I liked Universal better than Disney this trip!

[Lucky4me]

We just got back today and I cannot believe how fantastic the two Universal parks were!!!
I can't even say what I liked best because it was all fantastic. Everything from the small crowd levels to special effects, top notch state of the art rides to a large variety of food choices, we loved it all. We rode everything at least twice, some things 4 or 5 times in a row. DD and DH got stuck on Mummy and had to be walked out. I think seeing behind the scenes impressed them even more than the ride and they really loved the ride. The park employees seemed energized and happy to be working there. We ended up spending the better part of 4 days there.

Disney paled in comparison. Mission Space was a let down as was Stitch. Mickeys Philharmagic was cute, but nothing new or spectacular. Some CMs seemed either inexperienced, bored, or both. Illuminations is getting old, even with the added holiday minute or two. MVMCP on the 7th was absolutely mobbed by 8. We did much more between 4 and 7 than we did between 7-11. Wishes was good, but started 20 minutes late. Except for Turtle Talk with Crush in Epcot, we were unimpressed. This was a very difficult thing for me to admit since I've always been a staunch defender of all things Disney. They've been begging to go to Universal for years and I always said no because I couldn't bear to miss any days in the Disney parks.
That won't ever happen again! I almost feel like Universal/IOA is the best kept secret in Orlando and now I'm in on it.

 

[nile455]

We just got back today and I cannot believe how fantastic the two Universal parks were!!!
I can't even say what I liked best because it was all fantastic. Everything from the small crowd levels to special effects, top notch state of the art rides to a large variety of food choices, we loved it all. We rode everything at least twice, some things 4 or 5 times in a row. DD and DH got stuck on Mummy and had to be walked out. I think seeing behind the scenes impressed them even more than the ride and they really loved the ride. The park employees seemed energized and happy to be working there. We ended up spending the better part of 4 days there.

Disney paled in comparison. Mission Space was a let down as was Stitch. Mickeys Philharmagic was cute, but nothing new or spectacular. Some CMs seemed either inexperienced, bored, or both. Illuminations is getting old, even with the added holiday minute or two. MVMCP on the 7th was absolutely mobbed by 8. We did much more between 4 and 7 than we did between 7-11. Wishes was good, but started 20 minutes late. Except for Turtle Talk with Crush in Epcot, we were unimpressed. This was a very difficult thing for me to admit since I've always been a staunch defender of all things Disney. They've been begging to go to Universal for years and I always said no because I couldn't bear to miss any days in the Disney parks.
That won't ever happen again! I almost feel like Universal/IOA is the best kept secret in Orlando and now I'm in on it.

Welcome to the Club. Disney has blown it on a number of occasions in the recent past. They keep changing rides and their "improvements" are either no better than their predecessors or worse (see Imagination Pavillion, Living Seas, Stich Escape). Meanwhile, when Universal changes an old attraction, they COMPLETELY start over, sometimes even GUT the building, and make something that is DIFFERENT and MUCH better than the predecessor (see Twister, Mummy, Jimmy Neutron, etc). Disney's latest E-Ride (Mission Space) has been a tragic failure if you ask me. Mickey's Philharmagic was very disappointing to me. They made it in 100% computer animation. Yeah that's what I want to see, classic characters like Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse done on a computer. Disney has been cutting corners a lot, and they didn't use to. Many of the attractions in Epcot have been starving for paint jobs or other refurbishments, yet they remain neglected.

Trust me, it pains me to talk like this about WDW just like it pains you, but it's a fact. Universal is rapidly catching up to them. Disney still has them beat in areas like parades, fireworks shows, and hotels. But for attractions, Universal has 'em beat if you ask me.

I sincerely hope Expedition Everest lives up to its hype. They still don't have anything close to Spiderman.

 

[phamton]

I'm so glad you had a good time at Universal. It really bothers me to hear people on this board cut down Universal because they went "4 years ago and will never go back." I try to tell them that while the CMs are getting grumpier at WDW, the employees at Universal are getting more enthusiastic.

A few years ago, Universal wasn't as clean as it is today. Now it is in great shape and the employees are top-notch. Some people on the DisBoards have compared Universal/IoA to an amusement park and think only Disney can do a theme park. They couldn't be further from the truth.

