How does IOA compare to...say..a local Six flags park?

[bullet875]

We are doing Universal this year and my kids are refusing to go to IOA because thiey think it's like our local Six Flags park.

Is it really that different from Six Flags?

 

[Melisa1]

Completely different!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go to the Universal website and check it out. Your family will absolutley love it!

 

[ChrisFL]

Is a Ford Mustang like a Ferrari Testarossa?

There's NO comparison AT ALL, IOA blows away Six Flags in almost every way, theming, attractions, food, guest service, friendliness of staff, cleanliness of the park, etc.

 

[Spidey7]

Yep no comparison, I would actually say more like a Ford Pinto compared to a Lamborghini. Some of the 6-Flags have some great super coasters, which IOA does not have (talking mega over 200ft) but other than that, IOA blows all 6-Flags away in every other category. Its not even the same type of park, 6-Flags are coaster parks. IOA is a theme park with the most incredible themeing and themed cutting edge tech rides there are.

IMO IOA is actually the best park in the world anywhere.

 

[ChrisFL]

IMO IOA is actually the best park in the world anywhere.

Although I think Tokyo DisneySea might hold that honor, so I'll call IOA the second best park in the world

 

[bullet875]

Yep no comparison, I would actually say more like a Ford Pinto compared to a Lamborghini. Some of the 6-Flags have some great super coasters, which IOA does not have (talking mega over 200ft) but other than that, IOA blows all 6-Flags away in every other category. Its not even the same type of park, 6-Flags are coaster parks. IOA is a theme park with the most incredible themeing and themed cutting edge tech rides there are.

IMO IOA is actually the best park in the world anywhere.

Good to hear. we ware not a coaster type of family, but we do live about 1/2 hour from the SF Great Adventure, which is supposedly SF's premier coaster park. Couldn't tell by us though..usually when we are there few work (Batman and Robin Chiller has been closed on and off, mainly on, for years, Kinda Ka goes down in wind and rain, and El Toro has been having issues.).

How are the food prices compared to SF? I had heard of an unlimited CS plan at UO which we'll get if available.

ChrisFL

Is a Ford Mustang like a Ferrari Testarossa?

There's NO comparison AT ALL, IOA blows away Six Flags in almost every way, theming, attractions, food, guest service, friendliness of staff, cleanliness of the park, etc.

I've seen some video of the Jaws ride at UO and honestly I think it is better themed than a lot of WDW...if IOA is anywhere near that I'm sure that my kids will love it.

 

[Spidey7]

Although I think Tokyo DisneySea might hold that honor, so I'll call IOA the second best park in the world

Interesting never heard of it though, I'll have to check out the website. Not sure when I'll ever make it to Japan though.

I just checked out the website, that does look pretty awesome, looks similar to IOA in a way, hope Dis does that park here someday.

 

[bullet875]

Interesting never heard of it though, I'll have to check out the website. Not sure when I'll ever make it to Japan though.

I just checked out the website, that does look pretty awesome, looks similar to IOA in a way, hope Dis does that park here someday.

I sent my DS18 to Japan with his school this summer as a graduation present (he studied Japanese for 4 years) and he visited DisneySea. At first he thought it was a lot like Epcot, but when we returned to WDW after he came home from TDS he said that TDS is newer, better maintained and themed, but felt smaller than Epcot. I guess that the Oriental Land Company puts a lot more money into that park than WD Corp does with WDW.

One reason why we're skipping WDW this year is to save the extra cash towards a trip to Japan and will visit TDS while we are there.

 

[ChrisFL]

I sent my DS18 to Japan with his school this summer as a graduation present (he studied Japanese for 4 years) and he visited DisneySea. At first he thought it was a lot like Epcot, but when we returned to WDW after he came home from TDS he said that TDS is newer, better maintained and themed, but felt smaller than Epcot. I guess that the Oriental Land Company puts a lot more money into that park than WD Corp does with WDW.

One reason why we're skipping WDW this year is to save the extra cash towards a trip to Japan and will visit TDS while we are there.

