Is WWoHP "all that" for the "Disney is better than Universal" crowd?

[tentaguasu]

Let me first emphasize - I'm NOT trying to start another Disney vs. USO debate.

I'm asking how WWoHP stacks up for people who *already know* that they are on the "Disney is better" side.

So here goes:

I keep hearing that WWoHP is awesome from a theming standpoint... but I'm having my doubts.

In my experience, there are two kinds of people:

1. Those who see Universal and Disney as two unique experiences, each with its own pros and cons.

2. Those who see Disney as clearly superior to Universal, mostly due to attention to detail, theming, attitude, and some unidentifiable ambiance.

Totally against my expectations, I visited both and found myself in the second group. I went to Universal with an open mind and was just surprised that it felt - to me - less polished, made with less care. The Bluto water ride, as an example, may be faster, longer, etc. than Kali, but it is a plastic chute compared to the lush, tropical, culturally themed Kali.

I'm NOT trying to start a Universal vs. Disney discussion. Been there, done that.

My question is this. Those of you who self-identify as "Group Two'ers" - who for better or for worse, rightly or wrongly, feel like I do - what was your reaction to WWoHP?

Is it really "all that" from a theming and ambiance and "feel" perspective?

 

[LarryNabisco]

Disney could sustain its parks without universal being in Orlando.

Can universal say the same?

 

[Music City Mama]

Let me first emphasize - I'm NOT trying to start another Disney vs. USO debate.

I'm asking how WWoHP stacks up for people who *already know* that they are on the "Disney is better" side.

So here goes:

I keep hearing that WWoHP is awesome from a theming standpoint... but I'm having my doubts.

In my experience, there are two kinds of people:

1. Those who see Universal and Disney as two unique experiences, each with its own pros and cons.

2. Those who see Disney as clearly superior to Universal, mostly due to attention to detail, theming, attitude, and some unidentifiable ambiance.

Totally against my expectations, I visited both and found myself in the second group. I went to Universal with an open mind and was just surprised that it felt - to me - less polished, made with less care. The Bluto water ride, as an example, may be faster, longer, etc. than Kali, but it is a plastic chute compared to the lush, tropical, culturally themed Kali.

I'm NOT trying to start a Universal vs. Disney discussion. Been there, done that.

My question is this. Those of you who self-identify as "Group Two'ers" - who for better or for worse, rightly or wrongly, feel like I do - what was your reaction to WWoHP?

Is it really "all that" from a theming and ambiance and "feel" perspective?

I think it depends how big a fan you are of the HP franchise. We're huge fans. My older DS and I read each book aloud and then would watch the corresponding film - move onto to the next book/film, etc. Needless to say, we got very swept up in it.

I'm a "Disney person", but to us, the WWoHP was absolutely incredible.

We all really enjoyed the rest of IOA and US, as well, but it definitely wasn't Disney. With that said, I was still impressed with the parks.

I agree that Disney has this intangible quality about it -- US/IOA doesn't compare to that -- but WWoHP comes pretty darn close if you're really into HP.

 

[kungaloosh22]

I'm a "Disney person", but to us, the WWoHP was absolutely incredible.

We all really enjoyed the rest of IOA and US, as well, but it definitely wasn't Disney. With that said, I was still impressed with the parks.

I agree with all this. I'm not even a huge HP fan in general (though I enjoyed the movies), but still, I was very impressed with WWoHP. Still very much a Disney person overall, but I will make a point to see Universal at least every few trips to Orlando.

 

[jupers]

I agree with all this. I'm not even a huge HP fan in general (though I enjoyed the movies), but still, I was very impressed with WWoHP. Still very much a Disney person overall, but I will make a point to see Universal at least every few trips to Orlando.

I echo this as well. I am definitely a Disney person buy wwohp was awesome. I thought the ride was amazing and that whole section of ioa could stand alone. I would not take a specific vaca to universal, but I won't hesitate to spend a night there.

 

[sejejoemmiev]

I thought the WWOHP was amazing! We saw the movies but never read the books. I think that theming/world alone is better than anything Disney has done. But the rest of Universal does not compare. We prefer Disney but enjoy Universal as well. I have not seen the new FL Expansion yet so maybe that compares?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[disney-akj]

We went to visit WWoHP for the first time last March and I must say I was impressed. I am a huge HP fan though and felt like I was living the books.

 

[bcrook]

I was in the second category until last Memorial Day. Forbidden Journey and WWoHP are transformational and cutting edge. I was blown away! I cannot wait for the hogwarts express and the ride to Diagon Alley.

 

[Eliza'sMom]

It's difficult for me to imagine a big Harry Potter fan not enjoying WWOHP. We really felt like we stepped into the story. We enjoy Universal and IOA for what they are, but they're no Disney. But the theming in WWOHP is in a league of its own, IMO.

 

[bookgirl]

Let me first emphasize - I'm NOT trying to start another Disney vs. USO debate.

I'm asking how WWoHP stacks up for people who *already know* that they are on the "Disney is better" side.

So here goes:

I keep hearing that WWoHP is awesome from a theming standpoint... but I'm having my doubts.

In my experience, there are two kinds of people:

1. Those who see Universal and Disney as two unique experiences, each with its own pros and cons.

2. Those who see Disney as clearly superior to Universal, mostly due to attention to detail, theming, attitude, and some unidentifiable ambiance.

Totally against my expectations, I visited both and found myself in the second group. I went to Universal with an open mind and was just surprised that it felt - to me - less polished, made with less care. The Bluto water ride, as an example, may be faster, longer, etc. than Kali, but it is a plastic chute compared to the lush, tropical, culturally themed Kali.

I'm NOT trying to start a Universal vs. Disney discussion. Been there, done that.

