Disney vs Universal

[soniam]

There is great theming all throughout Universal! The Port of Entry is lovely and Jurassic Park is nice. The Simpson's is cute and I personally like the New York area. Seuss is adorable. There are still bland areas but they are disappearing.

I always feel sad that the USF New York area is so cool and should have been what the Streets of New York area at DHS was like, active, full of people, and activities. Oh well, I like Star Wars, so we have the coming up.

 

[ArwenMarie]

My DD10 (and myself and DW) love Disney. We love the theming, the attractions, the rides, etc. All the things that most of us here on the DISboards love so much. I have considered a trip to universal though at some point. My DD10 is not into super thrill rides. She likes Test Track and Big Thunder but won't go near EE or Space. As for me, I love Soarin' but wouldn't be caught dead on MS or Star tours due to motion sickness. (Soarin is my limit.) Do you or does anyone know of all those screen-based simulator rides are more like STar Tours or Soarin? Really will impact whether we go to Universal. Also any feedback on the other stuff too - if the majority of the thrill rides are more like TT/BTM or EE/RnRC?

More like Star Tours. Star Tours is probably a mild motion simulator compared to many at Universal

 

[over50visits]

We love Disney, that's where our hearts are. Having said that, Universal sure does a lot of things better. If you stay in their upper hotels, you get unlimited express pass (FastPass). The Harry Potter theme areas set the standard for the world, better than anything I've seen. The employees there seem so much happier and friendlier. The rides are generally more exciting. And I don't feel like I have to grab my wallet when I go into Universal...seems like Disney squeezes me at every single turn for more money, with a huge number of schemes to empty out your wallet.

But, as you can tell from my moniker, WDW is our park of choice when visiting Orlando, but when we have time we also go to Universal, and if you only have one to choose, I guess it depends on the age of the party. Young kids will have more fun at Disney. Older kids and adults will have more fun at Universal.

 

[DOOM1001]

And Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror nights are some of the best events at any Orlando park.The Mardi Gras parade is my favorite parade anywhere,you can also be part of the parade itself by riding the floats and throwing beads,I did it 4 times this year.

 

[Farro]

I think you can definitely do 2 days in Universal and not get bored.

That said, we look at WDW as a vacation destination and Universal as more of a add-on to another trip. Like after a cruise or 2 days there before going to Miami or Key West. Would not plan an entire vacation there, but that's just us.

Can I offer up to anyone who enjoys coasters...Dollywood. Never thought we'd like it, but went last October. Stayed at DreamMore Resort (wonderful) and had two awesome days at Dollywood. A beautiful park and wonderful people working there. It's right in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, just gorgeous.
Lightening Rod (new) is the best coaster we have ever been on. Period. We had to leave and take a nap after it.

 

[whiporee]

If you like coasters, Sea World may be the best in Orlando.

Three great ones and a good flume, too. Plus dolphins and manatees.

 

[DOOM1001]

If you like coasters, Sea World may be the best in Orlando.

Three great ones and a good flume, too. Plus dolphins and manatees.

Mako is not only the best coaster in Orlando but in my opinion the best in the southeast United States,the best part is that wait times are going to be less than 30 minutes 95% of the time.You can tell we're in spring break currently as the wait was 60 minutes yesterday.Sea World also just announced Infinity Falls,the white water rapids ride with the largest drop in the world,and it has an elevator to get to the top.The new dolphin show is also really good.One of their other rollercoasters Kraken is closing on Monday to become Kraken Unleashed,opening in June you'll have the option to ride it with Virtual Reality goggles and an Atlantis theme to tie in with the Journey to Atlantis flume next to Kraken.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

I really enjoy Universal. That being said, I am a huge Harry Potter, Simpsons, Jurassic Park, and Marvel fan. So while I don't ride a lot of the rides at Universal (I am not a big rollercoaster fan), I can find other ways to spend my time there. I can easily do three days. However, I couldn't do just a Universal trip. But if you haven't been in a long time, it's certainly not a bad idea to make a stop and skip the Disney parks this go around.

 

[danikoski]

Universal is fun. Check out the rides and make sure there is enough for you to do. It's hard to say because a lot will depend on if you like screen-based simulator rides.

I think if I was staying at Bonnet Creek and BC I would want to go to WDW though. Just for proximity purposes.

Bonnet Creek isn't that far from Universal...Just take the back way in, through suburbia (Buena Vista Drive to Apopka Vineland Dr to Turkey Lake Road), NOT on the Interstate...The I4 is a beast, especially at 9ish and 5ish.

