HS comparison to Universal Studios

[Scooby3x1y]

Hi!

We're taking our well traveled teenagers to WDW for the first time as a surprise. They have been to DL countless times, and to Universal Studios in CA a few times. Several from other threads suggested that

Here's my question from a newbie....

Can you tell me what you like/dislike from each park and which one you feel is better?

Which parks would you do in order, and your favorite in that park?

Thanks a ton! From this OCD planner, you're lifesavers!

 

[picktails]

DS was 14 last trip, and these were his faves:

TT at Epcot (he rode it 20+ times, single-rider line.)
EE at AK - 3 times
Dinosaur at AK - twice
RR at HS - twice

I would start at either HS or Epcot, then AK or MK. Since they've been in California, no surprised awaiting them in MK.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

DS was 14 last trip, and these were his faves:

TT at Epcot (he rode it 20+ times, single-rider line.)
EE at AK - 3 times
Dinosaur at AK - twice
RR at HS - twice

I would start at either HS or Epcot, then AK or MK. Since they've been in California, no surprised awaiting them in MK.

Thanks Picktails, every opinion helps!

 

[WillCAD]

It's an apples to rutabagas comparison.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is all about Disney movies. It's a Disney park.

Universal Studios Florida is all about Universal movies. It's a movie park.

Comparing the two is misleading, because although they are both about movies, they are so radically different in theme and focus that they don't really "compete" with each other if you like both focuses.

DHS is aimed more for littles and pre-teens, while USF is aimed more toward teens and adults. This doesn't mean that adults won't like DHS or that littles won't like USF, but it's all about focus.

DHS is all Disney-themed, not just movie-themed, so if you like Disney but aren't a movie fan, you'll probably like DHS anyway. But USF is movie-themed, so if you're not a movie fan, you probably won't like USF as much.

As for individual attractions, my faves in each park are as follows:

DHS
Star Tours - if you love the original Star Wars trilogy, nothing is better than a ride that completely immerses you in the SW universe, including the music, the effects, and even the original voice of C-3PO, Anthony Daniels. And it’s a fun ride.

Muppetvision 3D – I grew up watching the Muppet Show, and when I enter the reproduction of the Muppet Theater for Muppetvision, and hear Jim Henson himself voicing Kermit., some of the best parts of my childhood come back for a visit. And it’s a funny show.

Rock and Roller Coaster – I’m not particularly an Aerosmith fan, though I like their music, but this is a terrific, smooth, indoor steel coaster with great optical effects and a kickin’ soundtrack. And it’s a fun ride.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – I grew up watching reruns of the Twilight Zone, so I’ve always admired the originality and masterful creepiness of the show. The ToT matches those qualities of the show with innovative ride system and effects, and the themeing of the queue areas is some of the best at WDW. And it’s a fun ride.

USF
Terminator 2:3D – Battle Across Time – If you’re a Terminator fan, this is Mecca. Jim Cameron himself designed much of the show and queue, and directed his original cast in the movie sequences. Entering the Cyberdyne building, seeing full-size Terminators firing gatling guns around the room, and having Arnold and Linda on screen in full 3D puts you right into the film. And it’s a fun story to watch.

The E.T. Adventure – Another of my childhood faves, E.T. was both scary and heart-warming, and the E.T. Adventure plops you right in the middle of it. Particularly effective is the John Williams musical score, which sets the mood in the overwhelmingly great queue area and continues through the entire ride. And it’s a fun ride.

Shrek 3D – Ogres have layers, onions have layers – and this 3D movie has many layers of funny, both subtle and gross, with the original voice cast in a story that seamlessly continues where the first film left off, including the many pop culture references you’d expectfrom the Big Green Mean and his Noble Steed. Attractions this good are in short supply. And it’s a really funny story.

Revenge of the Mummy – One of the most innovative thrill rides ever made, with effects that will blow you away and appearances by Brendan Fraser. If you like the films, and you like thrill rides, this is the perfect combination. And it’s a thrilling ride.

