Convince Me!

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

After some of the comments I received in another Universal thread here which implied that I can't do anything without my mother's permission and that I'm a loser because I stood in line to have my picture taken with a Disney Princess(although for the record, my brother took the picture and my mom didn't know about until later), I've decided that I don't want to get into a flaming war as it denigrates all of us. If you're intrigued, read on.

I have fond memories of visting Universal L.A. with my parents as a child, but we haven't been since we moved to California except for the time my parents had free tickets to USO and apparently scarred me for life by telling me that they didn't like it . Some of their rides such as BTTF and E.T., plus the whole Jaws attack on the boat intrigued me, but I grew older and found that I didn't care all that much anymore about experiencing those films, though I still enjoy watching them. Honestly, I have thought about visiting US/IOA sometime in my life as I enjoy thrill rides, but after a certain commercial and the comments I received in the other thread, I'm wondering why I should even consider giving US/IOA any of my hard earned money.

Now I'm willing to give US/IOA a chance. I'm planning a solo trip to WDW sometime in the next two years for Star Wars Weekends. Tell me why I should visit Universal. Why is it great? What makes it's rides so spectacular? I only have one request: Tell me what makes Universal great without demeaning either Disney, myself, or my parents. US/IOA's ad that says I should visit them because they're not Disney doesn't convince me, so I thought I'd see why the experts think I should visit US/IOA.

 

[goofy!]

Fair Enough.

The first thing to remember is that Universal is NOT WDW. It is different, nobody disputes that. If you go in looking to compare it, you are going to be disappointed. However, because they are different, you can love them equally because they each give you a different experience.

To us, WDW is sweet, wonderful and fun. To us, Universal has a slightly dryer sense of humor feel to it, but still sweet, wonderful and fun. You just have to think of the characters - virtuous princesses vs. an edgier Donkey. And this is not knocking WDW. We go to WDW just for that experience and love it, then we go to Universal for its experience and love it.

The rides are state of the art. Until you try Spiderman, you don't know what you are missing. The Mummy is also fantastic. Then, if you are a thrill ride lover, you will love Hulk and Dueling Dragons. Think of experiencing dualing coasters that come thisclose to each other when you ride. The thrill is something you should experience at least once.

And the most convincing argument is to never let anybody form your ideas for you, friends, family nor commercials. How do you know you will hate something unless you try it. Kind of like parents telling a kid to eat their vegetables when they were young. Try it once - you might just like it. Tickets are cheap - go and see for yourself. If you then hate it, at least you can give a solid, informed reason for why.

 

[damo]

I will start with explaining my favourite ride, Men In Black.

Men in Black is, of course, based on the movie Men in Black. In the ride, you sit 6 person vehicles and have laser guns that are attached to the car with a cord to give you the ability to aim your gun where you please. The ride is full of animatronics and other moving and stationary targets. These targets are not easy to find and not so easy to hit. There are many bonus targets that give big points. This is a full fledged, immersed video game but it is not for little kids as the targets are not in bullseyes and are not clearly marked but are hidden in trees, on aliens, windows, etc. You can also shoot at the opposing vehicle causing them to spin and put your opponents to a disadvantage.

This ride takes a lot of re-rides to master and is extremely challenging and addicting. It is even a great ride without using the guns as there are some spins involved and the setting (several huge, different themed rooms)is incredible. This ride, in itself, brings me back to the parks over and over and over again.

It is a great accomplishment to score 999,999 and even greater to be able to do it with any consistency.

 

[oybolshoi]

Fair questions... I'll give you my two cents for what it's worth (last time I checked, due to inflation my two cents are actually only worth a halfpenny).

My husband and I are DVC members - we usually make the annual trek to WDW in October for the F&W Festival. Last year before our Disney cruise we decided to give USO / IOA a visit.

Initially I wanted to stay there because of that show Samantha Brown does - Great Hotels - that featured the Portofino Bay Hotel. I was just blown away by how gorgeous this property looked and convinced my hubby that we could spend two nights there before taking our cruise.

We had visited USO in 1996 and from researching their website we didn't notice a lot of changes from then, so we decided to give IoA a chance instead since we only had one full day to spend at a theme park. We both love thrill rides so this seemed like a good choice to us.

IoA is a wonderfully themed park - there is just as much attention to detail in each of its "islands" as you would expect to see at WDW (I've been going to WDW since 1974, so I've got plenty of years of experience to draw on for comparisons). Suess Landing is charming - this is the first area we visit and we go on every ride: Cat in the Hat, One Fish, Two Fish, etc., The Suessosuel (I spelled that wrong). The whole area feels like a Suess book come to life - it's actually kind of surreal with all those colors but the whimsy is what makes it work. There are two great coasters in the park: Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk; Doctor Doom's FearFall is a huge adrenalin rush and it also gives you a great view of the Orlando area when you first shoot up the tower; Spider Man is one of the best virtual reality / 3D rides I've ever been on. We haven't been on every ride in the park, so I can't speak about them (we missed the Jurassic Park river ride last time).

