Do you visit "those other parks"?

[TiggerBouncy]

As a DVC member, I had some extra points so I decided to bring some of our friends down who can't normally afford something like Disney. With us covering the hotel with our points, they could afford to bring their kids to the parks.

However, they started to plan only MK and Epcot and wanted to visit the U place instead of HS and Aquatica instead of Typhoon Lagoon!

I probably shouldn't have let it bother me - after all, they wanted to see Harry Potter world. But as a disney purist, I took a frown upon going to those other places (although I tried to hide it), and I didn't go with them.

So I am just curious - how do you all feel about "those other places"? Okay or Stay Away? (In my defense, I have actually been to them several times, but the most recent was still about 6 or 7 years ago, and I really didn't enjoy it as much as Disney. So it's not out of ignorance that I speak, but personal preferance).

 

[mesaboy2]

As a DVC member, I had some extra points so I decided to bring some of our friends down who can't normally afford something like Disney. With us covering the hotel with our points, they could afford to bring their kids to the parks.

However, they started to plan only MK and Epcot and wanted to visit the U place instead of HS and Aquatica instead of Typhoon Lagoon!

I probably shouldn't have let it bother me - after all, they wanted to see Harry Potter world. But as a disney purist, I took a frown upon going to those other places (although I tried to hide it), and I didn't go with them.

So I am just curious - how do you all feel about "those other places"? Okay or Stay Away? (In my defense, I have actually been to them several times, but the most recent was still about 6 or 7 years ago, and I really didn't enjoy it as much as Disney. So it's not out of ignorance that I speak, but personal preferance).

Universal is terrific, but not everyone appreciates it. Go to the Uni part of these boards for some awesome help:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

[LaurenT]

I'm going to Universal for the first time in August.
Nothing wrong with liking both.

 

[Tricia's mom]

I went t universal last summer. Mainly for WWOHP....I haven't been there n maybe 20 years.
It was dirty and unkept.

Maybe if you have teenagers who love thrill rides...it's not for me .

Plus when you are purchasing Disney passes for just a few bucks more you could have extra days in Wdw.

I would like to take another trip and do sea world and discovery cove. I don't see the need for my small family to return to U anytime soon.

 

[W.E.D.]

We gave it a try in '06. We had one day tickets that let us see both sides, IoA and the studio. I thought it was great. Will they ever win me over from WDW, no. Did I think some of the theming gave WDW a run for it's money, yes. Spider Man, I'm sorry folks, is way above and beyond any of the simulator rides at WDW.
The studio is very spread out, but you can tell they were short on land for IoA. It felt very claustrophobic to me.

 

[HolidayRose]

We usually go 10 days and split our time between Disney and Universal. We love them both!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Universal is terrific, but not everyone appreciates it. Go to the Uni part of these boards for some awesome help:

Help? I don't need any help to prefer Disney! I managed that all on my own!

Or were you implying there is something wrong with me? (Not that I disagree with that statment, but I don't think my choice in theme parks is amoung my top issues).

 

[krayzmelmel]

We bought an annual pass for when Harry Potter opened... of course we also have disney APs as well... we like disney better because of the theming and its cleaner, but we are equal opportunity park theme park lovers!

Most of my friends have BG and uni/ioa passes, but one of my die hard universal pass holding friends bought a Disney AP this year so im happy :-D

Also, students get $29 aquatica passes... so im excited because my husband has never been, and he's all about the fish!

 

[LaurenT]

Help? I don't need any help to prefer Disney! I managed that all on my own!

Or were you implying there is something wrong with me? (Not that I disagree with that statment, but I don't think my choice in theme parks is amoung my top issues).

What? I think MesaBoy was just providing you with the location of good UO info. You did post this thread looking for opinions....right? You'll get lots of UO opinions from very nice people over on the UO/IOA board.

 

[mesaboy2]

Help? I don't need any help to prefer Disney! I managed that all on my own!

Or were you implying there is something wrong with me? (Not that I disagree with that statment, but I don't think my choice in theme parks is amoung my top issues).

Help, as in Universal-knowledgeable people willing to help you with Universal questions? That kind of help. I am truly perplexed by this response.

 

[Tricia's mom]

Ui have to admit... Spider man and Harry potter are amazing ....

 

[LaurenT]

Help, as in Universal-knowledgeable people willing to help you with Universal questions? That kind of help. I am truly perplexed by this response.

I have a feeling OP was really looking for a "we hate Universal, long live Disney" response.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Help, as in Universal-knowledgeable people willing to help you with Universal questions? That kind of help. I am truly perplexed by this response.

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I don't have any questions about Universal. I know all about Universal.

I am just curious on if others who are Disney fans go to both Disney and Universal or if they prefer to only go to Disney.

I would assume if I asked the question on the Universal boards, they would all tell me they go. That's not what I was asking.

