Disney vs Universal

[eeyoresmom]

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.

 

[hmcater]

It really depends on what you like with Universal. If you're Harry Potter fans, than it's a must do for sure. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley along with the Hogwarts Express are just beyond amazing. There is so much to see and do just in the wizarding world and it's definitely not lacking in atmosphere. We enjoy the rides outside of Harry Potter too and we enjoy the fact that we don't have to plan everything like you do with Disney, it's a little more laid back. I'm not saying that as a negative against Disney, because we are Disney fanatics, it's just a nice change of pace.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Thanks so much. We aren't Harry Potter fans. Not that we wouldn't enjoy it anyway, were not huge fans of some of the Disney movies and still enjoy the attractions.

 

[Planogirl]

I would say that Universal is definitely improving as far as atmosphere goes. It really depends on what you're looking for. In your case, you don't have to plan much for Universal which might work to your advantage on this trip.

 

[bumbershoot]

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?

I wasn't going 12 years ago, but I think the atmosphere at Universal is wonderful. I would FAR rather spend time wandering their parks than wandering WDW.

 

[ols386]

I prefer WDW. I like Universal but just like WDW better.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

The Harry Potter areas at Uni are amazing. Truly magical. I'm really hoping Disney does as well with Star Wars land. I also thought the Simpsons area was very cool. We didn't get to spend much time there because the kids are young, have never seen it, and didn't want to linger (someday I will go back to have a drink at Moes!). So yes, I think universal has a good amount of atmosphere. I'm not sure if I would pick WDW or USO. They're both good.

 

[BroganMc]

Go back to Universal. You'll be pleasantly surprised how well the experience comes together now. The Harry Potter lands really add a magical touch to the parks. Diagon Alley is a whole world unto itself. Both have an ample amount of street entertainment and show. And you'll find innovative rides and ride systems that put Disney to shame.

After a decade of practically living at WDW, I find myself a wee bit bored with the place. Universal has become my latest obsession. Also it's much more conducive to the older crowd. Far fewer little rugrats and strollers roaming about.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

In terms of an overall resort with theming, atmosphere and fun rides, WDW wins. We wouldn't even go to Universal if Harry Potter wasn't there. We are going to both in August and will only be visiting the Harry Potter areas. The rest of Uni feels like any old theme park to me and we aren't big thrill ride riders. If you aren't interested in Harry Potter, I would stick with WDW.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

I don't think you can say one is better than the other because they are different. Disney is Disney and Universal is NOT, and that's a good thing.

DH and I went last year for a few days and loved it. We like Harry Potter, (much bigger Star Wars fans), and what they have done there with that is amazing and Escape from Gringotts is the best ride I've ever been on in my life-nothing Disney has can touch it IMO. When I stepped in to Diagon Alley I admit that I teared up a little bit-you are transported and immersed into that world completely. Butterbeer is almost worth a trip over there all on it's own-believe the hype, lol.

I'm a huge Simpsons fan and being able to step into Springfield was a lot of fun. There is also Transformers, the Mummy, Minions, Kong in IOA, big kid coasters if you like them. Entertainment was plentiful - we really enjoyed the Blues Brothers. Characters are also very easy to meet without long waits, at least when we were there. Got pics with the whole Scooby Doo crew. One night at the hotel we ran into Homer and Bart who were leaving the character meal and they stopped to goof around with us. City Walk also has some popular touristy chain restaurants and some unique options as well. Best part of Universal is there is no need to plan so much you just go and have fun.

You can look over on the Universal threads on this board, super helpful and friendly folks over there.

We still love Disney, there is no place like it and if I had to choose only one for life it would be Disney. Universal is a welcome change up though and loads of fun. We've added 3 days of Universal to the start of our Disney trip, can't wait to go!

 

[ArwenMarie]

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.

 

[snoopy352]

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.

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?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

You say that you are not Potter fans. Have you seen at least one movie or read at least one book? If so, you can enjoy the HP areas whether or not you are fan fan. But if you are not familiar with the world at all, the details will be lost on you. It is cool, but much more cool in context.

As for the rest of Universal - thrill rides. That really begs the question - do you prefer thrill rides or themes?

Also consider that you will not be staying in one of the Universal resorts, so you will need to purchase their FP for each day that you visit. This can be very pricey. My advice - if you choose Universal, change your resort reservations.

 

[DOOM1001]

Universal just announced both Potter areas will be getting Christmas decor for the first time and Hogwarts castle will get a projection show for Christmas.Definitely needed as its been years of the Macy's Holiday parade and Grinchmas without anything new.As far as Universal overall the place is very different from 12 years ago,it was actually a bit dead back then.Since Potter came in its been non stop growth and Disney like crowds.The new Jimmy Fallon ride is very fun and the virtual queue is truly unique.They're opening the Volcano Bay water park next month,the Fast and Furious ride next year and there's all kinds of rumors of a Nintendo land and a new theme park being announced soon.You have to figure a new park is coming with the amount of new hotels being built,in addition to the three original hotels they've built Cabana bay,Sapphire Falls,the Aventura hotel being built and the Wet n Wild site is going to be a 4000 room value hotel,where are all those people going to fit unless that land over by the Orlando eye is going to be their next park.

 

[soniam]

We almost always do both. In fact, DS11 and I are doing a Universal only trip over Memorial Day Weekend. He had the choice between WDW and Universal and chose Universal. The Wizarding World areas are amazing. Springfield (Simpsons), Suess Land, and Minions are really cool. The hotels, especially the deluxe, are so nice. I actually like them better than the hotels at Disney. The parks are so close to each other, and everything, parks/hotels, is walkable or very convenient to each other. There are some really good restaurants in Citywalk as well. It's a much easier trip to plan. In fact, I haven't made a single dining reservation for our Memorial Day trip. I might make one for Margaritaville, but the other places we want to eat at don't do ADRs. I would give it a try.

 

[bumbershoot]

You say that you are not Potter fans. Have you seen at least one movie or read at least one book? If so, you can enjoy the HP areas whether or not you are fan fan. But if you are not familiar with the world at all, the details will be lost on you. It is cool, but much more cool in context.

Our moderator on the Uni side hasn't seen or read HP and enjoys the HP areas quite a bit.


If people want to try to admire the theming of Uni they need to not just race through it to get to Wizarding World. Saunter. Savor. Listen. I can sit for half an hour in the port of entry area of IOA just reading the funny signs and seeing the work that was put into it.

If you're rushing past everything, you're missing it all.

 

[patrickpiteo]

Not into the HP movies but we have a blast every time. You will need at least 2 days if you want to see it all there. You will be surprised how much it has changed in 12 years.

 

[Davey Jones II]

There has been a lot of new stuff added to Universal in the past 12 years, and the Harry Potter areas are a must. Since you have a limited amount of time in Orlando, I would go to Universal.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Our moderator on the Uni side hasn't seen or read HP and enjoys the HP areas quite a bit.

Like I said, it is cool, but much cooler taken in context. Much cooler.

 

[Planogirl]

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.