Universal is obviously based on movies, but we still had a great time when we were there. Some of the more standard offerings like Jaws and Earthquake were fun because they're oldies but goodies (like Pirates in the Carribbean or the Haunted Mansion), but there are some new rides like the Mummy (an indoor roller coaster with really cool special effects) and Men In Black (a more adult version of Buzz Lightyear where you get to shoot aliens) that were an absolute blast.

Both parks were exceptionally clean when we were there over Memorial Day weekend, and trust me, I'm the first one to notice if things are getting disgusting and dirty. The employees at both theme parks were just as friendly as those we've encountered at WDW and the customer base at USO / IOA is pretty much the same as you'd expect to see at WDW: a diverse mix of individuals from all over the globe.

We've only stayed at Portofino Bay but we've poked around the other two properties as well and they are all very nice with exceptional landscaping and theming. One huge advantage that USO has over Disney is the automatic express pass your room key gives you in the parks - Front of The Line access is a big perk, and we are willing to pay extra for it. I know Disney can't really do that because of the number of hotel rooms they have on property, but it's a great perk of staying on proeprty at USO.

There are also some wonderful restaurants to enjoy at the resort - we've tried both of Emeril's restaurants and they were fabulous. There's the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world, Margaritaville, Bob Marley's place, a Pat Obrien's and there are numerous restaurants in the hotels that we've never had the pleasure of trying.

We love Disney and we also love USO / IOA - both provide different types of experiences and based on our trips over the last year we will probably continue to do both whenever possible.

I'm not an expect in this area - there are definitely people here who can probably give you much more detailed reasons to give it a try, but as someone who's been going to WDW all her life, I wanted to try to give you a glimpse into what we've seen when we've been there.

My biggest piece of advice is don't go expecting it to be like WDW or you will be disappointed. Do your research in advance and go in expecting to have fun - I'd be willing to bet you have a great time!

 

[flatline]

guess who had a hand in creating and shaping IOA, and who continues to further the Universal parks?

ex-Disney Imagineers.

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I understand that both parks are different. That's why I wanted to know what makes Universal worth checking out. My parents tried it and didn't like it, so they won't go back and as long as they're paying, I'm not going to complain about a free trip to Disney. I will say though that I was bothered by the now infamous commercial.

As a seasoned Disneyland veteran, I have an idea about how some Universal people may feel when they hear a park they love demeaned because it's not Disney as I've seen people demean Disneyland simply because it isn't WDW.

It sounds like MIB is similar to DL's Buzz ride(cords attached to the guns), only it's more challenging.

What makes Spiderman, The Mummy, and Hulk cool? What is it about the design and experience that sets them apart from say any coaster I could find at my local amusement park?

Oh, and I don't mind people saying what they like about US/IOA that Disney doesn't have(a bit of an edge as it were) as they are different experiences. I'm just looking for Universal's strengths. From what I've seen out of Universal in ads and their website, they seem to think their strength is that they aren't Disney. As I love Disney and think they're top notch, saying "we aren't Disney" doesn't convince me. So, please keep telling me why I should visit Universal the next time I visit Disney.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

This maybe getting away from this thread, but it's my opinion on some of the posts in general on here (both Disney and US). We are only talking about theme parks here, that's all. Theme parks. Now while the OP is wrong to criticise a place to which he has never been, some of the comments posted about him are a disgrace, and if either of my children had come out with some of the infantile comments posted, I'd have been disappointed. The thread regarding US yuck! was a little off mark, and maybe she should have planned her trip a bit better, but once again everyone goes into meltdown at someone having the audacity to criticise, get this, A THEME PARK.

I come on here to look at the latest news and what's going at both Disney and Universal. I have no leaning to either park. Someone posted the other day about taking three kids (all under three years old) to US. I told her not to bother as my kids didn't find enough to do. It wasn't meant as a dig at US, just thinking of a family who might be wasting hard earned cash. This forum should be on advising on topics and discussions, but name calling? Pathetic.

By the way, to all the people who called the OP a mummys boy, a scenario. Your mother or father go out for a meal to a restaurant, they come back and tell you the food was awful. Do you go for a meal there, or take your parents advice and steer clear?

