Harry Potter Universal vs. Disney

[avahoneybee]

I am admittedly a Disney fan (never been to Universal but going this year for the first time), . After seeing the latest Harry Potter preview I went and looked at the new Harry Potter land at IOA and "Wow," it looks like it's going to be unbelievable.

It got me thinking though. I don't understand why Disney isn't spending money enlarging their parks, adding new attractions, or even creating new parks. It seems like they are investing heavily in new DVC's and I wonder if it will eventually come back to haunt them.

 

[damo]

I don't think it will ever come back to haunt them. Universal will have to do a lot more than Harry Potter to top Disney attendance.

 

[jheigl]

Disney also has a lot more parks already, not to mention a lot more locations they need to spend money on. Universal has like 3 parks total...Disney has like 9 or 10. Disney also has more hotels, etc that they need to sink money in to at this point. Universal may have the luxury of doing bigger things because they do not have as many things that need their financial attention. At least this is my view on the subject!

 

[avahoneybee]

True. Does Universal even have the land to expand any further?

I'm really looking forward to going as is my family.

 

[Planogirl]

They have a little more land if the maps can be trusted but not much. They are about as hemmed in as Disneyland.

I don't think that Disney has anything to fear from Universal and they can coexist peacefully. Actually Disney seems to shoot itself in the foot more than it actually takes any damage from other parks.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Well, Disney will benefit, at least from my DH and I. We went to Disney this January and probably wouldn't go back for at least 4 or 5 years. . .buttttt well now. . .HP will be opening next year. . .

So I suspect we'll be back in the fall of '10.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

Disney really isn't competing as hard with Universal as Universal is competing with Disney. But there are some differences.

As far as rides are concerned, Universal Studios have better rides. Disney, however, has more rides- including more rides for younger kids.

Food-wise, there are some good Universal joints, but Disney has more variety.

And the overall experience? I like the Universal Studios Hollywood, music video vibe that they have. You feel like you're about to audition for some huge Hollywood blockbuster. But Disney has this vibe like you're a little kid visiting some world where you're forbidden to grow up.

And for first impressions? Walking through CityWalk will get you excited. The music blasting and the large video screen? Man, there really isn't anything like it.

But can anyone top walking down Main Street, though? And smelling the sweetness of the candy and popcorn... and the sounds like you've stepped into some World's Fair in 1902? And then, that breath-taking castle?

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.

 

[OrlandoMagic]

As others have said, HP at Universal will only benefit Disney. Most people, myself included, will be lured back to Orlando, not just Universal when the new attraction opens. This means most of us will visit and spend our money at Disney too.

Overall it's going to be great for the Orlando tourist industry which, especially in the current financial climate, can only be good news!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I don't know.. When I don't do Disney, I really don't do Disney.

I have no problem going to Orlando and not visiting the mouse. I'll be there 6 days next week and none of them involve even a meal at Disney. I feel like Harry Potter will just have me add ANOTHER day at Universal.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't think that HP will only benefit Disney. From what I've seen many Disney fans are talking venturing away from the castle for the first time ever once HP opens. If they can keep an open mind, many might just discover that there are two great places to go in the Orlando area. (Well three, Seaworld is pretty amazing too.)

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Like others said it will draw tourists to Disney also. Personally I can do a Universal trip w/o Disney but I cannot do a Disney trip w/o Universal.

I do wish Disney was doing more to retaliate the opening though. Almost as if they consider them no threat which means they consider themselves having no competition. Competition is what keeps things good for visitors...New rides, Lower prices, etc.

 

[OrlandoMagic]

I don't think that HP will only benefit Disney. From what I've seen many Disney fans are talking venturing away from the castle for the first time ever once HP opens. If they can keep an open mind, many might just discover that there are two great places to go in the Orlando area. (Well three, Seaworld is pretty amazing too.)

Are most tourists to Orlando that single minded? I love both Disney and Universal and most people I know who have visited have gone to both resorts.

But I forget that I talk on behalf of the UK, where we have at least 2 weeks in Orlando so have a lot more time to visit more parks.

 

[ky07]

Like others said it will draw tourists to Disney also. Personally I can do a Universal trip w/o Disney but I cannot do a Disney trip w/o Universal.

I do wish Disney was doing more to retaliate the opening though. Almost as if they consider them no threat which means they consider themselves having no competition. Competition is what keeps things good for visitors...New rides, Lower prices, etc.

I think Disney is not viewing it as a threat right now but if Harry Potter pulls in big numbers thats when they will sit up and take notice but I agree with you there is nothing wrong with competition

 

[ChrisFL]

Disney also has a lot more parks already, not to mention a lot more locations they need to spend money on. Universal has like 3 parks total...Disney has like 9 or 10.

That's not exactly correct

Disney has 11 parks around the world in 4 countries

Universal has 7 parks (current and under construction) in 5 countries

(not counting water parks)

 

[ChrisFL]

Disney really isn't competing as hard with Universal as Universal is competing with Disney. But there are some differences.

As far as rides are concerned, Universal Studios have better rides. Disney, however, has more rides- including more rides for younger kids.

Food-wise, there are some good Universal joints, but Disney has more variety.

And the overall experience? I like the Universal Studios Hollywood, music video vibe that they have. You feel like you're about to audition for some huge Hollywood blockbuster. But Disney has this vibe like you're a little kid visiting some world where you're forbidden to grow up.

And for first impressions? Walking through CityWalk will get you excited. The music blasting and the large video screen? Man, there really isn't anything like it.

But can anyone top walking down Main Street, though? And smelling the sweetness of the candy and popcorn... and the sounds like you've stepped into some World's Fair in 1902? And then, that breath-taking castle?

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.

Good write-up

 

[Metro West]

Good write-up

I agree!

 

[Planogirl]

Are most tourists to Orlando that single minded? I love both Disney and Universal and most people I know who have visited have gone to both resorts.

But I forget that I talk on behalf of the UK, where we have at least 2 weeks in Orlando so have a lot more time to visit more parks.

There are many like that on these boards. I've seen some heated discussions over time. But I think that many here tend to be a bit more emphatic about their loyalty to be fair.

I have seen some people comment that they plan to take their kids to WDW but won't have the time or money to venture beyond that. I don't know if that is much of a factor though.

I wonder if Harry Potter might also bring in some people that normally don't go to themeparks?

 

[Metro West]

I wonder if Harry Potter might also bring in some people that normally don't go to themeparks?

I think it will...I've seen many people on the DIS talking about going to see HP once completed. Nothing has been released about the new attractions in the land but I would imagine the new stuff will appeal to all ages.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

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.

 

[scotas]

I'm trying to use it as an excuse for 2 Florida trips per year. 1 Disney, 1 to do US/IOA and Seaworld. Dh is not really buying that theory yet though.