Is Disney World becoming a shell of its former self?

[peg110]

Comcast does not effect Universal customer service at all. Wonderful and friendly TM's abound. I had some great guests experience over there. I was greeted by my name at the gate and the TMs were really helpful.

I was a former CM from the 90's so I am picky about good show and all that. So was another member of my family and we couldn't stop talking about how impressed by the TM's we were.

Don't misunderstand me, I don't know what Universal is really like. As I have said in other posts/threads, it's a lot of money to spend to just "See" if I like it. My point is , is that I don't like Comcast, some of that dislike, by extension, translates (now) to Universal. It's kind of like saying I don't like Pringles because they are not real Potato CHIPS (as they are press formed), so because they are made by P&G, I won't use Charmin, because supporting the one helps support the other. Now, I know this is far from reality. It just gives me one more reason (in my mind) to not jump on the Universal boat.

All that being said, I am sure at some point in the future, I will eventually make it to Universal and probably enjoy myself. Just not feeling it right now.

 

[rteetz]

All that being said, I am sure at some point in the future, I will eventually make it to Universal and probably enjoy myself. Just not feeling it right now.

Thats kind of how we are. We are ok with Disney right now. I of course see and watch what Universal is doing and am getting more impressed by things but Disney will always be the vacation spot for me unless they really screw things up. Disney is by no means perfect, never have been and never will be. A lot of things have changed at Disney over the years some for the worse and some for the better.

 

[Andrew015]

Thats kind of how we are. We are ok with Disney right now. I of course see and watch what Universal is doing and am getting more impressed by things but Disney will always be the vacation spot for me unless they really screw things up. Disney is by no means perfect, never have been and never will be. A lot of things have changed at Disney over the years some for the worse and some for the better.

Agreed. Unfortunately, there's more tally marks in the "worse" column (at least as I see it). Nevertheless, they still manage to reach into my pockets at least 1-2 times per year. The question is how long that will remain the case as they remain on their current trajectory.

 

[kbelle8995]

Thats kind of how we are. We are ok with Disney right now. I of course see and watch what Universal is doing and am getting more impressed by things but Disney will always be the vacation spot for me unless they really screw things up. Disney is by no means perfect, never have been and never will be. A lot of things have changed at Disney over the years some for the worse and some for the better.

I was a long term Disney fan who went for a long time. And I've said it before but for Me There's more bad than good at Disney these days. I was standing in the MK being stressed thinking this is not fun. Which is when I investigated Universal and gave them a shot. It is just my personal line in the sand and nothing more.

I am not saying that I will never go back to Disney ever but they have lost my loyality when it comes to a Orlando Destination. I also find Universal Florida AP more affordable and a better deal. Disney AP became too expensive for my blood and I was not getting my money's worth in days anymore.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree. While Disney may not be making the "Best" decisions (which could open up for another debate), I think they have a LONG way to go before they are "Screwed". Even if they started to "Rest on their Laurels" as so many have suggested, I believe it would be a generation (baring some other major incident) or more before they would be so bad off that Universal would overtake them.

On that note, I never realized (until today) that apparently Universal's Parent Company, NBCUniversal, is COMCAST. All the more reason I now am less interested in going to universal. Comcast may have a good product, but they have HORRIBLE, AWFUL, TERRIBLE customer service. Can't help to wonder how much might translate to US. (Just saying, that's all!)

It doesn't translate to Universal. The TM's are for the most part fabulous. Comcast seems to keep a hands off approach to Universal thank goodness.

I'll only add that I could never see myself only going to the same place over and over. I did at one time but decided to spread my wings and it has been a blast!

 

[peg110]

It doesn't translate to Universal. The TM's are for the most part fabulous. Comcast seems to keep a hands off approach to Universal thank goodness.

I'll only add that I could never see myself only going to the same place over and over. I did at one time but decided to spread my wings and it has been a blast!

I don't know if it "Translates" or not to Universal. Since I have never been there, it's only a perception (real or not). I don't like Comcast, so the "FEELING" definitely translates, again, whether it's deserved or not. Time will tell (for me, anyway). The only way to know for sure is for me to go there and get the experience myself, which I am sure I eventually will. My DD10 really wants to go there because she loves the Minions and while she is not a huge Harry Potter fan, she does like it. My DD17, however is a huge Harry Potter Fan as am I. The other problem is my fear that I will spend the money (and it's a lot, no matter how you cut it) and it will be a waste. I know it's probably not going to be, but it's kind of like the "Devil you know" type thought. I know what I get at WDW while Universal is the "Unknown".

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Have had great service at US/IOA. Lines have been super long when we have been there but most of the older stuff is off our list now anyway. Minions and Simpsons are just obnoxious to us. To be honest even the HP stuff is getting old already for us with the long waits anyway. Hoping a 3rd park opens. But we still plan a day trip each visit. Not more than that though, just not the atmosphere for us.

Now if we could select FP+ for Gringotts/RRocket and Mummy for one day, we would go back a 2nd day and select FP+ for FJ/Hulk/SMan for a 2nd day for sure.

Totally recommend US/IOA though, esp if have never been. And if its pushing the WDW expansion that's better yet.

 

[Planogirl]

I would go if they only had the Mummy. It's my number one.

