Harry Potter Universal vs. Disney

[minniejack]

Hey, HP is getting me BACK to Disney 2 years early (soonest DH is willing to go back time).

And today I was explaining my planned strategy - go in October, during the longest low season, hope for some really, really good discounts. Go to Universal, stay at a Universal Hotel for a day or two, then pack up and move over to Disney for the rest of our visit. I mentioned we could even go cheaper this next time and stay off property if need be. . .and got the response "I like where we stayed last time. It's worth it." We were at WL, btw. In fact he even mentioned that he wouldn't mind staying at the Poly, maybe, depending on what kind of deals were offered in October of 2010.

Don't forget that HHN is in October.

 

[Princessmom2]

Hey, HP is getting me BACK to Disney 2 years early (soonest DH is willing to go back time).

And today I was explaining my planned strategy - go in October, during the longest low season, hope for some really, really good discounts. Go to Universal, stay at a Universal Hotel for a day or two, then pack up and move over to Disney for the rest of our visit. I mentioned we could even go cheaper this next time and stay off property if need be. . .and got the response "I like where we stayed last time. It's worth it." We were at WL, btw. In fact he even mentioned that he wouldn't mind staying at the Poly, maybe, depending on what kind of deals were offered in October of 2010.

I would suggest doing Disney first and then Universal, as the Front of the line pass will spoil you tremendously! We also thought it was much more relaxing at Universal, and that the hotel was better than Disney hotels. (We stayed at Portofino.) JMHO

 

[tlinus]

"But take it from someone who loves to go to both: They are both different experiences. To me, none are better. They are just different." ~ poeticdiabetic



Exactly

 

[Lanshark]

We went to Disney on our honeymoon 30 years ago and have probably been there 20 times since. We live in GA so we can drive. As much as we love Disney were are becoming huge fans of Universal.

The last few big attractions for Disney have really been simulators (Mission Space and Soarin). The Expedition Everest coaster in Ak is wonderful but it seems as if they add something big every 2-3 years. Universal seems to have something new to see yearly.

We have always stayed on property. I get either a teachers rate, AAA or Ap rate. I know the system and book only when I get great deals. Disney has nothing that compares to the FOTL pass at Universal resorts.

If we go this summer it will be to Universal. Granted, my kids are 18 and 22 and they love Disney as much as I do. I hope that Disney begins to realize that they need to invest more in attractions to cater to those who want to return yearly. Give us something new to experience. My whole family is anxiously awaiting Harry Potter but until then we'll enjoy the Rip....Rockit... whatever new coaster that looks awesome.

 

[macraven]

Hey, HP is getting me BACK to Disney 2 years early (soonest DH is willing to go back time).

And today I was explaining my planned strategy - go in October, during the longest low season, hope for some really, really good discounts. Go to Universal, stay at a Universal Hotel for a day or two, then pack up and move over to Disney for the rest of our visit. I mentioned we could even go cheaper this next time and stay off property if need be. . .and got the response "I like where we stayed last time. It's worth it." We were at WL, btw. In fact he even mentioned that he wouldn't mind staying at the Poly, maybe, depending on what kind of deals were offered in October of 2010.

value season for both of the places, motherland and darkside, only includes a few days in october.
if you go the last week of september for both of them, you should be in the low/value season.

rooms are a lot cheaper at that time period.

both places do a per day charge.
if you start in the low or value season and continue into the regular season rates, you would have different room charge rates based on the days.

the motherland calls it value season
the darkside calls it low season.

same difference.

 

[Plasticletters]

the "competition" between Disney and Universal won't even BEGIN to look like a real competition until Universal steps up its theming and its service.

Here's what I mean -

1) While Islands of Adventure has excellently themed "lands" that transport you into the world which you are about to experience, Universal Studios does not - they tried, but in my opinion failed. Islands of Adventure being built later (and largely by laid off Disney Imagineers) is FAR superior to Universal Studios in regards to theming ("lands", ques for rides, restaurants, everything), and in my opinion all four Disney parks exceed Islands of Adventure in this category. While at Universal recently (both parks) I could tell that things are getting overhauled a bit (especially in regards to the new rides...the Simpsons ride area is themed REALLY well), but they still have a long way to go before they can touch Disney's attention to detail.

2) While Disney's customer service seems to have slipped ever so slightly in recent years, they are still known for the respect and professionalism with which they treat their guests. For the most part I did not feel that the workers at Universal exhibited anything that made them stand out above your average disgruntled McDonalds worker or Carnival Ride attendant.

 

[macraven]

everyone has an opinion.