isis151miu
Disney Fanatic
- Joined
- May 26, 2006
- Messages
- 61
The family wants to do univeral for a couple days, but no thanks. I've heard that it has some pretty good roller coaster though.
If I have to hug one more princess, I am going to hurl!
- Thread starter dudspizza
- Start date
Thats exactly what I was thinking ..Fan2CSkr said:
I guess Coke and Pepsi are so 'bad' because they bash eachother ..
but probably not since it isnt the beloved Disney
Some people just need to get a new sense of humor.
Some people won't like Universal just because it doesn't have "Disney" infront of it, and I bet if it did, alot of people would gladly visit. Competition is a good thing, but to me, Universal is the better value - I can thank Disney for that, and while you guys are too busy with not wanting to visit Universal, I can enjoy the shorter lines
Sleeping Jedi Beauty
Jedi Knight seeking his Disney Princess
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2006
- Messages
- 824
I have fond memories of visiting Universal L.A. as part of the Disneyland trips we took before moving to California, but commercials like this do not fill me with fun memories of vacations past. They may actually drive more people away than they help bring into the parks, and that isn't good for Universal. The numbers from this year are looking worse for them than last year's did, and Universal saw a 12% drop last year.
sajetto
Wedding Pavilion Bride 2007
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2005
- Messages
- 4,396
I think the commerical that bashes Disney was a VERY bad idea.
My DF, who has NEVER been to Universal and had his first WDW trip last year, refuses to go to Universal now. Its not that he is a huge Disney fan, but he says it looks like there isn't as much to do there as Disney. Disney commericals show their attractions and excitment, all Universal is doing is saying that WDW stinks. If Universal would just show what they have to offer they might attract a crowd.
As it stands now my DF will NOT go to Universal even though we have a solid 2 week honeymoon that would allow us plenty of time. Maybe Universal needs to go back to the drawing board and focus on showing clips of all their rides.
My DF, who has NEVER been to Universal and had his first WDW trip last year, refuses to go to Universal now. Its not that he is a huge Disney fan, but he says it looks like there isn't as much to do there as Disney. Disney commericals show their attractions and excitment, all Universal is doing is saying that WDW stinks. If Universal would just show what they have to offer they might attract a crowd.
As it stands now my DF will NOT go to Universal even though we have a solid 2 week honeymoon that would allow us plenty of time. Maybe Universal needs to go back to the drawing board and focus on showing clips of all their rides.
Fan2CSkr
If you can judge a wise man by the color of his sk
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2002
- Messages
- 3,497
thelionqueen said:
Please lead me in the direction to the recent, up to date sales reports. I havent seen them and would like to see the significant slip too.
Offering free product is a marketing ploy that has been used forever. Giving something away is one of the most powerful tools for getting your product out there.
Mister Incredible
<font color=red>I'm not an expert, but I did stay
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2005
- Messages
- 751
Attendance in free fall
Universal theme parks rely on stage shows, kids' attractions to reel in more visitors
Universal Orlando's hopes for improved attendance may lie in the summer dreams of young children.
The theme park -- which recently reported its paid attendance at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure dropped by 15 percent in the first quarter of the year -- is opening several attractions aimed at children.
"I would have to say they're making a special emphasis with attractions aimed at younger children, such as the Dr. Seuss attraction they've revitalized," said Jerry Aldrich, president of Amusement Industry Consulting of Orlando. "They're investing in that area for a reason."
For the summer, the theme park is debuting High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride at Islands of Adventure, the Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue, and The Lucy and Ricky Show, a street performance. In addition, two new restaurants are opening: Red Coconut Club and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., both at Universal CityWalk.
Universal's push to boost attendance comes at a difficult time. Travel-industry experts say theme parks and vacation destinations may suffer this summer because of the high cost of fuel and inflation fears. Vacationers could take fewer days, and when they do take their vacations, they're going on a budget.
"I think some of them do travel on a budget, but, to keep the children happy, families will still go to the theme parks," said Marie Cecil, director of sales and marketing for Harbor City Travel in Melbourne. "This summer may be up in the air, but every summer, people hit the theme parks. Universal is great for all ages, and a lot of the theme parks are focusing on the younger kids and their families. I think some people won't hop in the car like they did before, but they will definitely go to the theme parks."