 

[flatline]

I will say though that I was bothered by the now infamous commercial.

then you're not going to 'get' the Universal parks. they're not Disney. we have AP's to both, and Seaworld and Busch Gardens. our daughter still plays princess at the MK, and goes hands up on the Hulk and Sheikra.

there are plenty of TM's at Universal and CM's at WDW that visit both regularly. there's no one side vs. another.

 

[damo]

By the way, to all the people who called the OP a mummys boy, a scenario. Your mother or father go out for a meal to a restaurant, they come back and tell you the food was awful. Do you go for a meal there, or take your parents advice and steer clear?

If lots of other people love it, then I definitely would give it a try. My parents have different tastes than I do.

 

[theterms]

Spiderman has got to be my favorite ride. I don't know why... it just is. I still get butterflies when the car.... oops! Don't want to give anything away!

GO! Have a blast! MIB is like Buzz x 100. Last year, DD kicked butt on MIB & 3 20-something guys were trying to get pointers on how she got such a high score.

The hotels - beautiful. You can snag a great deal if you're flexible. Plus, you don't need nearly as much time, a couple of nights, as opposed to minimum 1 week at WDW. We stay for 5-7 days at US just because hanging out by the pool sometimes is all we want to do! And, the kids too.

As I tell DS "pickiest eater in the world" - you gotta try everything once. You get one lifetime, don't waste it away!!!

WE ARE LEAVING IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

then you're not going to 'get' the Universal parks. they're not Disney. we have AP's to both, and Seaworld and Busch Gardens. our daughter still plays princess at the MK, and goes hands up on the Hulk and Sheikra.

Out of curiosity, why not? I've been to amusement parks, that while not Disney, I found enjoyable for the day. I guess I don't understand why disliking one commercial will cause me to hate a place.

 

[G&J's Mom]

I am not a US veteran, and I am still learning the ropes after two trips. I grew up in L.A. Disneyland was a fixture in my childhood. I now live in GA and in the last few years I discovered WDW. It truly is a magical place, I love it and I will always go back as much as I can. Is is like Disneyland? No way. Although magical in its own right, Disneyland will always bring back fond memories, but there is no comparison between the two. I enjoy them both for different reasons and will continue to visit both.

In February 2006, I discovered USO. I had been to US CA a few times as a child and could not remember anything memorable about it. Even so, I was willing to give USO a shot because of the free childrens ticket offer. Going on this trip concerned me some because I was so Disneyfied, and I was afraid I would not like it. I was open for a new adventure. Anyhow, I was wrong, so VERY wrong. On a cool day in February, I went to the darkside. Now, US will always be a part of my vacation plans. Myself, DH, DS and DD love it! Our third trip is coming this fall and we are also going to WDW. Is US like Disney? Heck no. And that is what you need to remember when you go. You can not compare WDW to US / IOA. They are both different experiences. It is not just the US parks, it is the restaurants, the City Walk, the onsite hotels, etc. All this gives US its own vibe "not" like WDW. It is so much more laid back.

Keep reading here, take the suggestions you get and plan a great vacation. You may come back and say you didn't like it, but at least you can say you gave it a fair assessment. Can't ask for more than that.

Denise

 

[taismommy]

I think that you should just leave your parents opinion out of it and go!!!!!! The park is geared for thrills and more.

Stay onsite, spend the money HAVE A BALL! Dont let your parents opinion spoil your chance to have a fun.

 

[patster734]

What makes Spiderman, The Mummy, and Hulk cool? What is it about the design and experience that sets them apart from say any coaster I could find at my local amusement park?

Spiderman is like having your own mini 3D theater. After waiting in the queue line (which is decorated as The Daily Bugle office) and picking up your 3d glasses, you board the spiderman vehicle. These vehicles traverse along a track and the scenery is a mixture of 3D images and actual props. Because of the 3D effects, you'll feel like you're travelling much faster than you actually are. You get to follow Spiderman as he fights several villians. It currently is a unique ride.

The Mummy is a mixture of slow ride and rollercoaster. It starts off slow as it sets up the storyline and then launches you into the rollercoaster portion. Its all indoors and the rollercoaster portion reminds me of MGM's Rock And Roll Rollercoaster in that the darkness is peppered with bright neon images.

The Hulk has an interesting launch mechanism and is pretty smooth but is like other outdoor rollercoasters.

Both Spiderman and Hulk are located at the Islands of Adventure. Also located at IOA (and not to be missed) are Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls® (a thrilling log ride), Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges@ (a thrilling water rafting ride), Jurassic Park River Adventure® (a thrilling raft ride) and Dueling Dragons® (the world's first inverted, dueling roller-coasters). There are additional rides and shows worth checking out there also.

The Mummy is located at Universal Studios. Also located at Universal Studios (and not to be missed) are Shrek 4-D show, MEN IN BLACK - Alien Attack, Terminator 2:3D show, Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, Jaws, Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue and Universal's Horror Make-up Show. Also, there are additional rides and shows that I haven't mention.