We did Universal in 2015. Parking is about 1-2 miles from the main entrance to the parks. No tram. Both my husband and I got a touch overheated at Universal (there is a lot of hot pavement in that park) and the walk back was killer. The next day we paid for valet parking...Best $45 we spent on vacation. I have to say, I prefer IOA. I like the different lands, and I love the HP area. The 3 broomsticks is awesome. Hogwarts Express is very cool. That being said, Forbidden Journey is not for the faint of heart. Don't eat before going on it. If you haven't been in many years, I'd say give it a try.

 

[janicept]

He has no idea about fp and adrs, he thinks it all magically happens.

Since Disney APs are so expensive and you already have one I would lean toward Disney especially with Pandora opening soon. Personally I will never get a Disney AP again since I love Universal. The HP area is so entertaining and they have some really good rides that I never get sick of riding. Obviously you go to Orlando frequently since you have an AP and Universal will always be an option later on.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Since Disney APs are so expensive and you already have one I would lean toward Disney especially with Pandora opening soon. Personally I will never get a Disney AP again since I love Universal. The HP area is so entertaining and they have some really good rides that I never get sick of riding. Obviously you go to Orlando frequently since you have an AP and Universal will always be an option later on.

Thanks but our trip is the first week in May ( in 2 weeks), so no Pandora. I wonder if Seaworld and BG are an option for us? We do like coasters as long as they're smooth, I have an old neck injury I have to be careful of. We love the parks that have a good mix of rides and shows or just nice places to get a drink and soak up the atmosphere. For this reason , DH loves Epcot.

 

[Parker Clan]

DH and I are spending 2 days at Cocoa Beach followed by 4 in Orlando. (3 nights at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek and 1 night at Beach Club, using up some expiring dvc points) We did a big Disney trip with our adult kids in March and had a great time but didn't get to enjoy the resort much, hence this long weekend that somehow turned into 6 days. This may sound nuts but I am seriously driving myself crazy trying to decide what to do as far as parks/ no parks. I have an AP. DH has no ticket. Originally this was a 4 night trip to relax and enjoy the resorts. DH says we will buy him a park ticket while there if we decide to. He has no idea about fp and adrs, he thinks it all magically happens. Plus, if we buy him an AP ahead of time we can save at least $77. So, not only am I struggling to make that decision, I am also considering Universal as we haven't been in about 12 years. The last time we went we were not impressed due to the lack of entertainment and atmosphere outside of the rides. The thrill rides were awesome but we felt like once you rode them there was no reason to stay in the parks. In your opinion, is Universal like that or has it changed significantly since then? If we decide Universal is definitely a go I can stop struggling with the stupid Disney parks/No parks dilemma.

We can't go to FL without visiting both!
The last six years we do a few days at Universal then head over to Disney for a week. Our first year we started with just one day at Universal but then they added Diagon Alley which we absolutely love and we decided to stay at Loews Royal Pacific and we keep going back and increasing our stay. The last two years they added a couple new rides and in May Volcano Bay. The whole point of that rant, is just like Disney, they keep adding things to make us want to return. IMO Universal has some great rides!! We think the Harry Potter lands also have that "magical" feel that some say is missing. We love both places and can't imagine a trip to FL without them, so I say, if you haven't been in 12 years, go for it!
Edited- just read your last post-- they have City Walk if you consider Universal, with places to chill and drink and DH and I actually don't do crazy thrill rides (the major coasters there) and we find there are a ton of rides to entertain us for a couple days. Plus some of their restaurants are excellent.. Mama Dellas (best Italian food IMO)

 

[janicept]

Thanks but our trip is the first week in May ( in 2 weeks), so no Pandora. I wonder if Seaworld and BG are an option for us? We do like coasters as long as they're smooth, I have an old neck injury I have to be careful of. We love the parks that have a good mix of rides and shows or just nice places to get a drink and soak up the atmosphere. For this reason , DH loves Epcot.

Oh man that sucks that you will miss Pandora this time. I will be going down 5/4 myself. My absolute favorite coaster is Mako at SeaWorld although I do also enjoy Falcon's Fury at BG. Mako is super smooth and not too many turns. I live in Charlotte and they just opened Fury 325 last year and I just got to ride last week. I believe it's the same coaster manufacturer as Mako but taller first drop. I was thinking it would be better than Mako but I found it is not. Oh course it is better since I can ride it any day on my way home from work but there's a lot of aggressive turns and loops that I do not find as enjoyable since you are going so fast and the wind is ridiculous. My favorite rides by park:

Disney: Everest, Dinosaur, ToT, the Aerosmith Ride, Toy Story
Universal: Gringott's, MIB, Mummy, Transformers, Jimmy Fallon, not RRR (it gives me a headache), Hulk
SeaWorld: Mako
BG: Falcon's Fury, Shierka (although it was rough the last time I was there in Dec), Cheetah Run

I do ride other things but I could ride the above rides multiple times a day. Manta at SeaWorld is a very intense coaster and at one point at the bottom of the first loop I feel like I'm losing my breath. Coasters like Dragon Challenge, Kumba, Mantu, and others like these I will ride but they all feel very similar.