But Aldrich said continual reinvestment -- no matter how big or small the amount -- is the way to bring people into the parks and get them to stay longer, too.
"Disney's doing well, but they have a new attraction there, with Expedition Everest, and they're marketing it heavily," Aldrich said. "SeaWorld's attendance is flat, but it's rolled out the new 'Believe' show. And Universal is adding more entertainment, like shows, because, with entertainment, you're trying to affect the length of stay."
"All the parks are working on the evening thing, to give people a reason to stay," Aldrich said. "I think you can draw attendance with entertainment, especially in the evening, to keep people in the park. People are spending more time, and maybe they'll buy an extra meal or extra merchandise or maybe see more of the product and tell their friends and family. That word-of-mouth is also important."
Rob Varley, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, said he thinks Universal Orlando needs to pump up its marketing.
"There has to be major investment over there in two ways," Varley said. "They need a major attraction and they need to invest the dollars in marketing. That's my opinion. 'Beetlejuice' is old. I think they'd be better off with Beetle Bailey."
"We have to balance our entertainment properties," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando. "They run the gamut from Dr. Seuss to Dueling Dragons or Incredible Hulk. The equation of rides versus shows is always important. In 2006, we've tried to create opportunities to bring in families. Especially in the school holiday period, we want people to visit us, and have a palette to have things to do day and night."
During the first three months of 2006, Universal's attendance dropped 15 percent, compared with the first three months of 2005. But the company indicated that said the year-to-year comparison was hurt because the Easter holiday came earlier last year, in the first quarter, but was it was later this year, in the second quarter.
Still, The Walt Disney Co. said its Orlando-area theme-park attendance was up 3 percent during the first quarter.
Universal said attendance for the first four months of the year, from January through April, showed that, when including Easter, its Orlando park attendance was down 4 percent, compared with the first four months of 2005.
Varley said the key to keeping customers coming is keeping potential patrons aware with advertising and marketing efforts.
"Disney is introducing new stuff, laying the money on the table," Varley said. "They're the marketing kings. But Universal hasn't reinvested like they should. SeaWorld is another example of somebody who gets it. They're introducing new stuff. They've been getting a lot of buzz on the new show."
For hoteliers in the region, though, any new promotion or new attraction can help bring more occupancy.
"Theme parks are certainly part of the appeal for Brevard County," said Rick Hutcherson, director of sales and marketing for Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. "We need to support the positioning of the Beachline, so that we're building on the fact that Brevard County is home to 'Orlando's closest beaches.' The theme parks are important to us. We always say there's a bump in occupancy when a theme park opens a new attraction. If a theme park is running a promotion, that will also help us because they need a place to stay."
Universal theme parks rely on stage shows, kids' attractions to reel in more visitors
Universal Orlando's hopes for improved attendance may lie in the summer dreams of young children.
The theme park -- which recently reported its paid attendance at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure dropped by 15 percent in the first quarter of the year -- is opening several attractions aimed at children.
"I would have to say they're making a special emphasis with attractions aimed at younger children, such as the Dr. Seuss attraction they've revitalized," said Jerry Aldrich, president of Amusement Industry Consulting of Orlando. "They're investing in that area for a reason."
For the summer, the theme park is debuting High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride at Islands of Adventure, the Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue, and The Lucy and Ricky Show, a street performance. In addition, two new restaurants are opening: Red Coconut Club and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., both at Universal CityWalk.
Universal's push to boost attendance comes at a difficult time. Travel-industry experts say theme parks and vacation destinations may suffer this summer because of the high cost of fuel and inflation fears. Vacationers could take fewer days, and when they do take their vacations, they're going on a budget.
"I think some of them do travel on a budget, but, to keep the children happy, families will still go to the theme parks," said Marie Cecil, director of sales and marketing for Harbor City Travel in Melbourne. "This summer may be up in the air, but every summer, people hit the theme parks. Universal is great for all ages, and a lot of the theme parks are focusing on the younger kids and their families. I think some people won't hop in the car like they did before, but they will definitely go to the theme parks."
But Aldrich said continual reinvestment -- no matter how big or small the amount -- is the way to bring people into the parks and get them to stay longer, too.
