I think we are officially done with Disney!!

[damo]

I used to live in Orlando and had yearly passes to Universal. Didn't need them for WDW as I had so many Cast Member friends who'd get us in whenever we wanted....nice savings!

But we went back 4 years ago just to do Universal and I was very disappointed. Not so much in the attraction itself, but in the staffing. There is a HUGE difference between Disney CMs and the staff they hire at Universal. They just don't train them with that special touch.

It's so noticeable to me that I would always tell friends visiting us to go to Universal first and then to Disney or they'd be disappointed.

Hmmm. I've never noticed a difference in helpfulness and friendliness of casts after 20 years of going to both. Disney's CMs are more sugary but Disney is more sugary. Universal's TMs are more teasing and fun. Their personalities suit the personalities of the parks. I always tell people to go to Disney first because once you've experienced unlimited express passes and not having to wait in line for attractions, dining and transportation, it is really difficult to be patient at Disney. Also, Universal provides a really nice relaxing vacation after the hectic pace of Disney.

 

[cmclaura]

Interesting how things are differently perceived.

I don't think of myself as an overly critical, looking for trouble kind of person, but there have been glaring things I've noticed, from surly service to staff looking unkempt to someone with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in his sleeve working at Universal. Never had any of that at WDW or DL.

In fact, the only place where I've had even better service was with telephone ordering at Pleasant Company (American Girl dolls). My daughter had received a doll with a noticeable flaw as a gift, sent by my mother. As the doll hadn't actually made it to my daughter yet, I called the company to inquire about switching it. I thought the woman was going to faint with consternation that they would send something out like that. She was only placated when I told her that my daughter hadn't even seen the doll yet. She said, "Oh, thank GOODNESS," in a swoon! She made a plan to send out a new doll immediately and send me a coupon to send the old one back so no one would be the wiser, lol.

After that, whenever I ordered something from them, I made sure to personally call because I loved how much they appeared to care about what they were doing. Truly a PLEASANT experience, lol.

 

[fairyprincess88]

While I won't say Im "done" with Disney, as I do still love it, I will say that I ready for a Disney break. Every year we do Disney for 10 days. During those 10 days we might take a side trip over to Universal or Sea World or we might not, it depends on various things. Well that changed when the WWoHP came along. It imediately turned Universal from a "might" to a "must."

Now I've always loved the "Disney magic" but as a proud and true Potter nerd, the magic of the Wizarding World was mind blowing. Walking into Hogsmeade that first time was more magical than anything I've ever found in Disney. It was perfect and so authentic it was truly like stepping into my beloved books. As embrassing as this to admit as an adult, I cried, and I can't remember the last time a theme park made me do that. Beyond the WWoHP I had a blast those two days at Universal(of course made better by being able to walk around with a frozen butterbeer) and I loved the laid back, go where you want, no rush, no stress experience of USF/IOA.

Once the Disney portion of our vacation started, well I found myself irritated and blah about it, which has never been the case before. The busses stressed me out, the ADRs stressed me out, the strollers and long lines and crowds after the fireworks and the gift shops full of the same junk as last year all stressed me out. Notice the pattern? The whole time at Disney I found myself wanting to just grab a cab and head back over to IOA and the Wizarding World to feel that magic again.

So for now, I'm taking a Disney break. Planning a short weekend trip in November to Uni and then a longer trip this spring at HRH to just relax, ride some rides, sip some butterbeer and shop to my heart's content in Hogsmeade. I'm sure I will go back to Disney, I do still love the place, I just love the boy wizard and the lack of stress a whole lot more.

 

[cmclaura]

I am actually so glad to hear this. We're going to Universal for a day before our next DCL cruise JUST to do the Harry Potter thing.

I can definitely understand the tears. When a friend and I celebrated our 50th birthdays (we're just 6 days apart) 2 years ago in London, we made a pilgrimage in Kings Cross Station to the platform between platforms 9 and 10 solely to have our photos taken pushing a trolley into the wall at Platform 9 3/4! It was a magical experience and I cannot wait to see how it's done up at Universal.

I feel a lot better knowing that the magic will overpower any negative staffing issues I might have.

What does butterbeer taste like? I can't wait to try it!

 

[fairyprincess88]

I found no staffing issues at all at Universal. They were all amazing. The TMs at the WWoHP are great, and are very much into keeping things authentic. For instance, the Slytherin ringing up my purchases in the castle had no problem making her dislike of the Gryffindor shirt I was wearing known. They stay in character which just added to the feel. I give the staff at Universal two very big thumbs up.

