Looks like Universal win this round

[Jennasis]

The theming of the new Harry potter ride looks great, but it's a roller coaster and my family isn't interested in it.

And my family isn't interested in princess meet and greets (we actively disliked Frozen) or ETWB.

 

[prudence64]

So then you aren't interested in the new ride at Disney either because it is a roller coaster also.

It's ad kiddie coaster so I might be able to convince them to try it. They are apprehensive though. They've stated they won't go on btmr.

 

[AmyB2006]

I can't swallow this three-word phrase if you're referring to Forbidden Journey or even Escape From Gringott's (based solely on what I've read). FJ at least is a ground-breaking attraction with no peer.

I am referring to the HP ride in IOA now, that you can go on. I don't know anything about the new stuff.

I am hoping to be blown away and amazed when it opens. I can't wait!!!

 

[prudence64]

And my family isn't interested in princess meet and greets (we actively disliked Frozen) or ETWB.

My daughter isn't into princesses anymore either. They like shows and parades and slow moving rides. Spaceship earth is one of her favorites, for example. If she starts to like thrill rides we might gibpve universal another try. My husband wouldn't ride on much at IOA. Un verbal isn't for us right now, but for some people I can see it being better than disney.

 

[johde]

DHS and AK would have their lunch eaten by US and IOA if it weren't for MK. That is obvious by the huge attendance decrease between MK and the rest of their parks. If you add up DHS AND AK it barely beats out MK by itself.

US/IOA would not exist if not for MK.

As other have said, neither would DHS and AK. and Mad Hattered point was DHS and AK wouldn't have near their current attendance if they weren't a cheap add on to a MK trip. There are 4 Disney themeparks, and the marginal cost the 4th day is $20 + tax. The marginal cost of the 5th - 10th days are $10 + tax each. Most people consider the MK and EPCOT to each be 2 day parks. So, once you've decided to go to WDW and spend 2 day at the MK and 1 day at EPCOT, the question is do you spend $30 for 2 days to go one day a piece to DHS and DAK or do you spend $137 + tax for a day each at USF and IOA ($177 is you want to park hop and be able ride the Hogwarts Express.) I would bet there are a large number of people who prefer USF and IOA over DHS and DAK but decide the extra $30 fits in their budget better over the extra $137-$177 per person to finish out your week.

To say "Universal sucks because they don't theme their rides nearly as well as Disney" is a false statement. Even Transformers has a fully realized queue. Everybit as "transporting" as any non-interactive queues at Disney. In Everest you walk through rooms with expedition themed stuff. In Transformers you walk through rooms with space robot themed stuff. At Dinoland you stand in a non descript queue for two carnival coasters next to each other. If rockwork is fully immersive to you, then yes the Dwarf coaster is fully immersive. Plus you can see the tiny BAtB castle sitting on the rockwork.

And absolutely nothing Disney has done compares to the total immersion you get in Harry Potter. If you want to get picky, I could say Gasteu's Tavern loses all immersion because you can buy Coke there. It would be ridiculous to say, but the Disnoids say equally crazy things about Universal not being fully immersed.

-Jason

So, can we that the 3 Broomsticks is more immersive than Gaston's Tavern because you CAN'T buy a Coke there or anywhere in the WWOHP for that matter. The only beverages served in WWOHP are those consistent with with the stories.

(photo taken from Damo's UO Dining Thread) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

Quick question for you all - does universal have nighttime fireworks?

We are planning a couple of days there in our June trip (is going to be horribly busy due to the DA media event but we are coming from the UK and cannot switch our plans) and haven't been for several years and I cannot remember.

Thanks

Universal Studios Hollywood has a night time show Universal's Cinematic Spectacular that contains some fireworks. It currently does not play every night. Being in town, there are limitations on the amount of evening fireworks they can have. IOA is literally across Turkey Lake Rd. from Dr. Phillips High School. Bell at Universal Appartments are right behing Men in Black and the New Gringott's Bank Ride.

 

[Mad Hattered]

But, Transformers IS Spiderman. It is the EXACT same track and set. The only thing changed was the video. It's transformers instead of Spiderman.