Hum, EPCOT. That is a lot of people watching and not many rides. It's not really comparable to Universal just different. Studios at Universal has many rides, a couple shows, and the HP area is not as congested as IoA side. Early May won't be very busy unless you're thinking of going on a weekend. Wed 5/3 and Thurs 5/4 Studios is open 9 to 9. Really between Studios and CityWalk there are plenty of places to walk around and drink. Also I believe you get into the clubs at CityWalk for free with your day pass ticket. I love going to the Karaoke Club (with a live band except Sun and Mon nights) and Pat O'Brien's has a dueling piano bar. They are open until 2 am. You can leave and come back once you paid for parking if you need a break.

 

[skramer100]

Thanks but our trip is the first week in May ( in 2 weeks), so no Pandora. I wonder if Seaworld and BG are an option for us? We do like coasters as long as they're smooth, I have an old neck injury I have to be careful of. We love the parks that have a good mix of rides and shows or just nice places to get a drink and soak up the atmosphere. For this reason , DH loves Epcot.

Think you would love Universal then. The Hulk is one of the best roller coasters out there, and it is very smooth. Dragon Challenge is a lot of fun and not too jerky either. If jerky is an issue, I would stay away from Forbidden Journey, but it is easily in the top 5 rides I have ever been on in my life.
As for spots to grab a drink, Simpsons area is great with Moe's and Duff Brewery, 3 Broomsticks is really cool, plus City Walk is right outside the gates and they have a ton of options.

 

[KKB]

DD & I went to Universal 2 years ago. She has not read the books or seen the movies (not for lack of her librarian mother trying!!). SHE LOVED IT. Comments we need to spend more time in the HP areas this time, that the boys will love it!

You do NOT have to be an HP fan to appreciate the theming & amazing rides (particularly Gringotts, Hogwarts Express & Forbidden Journey).

We are not what we would consider huge WDW fans (MK is our least fav park); BUT our teens (21, 18, 16) have been begging to return to WDW since we haven't been as a family for 6 years. EPCOT is our fav, we love all the experiences. But we do love all the "big ride" & try to hit them multiple times.

Try Universal; be sure to get the Park to Park pass so you can ride Hogwarts Express.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Thank you everyone for you input. I'm still undecided (something is seriously wrong with me ,I know!). A lot of posters have stated they prefer US because of the ease of going back to the resorts, hopping easily between parks and EP. We will not have any of that as we are offsite. If we do decide on Universal we will drive in for rope drop and probably leave whenever we run out of steam. I could do open to close but DH won't make it. I'm assuming 5 pm the latest. I think I am so undecided because we really did not love it 12 years ago and we will not have that ease of staying onsite. Would you still recommend Universal parks over Disney if you were staying in the Disney parks area and driving in for the day???

 

[Imamom2]

Visit Universal - it's really fun. I don't think they compare in theme or experience. WDW is an experience and Universal is an adventure. Both done beautifully and if you can spend some time at both do it! Have fun

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you everyone for you input. I'm still undecided (something is seriously wrong with me ,I know!). A lot of posters have stated they prefer US because of the ease of going back to the resorts, hopping easily between parks and EP. We will not have any of that as we are offsite. If we do decide on Universal we will drive in for rope drop and probably leave whenever we run out of steam. I could do open to close but DH won't make it. I'm assuming 5 pm the latest. I think I am so undecided because we really did not love it 12 years ago and we will not have that ease of staying onsite. Would you still recommend Universal parks over Disney if you were staying in the Disney parks area and driving in for the day???

I am a local who does not stay on site. We only have a one day ticket cause my son works at Universal so he gets the tickets for us. We arrive at the gates of the park we are starting with about 30 minutes before park opening and manage to do a lot in one day, we usually visit both parks in one day since it's easy to walk or if the Hogwarts Express doesn't have a long line we take that.
As with all the theme parks it's about planning, we arrive early, usually do US first, HP, Mummy (my favorite) go to IOA, my DD16 does Hulk, Dragon Challenge, we do the HP ride there. We do not buy any express passes and are able to do everything we want.
As far as atmosphere I LOVE IOA, so many details in each Island, a photographer's paradise. Street entertainment at US is a lot better, they have an A Capella group, drummers like Jammitors, acrobatics group, break dancers, rappers.
I would say give it another shot

 

[GrumpyDudeByChoice]

Went to Universal last year for the first time. We wanted to check out Harry Potter and loved it. We will have to go at least 1 day every trip from now on. It may not be Disney but the attractions are much better.

 

[ParkQueen13]

Anyone know anything about Spooky Day in the Parks. Trying to get a little more info. Would like to be able to plan around MNSSH and HHN. If I could do all three, that would be perfect.