"Disney's doing well, but they have a new attraction there, with Expedition Everest, and they're marketing it heavily," Aldrich said. "SeaWorld's attendance is flat, but it's rolled out the new 'Believe' show. And Universal is adding more entertainment, like shows, because, with entertainment, you're trying to affect the length of stay."
"All the parks are working on the evening thing, to give people a reason to stay," Aldrich said. "I think you can draw attendance with entertainment, especially in the evening, to keep people in the park. People are spending more time, and maybe they'll buy an extra meal or extra merchandise or maybe see more of the product and tell their friends and family. That word-of-mouth is also important."
Rob Varley, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, said he thinks Universal Orlando needs to pump up its marketing.
"There has to be major investment over there in two ways," Varley said. "They need a major attraction and they need to invest the dollars in marketing. That's my opinion. 'Beetlejuice' is old. I think they'd be better off with Beetle Bailey."
"We have to balance our entertainment properties," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando. "They run the gamut from Dr. Seuss to Dueling Dragons or Incredible Hulk. The equation of rides versus shows is always important. In 2006, we've tried to create opportunities to bring in families. Especially in the school holiday period, we want people to visit us, and have a palette to have things to do day and night."
During the first three months of 2006, Universal's attendance dropped 15 percent, compared with the first three months of 2005. But the company indicated that said the year-to-year comparison was hurt because the Easter holiday came earlier last year, in the first quarter, but was it was later this year, in the second quarter.
Still, The Walt Disney Co. said its Orlando-area theme-park attendance was up 3 percent during the first quarter.
Universal said attendance for the first four months of the year, from January through April, showed that, when including Easter, its Orlando park attendance was down 4 percent, compared with the first four months of 2005.
Varley said the key to keeping customers coming is keeping potential patrons aware with advertising and marketing efforts.
"Disney is introducing new stuff, laying the money on the table," Varley said. "They're the marketing kings. But Universal hasn't reinvested like they should. SeaWorld is another example of somebody who gets it. They're introducing new stuff. They've been getting a lot of buzz on the new show."
For hoteliers in the region, though, any new promotion or new attraction can help bring more occupancy.
"Theme parks are certainly part of the appeal for Brevard County," said Rick Hutcherson, director of sales and marketing for Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. "We need to support the positioning of the Beachline, so that we're building on the fact that Brevard County is home to 'Orlando's closest beaches.' The theme parks are important to us. We always say there's a bump in occupancy when a theme park opens a new attraction. If a theme park is running a promotion, that will also help us because they need a place to stay."
Sleeping Jedi Beauty
Jedi Knight seeking his Disney Princess
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2006
- Messages
- 824
USO attendance fell 12% last year, and the 1st quarter report was lower than last year as well. And while USO explained that Easter fell in the 2nd quarter so that's why their numbers were down, Disney's 1st quarter numbers were fine even with Easter in the 2nd quarter this year.
Mister Incredible
<font color=red>I'm not an expert, but I did stay
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2005
- Messages
- 751
Although attendance was down, they still made money!
Universal posts record profit
Earnings rise to $35.3 million despite attendance drop
Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 1, 2006
Universal Orlando overcame a steep drop in attendance last year -- which it blamed in part on Walt Disney World's aggressive marketing -- to earn record profits.
The parent company, Universal City Development Partners, on Friday reported a 3 percent improvement in operating profit in 2005, to $141 million. After paying debt interest, Universal finished with a net income of $35.3 million, up from $22.5 million in 2004.
Yet Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure suffered a combined 11 percent plunge in paid attendance, to 10,772,000, according to the annual report. That drop is even steeper than the 8.5 percent estimated by a widely cited trade magazine, Amusement Business.
Universal offered several reasons for the smaller crowds: The year 2004 brought record attendance, which was tough to sustain in 2005. Gas prices kept people away. Consumer sentiment weakened. And Disney's big 50th-anniversary promotion and new flexible ticket plans lured people away.
Still, the privately held Universal -- which in 2004 became part of General Electric Co. -- made money partly by getting the average visitor to spend 8 percent more on everything from soda to T-shirts. It also earned 6 percent more from such sources as hotel contracts and corporate sponsorships. And Universal cut operating costs nearly 3 percent, employing 700 fewer people in 2005.
"Our positive financial performance during 2005 is a credit to the strength and dedication of our management team and our employees," Bob Gault, president of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. "During a year that included some attendance challenges, we were able to control our costs and increase our revenue-per-guest so that we actually grew our operating income. We are a stronger business today."
