Has WDW spoiled me?

[miste76]

I've been visiting Disney for 20+ years (over 30 visits) and always look forward to my next visit. This year will be my first visit to Universal... Will I be disappointed? I can't help but trying to find comparisons... I'm concerned that the customer service will not be on the same level or that I won't get the same worry free, child-like feeling that Disney always gives me.

I've posted this over on the Universal thread, but they don't seem to be too busy, can any Disney fans give me their take on visiting the 'other parks'?

 

[goingquackers]

You will defiantly notice the difference. Your will find yourself commenting “that would never happen at Disney”. In my opinion the staff at Universal dose not compare. Although it’s not a bad experience, prepare for a different feeling than Disney’s.

 

[tikkipoo]

My DH and I went last year for our honeymoon. He loves big rides! We had a lot of fun! We went three different days. Also went to Sea World. I loved it there. The rides are fun and some are very neatly themed. But the atmosphere is nothing like at WDW. It's just another theme park. But, we did have a great time. Just don't go with your expectations of Disney. It just won't happen for you.

 

[kilee]

I enjoy DISNEY and I enjoy Universal. I will admit that I enjoy Disney more though. We don't ever do a full trip to Universal. Usually just a few days, and usually only every couple of trips.

I do find myself comparing them. It is a great place, but it's definetly a different feel. I find that I compare Disney to all the "theme parks" I go to: Six Flags, Dollywood, ect. None of them have compared yet.

 

[SusanD]

This year the guys (husband and two teenage sons) want to do Universal instead of just WDW. We are compromising...five days at Universal and 2 days at Disney. They are big fans of thrill rides and I am not. I know that two days at Universal will be more that enough for me.

That being said, my plan is a little different. I bought them two day passes with all the bells and whistles for Disney (that is all they thought they would want) and a five day pass to Universal for all of us. I am buying my self something I have always wanted...an annual pass. The first two days and the last two days of the week we'll be together. The middle of the week will be more flexible. I'm hoping we all come away happy.

 

[Briarmom]

Best advice I can give is just go and don't compare the two. Universal isn't Disney. That's ok. You can't compare seeing Mickey to seeing Scooby Doo. Seeing Mickey is obviously much better. I really like a lot of the IOA rides. We went to just US this last trip and it was ok. You will have fun! You're on vacation!

 

[babar41]

DH and I are long time WDW people too. Last year for the first time we visited Universal. We enjoyed ourselves, and really liked the new experience.

Having said that...

1. Universal is not anything like Disney. Other than they both have rides. When you go you have to keep yourself from trying to compare. I know it's hard, I constantly had to kick DH, but it can be done.

2. Enjoy Universal for what it is. Their colors are vivid and their experience is unique.

3. Be prepared for the differences (it helps to keep you from comparing once you are there!).

4. Keep telling yourself you are not being disloyal to the mouse by enjoying Universal.

Having told you not to compare, let me do a little comparisons for you, these are just my opinions.

Disney has fast pass, if you stay at Universal they have front of the line. Front of the line is GREAT! Much prefer it to fast pass.

Disney and Universal both have shows, both do them very well.

Disney's rides are longer, Universal's are shorter but more intense.

Disney's water rides (Splash Mountain) may get you a little damp, Universal's water rides will get you soaked.

Where ever you are in MK that is the only theme you see, Universal does not follow that and you can see the different lands where ever you are.

Disney CM are GREAT, Universals remind me a bit of the younger sibling who is tired of being compared to someone else. They are good, but it is not the same thing.

You will enjoy your time at Universal if you accept it for what it is. It really is very good given a chance. You will still love Disney though. There is room for both. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them if I can for you.

 

[Reflection]

On our Orlando vacations, we visit both Universal and WDW. I think Universal does as good a job as Disney in creating the 'theme' or 'mood' for its particular properties. With regards to rides, I prefer Universal's rides to WDW. Admittedly, I prefer thrill rides.

I'm not quite sure what is meant by 'worry-free, child like,' as no vacation experience, whether in a theme park or some other location/venue, completely makes me forget the real world, nor do I expect that. Again, I do believe Universal successfully creates themes (I think the comic book world at Universal's Islands of Adventure is extremely well done) and definitely uses the latest technology in the development of its rides. You would have to decide if those themes resonate with you.

With regards to customer service from cast members at the parks or at the Universal hotels (have only stayed at 2--Royal Pacific and Hard Rock--of the 3), I found the service at WDW and Universal to be comparable and that one was not better than the other.

Rather than approaching your upcoming visit in a comparison-minded, score-keeping manner, I would suggest approaching Universal to enjoy it for the unique opportunities it offers. Universal is not Disney, nor does it attempt to deliver, in my opinion, a Disney feel or experience, but rather a feel unique to Universal. For some people, the fact that Universal is not Disney if probably a coffin nail. I don't agree with that type of thinking. If you go to Universal parks looking for main street parades and It's a Small World' type of ambiance (not picking on that attraction or ride but they so, in my opinion, archetypically capture the Disney feel), you will not find it and may potentially feel negative about Universal/IOA and not enjoy your time there.

 

[maci]

I liked IOA, more than I thought I would for being a disney nut!

Front of the line tickets are AWESOME!!

 

[Kallison]

We are going end of September -- is three 1/2 days enough time? My kids are older - 11-15

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

There is definitely a difference, but don't get disheartened, Universal is still wonderful! I live right around the corner from the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point, so thrill rides that impress me are very hard to come by, and the Islands of Adventure there impresses even my Millenium Force, Top Thrill Dragster riding behind.

The feel of WDW is missing from there, but will you notice it as you are fascinated by the Mummy exhibit? As King Kong attacks your car? As you fly with ET?

Not at all.

However at the hotels, thats not something I can comment on because I have not stayed at a Universal Hotel. However they look very nice.

Have a blast!

 

[sunny04]

I agree that you will be disappointed in some ways. I had never been to Universal until after I'd been to disney a couple times and found myself comparing. The theming and perfect details of disney cannot be found anywhere else. You will pick apart much of the park, but it's still lots of fun. They have some really really cool rides, so you will have fun, but WDW definitely spoils us all.

 

[sunshine girl]

I agree with everyone who said it won't be the same. Disney & Universal are very different in my opinion, but that's ok.

My first trip to Universal in 2003 felt kind of strange. Right off the bat, as I walked toward the entry area they were playing loud, popular rock music, and it seemed strange so early in the morning. I was used to Disney and their calming, themed, Main Street music.

I still had a great time, but I couldn't even begin to compare it to Disney. The level of detail at Disney is such that it makes an impression on your senses, even if you don't consciously notice every facet. Universal is not that way, but don't let it spoil your fun!

(Someone a while back posted a link to an article about the levels of detail at Disney, and how it makes the Disney experience unique and incomparable... here is that article: http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID=1410. The section quoting John Hench is the part to which I am specifically referring.)

 

[miste76]

Thanks for all of your information... I will try to prepare myself mentally... I really would like to enjoy Universal (almost) as much as I enjoy Disney!!!