Does US/IOA have its own magic?

JMCDAD

Mouseketeer
Joined
Aug 20, 2004
Messages
255
I have never been to US.
I went to WDW a couple of years ago with the family.
I am thinking of going to US/IOA/SW next year and WDW the following year.
Would love to hear your expert responses to my opening question

Does US have its own magic ?
:thewave:
 
Well, I think it depends on what you believe "magic" is. We've been to Disney way too many times to count, but we love it, and the "magic" you get from Disney is almost indescribable........

We have also been to US/IOA/RPR - First, I'll start with the RPR, in my humble opinion it is one of the most gorgeous resorts in Orlando.......... much more "tropical, island" feel than the poly........ ( this is my opinion-- don't yell at me ;) , we loved this resort, and will NOT stay anywhere else. ** If you want specifics, I'll give you my input!

As for US/IOA......... well, our family LOVES this park, it is so much fun. The rides are awesome, thrilling, fast, fun, scary, flawlessy decorated, the theme-ing here is the best anywhere..... the areas are so loaded with theme-ing, not only on the rides, but just walking thru each area........ take the time to look around!!! For example, Amity..... where Jaws is, it looks like Amity........ the buildings, the layout, the street, the smells, it is the vinyard.... and I know, I've been there!!!!

There is so much to do, and see, it is more "exciting, and thrilling", than Disney, more adventurous, I guess. So, both have thier own different qualities to them......... they are both super places, and we love them both, but for very, very different reasons.

US/IOA is also beautifully landscaped, it is just as "clean" as Disney, in that respect they are very much alike........ not to offend anyone, but some parks, like say a six flags or something, don't really have that high of standards. US/IOA are on par of excellence, like Disney.

There are some really wonderful restaurants as well. Mythos is NOT to be missed, as well as some others....... Citywalk has some great places too....... our sons LOVED NBA City, the food was outstanding!!

There are some great shows....... that for some (flyfly) have become "cultlike"......... haha. "Ghostbusters"!!

So, with all that said............ it depends on what you call magic....... it is NOT Disney magic.......... by any means, as you know from having been to Disney, NOTHING compares to it.

HOWEVER, if you want a real adventure, and some excitement, then US/IOA is your place!!! It's just a different kind of "magic"!!
 
Thanks
From what I have read, staying onsite at US, being in walking distance to the parks, and having front of the line access, could make for a very special vacation.
So I assume you would recommend RPR over the other 2 resorts ?

Thx
:thewave:
 
What ages are the kids? I ask because teens and pre-teens seem to prefer Hard Rock.
 

To me the Universal Parks have a lot of MAGIC, though totally differnt than Disney.....They are well themed, and Universal has the rides that are just WOW!!! No trip to Orlando is complete without a few days at Universal studios too...just my two cents on this whole thing...
 
Yes, we love the RPR!!! The rooms are very nice, the beds are "comfy"!! We had superb views of the parks and the hulk!!! For the five of us, we had plenty of room, but we didn't stay in the room that much, I do see how it could become cramped if you spend a lot of time in there, just like any other hotel room!! But, it did have ample space. There were two queen beds, a table, 2 chairs, large dresser, nightstand.......... a seperate bath/changing area, and closet. We had a twin air mattress also, and it was comfortable and not "cramped".

The resort itself if gorgeous, if you like a tropical, island feel. The staff was so kind, they treated us like royalty! I would suggest becoming a loews member, it is free and you can register at thier website......... www.loews.com, with your membership you get some perks upon check- in, you can read about it on the site, but we got the cookies............ let's just say........... WOW!! The biggest, tastiest cookies I"ve ever had! Also, my boys got a "welcome" goodie bag, with a lot of things in it, and my youngest got a pail and shovel for the pool area.

The pool area is really nice and relaxing, we loved it, and at night, we'd sit under the stars, have a nice tropical drink, and our little one could swim in the zero entry area ( shallow). They also have a kiddie pool. If your little one is like mine, that won't happen though!!! My son loved the "climb on boat, and water cannons!!
My two older sons pool hopped, they said they would've liked the HRH pool, but it was sooooooo crowded, they didn't really like it.

The restaurants at the RPR are fantastic, however, just my opinion here, but Tchoup Tchoup was actually just so-so for us........ ( we are from La. so, it wasn't like home for us!! ;) ...... but I will say, the food is good, and most everyone likes it.

We really liked Jakes...... the ribs were sooo good. It is a fun enviroment too, we watched the karaoke singers........ funny!!

Islands dining room is nice too...... the food is good, and they have a good variety for breakfast. We didn't do it, but I also believe they have character meals. ( Scooby, Shaggy, etc..)
Also, just as an fyi, your kids can eat with you at any restaurant, anywhere, some people think they can't bring the kids to a "nice" restaurant, but they all welcome the kids........... they are all " kid friendly", so don't let that deter you from eating somewhere!! At the park, you must try Mytho's, it is wonderful, we had a lovely experience there!!

There is also a water taxi at the resort that will take you to the parks, and citywalk......... or you can walk, it is not far at all, and on some mornings it is faster! The pathway is lined with tropical plants and foliage, it is really beautiful.

