others need to just be redone completely.

I totally disagree with this statement. I was in Epcot less than a month ago, and did not notice much that needed some love. Malestrom does need help, but that is the only thing I can think of. I don't think you will find many that disagree that Imagination needs to be changed, but that is not something needed because of neglect. But because the ride is just boring.

As far as updates go, Disney has to walk a fine line. They can't go too crazy changing things, or people will be picking up their pitchforks. Some of us come back time after time and don't want to see a ton of changes. Nostalgia is a huge part of the draw of WDW.

Remember too that they just had Test Track closed for a while. They can't close a bunch of rides in the same park without people becoming very upset. It is not as if they can shut a park down for days and fix everything all at once, as some parks can.