Help Me Decide Between Universal and Disney Quest

[Christine]

I'm going in June with 7 people: Me, DH, my parents, and DD (13), DD's friend (14), and DS (10). In all our previous trips, we've never been to Disney Quest or Universal. DS (10) has sort of mentioned that he'd like to either go to IOA and do the huge coasters (no one else but he and DH will do them) or regular Universal and do some of those movie rides.

Honestly, for some reason I'm not feeling too excited by Universal, although I did go to the one in California about a million years ago. I started thinking about Disney Quest. That doesn't thrill me either but I did realize that the kids going with us seem to be at just the "right" age for this park. But I just don't hear enough about either place.

Can you give me your opinions? Can you tell me if you liked/hated either place. I'm thinking I might send DH with the kids to Disney Quest and I'll go the Grand Floridian for tea.

Thanks.

 

[disneylizzy]

Hi there, I took my Ds's, 12 and 14 to DisneyQuest for the first time two weeks ago. They had fun, especially on the "design your own rollercoaster" thing. I stood around and watched them and held their stuff. Well, I did do the Jungle Cruise simulator with them, that was fun. They enjoyed DQ. We spent about 4 hours there, including lunch. Lots of kids. We went during spring break, and there were alot of band and music groups at WDW. DQ wasn't crowded when we went (no lines for the simulated roller coaster, about a 10 min wait for the Pirates simulator), but we got there about 11 am. I'll bet if we went in the evening it would be a different story. Next time, if they want to go, I will not hesitate to drop them off and go have a nice quiet lunch somewhere, tea at the GF sounds lovely. They were ready to go after 4 hours (and I was more than ready). It's fun, but it is dark and loud and confusing.
As far as IOA and Universal - for sure, they would love that, too. That would be a whole day, though. I liked both parks. Not Disney, but, wow, that Hulk coaster is awesome, also Spiderman. It is worth seeing and you would have a better time there than hanging around DQ. IMO, I would vote for tea or something else that you like and the kids would roll their eyes at and let them go to DQ. If you want to stay together and are looking for thrill - IOA.
Have a magical vacation - we can't wait to go back!

 

[hockey mom]

Universal!- Although my kids (DS11, DD15, and DD 16) liked DQ and spent about 4 hours there it doesn't even compare with IOA or Universal. If your son has been wanting to try the coasters at IOA DQ will not suffice. Send hubby and kids to Universal and you spend all day at the spa

 

[cheerdancer11]

Universal! Trust me, It doesnt have the same magic or atmosphere as disney but it does have some awesome rides! We did both parks in one day and were able to see some of the best rides: Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, Revenge of the Mummy, Back to the Future, Shrek 4-D, and a few more. If your kids like rides this is a good place, if they rather play video games go to Disney Quest.

 

[beattyfamily]

Universal would be my choice...

 

[KLAIT]

Universal/IOA without question...DQ is really just a big arcade with a few special things thrown in....Universal/IOA are truly great parks.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Between the two (or three) Universal.
I would still choose IoA over DQ.
But in your case I would choose Universal over IoA.

 

[Cookie Princess]

You can get a 2-parks in one day pass at Universal Studios. This is not for the weary, but it can be done. The price was a little higher than a one day pass to either IOA or US, but we had a great time. We will do this again this year. DQ is fun, but is more something that you do for 2-3 hours, not a true amusement park.

 

[jpeltier]

Universal and buy the front of the line access at the kiosk just inside the gates.
You are able to go to the FoL once on each attraction at IOA. My DD actually prefers Universal to WDW.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Universal- absolutely, if it's not your thing, dont go, but definitely let your kids go, be sure they do The Hulk and Dualing Dragons!! AWESOME! AWESOME!

Disney Quest is Nothing like Universal, it's something to make an evening activity out of, or a day you want to get out of the sun for a few hours. Universal is an all day experience.

GO! HAVE FUN!

 

[Christine]

Thanks for your input so far.

Well, I know the two parks aren't comparable. I've got a few issues here:

--None of us except for DH and DS will probably ride any of the coasters at IoA. DD *might* get on one or two. Her friend definitely won't. It's at least $50 per person to go.

--I suggested to DH that he and DS go to IoA alone. He kind of scowled at me and didn't say anything so I don't think he is keen on that, although he will do it if I make him!!

--Some of the rides at regular Universal seem kind of lame and it doesn't look like we would enjoy some of the things there, but some things we would. But it does seem that *all* of would be able to do something here, unlike at IoA.

--DisneyQuest won't cost me a penny because I will be buying a Length of Stay pass from Shades of Green and the ticket I'm getting will give me access to DisneyQuest, water parks, etc. So, I'm already paying for those (and we will be doing a waterpark).

--I have one "free" day in my itinerary. I was either going to use it for Universal, repeat one of the big WDW parks that the kids may want to go back to, or have a "slower" day that might include DisneyQuest. Just can't decide. The money isn't really an issue for Universal--I have it; however, I'm not sure if the expenditure is in the best interest of the group.

--That 2-parks-for-one-day ticket sounds good. That may be my solution. While DH and DS do the big coasters, the rest of us can at least be in the other park doing something a bit more tame.

--But a relaxing day DOES sound nice.

 

[gjw007]

I would opt for IOA/Universal. There are more to do then just a couple coasters at IOA. I like Universal as well. You are correct that they aren't thrill rides like the coasters but the Back to the Future ride is good, so is Terminator, and Earthquake is interesting. I think the rides are better at Universal, for the most part, then the rides at MGM. I enjoy the plays at MGM such as Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones, and the fireworks so MGM is a must visit for me.

Have you considered going to DisneyQuest and then maybe going to one of Disney's water parks? I'm assuming that is also included in your tickets. I think the kids would have a blast with that combination plus it is a bit more relaxing that walking through theme parks. You could go to the water parks and then follow up with DisneyQuest.

 

[SteinsLaFemme]

I'm sure your kids will like DisneyQuest. My son loves it but it is not a place that you would spend an entire day in. I would do both. Spend an entire day in one of the Universal parks and one morning or one evening in DisneyQuest.

 

[4greatboys]

You can buy a 2 park/1 day pass at the gate and do both if you want. Get there at opening. I would start off at IOA, hit all the good stuff then head off to Universal. Our favorite attractions are:
IOA:
Hulk
Dr Doom's Fearfall
Spiderman
Jurassic Park
Dueling Dragons
Caro-suess-el
Cat in the hat
(we dont do the water rides except JP)

Universal:
Jimmy Neutron
Shrek
The Mummy
Twister
MIB
Terminator 3-D
ET
Back to the Future
if we have plenty of time we do Jaws and Earthquake

We like DQ too but if we had to make a choice it would be IOA/US over DQ.