Disney Vs. Universal 3D Attractions

[walter]

Within the last two weeks, we had the oppurtunity to visit both parks in Orlando. After seeing the Shrek 4D at Universal, even the Mickey's Philharmagic presentation pales in comparison. Disney needs to get a move on its' updating of the overall park programming. When we visited Disney Studios last week, many areas were down for "refurbishment". Hopefully it will be a new and improved park experience, for even Universal's backlot area is more appealing than "The Studios". We are Disney fans and were impressed by the several changes in Universal in the past couple of years. I hope Eisner is not creating a program that is not aggressive enough to keep the Disney fans motivated to return on a regular basis.

 

[Bob O]

I havent seen Shrek yet, but unless its super great nothing in 3d can beat T2-3D Battle Across Time. Its a great show with great elements/special effects and add that great story w/Arnold, it cant be beat!!!

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by walter
Within the last two weeks, we had the oppurtunity to visit both parks in Orlando. After seeing the Shrek 4D at Universal, even the Mickey's Philharmagic presentation pales in comparison.

I've seen both, and I don't agree. Shrek was fun, but it was basically a 3-D movie with two or three chair effects used over and over. It was all about spraying water in my face and bouncing the chair around. And even that wasn't consistent. Sometimes, I was bouncing around when I was supposed to be in the wagon with Shrek and Fiona (and that made sense). Other times, I was supposed to be following the POV of the King, and yet I'm still bouncing (that didn't make sense).

As for the water ... the first time it sprayed, it was a surprise -- very funny. The second time, worked fine within the story, but wasn't really necessary. The third time, it was expected and almost annoying, and nearly everyone around me put their hands up in front of the sprayer to avoid the water before it sprayed.

Beyond the chair and the water, and a bit of smoke, I didn't see anything else that made Shrek particularly ground-breaking.

 

[KNWVIKING]

Shrek and McPhil basically represent the best 3D both parks have to offer (although I believe TTBaB offers the best combination of physical as well as visual effects). I've seen both several times. Preshow,hands down,goes to Shrek. Clarity of the 3D effects goes to McPhil. It is crystal clear,sharp edges,virtually no blurring. The story's are a draw,IMO, but McPhil kinda reminds me of a commercial for a whole slew of Disney videos. I guess for me the tie breaker is the huge, wrap-around screen of McPhil. I wish WDW would work on the pre-show cause it's virtually non-existant.

 

[bigiainw]

I have to disagree. McPhil is great, as it stands, but Shrek is by far the more involving experience. Come on Disney, pick up the gauntlet and rise to the challenge!

 

[cindysteve]

What about Spiderman? It is one of my personal favorite 3D experiences in Orlando.

 

[Golter]

My top 5 are:
1.Spiderman
2. Philharmagic
3. Shrek
4. T2-3D
5. ITTBAB

 

[KNWVIKING]

.... but I never thought of it the the same way as your traditional -sit in the theater,watch the 3D show- type ride. Spiderman is a hybrid: part rollercoater,part simulator,part spinner, part 3D movie.

 

[Razor Roman]

I think the main problem is that when Islands of Adventure was built, everyone thought it would be the kick in the butt that Disney needed to cut a few checks and let WDI build some of the super-duper rides they had been working on.

This would have been a good thing; making all the theme parks in Central Fla. better for it.

The problem is, the crowds have yet to show up at IOA or Universal Studios; so Ei$ner sees no reason to cause a temporary dip in the stock price (and his options!) but investing in good rides, when Disney clearly doesn't need them to stay #1 (yet).

The day is coming though. People have always bashed Disney (read some reviews of Fantasia, and Alice in Wonderland from backin in the 40's and 50's) for being too family friendly and such, but no one ever accused Walt of being greedy - Disney deserves to be bashed for taking it's customers for granted. Unfortunately, they really are the only game in town. Seriously, even if there was a Lassetter Island at Islands of Adventure, would it still feel right without Mickey and the Castle?

 

[mitros]

Yea, and as we all know by now, Disney's pre-shows, when they are there at all, are slipping.

 

[Dznefreek]

The problem is, the crowds have yet to show up at IOA or Universal Studios

Go during any holiday and see "who isn't there".

There must be something to it because ME went with an entire entourage right after IOA opened, It made all the local papers.