 

[StitchBuddy]

The big difference between Disney and Universal in my opinion is the service you get. We went on a split vacation 3 summers ago. Except for Harry Potter (which is AMAZING), I didn't really like Universal. The rides seem like a twin of some Disney rides with different theming, but not as well thought out. While I admit I am a little Disneyed out, and would like soe new experiences when we go. My amily is VEY disappointed with the 'new" Test Track. However, I am still planning to buy into DVC, because I love the resorts and I know I will always want to vacation there at least once every 2-3 years. I have never been anywhere else that made me feel like Disney does. The resorts are beautiful and I always get excellent service. I've been going to Disney for most 50 years. I hope to share the magic with my grandchildren one day.

 

[Planogirl]

The big difference between Disney and Universal in my opinion is the service you get. We went on a split vacation 3 summers ago. Except for Harry Potter (which is AMAZING), I didn't really like Universal. The rides seem like a twin of some Disney rides with different theming, but not as well thought out. While I admit I am a little Disneyed out, and would like soe new experiences when we go. My amily is VEY disappointed with the 'new" Test Track. However, I am still planning to buy into DVC, because I love the resorts and I know I will always want to vacation there at least once every 2-3 years. I have never been anywhere else that made me feel like Disney does. The resorts are beautiful and I always get excellent service. I've been going to Disney for most 50 years. I hope to share the magic with my grandchildren one day.

And part of what caused me to appreciate Universal so much was the great service we got. The attitude is different of course but I'm happy to say that we generally get great service at both resorts.

As for twins of Disney rides, many of Universal's rides are pretty unique. I guess that when it comes down to it rides are rides though and everyone is copying everyone else.

 

[davish562]

How will Disney reply to Universal's alleged third park?

 

[Eoghann]

How will Disney reply to Universal's alleged third park?

They already have their "answers". Pandora, Toy Story and Star Wars land if done properly rejuvinate two parks. Disney doesn't need more parks, they just need to make better use of the ones they have.

 

[Aurora0427]

Random question.... We've avoided Universal so far because our daughter is only 4, and neither my husband or myself are Harry Potter fans. We don't dislike HP, it's just never been my thing. We are more Star Wars, LOTR, Star Trek people. So- is there a lot to do at Universal if you get motion sickness? I can't do Star Tours and even EE makes me queasy. Maybe I'm wrong, but Universal seems geared towards older/taller children and thrill rides. Am I incorrect in this assumption?

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Actually I think its more like, with the alleged 3rd park, UNI hopes to counter Disney's Star Wars, Pandora, toy story, Cars (whether Toy Story and Cars is only a single e ticket or a new land) and Disney Springs.

I am still a believer that in 10 years or so there will be a new 5th park, new resorts as well.


AKK

 

[3DisneyFanz]

I'm not sure anything but Star Wars is going to be able to compete with HP and that's only if it doesn't get the typical Orlando half done treatment. Pandora may look nice but it doesn't have the same wide appeal. Combine that with the fact you're getting Soarin over Pandora and Davey Crocket visits Pandora and it has a 50/50 shot at impressing or disappointing.

 

[rteetz]

Random question.... We've avoided Universal so far because our daughter is only 4, and neither my husband or myself are Harry Potter fans. We don't dislike HP, it's just never been my thing. We are more Star Wars, LOTR, Star Trek people. So- is there a lot to do at Universal if you get motion sickness? I can't do Star Tours and even EE makes me queasy. Maybe I'm wrong, but Universal seems geared towards older/taller children and thrill rides. Am I incorrect in this assumption?

I think it depends. Universal definitely has more of the simulator type attraction but there is still stuff for younger kids to do.

 

[rteetz]

I'm not sure anything but Star Wars is going to be able to compete with HP and that's only if it doesn't get the typical Orlando half done treatment. Pandora may look nice but it doesn't have the same wide appeal. Combine that with the fact you're getting Soarin over Pandora and Davey Crocket visits Pandora and it has a 50/50 shot at impressing or disappointing.

It's not soarin over Pandora nor is it Dalvey cricket visits Pandora. From the looks of it the banshee attraction will be more than just another soarin, and the new boat ride looks to be using the same new tech in the Shanghai pirates ride.

 

[rteetz]

Actually I think its more like, with the alleged 3rd park, UNI hopes to counter Disney's Star Wars, Pandora, toy story, Cars (whether Toy Story and Cars is only a single e ticket or a new land) and Disney Springs.

I am still a believer that in 10 years or so there will be a new 5th park, new resorts as well.


AKK

Toy story is a land as that's been announced already but as for cars that has been sent back to the drawing board a while back and they were looking at other option instead of cars.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Toy story is a land as that's been announced already but as for cars that has been sent back to the drawing board a while back and they were looking at other option instead of cars.

Your right I forgot about Toy Story! Part of getting old!

AKK

 

[quagmire0]

As someone who owned a business for over 15 years, I have to disagree with this statement. I know my business as well as most other businesses strive to have repeat customers. They are just as important as the first time customer is. In fact the nature of my business it was actually less expensive to keep my current customer base than it was reaching out to attract new. This may not be the case with Disney, but I have no doubt they place repeat customers with high importance as well. New or repeat customers coming to Disney still spend a whole lot of $$$$$$$$$$$. I know I still spend it when I go.

Agreed. I think with any business, you need the die-hard customers to be out there evangelizing for your product. That brings in the new customers and then, hopefully, turns them into repeat visitors.