Both parks are seperated from each other by Citywalk, Universal's shopping, dining and entertainment hub. They have several restaurants (Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe and Emeril's, just to name a few). Also located at Citywalk is a movie theater with 20 screens.

Also adjacent to Citywalk are the three Loew's Hotels (Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel). Staying at one of these hotels gives the guests front-of-the-line access to the rides and attractions at Universal Studios and IOA by showing your room key. Your room key will usually get you priority seating at the restaurants at Citywalk (excluding Emeril's) as well. There is both a dedicated walkway and boat service to transport guests between the hotels and Citywalk. Also, guests staying at one of the Loews hotels can swim at another hotel's pool. Pool hopping is allowed.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Forget it. If you're not a gangsta, you won't like it.


Seriously, hubby and I love thrill rides, and I am very sorry, but WDW doesn't really have them. Space Mountain and Expedition Everest are merely kiddie coasters once you have ridden Dueling Dragons and Hulk! Try to sit in the front row of Dueling Dragons so you can get the full effect of the near misses. Buzz Lightyear in no way compares to MIB; MIB is waaayy cooler, IMO. WDW has no ride as good as Spiderman. Don't get me wrong. We love Disney, but we love it more for nostalgia, and just to feel happy. We don't go there for thrills.

That, and here's two words you won't find at WDW: HAPPY HOUR

 

[AlexandNessa]

uggghhh -- apparently, your post does go through when you get a "server too busy" error. Sorry, double post.

 

[stitch63]

I love Disney World but Universal is such a fun place to visit. Why can't you love more than one place? I've only been to Cedar Point once, but I fell in love with it that first trip because their coasters are awesome and the park was a lot of fun overall.

I made my first visit to IOA and my second visit to US this Memorial Day. As far as The Hulk and Duel Dragons coasters - these rides were great! I usually hate coasters with inversions because I end up with a roaring headache from my head hitting the restraints but I came off these coasters headache-free. These were smooth rides that were a lot of fun. The Mummy ride was a decent inside coaster and the theming inside the ride was great. One of my favorite rides at IOA was Ripsaw Falls. I thoroughly enjoyed the theming inside this ride since I always liked Dudley DoRight and Snidely Whiplash.

It seems like so many people on this board think it's blasphemy if you like any other park besides WDW. I know WDW will always hold a special place in my heart, but I enjoy many other theme parks just as much as Disney because they are different and offers me thrills that I can't get at Disney.

 

[sha_lyn]

I really had no desire to visit USO when I planned our first trip in 2001. It was planned for DS who was then 12 and really into thrill rides. We have SF here that is full of coasters, so I could not see traveling out of state for thrill rides. Then
I watched the specials (travel channel or discovery channel) on Spiderman and Seuss Landing. I started posting here on the dark side etc.
Our first trip was in April of 2001 and I was hooked. Even abad experience with the HRH didn't stop me from falling for USO.

MIB..... well sure you could compare it to Buzz, but IMHO that is like comparing RnR to Goofy's Barnstormer. It is like competing in a life sized video game. The animitronics are amazing.

ROTM...... Oh man. This coaster is cutting edge. Part ride through "dark" show, part high speed coaster

Shrek...... amazing4 D movie. Nothing really puts it above and beyond any of the WDW 4D's, but it great

Jimmy Nuetron...... really cool simulator

Earthquake...... I'm probably one of the few people who actually love this ride. Sure thepreshows are lame. Theeffects are cool,andlove how they let you see it all reset at the end.

IOA.... well my first comment about IOA was "they out Disney'ed Disney". They put thought into every little detail,from the ambient sounds and smells the the details in the side walk, each Island is themed out to the max.

Hulk and DD are amzing coasters. I've done all the coasters at SF GA most at Cedar Point. The only coaster that I might put above hulk in superman at SF GA (andKraken at SW comes close). For some reason it took awhilefor me to warm up to DD, but then I got up the nerve to ride in the front row. WOW is all I can say

Spiderman. It is like living out a cartoon. It is part simulator, part 3D movie, part ride throgh dark ride. Nothing can compare to it. You really get "lost" in the story.

 

[flatline]

Out of curiosity, why not? I've been to amusement parks, that while not Disney, I found enjoyable for the day. I guess I don't understand why disliking one commercial will cause me to hate a place.

Universal's parks are not amusement parks. behind the US Disney parks, they're the second most visited theme parks on the planet. if you're offended by a commercial, you're already missing the point of Universal. open your mind.

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

Thanks for the descriptions on Spiderman. It sounds interesting. What does Hulk do?