 

[highlander447]

Like I've said before if u go with an open mind USO/IOA are great I always think Disney will still get part of evry ones business as nearly everyone grew up being part of Disney Magic or wanting too thats y we are going to stay onsite next sept at POFQ to try and experience that Disney Magic

 

[bjakmom]

Well, I did not see any decline at WDW last week (although it was quite crowded compared to USF - and I agree with highlander about the new Stitch ride , but love, love, love Philharmagic - I'm still waiting to ride M:S at the end of the night as several of my gang felt so sick on it in August - hard to believe, as new rides are always first on my list and I'm really dying to try this one!!)

That said, I have to comment on the wonderful, enthusiastic attitude we encountered with USF employees (don't we have a DIS abbreviation for them? ) this trip - it was actually a noticeable change to me - even the young kids were extremely polite and involved, many of them working very hard to cover rides alone when it was very slow.

phamton- can you tell me to whom/where I could write to acknowledge an act of kindness from an employee? (specifically the amazing young actor who plays Taylor at Poseidon's Fury)- I would also like to copy him the letter as I want him to know what his efforts meant to our family - thanks!

 

[Lucky4me]

Universals park employees were wonderful! They joked around a lot. They helped us with directions and if they didn't know, they hunted for someone who did. They truly seemed more 'Disney' than Disney. It was very strange, but great. We encountered several unhappy Disney CMs. A waitress at Beaches and Cream, an attendant at Test Track and several the night of MVMCP who were definitely not in the Holiday spirit. I was very shocked.
Universal was immaculate. ET has been refurbished and is so cute. Mummy was spectacular as was Spiderman. Mission Space felt like a ride you could do at Disney Quest with some G force added. I think it was way over hyped. Turtle talk was the only impressive attraction and they made it small. I would have skipped making Stitch and expanded on this one. It was very cool.

 

[ChisJo]

Well, it pained me at first to say it, but I agree with USF being a far better theme park than Disney currently is. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at USF and greatly enjoyed FOTL for myself and the single rider lines. I loved the happy hour and the quick access to City walk for something to eat was nice too (this PI and how far it is from all the parks). I also liked the AMA discount that is available at all the vendors and restaurants (saved tons) and the fact that a great hotel room on property was walking distance to tha parks, and didn't cost two months pay to stay in for a couple of nights. Was able to store the luggage to go to the parks early and for a couple dollars more, was able to get valet parking for my car. I do not see Disney doing so much of this.
Additionally, I found that the staff at USF were enjoying their job far more than the one's at Disney. I went solo and ran into a couple that were trying to keep me company (in a nice way) and that really made my day. The rides are getting better and better as well, with 2 of the rides (Spiderman and Hulk) being in the top 10 theme park rides in North America.
I cannot wait to go back. I already bought my tickets for my trip in 2006 - but I may have to go back again next year - I've made by BF very excited about going!
Jo

 

[Sandyincanada]

So glad you had a great time.....we love Univ/IOA. We find with each trip, we spend less time at Disney and more at Univ. You cannot beat the rides anywhere, imho. I still love Disney but I think USF is alot more fun but they are very different parks and we love them both for different reasons.

I was sooooo impressed with Suess Landing. I thought the colours and theming were amazing, very underrated. My teens who were "too cool" for the Disney characters went crazy over the Suess characters. My DD shocked me by racing over to Thing 1 and Thing 2 when she saw them. They were great! They happened to be alone and they fooled around with her for quite awhile, jostling her ( she was 15), sandwiching her...we got some great shots and she had so much fun with them, its one of those "I'll never forget" moments. I can't wait to go back

 

[highlander447]

Try those Seuss colors after a couple of happy hours not that I would

 

[robvia]

To me, Disney has let grownups down with their ride choices. I know it's a family place for kids. All they've been doing lately are celebrations, which are just fancy titles for people to show up and spend money. And they've been removing classic rides that people grew up with. Mission Space is a 100 million dollar Gravatron which makes people sick. They could have built a major coaster with that money. Celebrations with nothing behind them, removing classic rides, and nothing big for grownups is making USF/IOA the better choice for thrill fans.

