Looks like Universal win this round

[chapie1968]

The new Harry Potter ride and areas completely blow away the Mine Train and actually all of new Fantasyland.

Funny thing is it took about half the time to build and put into operation.

 

[tiggerdad]

Have you actually seen it? Didn't think it was up and running yet...
Hard to say it's better when you haven't actually seen it yet. Once I get to see it then I'll decide if it's better.

 

[sethschroeder]

Everyone that has read my posts will know I support Disney 100% and Universal 0%.

For the short-term I think HP wins hands down any fight but I want to see HP come out of cult following into a true classic.

Also just because something is extremely popular now doesn't mean anything 40+ years from now but at the same time HP is on the right track being very popular because of the new movie. Mickey Mouse was not born over 1 decade it took decades of content to keep him front and center.

The biggest challenge to HP is being relevant which they are doing with a new movie but with so much new media coming everyday what will happen to Harry when hologram technology hits and you have to watch HP in 2D? What happens to HP when a small percentage of students read? Computer literacy is actually just as important as reading literacy in the coming years and likely will be MORE important in the long run as computers start to take over our menial daily tasks. Also what happens when video games have more cultural effect than movies and books (FYI HP video games really suck)? Big budget games already make more than movies in certain circumstance and with the advent of hologram technology people would rather live a story first-hand than have one predefined for them.

In the end though who really cares? If you want to see HP go over as apart of your trip. I personally go to Disney for the whole experience from rides to walking the theme parks to resorts and food and water parks and even miniature golf and transportation from the Boardwalk on the boats.

Would it be nice to have HP with the same crowds as now at Disney? Yes but I will trade off HP at Universal for the current crowd levels instead.

 

[disneymac000]

I think Universal has a edge but you have to remember, disney is way more family friendly than Universal and a fire breathing dragon.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Universal and WDW both have their good points and bad points, so personally, I think arguing over them is silly.

Universal vs WDW...pffft..so last decade, lol.

 

[mossy1]

I think Universal has a edge but you have to remember, disney is way more family friendly than Universal and a fire breathing dragon.

I would say the same, slightly different target audience. Families with younger (shorter)children would not have as many ride choices at Universal period. JMO

 

[clsteve]

It's a positive for everybody - competition is usually very good for the consumer.

If this raises the bar on the quality and quantity of Avatar and/or accelerates StarWarsLand --- even better......

 

[Jennasis]

I'm more excited about Universal's upgrades (Diagon Alley and Springfield) than I am about anything Disney has churned out lately (including all of NFL). HOWEVER, I still love Disney, just bought DVC and am hopeful that Disney will wake the heck up shortly and give the people what they want...more attractions. Our plan is to use our DVC as a home base and to do some trips without going into a Disney park at all.

HP is not a flash in the pan anymore than Star Wars is. I have faith that Disney has big in-park plans for Star wars, so I am looking forward to an announcement probably at next year's D23, preceeding the release of the film.

In the meantime, I will enjoy Universal and all its offerings alongside my favorite Disney classics. As a child-free couple it means nothing to us that Disney is more "family friendly". They need to be mindful that families are of all makes and models now.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

It's a positive for everybody - competition is usually very good for the consumer.

If this raises the bar on the quality and quantity of Avatar and/or accelerates StarWarsLand --- even better......

Absolutely agree! I'm all about the Disney and could care less about Universal but I think it's great how aggressive Universal is getting. It's gonna push Disney harder...like you said...with Avatar...Star Wars...and beyond.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

Would it be nice to have HP with the same crowds as now at Disney? Yes but I will trade off HP at Universal for the current crowd levels instead.

Sethschroeder...could you clarify what you are saying here...I'm sorry I keep re-reading it and I still don't get it. I love the rest of your post, tough.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Pretty amazing what a team of Imagineers can do at someone else's park, isn't it?

 

[andyman8]

Pretty amazing what a team of Imagineers can do at someone else's park, isn't it?

Yes when they're given a lot more money, efficiency, and freedom to produce the product...

 

[amg35]

Looks like WE win this round.

WDW this year, Universal and RC cruise next year, then Avatarland in a few years...yep, I think that goes in the win column.

 

[clsteve]

Pretty amazing what a team of Imagineers can do at someone else's park, isn't it?

Jaw-dropping, no doubt

 

[SillySallySews]

I would say the same, slightly different target audience. Families with younger (shorter)children would not have as many ride choices at Universal period. JMO

This is exactly why we don't go to Universal. Husband, myself, and oldest son are huge Harry Potter fans. We would love to go and see it all but it would be hard to enjoy it with our youngest three kids. We know there is more for them at Disney and more that they are interested in. We might add Universal into our Disney trips when they're all a little older but for now Disney wins for us.

 

[metzgardesign]

Pretty amazing what a team of Imagineers can do at someone else's park, isn't it?

Indeed. But, hey WDW does have new rubber bracelets. That's pretty cool, kinda, no....not really.

In terms of comparative value in attractions investments and upgrades, WDW is certainly behind the ball, right now.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

Yes when they're given a lot more money, efficiency, and freedom to produce the product...

Andyman...I see that you'll be enjoying the GF for 5 nights next month. Lucky!

 

[maxiesmom]

This is exactly why we don't go to Universal. Husband, myself, and oldest son are huge Harry Potter fans. We would love to go and see it all but it would be hard to enjoy it with our youngest three kids. We know there is more for them at Disney and more that they are interested in. We might add Universal into our Disney trips when they're all a little older but for now Disney wins for us.

That is us too. Most of my family is just not interested in thrill rides. Space Mountain is as thrilling as they want!

I can honestly say this year is the first year going to Universal has even crossed my mind as a possibility. And that is because this trip may end up being only me my 23 year old nephew, and a friend of his. I know they would like the more extreme rides.

Btw, from what I understand the new section at Universal is not yet done. Maybe the celebration of their awesomeness is a bit premature.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I personally like the steampunk, fire-breathing dragon from the new Festival of Fantasy parade better.

 

[andyman8]

Andyman...I see that you'll be enjoying the GF for 5 nights next month. Lucky!

I don't know how to take this. I'm just going to assume this is a random observation/compliment and nothing else.