Uhhhhh....wrong on way more than "one level" . They are NOT the same track.

 

[Jennasis]

Clearly there is a demand for meet and greets or you wouldn't have a 6 hour line for A&E.

I didn't call the whole HP "area" just another ride. But the ride is, just another ride.

The only thing similar about the Toy Story rides, are that they are Toy Story themed, and they shoot.

Mine ride... haven't ridden it yet. I do compare it to Barnstormer and BTMRR though. I don't know how similar it is to BTMRR other than it's in and out of rocks.

But, Transformers IS Spiderman. It is the EXACT same track and set. The only thing changed was the video. It's transformers instead of Spiderman.

And I never compared one ride like Dumbo to the entire HP set. Not sure where you drew that conclusion.

You want to compare things? Compare all of New Fantasyland with all of the new HP set. Well the HP that's open. LOL Did it take Disney longer? Yes. That doesn't mean Universal "did it better". Just quicker.

Bottom line is, we could sit and throw out comparisons all day, but it's a matter of opinion. Who gives a crap? LOL

And test track and star tours ARE the same rides with new movies or set pieces.

Dinosaur is the same as INDY.

RnR is an old the shelf coaster with an exact twin in the Netherlands.

 

[glamdring269]

This thread just makes me look forward to my first Uni trip in October. 3 nights at Uni followed by 5 nights at Disney. Why choose when you can have your cake and eat it too?

 

[Lizzim]

Universal Studios Hollywood has a night time show Universal's Cinematic Spectacular that contains some fireworks. It currently does not play every night. Being in town, there are limitations on the amount of evening fireworks they can have. IOA is literally across Turkey Lake Rd. from Dr. Phillips High School. Bell at Universal Appartments are right behing Men in Black and the New Gringott's Bank Ride.

Thanks

 

[AmyB2006]

Uhhhhh....wrong on way more than "one level" . They are NOT the same track.

The first half (at least) is absolutely the same track. At some point, it does change. But the first minute maybe minute and a half, at minimum is the same. I could actually visualize the Spiderman ride in my head, while going through Transformers. I will go to my grave swearing on that one. LOL

I was just disappointed with Transformers because it was supposed to be this new ride, new technology "4D"!!!!! LOL And it was the same as Spiderman to me.

 

[rastuso]

The theming of the new Harry potter ride looks great, but it's a roller coaster and my family isn't interested in it.

It definitely is using a roller coaster as the ride vehicle and track. However they seem to be going out of their way to say it isn't a roller coaster. There are even rumors the vehicle may have some motion simulator capabilities. You will definitely "coast" around the track. However, I will be surprised if there is an extended section that is just hills and high speed turns. there may be a drop or two, and a high speed turn or two, but they won't be the focus of the eperience, it seems.

-Jason

 

[rastuso]

So, can we that the 3 Broomsticks is more immersive than Gaston's Tavern because you CAN'T buy a Coke there or anywhere in the WWOHP for that matter. The only beverages served in WWOHP are those consistent with with the stories.

(photo taken from Damo's UO Dining Thread) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

Well, that was my point.

-Jason

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I can't swallow this three-word phrase if you're referring to Forbidden Journey or even Escape From Gringott's (based solely on what I've read). FJ at least is a ground-breaking attraction with no peer.

My DH has no interest in Harry Potter. He has no interest in the books, and he fell asleep during the one movie he tried to watch with me. But he loves FJ because the technology is so cool, and it is a very fun ride. He appreciates the WWOHP because of the attention to detail and the immersive experience, even if he doesn't "get" all the references to the books and movies. He is excited about Gringott's because he knows it will be done well.

I'm not a big superhero fan, but Spiderman is an awesome ride on its own merits.

Seuss Landing is one of the best themed areas in Orlando - so superior to the old FL. We haven't seen all of new FL so I will reserve judgment until we do.

People who say Universal's rides are just rides without theming are apparently blinded by the lack of butterflies and small forest animals around every corner.

 

[ArwenMarie]

This thread just makes me look forward to my first Uni trip in October. 3 nights at Uni followed by 5 nights at Disney. Why choose when you can have your cake and eat it too?