 

[phamton]

That said, I have to comment on the wonderful, enthusiastic attitude we encountered with USF employees (don't we have a DIS abbreviation for them? )

They're called Team members but I doubt that most people know that.

phamton- can you tell me to whom/where I could write to acknowledge an act of kindness from an employee? (specifically the amazing young actor who plays Taylor at Poseidon's Fury)- I would also like to copy him the letter as I want him to know what his efforts meant to our family - thanks!

I don't know an email address right off hand but I'll find out and post it. The phone number is:
• Universal Studios Florida Guest Services: (407) 224-4233
• Islands of Adventure Guest Services: (407) 224-4233

It is always great if you give a "guest positive" as the employee is given some special treatment by management.

Edited to add: I just called them and they told me the email:
guestservices@universalorlando.com

Bev

 

[ksdave]

We first went "back" to UO in 2001, after not going for about five years. We also went to WDW that trip. We have not been back to WDW since. We love PBH, both parks, and all of the advantages our PAPs and FOTL give us over staying at WDW. At this rate, I don't think we may ever go back to WDW. At least not until we have grandkids. And even then, it will be a few days at WDW, and our usual full week at UO!

 

[drumflower]

You all are making me really excited about my 1st trip to US this Feb! Hey Highlander, what is that yummy drink in your picture and where do you get it?

 

[dolphindan1]

We just got back from a trip that included both Universal and all 4 Disney Parks...In order of favs IOA, AK, US, Epcot, MK, MGM...This was our first time at IOA and the family loved it....I dont know if the lack of crowds at Universal or the rides made the parks better but they were....Hulk is the best coaster I have been on, Spidey was great, Dragons were great, Cat in the hat was good, Ripsaw and the barges well you will get wet...Also in Seuss land there was a very sweet smell throughout is that part of the themeing or is there a bakery there...The only thing that I didnt like about Universal was the much hyped Mythos resturant and Jurrassic Park ride....I loved the JP theming but the ride failed in excitement to Dinosaur at AK...I dont understand why the crowds were so light at Universal but it was fine with me....we went through US 3 times with no waits rode Mummy 5 times...longest wait was in the last hour around 30-45 minutes....IOA we toured 2 times in the same day rode Hulk 5 timed Dr Doom 4 times, Spiderman 3 times, JP 2 times....

 

[highlander447]

The drinks a Zombie they served them at mardigras and they where pretty lethal

 

[damo]

I love USF and IOA. Can't wait to get back in February. We haven't been to Disneyworld in about 5 years, although we did visit Disneyland and DCA this summer.

 

[drumflower]

LOL! Remember me I am going to Universal for the 1st time on Feb5 when they are celebrating Madi Gras! I might have to have one of those! I am having trouble finding info about Mardi Gras, like the bands that are going to be preforming and what time the parade is. Do you know where I can find this out? Thanks!

 

[Sandyincanada]

The only thing that I didnt like about Universal was the much hyped Mythos resturant and Jurrassic Park ride....I loved the JP theming but the ride failed in excitement to Dinosaur at AK...

We LOVE Jurrassic! It hooked us the second the music started and those big doors slowly opened, we felt like we were there, apart of it...the rest of the ride was just icing, lol.

 

[phamton]

LOL! Remember me I am going to Universal for the 1st time on Feb5 when they are celebrating Madi Gras! I might have to have one of those! I am having trouble finding info about Mardi Gras, like the bands that are going to be preforming and what time the parade is. Do you know where I can find this out? Thanks!

Universal hasn't announced parade times or bands but several people at ioacentral.com have found out the bands.

Kevin Lyttle (2/19)
Creedence Clearwater Revisted (3/5)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (3/12)
03/19/05 O.A.R.
Huey Lewis & The News (4/9).

 

[T-10X]

I first want to say I am excited that you had a great time at Universal Studios. I work at the parks in New York Merch(Twister, Mummy, and Doc's stores) and just love it when I hear how much people loved their trip. I jump around and joke with guest all the time, if you ever come in conntact with me you will most likly remember me. Yesterday for example whenever someone would pay with a credit card I would say "just sign this paper giving me power of attorney" and people would just crack up. Even once when I was heading to lunch someone screamed "POWER OF ATTORNEY!" I just love playing with guest, just talking, or even just finding out where they are from. I am glad you had a great time and hope every other time you visit us you will have a even better time. Comeing from a Team Member, have fun, come on back sometime, and the bathroom is just out that door to the right.