The Simpsons Ride – Haw-Haw! D’oh! Like the Simpsons? Pay attention to all of the little details in this attraction, which has references to the show both huge and tiny, with dozens of characters throughout the queue and the ride. And it’s a fun ride.

 

[DisneyFan2008]

I have been to Disney World countless times. And each time is as much fun as the previous time. There are many different adventures that await all who come to the "World" and here's to a great vacation for you!! If I had to name my number one attraction from each of the four Disney World here's what they would be:
MK: Space Mountain (depending on when you visit SM may not be open)
EPCOT: Soarin' (the same experience as the Soarin' in DCA, but here the entire queue is inside out of the Florida heat!!)
DHS: Tower of Terror (I have never ridden the DCA version of TOT, but I'm sure WDW's TOT is just as much fun!!!)
DAK: Expedition Everest (hand's down the best roller coaster at Disney World!!)

The order I suggest you hit the parks is as follows (this is what my family usually does, but it is entirely up to you)
1)EPCOT (it takes a full day to see MOST of EPCOT, however it may take 2 days if you want to see every country in World Showcase as well as the attractions in Future World)
2)Disney's Animal Kingdom (my family usually sees everything in half a day because we only hit a couple of things: Everest, Safari, Dinosaur and the Rapids)
3)Disney's Hollywood Studios (this park is usually pretty crowded, but not as crowded as MK, however it usually can take a day and a half to see everything)
4) Magic Kingdom (it takes about two days to see everything here, and it is fun to compare the attractions here to the MK in California, which in my opinion has the better Pirates and Small World in CA)

Hope this helps!!!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I have been to Disney World countless times. And each time is as much fun as the previous time. There are many different adventures that await all who come to the "World" and here's to a great vacation for you!! If I had to name my number one attraction from each of the four Disney World here's what they would be:
MK: Space Mountain (depending on when you visit SM may not be open)
EPCOT: Soarin' (the same experience as the Soarin' in DCA, but here the entire queue is inside out of the Florida heat!!)
DHS: Tower of Terror (I have never ridden the DCA version of TOT, but I'm sure WDW's TOT is just as much fun!!!)
DAK: Expedition Everest (hand's down the best roller coaster at Disney World!!)

The order I suggest you hit the parks is as follows (this is what my family usually does, but it is entirely up to you)
1)EPCOT (it takes a full day to see MOST of EPCOT, however it may take 2 days if you want to see every country in World Showcase as well as the attractions in Future World)
2)Disney's Animal Kingdom (my family usually sees everything in half a day because we only hit a couple of things: Everest, Safari, Dinosaur and the Rapids)
3)Disney's Hollywood Studios (this park is usually pretty crowded, but not as crowded as MK, however it usually can take a day and a half to see everything)
4) Magic Kingdom (it takes about two days to see everything here, and it is fun to compare the attractions here to the MK in California, which in my opinion has the better Pirates and Small World in CA)

Hope this helps!!!

It totally helps! You guys are great! Please keep your favorites coming....I love to hear them!

Question though: Is TOT and Star Tours etc, the same as they are in DL?

Expedition Everest we obviously don't have in DL.

What is unique to WDW that I couldn't or haven't seen in DL?

Thanks you guys!

 

[DisneyFan2008]

It totally helps! You guys are great! Please keep your favorites coming....I love to hear them!

Question though: Is TOT and Star Tours etc, the same as they are in DL?

Expedition Everest we obviously don't have in DL.

What is unique to WDW that I couldn't or haven't seen in DL?

Thanks you guys!

Star Tours is the exact same ride as it is in DL, the queue is a little longer though and more detailed. I have never ridden the TOT in DL, but I have read things about it. I don't want to give away too much but I can tell you the queue is the same and there are only two elevator shafts.