As for butterbeer, my favorite was the frozen. It's hard to explain the taste other than to say "oh my lord that's good."

 

[canopynut66]

While I loved my first trip to Universal, I will never be done with Disney. It nearly killed us last week, seeing people walk around with Disney stuff and not ever going over there. It's the first time we were ever in Orlando and didn't go to Disney. We got so excited just to go in the Disney store at the airport, that's how bad we were jonesing for it!

We're the opposite of everyone here, I guess. We'll do Disney more often and take occasional trips to Universal now, especially when they add something new.

Agree with you have tried to give up Disney and just can't and there is not a pill for it is there? So I keep going back liked Universal but I am so addicted if I go to the Target here at home and see someone returning something in a Disney plastic bag I get the blues So it is off in 30 more days to see the Mouse

 

[bubba's mom]

wow.

not a thread I thought I'd ever see here!

interesting.........

have a fun trip Janet ...cya soon!

and...for who wondered....butterbeer tastes like cream soda.

 

[minniejack]

wow.

not a thread I thought I'd ever see here!

interesting.........

have a fun trip Janet ...cya soon!

and...for who wondered....butterbeer tastes like cream soda.

I know makes you want to cry...and to think it was just a wee time ago that we were all called THUGS and wore chains.

 

[keishashadow]

wow.

not a thread I thought I'd ever see here!

interesting.........

have a fun trip Janet ...cya soon!

and...for who wondered....butterbeer tastes like cream soda.

i still wonder if u can get a shot of something in one @ the bar to kill the cream soda taste

mj OMG we're the cool kids now?

 

[bubba's mom]

i still wonder if u can get a shot of something in one @ the bar to kill the cream soda taste

nahhhh...tastes pretty good as is (is said "LIKE"...if you HAD to compare it to something, that'd be the closest)...but, hey...i'm willin' to try it w/ a shot

mj OMG we're the cool kids now?

H-E-double hockey sticks-YEAH we are!

 

[SmallWorld71]

and...for who wondered....butterbeer tastes like cream soda.

While I agree, I generally don't like cream soda and I loved butterbeer.So, I would still try it even if you are not a cream soda fan. Also, the frozen doesn't have the carbonation fizz, so I think it tastes less like cream soda and more butterscotchy. In any case, it's delicious!

 

[Planogirl]

While I agree, I generally don't like cream soda and I loved butterbeer.So, I would still try it even if you are not a cream soda fan. Also, the frozen doesn't have the carbonation fizz, so I think it tastes less like cream soda and more butterscotchy. In any case, it's delicious!

It's hard to define IMO. DS isn't a fan of cream soda and I'm not a big butterscotch fan. However we both fell madly in love with the frozen Butterbeer. Whatever it is.

As for the staffing mentioned earlier, I like the Universal TM's. I find them funny and helpful and I never understand it when I see criticism of them. But I see criticism of CM's too and think that most of them are just fine too.

 

[SmallWorld71]

As for the staffing mentioned earlier, I like the Universal TM's. I find them funny and helpful and I never understand it when I see criticism of them. But I see criticism of CM's too and think that most of them are just fine too.

I think you could get the good and not so good anywhere. I will say, though, that the TM's at the Hard Rock Hotel were the nicest I think I've ever encountered. Everyone from the front desk, to the bell hops (is that the right word) to the pool waitresses to the housekeeping and especially the concierge staff were top notch.

 

[henryk67]

The first time we went as a family to Orlando was in 2006, our kids were all teens the youngest being 13, we decided to get the flexi 5 park for Universal thinking Disney was more suited for younger children. We done the same in 2008 but asked them when we were there if they wanted to do a day in Disney or spend the cost shopping, they choose shopping. So we have never been to Disney before. This year we are doing the Universal side again as we like it that much and also Busch Gardens for the first time.
Think we will wait for the grandkids to take to Disney.

 

[Disney-Chick]

I am also addicted to Disney! I have had comments before as to why I spend every year going there on vacation as it would get boring or it's only for kids. But it's not boring and it's not just for kids. Each year we do something different along with Disney. Last year we spent 2 days at Busch Gardens. The year before we did Universal & Sea World. The DF bought 2 years worth of 7 day Universal tickets when they were on for a good price. So we will use those in Feb. when we return. We will do Uni in the mornings and then EMH at night for Disney. Were a family of roller coasters! But will be visiting for 2 days in Dec/Jan when were there also since my whole family will be down for the wedding.

