Disney Fan needs help w/ Universal

[johndd]

I'm a big Disney fan trying to decide whether or not to go to Universal studios for our next trip any help or comments will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[disneynutsss]

i am a huge disney fan but always make a day trip over to universal/ioa.

there IS a Universal/IOA section on the boards.

have you been there before? it is a different experience from disney parks. i love them as well.

 

[OhBoy!]

Yea we always make a day or two at Universal on each trip.

We have DD7 and DS10 - a must do for us. We usually do them first - then hit DISNEY! It's like two vacations a little.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We are actually beginning our fall break trip with 2 nights at Universal before heading over to Disney. (I do miss the free transportation, since we can only to magical express back to the airport!) Anyway, the Universal board here on the DIS has a lot of good info. You may freak out slightly at first, as I did, because the amount of information anywhere about Universal isn't as massive as that for WDW. From what I'm gathering, it's because Universal isn't as massive as WDW, and there isn't the need to plan so extensively. We are only going to IOA and are staying onsite for early admission and front of the line passes. Sounds like other than the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there isn't as much need for a plan of attack.

 

[Albytaps]

How many days are you going? I would always like to take a day or 2 on our Disney trip to go to Universal, but financially it's smarter to just stay in Disney (since the more you stay the less you pay.)

This year we made a trip for 3 days/4 nights to Universal. WWOHP made it happen.

If you got the bucks, sure. Not as much for the kids there though, specially if they're short and don't like thrill rides.

 

[rie'smom]

We always stay at a Universal onsite for the last 2 or 4 nights of our Disney trips because we love the Universal parks as much as we love those at Disney World.

 

[Mickey]

We just returned from a Disney trip and made it over to Universal twice. We love Disney, but we enjoy alot of the rides at Universal. We are going next year, and going to Universal again. Speaking of Universal, don't miss Harry Potter!!!

 

[pmickus]

We are huge Disney fans but my boys were dying to see Harry Potter this summer. So we spent the first 2 days at Universal then headed to Disney. We really enjoyed it. You cannot beat their thrill rides - Disney cannot compare with the big coasters. I wish Disney would give me more to work with tween boys - I have a feeling we might soon spend more time at Universal. Harry Potter was amazing!!!! Costco has discounted tickets to Universal right now.

 

[floridawannabe]

We've stayed on-site at Universal a couple of times and then moved over to a Disney resort. I'd really recommend staying on-site if it's doable money-wise. The resorts are very nice and the ability to use the express line on most of the rides is fantastic. You only need about two days to see both parks, particular if you're staying on site.

The one thing about Universal is that I don't think they're geared for little kids. Seuss Landing is great but the rest of IOA is limited for pre-school and early elementary school kids. For older kids and adults it's a lot of fun.

 

[Planogirl]

We always split our time between Universal and WDW now and it's truly like taking two vacations. Head over to the Universal forums - they are very nice and knowledgeable over there.

 

[Darcy03231]

Our family enjoys US/IOA as much as WDW!

I would recommend staying on-site for the unlimited express pass that goes with your resort stay. Its like an unlimited fast pass! Just make sure you do the US/IOA portion at the end of your trip. We did it at the beginning the first year and the kids got spoiled with no waits in line. When we got to WDW all they did was complain about having to stand in line (and we went during a slower time of year when the lines really weren't that bad). Our personal favorite is the Hard Rock.

Overall, US/IOA is geared more toward the 10+ age group, although there are areas for the little ones. We went with a big group ranging in ages for 3 to 70 and everyone had a great time!

I've found the lands and theming to be just as good as WDW.

 

[terbethk]

I looove US/IOA
I used to make a trip over there everytime I was in the area, but now that I'm an adult and paying for my own trips, I have to choose one or the other...its just not cost effective for me to do both anymore. And Disney wins out everytime. But I've considered taking a US/IOA trip only, but maybe in a few years with some $$ saved up we'll be able to do both again, because I absolutely LOVE Universal!