My question is this. Those of you who self-identify as "Group Two'ers" - who for better or for worse, rightly or wrongly, feel like I do - what was your reaction to WWoHP?

Is it really "all that" from a theming and ambiance and "feel" perspective?

I'm glad I went and did a day at IOA. I am not a fanatic but I am a fan of Harry Potter. Without WWoHP I don't know that I would find it worth it. I mean it was fun but not enough to make me leave Disney. I probably will not visit again until there is something big added. I did not go to US and honestly don't feel inclined. But it was definitely worth going to once.

WWoHP is themed to the hilt and it is on par with Disney but the rest of the parks theming is not as good.


I didn't think the theming was better, however I thought jurrasic and bilge rat was much more fun than Kali.

 

[wendyt_ca]

I am a huge Disney is better person. But also being a huge HP fan I will agree it's in a league of its own and I am beyond ecstatic for the 2nd section. I still feel Disney is better as a whole and always will. But WWOHP is amazing...I wish it was at Disney lol.

 

[wvaspartan]

I will say WWoHP is in a league of its own and WAY better than any themed area of any park.

But I wills at you could easily take IOA in its entirety and move it to Disney. The whole thing is quite well themed. Is it all 100% high quality components to make it like Disneys expense... No. but will say Marvel land at IOA is what I could see Disney doing if they ever plan on a 5th park. I feel like I stepped into a Dr Seuss novel or into Jurassic Park when I go through those areas as well.

 

[allmydisneydreams]

I am completely, 100% a "Disney is better" girl! BUT -
We were VERY impressed with WWoHP. We thought it was amazing, but we are a book family and my DSs are huge HP fans. I honestly think that FJ was the best ride I've ever been on. The rest of the park ... not so much. It was OK, but lacked that "magical" feeling that Disney and, IMO, WWoHP have. So I wouldn't want to spend lengths of time at Universal the way I do at Disney, but definitely want to visit again for HP.

 

[jade1]

I think it depends how big a fan you are of the HP franchise. We're huge fans. My older DS and I read each book aloud and then would watch the corresponding film - move onto to the next book/film, etc. Needless to say, we got very swept up in it.

I'm a "Disney person", but to us, the WWoHP was absolutely incredible.

We all really enjoyed the rest of IOA and US, as well, but it definitely wasn't Disney. With that said, I was still impressed with the parks.

I agree that Disney has this intangible quality about it -- US/IOA doesn't compare to that -- but WWoHP comes pretty darn close if you're really into HP.

Agreed. We do a day trip to US/IOA only ever few years. But WWOHP is incred, just standing by Hogwarts was impressive. If Disney couldn't or wouldn't do WWOHP-I'm certainly glad US did to have it so close by. Thats a great thing IMO.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm a group 2'er. I also loved the HP books and movies. HUGE fan of them. I thought WWoHP was quite well done. Fun for about an hour or two but nothing I need to go back and see/do anytime soon. I know folks rave over the Forbidden Journey ride, but I found it to be the herky-jerkiest puke inducing-est thing I've ever ridden. I'd sooner attempt Mission Space orange again (and MS orange almost killed me the first time I rode it). You couldn't pay me to get on FJ again. I'm a thrill ride junky (though I take medication for nausea and even my script didn't help me on FJ) so the Dragn Challenge is fun but it was fun as Dueling Dragons long before HP moved in.

DH and I both decided it will be a good long while before we take time away from Disney (our happy place) to head of to USO again.

 

[PetePanMan]

I echo this as well. I am definitely a Disney person buy wwohp was awesome. I thought the ride was amazing and that whole section of ioa could stand alone. I would not take a specific vaca to universal, but I won't hesitate to spend a night there.

Well said, exactly the same for me....

 

[Rylee]

We are definitely in group 2. We are ALL Disney, all the way!

However, that said... WWoHP is amazing. It's as good as anything that WDW has, and even better than some WDW attractions.

In a round-about way, it is because of WDW that we ended up going to Universal. After years and years on on-site stays, in 2010, we had a breach of trust with WDW regarding our resort resevation. Since then, we have not stayed on property and figured if we're staying off-site, we might as well see what else Orlando has to offer. So... we finally checked out Universal, and were glad we did!

I've only seen the first 2 HP movies,
DH has seen a few,
5 kids have seen all of them,
DH and a couple of the kids have read a couple of the books,
only one, youngest DS11, is a HUGE HP fan,
but we were all in awe of WWoHP!

 

[bcrook]

We are definitely in group 2. We are ALL Disney, all the way!

However, that said... WWoHP is amazing. It's as good as anything that WDW has, and even better than some WDW attractions.

In a round-about way, it is because of WDW that we ended up going to Universal. After years and years on on-site stays, in 2010, we had a breach of trust with WDW regarding our resort resevation. Since then, we have not stayed on property and figured if we're staying off-site, we might as well see what else Orlando has to offer. So... we finally checked out Universal, and were glad we did!

I've only seen the first 2 HP movies,
DH has seen a few,
5 kids have seen all of them,
DH and a couple of the kids have read a couple of the books,
only one, youngest DS11, is a HUGE HP fan,
but we were all in awe of WWoHP!

It's a little like... LaFou's Brew versus Butterbeer! Butterbeer is amazing.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm in group 1. I used to be a fanatical member of group 2 but Universal made me change my mind.

I really enjoy WWoHP. I'm looking forward to the expansion because what is there is way too crowded right now.

 

[nym4588]

I love Disney. It's in my blood and it's just a part of who I am. That being said, I have a big soft spot for Universal. I've been going to the Studios since the late 90's; the first time when I was in 8th grade and I was just in awe.

IOA doesn't really do much for me aside from the brilliant Spiderman ride and of course, WWoHP. I was absolutely gobsmacked by it. I'll be looking forward to Universal's expansion!