Our whole trip is around Disney, then we do the extra's. I am even looking at next Dec's dates.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

While I won't say Im "done" with Disney, as I do still love it, I will say that I ready for a Disney break. Every year we do Disney for 10 days. During those 10 days we might take a side trip over to Universal or Sea World or we might not, it depends on various things. Well that changed when the WWoHP came along. It imediately turned Universal from a "might" to a "must."

Now I've always loved the "Disney magic" but as a proud and true Potter nerd, the magic of the Wizarding World was mind blowing. Walking into Hogsmeade that first time was more magical than anything I've ever found in Disney. It was perfect and so authentic it was truly like stepping into my beloved books. As embrassing as this to admit as an adult, I cried, and I can't remember the last time a theme park made me do that. Beyond the WWoHP I had a blast those two days at Universal(of course made better by being able to walk around with a frozen butterbeer) and I loved the laid back, go where you want, no rush, no stress experience of USF/IOA.

Once the Disney portion of our vacation started, well I found myself irritated and blah about it, which has never been the case before. The busses stressed me out, the ADRs stressed me out, the strollers and long lines and crowds after the fireworks and the gift shops full of the same junk as last year all stressed me out. Notice the pattern? The whole time at Disney I found myself wanting to just grab a cab and head back over to IOA and the Wizarding World to feel that magic again.

So for now, I'm taking a Disney break. Planning a short weekend trip in November to Uni and then a longer trip this spring at HRH to just relax, ride some rides, sip some butterbeer and shop to my heart's content in Hogsmeade. I'm sure I will go back to Disney, I do still love the place, I just love the boy wizard and the lack of stress a whole lot more.

Can't wait to visit HP, but it does disappoint me that two out of the three HP ride are just re-themes I've already been on. I hope they'll be adding on to HP in the future. I can see this being uber magical at first, but wearing off quickly if nothing is added. I also don't relish waiting in line to get into stores.

 

[damo]

Can't wait to visit HP, but it does disappoint me that two out of the three HP ride are just re-themes I've already been on. I hope they'll be adding on to HP in the future. I can see this being uber magical at first, but wearing off quickly if nothing is added. I also don't relish waiting in line to get into stores.

Part of the contract states that there must be regular updates to keep it fresh. I think we are all looking forward to seeing what happens in the future with the area.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Part of the contract states that there must be regular updates to keep it fresh. I think we are all looking forward to seeing what happens in the future with the area.

That's GREAT news. You know, back in 2002, my husband and I were discussing how awesome a Harry Potter theme park would be. We came up with a list of attractions and while Universal seems to have gotten the mood and food and shops right, I would like to see some rides based on stuff in the books. Like a thrill ride based on Gringott's bank mine carts. Or something that allows you to play Quidditch in a simulated game. That seems like a total no-brainer to me. Since I was very underwhelmed by Spiderman I guess I am a little disappointed FJ seems to be in that mold. I think there are so many things you could do with an HP theme park and this park only scratches the surface so far.

 

[Snape]

Can't wait to visit HP, but it does disappoint me that two out of the three HP ride are just re-themes I've already been on. I hope they'll be adding on to HP in the future. I can see this being uber magical at first, but wearing off quickly if nothing is added. I also don't relish waiting in line to get into stores.

The rides are re-themed but there is so much more to the Harry Potter area than the 3 rides. It is so much better than anything Disney has ever done (imho). I can't remember the poster who said it but you won't find the Disney Secret ads, or Coca Cola signs or any other commercial type junk in the Harry Potter area. As far as waiting in lines for stores, at least there is something to wait for - something different. In Disney, you can get the same thing in every store on site so there's no need to wait.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

The rides are re-themed but there is so much more to the Harry Potter area than the 3 rides. It is so much better than anything Disney has ever done (imho). I can't remember the poster who said it but you won't find the Disney Secret ads, or Coca Cola signs or any other commercial type junk in the Harry Potter area. As far as waiting in lines for stores, at least there is something to wait for - something different. In Disney, you can get the same thing in every store on site so there's no need to wait.

I agree, but the park/experience is still new, while Disney's is old. You have to give it a few more trips.

Taht said, I can't wait to go, I just want to be sure it's not packed wall to wall.