 

[johndd]

thanks for replying to my post are u willing to discuss Universal with me? We have been to Disney 8 times and thinking about doing universal and seaworld etc on our next trip to orlando would stay on site staying 5-7 nights no dates early planing

 

[rie'smom]

Universal has 2 parks- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If you like thrill rides, you'll love these parks.
US:
Men in Black - a very fun ride
Spiderman- voted many times as the best ride in the US
The Revenge of the Mummy- a stunning roller coaster
The Simpsons Ride- fun
Everything at this park appeals to all of my family.

IOA
The Hulk Coaster is my teenager's favorite of any.
Fear Fall- Huge drop. My daughter loves this too.
Popeye's Bilge Barge- fun and you will get drenched
Dudley Do Right's Rip Saw Falls-excellent log flume ride

There are so many things to do and see. Each land in both parks is very well themed. Besides all of the older things, there's now a Harry Potter section. I can't comment yet because we will visit that for the first time in November.

We love that all of the shops have different merchandise.

The Mythos restaurant has been voted the toptheme park restaurant for years. The food is excellent.

 

[Albytaps]

The Harry Potter ride (Forbidden Journey) is the most amazing ride I've ever been on. The WWOHP is amazing in itself as well. If you are a HP fan you would not want to miss it. If you are not a HP fan you won't want to miss it either.

 

[lildamo]

I would highly suggest checking out the Universal boards on here - lots of info and helpful Universal experts!!

 

[hannahryan]

I'm a big Disney fan trying to decide whether or not to go to Universal studios for our next trip any help or comments will be appreciated. Thanks

We are HUGE Disney fans also and tried Universal/IOA for the first time this August. We even bought their FL resident annual passes (a steal at $139).

PROS:
-Citywalk (we like it better than downtown disney)
-Thrill rides (our teens loved these)
-Harry Potter (not big fans, but still very cool)
- Nicely themed

CONS:
- No magic
- Lack of customer service (several issues)
- Themed rides just don't draw you in like at WDW
- No magic


We did enjoy our time at Universal, but the whole time my husband and son kept saying "it's just not Disney". My teenage son loved the thrill rides, but I was surprised to hear him say that he likes WDW so much more. That really warmed my heart as a mother seeing that even as a teenager, he truly feels the magic.

 

[palavra]

We are HUGE Disney fans also and tried Universal/IOA for the first time this August. We even bought their FL resident annual passes (a steal at $139).

PROS:
-Citywalk (we like it better than downtown disney)
-Thrill rides (our teens loved these)
-Harry Potter (not big fans, but still very cool)
- Nicely themed

CONS:
- No magic
- Lack of customer service (several issues)
- Themed rides just don't draw you in like at WDW
- No magic


We did enjoy our time at Universal, but the whole time my husband and son kept saying "it's just not Disney". My teenage son loved the thrill rides, but I was surprised to hear him say that he likes WDW so much more. That really warmed my heart as a mother seeing that even as a teenager, he truly feels the magic.

Totally disagree about no magic. We thought the theming was awesome at both Universal and IOA. Maybe it is a different type of magic, but we were drawn in and loved the whole Universal/IOA experience!

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this to our Universal board. I'm sure the folks over there will help you with all your questions.

 

[rie'smom]

Totally disagree about no magic. We thought the theming was awesome at both Universal and IOA. Maybe it is a different type of magic, but we were drawn in and loved the whole Universal/IOA experience!

I agree! The themeing is outstanding and is at least as good as Disney and I think better.

Seuss landing, the Jurassic Park area, Toon Lagoon, then the city areas of US. These are more themed than anything at Disney.

Every staff member we've encountered has been enthusiastic and over the top helpful.

The Universal resorts blow the Disney resorts out of the water. Granted there are no huige iconic statues but you do get true luxury hotels and top notch service.