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

[bcrook]

The Harry Potter area blows Disney away. However, I still prefer Disney to Universal overall. I like the direction Disney is moving with New Fantasyland. The theming is wonderful. Having dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant was like walking into the Beauty and Beast movie. I'm really looking forward to the new Mine Ride!

That new mine ride is intriguing. It is using a new ride system and the theming will be awesome. But the video looks extremely tame. So it could be the next generation of dark rides. It definitely will be geared towards family and young kids. It does look a lot like it will be more like the barnstormer rather than big thunder. But, will it be as cool today as haunted mansion was in 1971? It might be - I hope so!

I was under the impression or at least hoping (as was my Circle of Disney friends) that New Fantasyland was going to be the answer to WWoHP. If the little mermaid was the new innovative dark ride and the seven dwarves ride was thrilling like Splash, then we would be on to something. Also, when I watched the Disney interviews with the imagineers discussing Enchanted Tales With Belle, I thought everything looked cool until the last part where kids are acting out skits with cardboard cutouts. I was hoping this would be something like taking Turtle Talk to the next level.

 

[Jennasis]

Ummm....and the consensus from this small poll is that WWOHP pretty much blows away anything Disney has to offer. You don't increase attendance 33% because you have an inferior product. What do you think will happen when Transformers and the WWOHP expansion is complete? Then there is the Simpson's expansion and the new JP Amber Mine family coaster about to break ground. Disney gave me a worthless FP+ experience and a disappointing Mermaid ride.

And your opinion has no bearing on my feelings abour Disney or Universal. That's my point. Just like I assume my opinion has no bearing on you. Why would it?

 

[ThinkTink09]

I'm definitely a group 2er and probably always will be, But wwohp blows any Disney area/attraction out of the water. It is just simply amazing from the smallest detail to the grandest.
Collectively Disney is better, but if uni continues their expansions in the same way, Disney had better step up their game. I can't wait to see how the completion of fantasyland stacks up...

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

It's also worth mentioning that all of our opinions are worthless to anyone but ourselves. What I like and what you (general you) like could be completely different. You can take two UBER Disney fans and they could have completely different reactions to WWoHP and USO. All that matters is what YOU feel and what you enjoyed.

Isn't that the case with any question ever posted on a message board? Everyone's opinion only really matters to themselves. But in some cases, the OP genuinely wants other ppl's opinions on what they think of something so in that instance, such as this question posed by OP, all of our opinions AREN'T just a value to ourselves.

I think there is really no need to be so defensive. I think you may be one of the UBER Disney fans that seems a little defensive by how many ppl think IOA/US has much better theming than Disney. It's ok if you feel that way. And it's ok if most others like IOA/US better.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree that each opinion really only matters to the person giving the opinion on a thread like this. I was a bit surprised when a previous poster said that Universal only has the WWoHP to offer but after reading the other posts I realized that that was true for him. I see a whole lot more but of course that's just my view.

It's interesting how we all differ in our opinions. I continue to see loving both resorts as a win-win.

 

[bcrook]

I agree that each opinion really only matters to the person giving the opinion on a thread like this. I was a bit surprised when a previous poster said that Universal only has the WWoHP to offer but after reading the other posts I realized that that was true for him. I see a whole lot more but of course that's just my view.

It's interesting how we all differ in our opinions. I continue to see loving both resorts as a win-win.

A very expensive win-win! But a win win none the less. Personally, I would like to buy tickets for one park system rather than both. Because now my resources are being stretched too thin! I couldn't decide for June between the two...so I chose option 3! I am only going to to Busch gardens and sea world. The ticket prices are much lower! I am looking forward to seeing Antarctica.

 

[Jennasis]

Isn't that the case with any question ever posted on a message board? Everyone's opinion only really matters to themselves. But in some cases, the OP genuinely wants other ppl's opinions on what they think of something so in that instance, such as this question posed by OP, all of our opinions AREN'T just a value to ourselves.

I think there is really no need to be so defensive. I think you may be one of the UBER Disney fans that seems a little defensive by how many ppl think IOA/US has much better theming than Disney. It's ok if you feel that way. And it's ok if most others like IOA/US better.

I agree with your last sentence...and have posted exactly that numerous times on these kinds if threads. Thats all I am trying to say. Nobody elses opinions matter. Ya like what ya like and its okay to like or not like it.

 

[CerysG]

I think in some ways it's like comparing apples and oranges, both are very good but very different. I thin Universals rides are way better as they use the technology too their advantage but it's just not the same as Disney who everyone grew up with. Harry Potter is amazing and we loved it and thought they did a good job to bring the books alive.
Now in my family if we were told we could only pick one I think the vote might be somewhat split. DH isn't a big Disney kind of guy so he'd have no issue missing it. 15 year old DD loves rides but also loves Epcot but I think she would go with her Dad on it in the end. Yongest DD would pick Universal as Disney as she loves rides as well. Middle DD and I would be the most on the fence about it!
Luckly we can do both parks and enjoy what each of them has to offer. Isn't that the way is should be?

 

[Planogirl]

A very expensive win-win! But a win win none the less. Personally, I would like to buy tickets for one park system rather than both. Because now my resources are being stretched too thin! I couldn't decide for June between the two...so I chose option 3! I am only going to to Busch gardens and sea world. The ticket prices are much lower! I am looking forward to seeing Antarctica.

I plan to do that someday too if I can ever drag myself away from the other two. They have gotten awfully pricey.

 

[cruisingkat]

There are some areas of Universal that I think are better than Disney - the Wizarding World of Harry Potter blows anything currently in Disney away (at least until all the construction done in the New FantasyLand). The AP perks at Universal are better than Disney offers - a greater discount on their hotels, a larger percentage of discount for renewals, discounts on all dining and purchases. Universal still has CityWalk with the dance clubs - Disney's Pleasure Island closed down.
Will Universal ever surpass Disney as far as offerings - I doubt it as Universal is limited in the space available for growth.

 

[Disney4life222]

I think I would have to agree with some of the prior posts. I liked IoA. It was enjoyable enough, however, my family went solely for WWoHP. What we found for the remaining of the park was that it was just not up to the standards to Disney. After visiting WWoHP twice, and presented with either going to Universal for two days or staying in Disney for two extra days, we ended up choosing the latter. All in all, we felt WWoHP was awesome to experience but it is just not worth the money for our family.

 

[Mad Hattered]

the Wizarding World of Harry Potter blows anything currently in Disney away (at least until all the construction done in the New FantasyLand).

I keep seeing the above stated. What else is there besides the kiddie coaster and the Princess M & G? Nothing....that's it. Is the Dwarf coaster going to be a Hogwarts? Nope. What you see is what you get.

 

[mesaboy2]

I keep seeing the above stated. What else is there besides the kiddie coaster and the Princess M & G? Nothing....that's it. Is the Dwarf coaster going to be a Hogwarts? Nope. What you see is what you get.

It won't be Forbidden Journey, but I wouldn't classify it as a "kiddie coaster" either. And since the thing dominates the area, I think it is a significant part of Fantasyland Forest.

 

[tentaguasu]

I'm the OP and let me clarify WHY I asked the question.

I didn't want to rehash the "which is better" debate. I agree, that to each his/her own and that we all benefit from both competing with each other.

But I've been to both USO and Disney and know that I'm firmly a "group two'er" - Disney, for me, is substantially nicer than USO. With a few exceptions (like Spiderman) Disney is superior for me.

With unlimited funds and time I'd always do both - spend a day or two at USO then a week or two at Disney.

But in the real world - with limited $$ and time to spend - I choose to spend it at Disney and don't go back to USO.

BUT - I have never been to WWoHP!

And THAT is the reason for my question - for a dedicated and confirmed "Group Two'er" is WWoHP worth a trip back to USO, a park I otherwise wouldn't spend time at?

(And that's why these types of threads CAN be helpful to travelers like me trying to figure out how to use limited funds and time.)

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm the OP and let me clarify WHY I asked the question.

I didn't want to rehash the "which is better" debate. I agree, that to each his/her own and that we all benefit from both competing with each other.

But I've been to both USO and Disney and know that I'm firmly a "group two'er" - Disney, for me, is substantially nicer than USO. With a few exceptions (like Spiderman) Disney is superior for me.

With unlimited funds and time I'd always do both - spend a day or two at USO then a week or two at Disney.

But in the real world - with limited $$ and time to spend - I choose to spend it at Disney and don't go back to USO.

BUT - I have never been to WWoHP!

And THAT is the reason for my question - for a dedicated and confirmed "Group Two'er" is WWoHP worth a trip back to USO, a park I otherwise wouldn't spend time at?

(And that's why these types of threads CAN be helpful to travelers like me trying to figure out how to use limited funds and time.)

I think it is "worth it".

 

[Jennasis]

I'm the OP and let me clarify WHY I asked the question.

I didn't want to rehash the "which is better" debate. I agree, that to each his/her own and that we all benefit from both competing with each other.

But I've been to both USO and Disney and know that I'm firmly a "group two'er" - Disney, for me, is substantially nicer than USO. With a few exceptions (like Spiderman) Disney is superior for me.

With unlimited funds and time I'd always do both - spend a day or two at USO then a week or two at Disney.

But in the real world - with limited $$ and time to spend - I choose to spend it at Disney and don't go back to USO.

BUT - I have never been to WWoHP!

And THAT is the reason for my question - for a dedicated and confirmed "Group Two'er" is WWoHP worth a trip back to USO, a park I otherwise wouldn't spend time at?

(And that's why these types of threads CAN be helpful to travelers like me trying to figure out how to use limited funds and time.)

It's absolutely worth trying! Besides, how would you know unless you tried it, right? Especially with SO many opinions from all sides! You gotta experience it for yourself.

If it helps...as a "Group Two'er" (and you totally need to trademark that phrase), we went to IoA ONLY for WWoHP, Poseidon's Fury, and Marvel Island. We'd already done the rest of the park on a previous trip and found it very "meh". Then we went over to USO afterwards and did the few things there we enjoy (Simpsons, Mummy, MiB, Horror makeup Show). Were out of the place by 5pm and back at WDW for evening fun. It also helped that we had leftover one day/two-park tix so it didn't cost much.

 

[damo]

It will be interesting to see how opinions change over the next 5 years as Comcast is adding to the theming throughout the parks and adding substantial new rides, streetscape and dining options. They have committed $1.5 Billion to the parks in the next 10 years. We can already see their investments with the new immersive theming in the Simpsons area being added, Transformers opening this summer, Diagon Alley being added, Hogwart's Express, new additions to Jurassic Park being started in the summer, and upgrades being added throughout the park. Also there are rumours that talks are going on for a Lord of the Rings or Hobbits area. It is wonderful for Orlando to have all these improvements going on at WDW, Universal and SeaWorld.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I'm the OP and let me clarify WHY I asked the question.

I didn't want to rehash the "which is better" debate. I agree, that to each his/her own and that we all benefit from both competing with each other.

But I've been to both USO and Disney and know that I'm firmly a "group two'er" - Disney, for me, is substantially nicer than USO. With a few exceptions (like Spiderman) Disney is superior for me.

With unlimited funds and time I'd always do both - spend a day or two at USO then a week or two at Disney.

But in the real world - with limited $$ and time to spend - I choose to spend it at Disney and don't go back to USO.

BUT - I have never been to WWoHP!

And THAT is the reason for my question - for a dedicated and confirmed "Group Two'er" is WWoHP worth a trip back to USO, a park I otherwise wouldn't spend time at?

(And that's why these types of threads CAN be helpful to travelers like me trying to figure out how to use limited funds and time.)

I have little interest in anything Universal does outside of Harry Potter. WWOHP got me in the gates to IOA last spring and as a long time Disney fan/Annual Passholder, I will say definitively that:

1. in my opinion...the Forbidden Journey is a far better attraction than anything Disney has ever created

2. a visit to the WWoHP alone is worth the price of admission to IOA if you are a Harry Potter fan

3. outside of the WWoHP, little else was fun or interesting to me in the park...I enjoyed Spiderman, but that's about it.

 

[DorianDonP]

I have visited Orlando many times over the last 20 years and until 2008, I always went to Universal (but obviously spent more time at Disney). In the last 5 years, I haven't been to Universal and have no intention of doing so in future either.

I'm not a HP fan and therefore, WWoHP doesn't appeal to me, though it does to my kids to some degree. The problem for me is there is nothing else on offer. For me, you can't centre 2 theme parks around WWoHP pulling people in and that's all Universal has in it's arsenal. All of their investment went into it and I'm sure it's pretty impressive because of that, but what else?

As a PP pointed out, Universal relies heavily on Disney bringing in the tourists and without Disney in Orlando, they would REALLY struggle. Disney could put a park anywhere in the world and the crowds will flock.

It's bigger than theming, it's bigger than the "polish", it's a mindset. Disney do a great job of balancing profits with guest experience. I think that is what we will see even more with the Next Gen initiative. It's not all about the bottom line with Disney, the mindset is one of "if we do this well, if we make our parks a fantastic guest experience, people will come". Universal seem to have more of an "we need to get every cent out of the people who come through our gate and all we need is one big feature that they can't get anywhere else".

I think this is evident in the FP system vs. Express Pass, I think this is evident in the fact that Universal doesn't really change, they just add things like WWoHP and think that's enough to draw in the crowds. Rumours that they are now looking at a LOTR section only go to confirm it, when there is so much they could do to improve what is already there.

Is Next Gen about making more money? Yes, but it's about giving the guest something extra and something special to make them want to spend more. At Universal, it seems to be about monopolizing franchises so people "have to come" and "have to stay at their hotel to get express access to HP". I guess the point I'm trying to make is Disney seem to want to invest to give people a greater experience and feel that will make them spend more. Universal seem to want to "force" people to visit because it's the only way to see HP. I don't like feeling forced!

You haven't been since 2008, so I think that may be why you are mistaken on what Universals focus is. Since Comcast bought them, there has been a large shift in focus, and Harry Potter isn't the only thing being done.

I think this is evident in the FP system vs. Express Pass, I think this is evident in the fact that Universal doesn't really change, they just add things like WWoHP and think that's enough to draw in the crowds. Rumours that they are now looking at a LOTR section only go to confirm it, when there is so much they could do to improve what is already there.

I just find this post sort of weird. Read the Disney Forums and read the Universal forums. A big percentage of Disney posts are about Disney remaining stagnant and not changing. A big percentage of Universal posts are about the fun changes coming in the next 10 years.

You say in your final sentence that there is so much that Universal could do to improve what is already in the parks. You are right. And guess what? They are doing that. Universal has $1.5 billion to invest into the parks over the next 10 years and already they are breaking ground on improvements.

Spiderman just got a HD refurb that is outstanding.

Jurassic Park is getting a major expansion with new attractions and places to eat.

The Simpsons is getting a Springfield expansion with several new restaurants and an attraction that should be ready by summer.

Not including the major Harry Potter expansion with two E-ticket attractions that will be coming to the other park. A train is going to connect both parks.

These things are all happening within the next three years. Not just Harry Potter. There are tons of rumors of other things that will be added over the next 10 years.

As far as your opinion that Universal is trying to force people to the parks, it sounds like you are splitting hairs. Universal does plenty of things to enhance the guest experience. Most people seem to dislike the FP+ system. I think both parks, as they should, want to get as much tourist dollars as they can. Both business models are different because both parks are different.

 

[Bullseye]

The theming at UO/IOA IS incredible and very immersive. If Disney manages to do a Star Wars or Avatar land half as well as WWOHP I will be very thrilled and impressed. And its not just WWOHP, Suessland has great theming, Marvel superheroes, and Jurasic Park would be a fantastic addition to any park. I have been to other theme parks and Universals parks as well as the Disney Parks are SO much better than any of the others I have visited.
Sometimes we are in the mood for Mickey and friends and sometimes we want to visit the magic that only Universal and WWOHP can provide.

Yes there is so much more to US/IOA than just WWoHP. Marvel, Jurassic, Poseidon, and Suessland are all awesome themeing. I don't put one one group of parks over the other . They both have awesome themeing!