I'm the proud new owner of Sea World and Universal AP's.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We just got back Friday and thought there weren't as many people as the same time last year. I guess crowds are like temperature, though - a different feel for different folks.

We haven't been at the beginning of December in years until this past week.

I, too, noticed the crowds. December used to be a sweet spot. But with the parties, attendance has boosted in comparison.

Still lighter than during the holidays or during summer. But not as light has had been enjoyed in Decembers past. I cannot compare it to the past 4 years. But in Decembers prior to that, we noticed a big difference.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh, okay - but not Universal, right?

No. They had some Cabana Bay deal that, from what I read, wasn't that great and was pretty limiting. And CB doesn't give you unlimited EP.

Just wait until renewal time for the Uni passes. Unless something changes, the price is *amazing*. No matter what our WDW plans are, we just keep our Uni APs now.

 

[ethanwa]

You'll come back to Disney eventually... people always do.

The quality of Universal (besides Harry Potter) just isn't enough to satisfy our family. We go about 10-15 times per year, where Disney we're there at least once every 2 weeks. Universal and SeaWorld are FUN, but not "take you to another world" amazing like Disney seems to be able to do.

 

[emldrl]

OP, I hope you have a blast with your new APs. Maybe it's just time for a break from WDW for awhile, and there's nothing wrong with that. I think US looks awesome, and hopefully someday we can go there (just not in the cards right now).

I really don't get all the WDW vs. US stuff that is taking over all the threads right now. If you prefer one over the other, fine, no need to argue about it all the time (not anyone in particular, just been reading a LOT of this lately). To me, they are different, geared toward different people, different vacation styles, family types, etc. Doesn't mean one is better than the other.

I hope someday we can do some trips where we split our time between the two. I'm sure you can't help but compare, but I'll try to just take each for what it is, and not focus on one being better than the other. Like I said, they're just different.

 

[kathy884]

Enjoy! We think all the world class theme parks in Orlando are well worth doing. And it's always fun to change things up, especially when you're not as enamored with what you really enjoyed in the past.

I know I'm looking at crowd predictions more and more for Disney visits -- trying to figure out the best time to go and what to expect. My last spring break trip felt more crowded than ever -- not too bad at SeaWorld, but really crowded at the Disney parks. // Sneaking in a trip next Saturday though before the Christmas crowds. Just three park days and I'm hitting the Magic Kingdom one day, Universal/IOA one day, and SeaWorld one day.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I'll be buying a Uni AP this year whenever I get over there. I'm keeping the Disney one though. Being DVC I get too good a deal on it.

 

[ORMom2Four]

You'll come back to Disney eventually... people always do.

The quality of Universal (besides Harry Potter) just isn't enough to satisfy our family. We go about 10-15 times per year, where Disney we're there at least once every 2 weeks. Universal and SeaWorld are FUN, but not "take you to another world" amazing like Disney seems to be able to do.

I agree. Disney has 4 parks compared to 2 at Universal. In addition, they close VERY early during the week. That is hard on locals who like to head up to the park after work for a few hours. We just can't do that at Universal when they close at 6 and 7pm.

Since the only time that leaves is the weekend, it is very crowded. Most rides average 45-60 minute waits, and there is no fastpass option available (without paying extra every-single visit) you are stuck waiting in those lines.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You'll come back to Disney eventually... people always do.

The quality of Universal (besides Harry Potter) just isn't enough to satisfy our family. We go about 10-15 times per year, where Disney we're there at least once every 2 weeks. Universal and SeaWorld are FUN, but not "take you to another world" amazing like Disney seems to be able to do.

Agreed!..The first PH was great, over the top, however Daigon Alley(spl? ), the new section is so so and seems even the died in the wool PH fans don't seem to like it as much.


AKK

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I thought about a Universal AP as I go down regularly, but have no desire to go to Seaworld again. I'm going to Disney and Universal next week as crowds should be manageable.

 

[sukhakuli]

Given how cheap Sea World passes are, I'm surprised you haven't had them before. We're in So Cal and keep passes to most of the major attractions/theme parks here. Having Disney AP's doesn't keep us from doing other things in town also.

What the Disney Parks really need is fewer cranky people wandering around the parks complaining about how terrible everything is, so you made a great choice, for all of us. Have fun at the other things that Orlando has to offer.

 

[Suvadoo]

Agreed!..The first PH was great, over the top, however Daigon Alley(spl? ), the new section is so so and seems even the died in the wool PH fans don't seem to like it as much.


AKK

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone say Diagon Alley was so-so. From the reports I've read, this is the best themed land in any US amusement park, Disney included. Diagon Alley has also received Theme Park awards that say as much.

 

[kbelle8995]

I too switched to Universal. Come on over to the Universal board and join us. I loved Diagon Alley and can't wait to go back.

Disney might get me back but I'm no longer completely loyal to them.

 

[poppinspenguins]

Agreed!..The first PH was great, over the top, however Daigon Alley(spl? ), the new section is so so and seems even the died in the wool PH fans don't seem to like it as much.


AKK

Huh????!??!??!?!

Is this your opinion, have you heard this somewhere.

Absolutely everything I have read (officail and unoffical reviews, podcasts etc) have RAVED about DA.

I went in Sept and it was the absolute best themed area i have EVER seen. Nothing in WDW compares (in my opinion). But to say hard core PH fans dont seem to like it????

Again, I have to say, huh??????

 

[Jhuff8181]

What does this have to do with "Disney Trip Planning Forums > Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies"? MOD why are these posts allowed?

 

[BroganMc]

Busch Gardens Christmas town event that I've heard is also amazing.

We went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Christmas Town the weekend before Thanksgiving. Very impressive. They've made their parks something really magical for the season. Every corner was decorated and different music played throughout with different holiday themes.

We live closer to Williamsburg so that makes a more logical holiday trip. And the Premium APs that get you into ALL the parks (7 nationwide) is so much more affordable ($18 per month).

 

[Jennasis]

Agreed!..The first PH was great, over the top, however Daigon Alley(spl? ), the new section is so so and seems even the died in the wool PH fans don't seem to like it as much.


AKK

Huh? Diagon Alley blows Hogsmeade (and any themed area at WDW) out of the water...says this "dyed in the wool" Potter fan and lover or all things Disney. Not sure what makes you think fans don't like it much?

 

[Laketravis]

The same poster claimed in another thread that 7DMT was "theming over the top excellent and already a Disney classic." so take it for what it's worth.

 

[bumbershoot]

The same poster claimed in another thread that 7DMT was "theming over the top excellent and already a Disney classic." so take it for what it's worth.

Eep. Known to me as "the ride where I couldn't hear a single word that was being said, didn't understand what was going on, and I'm mystified as to why they couldn't just make the ride vehicle bigger to make it as size friendly as most of their other rides" ride. The smoothest ride I've ever been on, and the "jewels" are pretty and shiny, and that's where my praise ends.

 

[Art 1]

What does this have to do with "Disney Trip Planning Forums > Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies"? MOD why are these posts allowed?

You could report the thread or PM a moderator directly if you don't agree with it. They might not notice your post.

 

[LSUfan4444]

What does this have to do with "Disney Trip Planning Forums > Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies"? MOD why are these posts allowed?

I don't even know what belongs on what board anymore. I see more trip reports on this board than I do the trip report board.