Company officials would not comment further.
Universal hopes to boost attendance this year with a new advertising campaign, its own flexible ticket plan and a "kids get in free" deal.
Several industry observers said the company needs to, because attendance is the driving factor of theme-park income.
Dennis Speigel, president of the Cincinnati-based International Theme Park Services, said Disney's big campaign has been "knocking down attendance" at all competing parks.
"Plus, Universal's been going through a difficult time. I think with the new ownership there's certainly been a strong undercurrent [of talk] in the industry that they're not supporting the parks very well," he said.
Universal officials have denied that support is lacking. And the report says the company intends to spend $65 million on improvements this year, up from $30 million last year.
Still, the 2005 report states that Universal Orlando employed 12,900 workers, while the previous one reported 13,600 employees.
Universal posts record profit
Earnings rise to $35.3 million despite attendance drop
Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 1, 2006
Universal Orlando overcame a steep drop in attendance last year -- which it blamed in part on Walt Disney World's aggressive marketing -- to earn record profits.
The parent company, Universal City Development Partners, on Friday reported a 3 percent improvement in operating profit in 2005, to $141 million. After paying debt interest, Universal finished with a net income of $35.3 million, up from $22.5 million in 2004.
Yet Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure suffered a combined 11 percent plunge in paid attendance, to 10,772,000, according to the annual report. That drop is even steeper than the 8.5 percent estimated by a widely cited trade magazine, Amusement Business.
Universal offered several reasons for the smaller crowds: The year 2004 brought record attendance, which was tough to sustain in 2005. Gas prices kept people away. Consumer sentiment weakened. And Disney's big 50th-anniversary promotion and new flexible ticket plans lured people away.
Still, the privately held Universal -- which in 2004 became part of General Electric Co. -- made money partly by getting the average visitor to spend 8 percent more on everything from soda to T-shirts. It also earned 6 percent more from such sources as hotel contracts and corporate sponsorships. And Universal cut operating costs nearly 3 percent, employing 700 fewer people in 2005.
"Our positive financial performance during 2005 is a credit to the strength and dedication of our management team and our employees," Bob Gault, president of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. "During a year that included some attendance challenges, we were able to control our costs and increase our revenue-per-guest so that we actually grew our operating income. We are a stronger business today."
Company officials would not comment further.
Universal hopes to boost attendance this year with a new advertising campaign, its own flexible ticket plan and a "kids get in free" deal.
Several industry observers said the company needs to, because attendance is the driving factor of theme-park income.
Dennis Speigel, president of the Cincinnati-based International Theme Park Services, said Disney's big campaign has been "knocking down attendance" at all competing parks.
"Plus, Universal's been going through a difficult time. I think with the new ownership there's certainly been a strong undercurrent [of talk] in the industry that they're not supporting the parks very well," he said.
Universal officials have denied that support is lacking. And the report says the company intends to spend $65 million on improvements this year, up from $30 million last year.
Still, the 2005 report states that Universal Orlando employed 12,900 workers, while the previous one reported 13,600 employees.
Universal's paid children's decrease is due to the buy an adult ticket, get an child's ticket campaign this year, nothing more.
the kids stay, play, and eat free has been a very successful campaign. so much so WDW recoiled with the free dining plan. the car rental Universal is promoting is a direct attempt to fight WDW/Mears ' Magical Express.'
the WDW you know today has been shaped by the competition from UO, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. if you really think WDW is running purely on pixie dust, you're dead wrong. they might not directly challenge UO in their campaigns, but they're hard at work making sure out of state visitors never set foot outside of their property.
we've got AP's to all of the parks here and enjoy them for different reasons. having an open mind is a great thing.
the kids stay, play, and eat free has been a very successful campaign. so much so WDW recoiled with the free dining plan. the car rental Universal is promoting is a direct attempt to fight WDW/Mears ' Magical Express.'
the WDW you know today has been shaped by the competition from UO, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. if you really think WDW is running purely on pixie dust, you're dead wrong. they might not directly challenge UO in their campaigns, but they're hard at work making sure out of state visitors never set foot outside of their property.
we've got AP's to all of the parks here and enjoy them for different reasons. having an open mind is a great thing.
monarchsfan16
<font color=green>Holy smokes, the DIS is a big pl
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2003
- Messages
- 6,462
I've been to Universal. Once. Have no desire to go back there again. I went, not expecting it to be anything like Disney. I just wasn't that impressed by the rides there (I'm not a major roller coaster person).