I used to live in California and used to visit DL all the time. I can tell you some things I have noticed about the differences between the attractions:

Pirates: 16 minutes at DL compared to 8 minutes at DW (only one drop)
Small World: sail through a "lake" instead of a single flume; ride is shorter and less detailed than DL.
Splash Mountain: ride is longer at DW; seating is two across
Space Mountain: two different ride tracks; seating is single with 6 passengers per space ship.

Disney World is bigger than Disneyland (of course ).

EPCOT does have the Soarin' ride (which is the same as the ride in DCA). EPCOT is considered by some as more of an adult park, since there are not as many rides there. However, there are two major thrill rides that are unique to DW: Test Track and Mission: Space which are both AWESOME and are definitely reccomended!! EPCOT also has World Showcase with 11 different countries with no rides except for Mexico and Norway (both short boat rides).

Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) has Tower of Terror (different in some ways from Disneyland). Unique to this park is an awesome rollercoaster- Rockin' RollerCoaster Starring Aerosmith! This coaster is completely in the dark and is very fast with three upside down loops-all the while listening to Aerosmith music. DHS also has Star Tours. A highlight of this park is the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show-HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!!!!! Arrive early for this show-there are usually only three shows a day. Fantasmic! is also performed here, in a separate amphitheater where you are able to sit down, unlike Disneyland's version. This show is almost the same as Disneyland's but it has different scenes and characters.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest park. However, there are not too many rides here. Make sure you hit Expedition: Everest! Kilimanjaro Safaris is a definite must!!! Dinosaur is similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland except it is much more scary and intense!! My family and I usually only spend half a day here, not only because there are not a lot of things here, but also because it closes early!

Hope I have given you some kind of idea of what to expect!!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Star Tours is the exact same ride as it is in DL, the queue is a little longer though and more detailed. I have never ridden the TOT in DL, but I have read things about it. I don't want to give away too much but I can tell you the queue is the same and there are only two elevator shafts.

I used to live in California and used to visit DL all the time. I can tell you some things I have noticed about the differences between the attractions:

Pirates: 16 minutes at DL compared to 8 minutes at DW (only one drop)
Small World: sail through a "lake" instead of a single flume; ride is shorter and less detailed than DL.
Splash Mountain: ride is longer at DW; seating is two across
Space Mountain: two different ride tracks; seating is single with 6 passengers per space ship.

Disney World is bigger than Disneyland (of course ).

EPCOT does have the Soarin' ride (which is the same as the ride in DCA). EPCOT is considered by some as more of an adult park, since there are not as many rides there. However, there are two major thrill rides that are unique to DW: Test Track and Mission: Space which are both AWESOME and are definitely reccomended!! EPCOT also has World Showcase with 11 different countries with no rides except for Mexico and Norway (both short boat rides).

Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) has Tower of Terror (different in some ways from Disneyland). Unique to this park is an awesome rollercoaster- Rockin' RollerCoaster Starring Aerosmith! This coaster is completely in the dark and is very fast with three upside down loops-all the while listening to Aerosmith music. DHS also has Star Tours. A highlight of this park is the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show-HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!!!!! Arrive early for this show-there are usually only three shows a day. Fantasmic! is also performed here, in a separate amphitheater where you are able to sit down, unlike Disneyland's version. This show is almost the same as Disneyland's but it has different scenes and characters.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest park. However, there are not too many rides here. Make sure you hit Expedition: Everest! Kilimanjaro Safaris is a definite must!!! Dinosaur is similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland except it is much more scary and intense!! My family and I usually only spend half a day here, not only because there are not a lot of things here, but also because it closes early!

Hope I have given you some kind of idea of what to expect!!

DisneyFan,

Thank you so much, that was such a great comprehensive post. It's hard to picture it all when all you have experienced is DL. I used to be a castmember in ODV, so...I know all the ins and outs of DL, but in some ways feel like WDW is a foreign country I'm trying to figure out.

Thanks!