Mighty Mikser
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2018
I definitely agree with OP about the money grabbing at Universal. Yes, Disney is pricey but I feel like I can find deals throughout Disney. Universal doesn't put forth the same effort as Disney but is almost charging Disney prices.
I like going to both resorts, but after my latest trip to USO, I won't be going back there until my kids are older because I don't feel the value is as great as Disney World for a week long trip.
- Souvenirs - Universal souvenirs are among the most expensive things I've ever seen for what you get. Nothing is on sale, the merchandise is the same merchandise they've had for years (I went when HP Forbidden Journey was new and I went last September 2018 and almost all the HP merchandise save for a few shirts was the same but drastically more expensive).
- Rides - most of the rides are just reskins of other rides and overly dependent on screens. Spiderman and Transformers are the same ride. Fast and the Furious is the same ride as the Universal Hollywood's tram tour version. King Kong uses the same screen system as Fast and the Furious. The HP rides, Hulk, and Rip Ride Rockit are the most original things they have.
- Express Pass - I don't love the Fastpass system, but I like that it is free and since I have it mastered I get great value from it. Universal charges for their pass (or free if you stay at their premium hotels) so you either get to the front on all rides or none. If everyone has an express pass, then its no different than no one having an express pass. It makes the queue times very hit or miss.
I like going to both resorts, but after my latest trip to USO, I won't be going back there until my kids are older because I don't feel the value is as great as Disney World for a week long trip.