I don't like that commercial. Not because I'm "too sensitive about Disney", but because the commercial was done in poor taste. As has been said already, if they want to sell themselves, they should show why they deserve consideration, and more often than not, it's not the fact that they don't have princesses
I don't like that commercial. Not because I'm "too sensitive about Disney", but because the commercial was done in poor taste. As has been said already, if they want to sell themselves, they should show why they deserve consideration, and more often than not, it's not the fact that they don't have princesses
AnaheimGirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 31, 2005
- Messages
- 1,348
I guess so.G&J's Mom said:Newsflash! People who love US also go to WDW!!!
I don't get it! What type of person???? A person with an open mind who likes to have fun????
Funny, the same people who rag on Universal for bashing Disney are taking it a step further by bashing people who like Universal.
How is that any better?
Stitchfans
Tres Charming
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2005
- Messages
- 11,190
I can't tell you how much I hate that commerical. That child looks so snotty and the sarcasim is so unbecoming. Really makes me feel poorly towards Universal, and not just because they are making fun of Disney.
Maleficent13
<font color=blue>Heh Heh, you're all gonna die<br>
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2003
- Messages
- 9,227
monarchsfan16 said:
This is my feeling as well, and it's the reason I also detest political commercials. Why can't you tell me why I should vote FOR you, instead of telling me why I should vote AGAINST the other guy. I don't want to hear his shortcomings; I want to hear your strengths.
Unfortunately, it appears I am in the minority on that (politically, at least).
GeorgeG
<font color=blue>Stumped for 2005<br><font color=r
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2001
- Messages
- 7,365
We live just over an hour from all the parks and we have resident passes for WDW and Sea World. We went to Universal once and will not go back. Call me a Disney Snob if you must, but compared to WDW and Sea World, Universal is trash.
Stitchfans said:
Everything about that commercial was intentional. Love it or hate it, you have to admit it was well done in that it hit the demographic they were aiming at right on the mark. They were aiming at teens who want non stop thrills (a la a glorified Six Flags) and who think Disney is sissy stuff. These kids will think it's a riot and probably will exert more pressure on Mom and Dad to at least spend part of the vacation at US. From a purely advertising standpoint, I thought it was very effective.
VSL
I know it's all corporate/business... but it's sti
- Joined
- May 3, 2005
- Messages
- 2,075
I haven't seen the Universal commercial, but it does sound a bit childish.
However, my SO loves US/IOA so I go for him (if it was just me, I'd probably stay in Disney). But it's only two days out of our 14 day + holiday. We agree that it doesn't compare to WDW, but it does have some things to offer that WDW doesn't.
And we get to have our picture taken with Spongebob and the Grinch in IOA (although I was delighted that Belle told me that she liked my poncho when we met her and Beast
)!
However, my SO loves US/IOA so I go for him (if it was just me, I'd probably stay in Disney). But it's only two days out of our 14 day + holiday. We agree that it doesn't compare to WDW, but it does have some things to offer that WDW doesn't.
And we get to have our picture taken with Spongebob and the Grinch in IOA (although I was delighted that Belle told me that she liked my poncho when we met her and Beast
)!
G&J's Mom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2003
- Messages
- 1,080
AnaheimGirl said:I guess so.
Funny, the same people who rag on Universal for bashing Disney are taking it a step further by bashing people who like Universal.
How is that any better?
It isn't any better.
What I don't get is people bashing WDW and/or US and they have never been I gave US a try in Feb 06 and my family loved it. Yes, I doubted I would like US but I was open to try it. Glad I did.-
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Unveils New European River Cruise Itineraries
-
The New Gideon's Bakehouse Cakes You Don't Want to Miss at Disney Springs
-
Why You Should Visit Walt Disney World this Summer
-
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Is an Easy Stop for Cool Kid Summer Fun at Disney World
-
Could Josh D'Amaro Be the Next Disney CEO? Here's Why Fans Are Divided
-
The Hits & Misses of Disney's New 'Lady & The Tramp' Merch
-
How to Beat the Heat at Walt Disney World
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE
