Just Got Back!

[Snoopy1985]

I looked for a spot to put this under a relevant thread but didn't find anything but I just got back from Florida today and my group did Universal. I hadn't been to Universal since 2001 and Islands of Adventure since 1999 when it first opened. The only thing this trip proved was how much I really love Disney! The waits were great b/c we were constantly moving and the longest we probably ever actually waited was 15 minutes no matter what the sign said! Do people even try to go to Universal anymore? We got to ride The Transformers. I was really surprised to see that there wasn't anything really telling that it was a new ride except for the sign in the front stating it was in training b/c the ride stayed open all day! Good ride though. I feel that Krustyland has made a joke of the park. As for as Harry Potter world, i'm not a fan so it did nothing for me but I gave the main ride a try and after calming down the scared 8 year old in the group telling her it wouldn't be scary the ride breaks down right in front of the cobra statue and skeleton! so that was a bummer b/c the ride seemed pretty cool. Overall though, I won't be going back anytime soon. Its just changed too much for my taste as far as the original park goes and IoA was never my style to begin with.

 

[damo]

The trip reports board would probably be a good place for your post. Thanks for the report.

Oh, and the Transformers ride hasn't actually had its official opening yet, so that's why there are no signs. It opens on the 20th (as does the rest of Springfield---which is still behind all the walls over there)

 

[Bluer101]

Glad you had a good time.

Do you know you came to the Darkside boards to tell us how much you love Disney, reconfirmed that you don't like Universal, and won't be going back?

 

[wdw4rfam]

Wow, we are "Disney" people, pulling 15+trip off in 11 years. We were there 12 days in April and planned on spending 2 days at Universal, ended up loving it so much took the free third day and went back, taking away our last MK day. After this trip have decided to go total universal/sea world next year. Cancelled our reservation for Disney and booked portofino bay. Universal was such a nice break, like you said, no lines, no crowds, walked up to the curb as the parade was nearing to watch....no 6 months out ADRs.......not saying we won't go back to Disney, butadter 3 straight years of being stepped on and run into just trying to walk around need the break.

 

[macraven]

Glad you had a good time.

Do you know you came to the Darkside boards to tell us how much you love Disney, reconfirmed that you don't like Universal, and won't be going back?

but no complaints on the park costs.



if a newbie doesn't compare two theme parks with each other, it's possible to enjoy them both.

 

[Metro West]

Moving to the Trip Reports board.

 

[dedex13]

Just goes to show that it takes all kinds. My daughter and I went to Orlando for the the first time last year. Spent a day at Islands of Adventure and eight days at Disney. Now we're planning a week long trip to Universal and have no desire to ever go back to Disney.

 

[Snoopy1985]

but no complaints on the park costs.



if a newbie doesn't compare two theme parks with each other, it's possible to enjoy them both.

well let me allow myself to oblige that request. I wasn't impressed with the prices either. I ended up not even purchasing my own ticket because I didn't want to go in the first place so a family member bought it for me. So as far as money spent, all I bought was food and drinks. I went to Universal for year before Islands of Adventure arrived so I got to enjoy King Kong, Back to the Future, Jaws, and Earthquake before it was made into Disaster. I just happen to enjoy Disney better and have no problems spending more money for their tickets. And I don't see any reason to spend the extra money for FOTL passes on the rides because the lines weren't ever long enough to matter. Everyone has differing opinions. I wasn't impressed. also as far as being a newbie, I am only a newbie on this board, actually I've been using this board for years but signed up under a new name. My first trip to Disney and Universal was over 20 years ago.

 

[macraven]

well let me allow myself to oblige that request. I wasn't impressed with the prices either. I ended up not even purchasing my own ticket because I didn't want to go in the first place so a family member bought it for me.

thanks for your update.
since you didn't want to go in the first place, of course you wouldn't enjoy the darkside.

i can relate to that.
i have a friend that i do the motherland with at times and we end up at AK.
i'm so bored there but i only do that park out of friendship.

my friend treats me with the ticket and food so the only thing i am out of is my time.

now i like the other parks and wish that would be the one we hit.
i find dhs to be fun.

 

[damo]

Enjoying a theme park when you don't want to go is a tall order. Add in the heat and the crowds and you've just set yourself up for a big disappointment. Personally, I love just about every theme and amusement park and always look forward to the experience.

 

[Celizd]

we have been faithful disney peeps for years, but I gotta say, when you have kids that are older and growing out of princess themes and want fast rides, you almost gotta jump over. there are pros and cons to both, but I sooooo much loved parking my car in the garage at the hotel and NEVER going back to it. I loved not waiting for a bus to take me to a park or other resort for dining. we walked or got on the boat. that was a big plus, bc I really hate bus riding and allllll the stops you have to make.
but when you go to a park when you really dont want to, then its not gonna be fun. its like trying to take thrill seeking kids to Epcot....they can only ride fast track so many times before they want out of that place!! lol

 

[BuddyThomas]

thanks for your update.
since you didn't want to go in the first place, of course you wouldn't enjoy the darkside.

i can relate to that.
i have a friend that i do the motherland with at times and we end up at AK.
i'm so bored there but i only do that park out of friendship.

my friend treats me with the ticket and food so the only thing i am out of is my time.

now i like the other parks and wish that would be the one we hit.
i find dhs to be fun.

Wow! Who are all these friends who pay for you to go to a theme park of you don't want to go?? Clearly, I need a new group of friends!

 

[macraven]

Wow! Who are all these friends who pay for you to go to a theme park of you don't want to go?? Clearly, I need a new group of friends!

i have a friend that i have known for 20 years.
since i am in orlando for a lengthy stay once a year (shorter stays other times in the year) i give up a day for spending time with my friend.


AK is one park that i do based on the friendship.


since there aren't enough things to do to fill that day, we spend time talking and walking and talking..............eating, talking, walking, eating, ........

now if my friend would do dhs or epcot, i would be the one buying the tickets!