Disney World >> Universal Studios (as in much greater than)

[tommygunn]

Had not visited Universal / Islands in probably 20 years and decided to give it a go this past weekend. Have to say that while I was impressed with certain elements for sure, ultimately it just wasn't for me. Would be interested in what other's feel but if I were to offer advice to a first time visitor to the Orlando area I'd say head to DW, hands down, unless you're a supernerd Potter fan.

I'm not a Potter fan but it's hard not to be impressed with the detail that has gone into those two lands. And attractions wise I enjoyed the Forbidden Journey ride especially. Gringots was pretty good and didn't get a chance to go on the new coaster.

As for the rest of the park - meh. All the other major attractions seemed to be based upon the same basic platform. A mix of screen and practical effects elements from a tracked vehicle. Kong, Spidey, Transformers, and even Gringots are pretty much the same attraction just with some tweaks.

Atmosphere wise I appreciated the cleanliness and the wide open walkways for studios. Nothing to complain about there. Food that I had was DW quality.

So I enjoyed myself for the day but have no desire to go back anytime soon unless they build a third gate. Just feel that DW offers so much more. Granted a lot of that is probably nostalgia too since I've been a Disnerd my whole life. But still, something just feels to be missing from Universal. Not a fan...

 

[gatorlisa]

Can't disagree with you too much here. I am a huge Harry Potter fan. The parts of the park dedicated to Harry are so incredibly well done. It's like seeing the books come to life or stepping right into the movies. While Gringotts and Forbidden Journey do make use of screens, I thought the rides were well done and unique.

The rest of Universal and IOA though, I could take or leave. As I'm getting older I find the big coasters don't agree with me as much, which means Hulk and RipRideRock-it are not really an option anymore. I enjoyed the Mummy ride and the Jurassic Park ride. I HATED the Kong ride. Most of the rest felt like kind of the same ride over and over with a different theme on it.

I'm sure I'll go back, because the Harry Potter lands really are spectacular, but for me Universal is a once every 5-7 years kind of place. Disney is an anywhere from several times a year (if on an AP) to a once every year or two kind of place.

 

[snoopboop]

Super... one fewer person in line in front of me!

Seriously, I just don’t understand the point of this type of post, other than to stir the pot and/or get some kind of satisfaction out of flexing one’s Disney Superiority muscle.

I’m glad for you that you’ve identified that you prefer Disney to Universal, but I can say that this type of post doesn’t do much to shed a positive light on the “Disney is perfect and Universal sux” crowd.

 

[georgina]

Had not visited Universal / Islands in probably 20 years and decided to give it a go this past weekend. Have to say that while I was impressed with certain elements for sure, ultimately it just wasn't for me. Would be interested in what other's feel but if I were to offer advice to a first time visitor to the Orlando area I'd say head to DW, hands down, unless you're a supernerd Potter fan.

I'm not a Potter fan but it's hard not to be impressed with the detail that has gone into those two lands. And attractions wise I enjoyed the Forbidden Journey ride especially. Gringots was pretty good and didn't get a chance to go on the new coaster.

As for the rest of the park - meh. All the other major attractions seemed to be based upon the same basic platform. A mix of screen and practical effects elements from a tracked vehicle. Kong, Spidey, Transformers, and even Gringots are pretty much the same attraction just with some tweaks.

Atmosphere wise I appreciated the cleanliness and the wide open walkways for studios. Nothing to complain about there. Food that I had was DW quality.

So I enjoyed myself for the day but have no desire to go back anytime soon unless they build a third gate. Just feel that DW offers so much more. Granted a lot of that is probably nostalgia too since I've been a Disnerd my whole life. But still, something just feels to be missing from Universal. Not a fan...

GOOD! Stay away from Universal. I like both park companies equally well for different reasons. Agree with above poster, what is the point of yet another of hundreds of these posts?

 

[tommygunn]

Sorry didn’t notice if there were a ton of messages before on this. Just wanted to chime in with my opinion and see what others thought. Boy the universal fanboys are a sensitive bunch. Don’t worry I won’t be going to your park anytime soon. It’s all yours.

 

[jkh36619]

A Universal AP is nice to have every couple of years. They are cheap enough and you get express pass after 4. Disney has much more to offer but US knocked it out of the park with the HP lands. And personally speaking, Forbidden Journey is the best ride in all 6 parks.

 

[Timmy Boy]

I'm impressed with Universal's ride technology and definitely appreciate the work that went into the Wizarding World (especially the Hogwarts Express, very smart idea). I'll go once every couple of months if I can get a comp ticket from a friend or so, but that's pretty much it. Still haven't ridden Hagrid's lol.

 

[epcotty]

Personally I think Universal tries every bit as much as Disney. It depends on what you like. And this is coming from a die-hard Disney fan.

 

[Jrb1979]

I feel the exact opposite but it's cause I find Universal has the more thrilling rides. If I were to pick a park in Orlando I like the most it would be SeaWorld. They have the best coasters in all of Orlando. Manta and Mako are 2 of the best coasters in all of Florida.

Judging by most of responses on here regarding any coaster, I take it most find big coasters too intimidating.