 

[mesaboy2]

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I don't have any questions about Universal. I know all about Universal.

I am just curious on if others who are Disney fans go to both Disney and Universal or if they prefer to only go to Disney.

I would assume if I asked the question on the Universal boards, they would all tell me they go. That's not what I was asking.

And this particular board will obviously lean Disney, and heavily so. But there are plenty who like both and visit both and I have been one of them. The only reason I am not still is because I cannot justify the cost regularly.

 

[LaurenT]

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I don't have any questions about Universal. I know all about Universal.

I am just curious on if others who are Disney fans go to both Disney and Universal or if they prefer to only go to Disney.

I would assume if I asked the question on the Universal boards, they would all tell me they go. That's not what I was asking.

So, to answer that...I haven't gone yet (was waiting for DD to get taller), but will go after Disney in August.
I think either way is fine...all Disney....all Universal, or both. What I don't really get is being upset at someone else's choice.
I do get the Disney loyalty...I feel it myself....to a point.

 

[richmo]

I would pick Disney every time, but I absolutely think Sea World and Universal are both worth visits.

The pricing structure of Disney and Universal is set up to try to keep you away from the other's parks...at least at Disney, the incremental cost of additional days gets a lot smaller once you're over 4 days or so; I think its $10/day. So, for a relatively short trip, it doesn't make economic sense to to both.

What we've done is, for example, go to Universal instead of Disney prior to a Disney cruise. Or do a weekend that's just Universal and Sea World with no Disney (except Downtown).

Do try to get to those parks sometime!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

So, to answer that...I haven't gone yet (was waiting for DD to get taller), but will go after Disney in August.
I think either way is fine...all Disney....all Universal, or both. What I don't really get is being upset at someone else's choice.
I do get the Disney loyalty...I feel it myself....to a point.

Upset's the wrong word for it. It was their choice. I just happen to think there is so much that Disney has to offer, and personally I don't get that from the times I have been to Universal. Sure if you have plenty of time to see both, why not. But if I have to make a choice between Universal and Disney, I always go Disney and it just seems to me that I *never* have enough time to see everything I want in Disney even if I were there for a solid month! So I guess I don't get why people would choose U over HS.

But that is really why I was asking (and by the way, I don't just want a jutify me everyone say only disney) - I am curious if others usually go Disney only (because there is so much to see) or if they try to split their time, or what?

I do have to admit I have never been to Aquatica. The water slide looks neat, but it looks like you would barely get a chance to enjoy the under water part as it's so short! Ultimately last time there we ended up at Typhoon because it's easier to just hop the Disney Bus when you stay on Disney Property taken there by Magical Express without a car....

 

[dani77]

To me, Disney has always been special. Maybe that's because at wdw you get the whole package including lots of on site resorts to choose from and it has sooooo much to offer. You could stay weeks without leaving wdw property and that just makes Disney unique.

Nonetheless I have been to plenty other parks sind I love coasters...the bigger and faster the better. And Universal just gives me my adrenalin fix so yes...I like Universal as well. As far as theming goes, they have really caucht up to Disney with Harry Potter...the wizzarding world at Islands of Adventure ist just incredible.

And there's more beyond the Disney universe...Seaworld is a very unique park, Busch Gardens is a must-see for all rollercoaster fans and Discovery Cove is like a dream com true for any dolphin lover.
So...to me all the other parks out there are worth visiting. I have visited them in the past and will continue to do so in the future...but Disney for sure offers the most "complete" experience if you know what I mean.

 

[JKeenz]

We went to Universal for one day while on our honeymoon in 2011. I agree with the person who said it was dirty and unkept. We didn't like leaving Disney property, since the surrounding area is not that great. We actually felt that it took away some of the "magic" for us. You can tell they try very hard at Universal, but there's simply no comparison.

<3 JULIA <3 May 2013  Caribbean Beach May 2012  Coronado Springs  With Mom for Mothers Day October 2011  Port Orleans French Quarter  Honeymoon! November 2010  Coronado Springs  Got Engaged! July 2008  Pop Century February 1987  Off-Property, February 1991  Off-Property, April 1993  Off-Property

 

[parkhopping]

Disney is not for everyone. Universal is not for everyone. For some people, both are good...others strongly prefer one over the other. Personally, I find that Disney is the only theme park destination I've visited that makes me want to keep coming back. I have a Busch Gardens pass, but it's a specially priced pass for students at my university and was cheaper than a 1-day ticket, and I live five minutes away from the front gates. I've been to IOA strictly for Harry Potter and it was fun, but I wouldn't pay $$$ to go back anytime soon - not until the expansion is complete, anyway.

Keep in mind, too, that some people are all about coasters and thrill rides and don't care for anything else. These are not the people Disney caters to. Universal/IOA are more up their alley. Many families with teens like to spend time at these parks for this reason. If that's not your preference, fine, but don't be surprised that some people don't think the way you do