Does Disney World take Universal Studio’s seriously enough?

[DisDann]

With the recent additions to Universal Orlando I have found myself wondering if in the short term those additions might actually be increasing Disney profits. Although I realize that the additions to Universal might be reducing the overall time a vacationer spends at Disney thus cutting into their profits, do the new attractions at Universal and the limited time offerings at Universal Studios actually increase the overall influx of visitors to Orlando area, thus increasing the number of visitors to Disney as well?

I know personally that a decided to plan an additional trip to Orlando area this year specifically so I could visit Universal and see the new additions. Since I live about 1400 miles away and fly during my visits I can’t justify only spending a few days at Universal and then returning home, so Disney will actually be getting a few days extra from me this year, since at the moment Universal is not large enough to spend an entire week visiting.

Right now Disney has the Gates, and the Resorts to allow visitors to enjoy a full week or two vacation, while at the moment Universal does not. With the increasing popularity and crowds at Universal, they have to be looking at the feasibility of purchasing additional property and/or existing parks or attractions to add to their offerings, this in the short term, as I stated above, could lead Disney to underestimate the threat.

So I have wonder is Disney looking ahead far enough, and planning big enough to combat, not the Universal of today but the one of tomorrow.

 

[maxiesmom]

Avatar Land.

 

[deakam]

Avatar Land.

Avatar land is not enough to keep me coming to Disney. Maybe Star Wars Land or Radiator Springs. Disney seems to be content catering to a younger crowd while Universal is shooting for more big people thrill rides. I haven't ridden it yet but the reviews for the Mine Train have not been good. It is not a Dueling Dragon or a Gringott's.

 

[maxiesmom]

Avatar land is not enough to keep me coming to Disney. Maybe Star Wars Land or Radiator Springs. Disney seems to be content catering to a younger crowd while Universal is shooting for more big people thrill rides. I haven't ridden it yet but the reviews for the Mine Train have not been good. It is not a Dueling Dragon or a Gringott's.

I haven't been on the Mine Train yet either, but from what I have heard it is geared more towards a younger age group.

I don't think WDW is meant to be a thrill park. That has always seem to have been Universals thing. Not sure why people think both parks need to be similar.

 

[Suvadoo]

What's interesting is that Universal isn't resting on their laurels. They are now working on the King Kong attractions and are slated to begin working on a new waterpark.
Disney on the other hand, doesn't seem to be updating and upgrading their Orlando Parks at the same speed. AK, DHS, and Epcot need new attractions. But I think WDW's attendance is increasing because of their huge advertising campaigns and the improved economy.

 

[maxiesmom]

What's interesting is that Universal isn't resting on their laurels. They are now working on the King Kong attractions and are slated to begin working on a new waterpark.
Disney on the other hand, doesn't seem to be updating and upgrading their Orlando Parks at the same speed. AK, DHS, and Epcot need new attractions. But I think WDW's attendance is increasing because of their huge advertising campaigns and the improved economy.

They don't? New Fantasy Land? A redone Test Track, Haunted Mansion ride and queue within the last few years, a new Soarin and Norway ride in the works? New Star Tours? Not to mention all of the work going on at the resorts. Seems Disney is working pretty hard to me.

 

[Suvadoo]

They don't? New Fantasy Land? A redone Test Track, Haunted Mansion ride and queue within the last few years, a new Soarin and Norway ride in the works? New Star Tours? Not to mention all of the work going on at the resorts. Seems Disney is working pretty hard to me.

Where are the new attractions? Aside from Seven dwarves? I certainly would not qualify an updated queue as a new attraction. Do you? I see them breaking ground on Avatar land. Nothing else. Am I missing something? The resorts, you qualify that as an attraction?
I'm glad you're satisfied with the updates.

 

[maxiesmom]

Where are the new attractions? Aside from Seven dwarves? I certainly would not qualify an updated queue as a new attraction. Do you? I see them breaking ground on Avatar land. Nothing else. Am I missing something? The resorts, you qualify that as an attraction?
I'm glad you're satisfied with the updates.

You simply stated Disney was resting on their laurels. I merely pointed out all the work they have been doing, and what they have coming in the future. Disney hasn't been sitting around, twiddling their thumbs.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Disney seems to be content catering to a younger crowd while Universal is shooting for more big people thrill rides.

Hasn't this always been the case? Disney has always focused on story while Cedar Point, Six Flags, etc focused on thrill rides. Universal is kind of a mix but still leans towards thrill. The beauty of focusing on less thrilling rides is not only do you appeal to the under 15 category but also the over 40 category.

I don't think WDW is meant to be a thrill park. That has always seem to have been Universals thing. Not sure why people think both parks need to be similar.

When I was younger I dreamed of going to Cedar point and riding coasters all day long, I still love thrill rides but can't imagine spending a whole day on coasters, I'd be so dizzy I wouldn't make it past noon.

Where are the new attractions? Aside from Seven dwarves? I certainly would not qualify an updated queue as a new attraction. Do you? I see them breaking ground on Avatar land. Nothing else.

The new attractions are in California, Paris, Hong Kong, and China.

I know it doesn't help those living or regularly visiting Florida but the biggest difference between Disney and Universal right now is location. Disney has done as much, if not more, than Universal in the past several years but Universal has put all their effort into Orlando while most of Disney's effort has gone everywhere else.

WDW's success is it's biggest roadblock to investment, until attendance drops there is very little incentive for Disney to use funds on WDW that could make a bigger difference at another park.

I'm actually surprised WDW has gotten as much attention as it has over the last several years. New Fantasyland, new hub, new bypass, Pandora, DVC, Disney Springs, etc are all huge projects... they may not be the rides regulars are hoping for but they are major investments in the property.

 

[Suvadoo]

You simply stated Disney was resting on their laurels. I merely pointed out all the work they have been doing, and what they have coming in the future. Disney hasn't been sitting around, twiddling their thumbs.

Actually, I did not say Disney was resting on their laurels. I said that Disney was not updating their Orlando parks as rapidly as Universal is updating their parks. Universal keeps building new attractions.
And regardless of what you may think, I think all of us will benefit from Universal' s updates. I truly believe Disney will start adding more new innovative attractions to their parks. It may take a while but it will happen.