Agreed, OLC supposedly spent upwards of 5 Billion dollars on DisneySea. I've never been but its at the top of my list of places I want to visit

 

[ChrisFL]

also, I made a quick web page a while ago comparing the two parks and they DO have some common theming, not to mention both resorts have very similar Italian hotels (Portofino Bay and Costa Mesa)

http://www.newprogresscity.org/test/tdsvsioa.html

 

[bullet875]

Vry nice! It actually looks like UO may have better overall theming than WDW!

I see a lot of similarities to TDS.

 

[Spidey7]

Vry nice! It actually looks like UO may have better overall theming than WDW!

I see a lot of similarities to TDS.

Yep IOA has probably surpassed Dis on the themeing, but its kinda like saying who do you think was the best super bowl team, the 92 Cowboys, or the 93 Cowboys, both on a comparable level.

To me in the USA the top parks are Universal and Disney. Next is Cedar Point and the major 6-Flags parks, and the Busch Parks, but like I said they are in more of a super coaster park category, not a theme park (not counting Busch which has quite a bit of themeing).

But yes overall I would have to give the edge to IOA over Disney as to the exotic themeing. Dis is a very close 2nd. But also IOA/Universal has some extremely high tech cutting edge rides that have never been done before where they mix in 3-D with live action, great animatronics etc.

But if you have never gone, yes you have to go.

As for the 6-Flags parks, actually I think the one in LA is supposed to be the best. I haven't been in about 10 years, and they have added about 3 or 4 super coasters since I've been. Its a good park, but again, its a super coaster park. Its all about the coasters at those parks, very little themeing and really no theme rides, which is Universals and Disneys forte.

 

[tlinus]

We are doing Universal this year and my kids are refusing to go to IOA because thiey think it's like our local Six Flags park.

Is it really that different from Six Flags?

I have to ask this and I am not trying to be a smart butt - but who is paying for the vacation????

Seriously though - tell them it is WAY different than any six flags, the theming and rides are not to be missed. There is an unlimited CS plan and may come in handy if you have a bunch of hungry growing pree/teens!!

Go and have a blast!!

 

[damo]

Although I think Tokyo DisneySea might hold that honor, so I'll call IOA the second best park in the world

I'd love to go to DisneySea. It looks absolutely incredible. Wish it didn't take so long to get there!!!

We've been to Great Adventure. It's got some great coasters but lacks in theming. You really can't compare the two parks.

 

[WDW Princess]

Vry nice! It actually looks like UO may have better overall theming than WDW!

I see a lot of similarities to TDS.

Tokyo has some of the “awesomest” theme parks. DH and I visit my parents overseas twice a year and travel extensively with them while there. We had a privilege visiting Tokyo and my dad’s business partner’s son showed us the “real” Tokyo, including some of the theme parks. DisneySea at night is spectacular!!!! I did get a kick out if Universal though – simply AWESOME.

 

[Notatourist]

I'll be the first to say it, I LOVE USJ! That park simply rocks.

 

[bubba's mom]

I will agree with everyone else.... Six Flags does NOT compare to IOA in any way, shape or form. It is 1000% better..... search for it (and rides) on YouTube and see for yourself! I showed my Mom every ride at IOA and the Studios on YouTube (somebody is always posting one!)

 

[bullet875]

I had my kids look at the IOA pics and now they are even psyched! My DS 18 thinks it looks an awful lot like DisneySea. If it is as nice as it appears from the pics, it must show up most of the WDW parks

What does the CS dining plan consist of, and what is the price?

 

[Notatourist]

Just remember Disney Sea was built AFTER IOA. Me thinks that they saw and got inspired.

 

[phamton]

What does the CS dining plan consist of, and what is the price?

I don't know what CS stands for but there is not really a "dining plan". They do offer a meal deal which is somewhat limited in choices and does not include drinks. The meal deal is only for certain counter services. During non-peak times it also includes one meal at Citywalk. Here is a link with more information: http://www.universalorlando.com/tic_meal_deal.html