Citywalk is soooo much fun!!! There are restaurants, shopping, a movie theatre, clubs............... it is a blast, my two older boys loved it, after the parks closed!! Margaritaville is a must.............. of course get a margarita!!!and we really liked NBA city....... really good food!! We had a bad experience at Hard Rock....... but, if you haven't been to one, give it a try, most people have a good experience. Our food was not good, the service was bad, all in all not a good time.

As far as where to stay, It depends on what you and your family like, the RPR is the most economical, but don't be confused by that, it is an upscale, luxury resort. You will be pampered, and treated so well you'll never want to leave!!! We love the islands, so it was an easy choice. You will feel like you are in Fiji at the resort........ it is really relaxing, and comfortable. I'd recommend it, but it just depends on what you like. Either way, go and tour the resorts you don't stay at............. they are all 3 unique.

Can you tell I love going down to orlando??? :teeth: anyway, if you have anymore questions, I'll try to answer, or someone who knows will.

You will not be disappointed regardless!!!!
 
Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I've never understood this "magic" thing. They're theme parks. They're big business. They're giant corporations out to get our money. They're giant traps out to get our money. Doesn't mean I don't love them, I'm a freak and love visiting the parks often. But to me, there's nothing magical about these places (both Universal and Disney), they're just manufactured areas set out to collect much of our money.

I don't know if my point is made clearly, and don't get me wrong, I love visiting the parks, but I've never understood this "magic" thing.
 
I think part of the "magic" is allowing your surroundings to bring out the child in you. At WDW I can't watch the Spectromagic parade without getting chills. In IOA just the music in the Port of Entry gets to me. I love the way the music and theming changes with each of the sections of IOA. To me, that's magic. It's when I take the time to REALLY look around and see all the details that I feel the "magic".
 
For me, at Disney, I feel the "magic", it is so whimsicle, and totally transforms me to my childhood...... I just love it. I also think it has a lot to do with being with your family, away from "life". All you have to do is just have fun.......... no phones, no school, no schedules, nothing but just relaxing, and enjoying each other. Disney especially, with the sounds, the buildings, the theming, the smells, it somehows takes you to a place that is non exsiting, an almost perfect place.......... nothing bad happens, no responsibilities, you can just be a kid again............ I think that is what makes it so "magical" for most. It is a dream land............

As for US/IOA........... for me, who is a big ol chicken, I can be Indiana "Jane"........... lol and have tons of adventure, and excitement......... it's just tons of fun.

I love the parks, and the "magic" they both have.......... I don't care how much it cost!!!!!!!!!! ;)
 
After two trips to Universal and several to WDW, I can definitely agree that both resorts have their own magic. "Magic" is of course in the eye of the beholder but for me Disney appeals to the child inside while Universal appeals to ones more adventurous spirit. They're both wonderful but in very different ways as far as outlook goes.

Another thing is that WDW is way more relaxing at least it is for me. Maybe it's because Universal is a new place for us but Universal has a high energy level that I get completely wrapped up in and I'm VERY tired when we leave. But it's a great kind of tired. I can see that it would be easy to relax at Universal too if I would only allow myself to!
 
I can re-live the magic on Main Street USA because of my first trip to Disneyland in 1957. It takes you back to your childhood while draining your billfold. I have re-lived my childhood magic through my daughter while holding her on Christmas Day as Santa goes by in the WDW parade.
But my daughter wants to grow up at 10. She has already memorized the Jungle Cruise puns and is tired of it. She and DS16 want thrills now and want to feel more grown up. Disney simply can not compete with Universal's technologically advanced attractions.
At 10 and 16 my kids prefer HRH with the pool's underwater music, basketball hoop, music and slide. It also makes them feel a little more mature or "cool".
 
I agree "magic" is hard to pinpoint. I think it takes different forms for different people.

For me it centers around my kids, and enjoying all the sights, sounds and fun with them.

Its what you make it.


::yes::
 
Originally posted by Slacking
I don't know if my point is made clearly, and don't get me wrong, I love visiting the parks, but I've never understood this "magic" thing.

I didn't really get the magic thing either until we took our daughter for the first time at age 3. When you see your kids' face the first time she meets Snow White (or insert favorite character here), you quickly understand the magic. :)
 
Rash......... You couldn't have said it better!!! I'm lucky, I've gotten to experience it 3 times over!! My son's much prefer US/IOA, as they are young men now........... but we always take a day or two for Disney......... ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo
 
I never understood the whole magic thing until I went to Universal Studios FL for the first time, then I got it. Then we went to IOA, I went into 'magic' overload!
At the Disney parks, I really don't get that so much. I can sorta, kinda start to feel it (usually on the more traditional DW rides, POTC, HM and such) but then a huge crowd or a jerk or two will throw me out of that mode. They are great parks, with awesome staff, but just don't do it for me like U.O..
I get the whole 'magic' thing when you bring your child, but you should try it with just you and your spouse, that is just as fun and magical, but in a different way.
I do admit, when the kid, or kids, are just having a great time and really enjoying themselves, and you are enjoying the time spent with them; it brings a whole new level to the 'magical' theme park experience. Especially when their jaws drop, or they get so scared and startled it makes them jump out of the boat, or you see their eyes light up when something totally cool and unexpected happens right in front of them.
But it is a great experience when you and your spouse can go by yourselves, just on a different level.
 












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