Exactly. WDW+ UOR = Six great parks

Not sure what the problem here is

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

Can Universal Studios build any new ride without all of them screens???? I got hd tv here at home!!!!! Disney could build all these little 3 n' 4d rides anytime they want......they got the land and the cash to do it. Disney is spending all of their resources on building DVC......they out there building right now. Look at how fast they put those bungalows up!!!!! Do not let Disney fool you......they can hustle when they get good and ready!!

 

[glamdring269]

Can Universal Studios build any new ride without all of them screens???? I got hd tv here at home!!!!! Disney could build all these little 3 n' 4d rides anytime they want......they got the land and the cash to do it. Disney is spending all of their resources on building DVC......they out there building right now. Look at how fast they put those bungalows up!!!!! Do not let Disney fool you......they can hustle when they get good and ready!!

I haven't seen the Universal rides so not sure about the 'screen' reference but I imagine many rides will start moving towards this tech eventually. VR is coming and I imagine it will be creatively employed in several different places... including theme parks.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I really don't care that they are sticking so close to the story that you can't buy a Coke in hogsmeade. I do buy a coke elsewhere and take it in. If they wanted to stick that closely to the theme in Fantasyland you could buy beer in Gaston's tavern, that would be cool.

 

[jade1]

As other have said, neither would DHS and AK. and Mad Hattered point was DHS and AK wouldn't have near their current attendance if they weren't a cheap add on to a MK trip. There are 4 Disney themeparks, and the marginal cost the 4th day is $20 + tax. The marginal cost of the 5th - 10th days are $10 + tax each. Most people consider the MK and EPCOT to each be 2 day parks. So, once you've decided to go to WDW and spend 2 day at the MK and 1 day at EPCOT, the question is do you spend $30 for 2 days to go one day a piece to DHS and DAK or do you spend $137 + tax for a day each at USF and IOA ($177 is you want to park hop and be able ride the Hogwarts Express.) I would bet there are a large number of people who prefer USF and IOA over DHS and DAK but decide the extra $30 fits in their budget better over the extra $137-$177 per person to finish out your week.

But there is data, and there are opinions.

If WDW is keeping folks local at 2 far less significant parks than US/IOA (in some opinions), then who really is "winning"?

If the only WDW parks at Orlando were AK and DHS-they would still out draw US/IOA IMO because of the "Disney fix/magic" families are attracted to.

But think how vastly different they would be. DHS would be getting Fantasyland and A&E, Cars Land, probably many classics from DL as well. POTC, Splash, Space.

Point is, the thread is about Universal compared to WDW-and the 2 most recent WDW parks alone built at the same time as US/IOA outdraw them. They could have added DHS as a new land extension of EPCOT and AK off Adventureland or Fantasyland in MK to stay at 2 parks, if that would make the comparison easier.

Admitting US/IOA is overpriced in comparison to what WDW offers spread over deciding to use 4 parks, isn't much of an argument for who is winning.

 

[rastuso]

Can Universal Studios build any new ride without all of them screens???? I got hd tv here at home!!!!! Disney could build all these little 3 n' 4d rides anytime they want......they got the land and the cash to do it. Disney is spending all of their resources on building DVC......they out there building right now. Look at how fast they put those bungalows up!!!!! Do not let Disney fool you......they can hustle when they get good and ready!!

Disney's EXTREMELY highly regarded Mystic Manor is heavily reliant on video screens. The HUGE revelation for the Dwarf coaster was the faces used video projectors. Ratatouille is essentially a series of small simulators, with screens, connected by short dark ride sections. The big Avatar ride is a film.

Can Disney build any new ride without all of them screens?????

-Jason

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have to agree with you. Disney has been taking the cheap and easy route for many years now. The M&Gs are ridiculous and a cheap way for Disney to entertain guests for a few hours. A character gets paid any where from $10-14 an hour to do the M&Gs right? So if families spend an average of 1-2 hours waiting in line, Disney has found a cheap alternative to building costly rides.

As much as I love Disney, I have to give it to Universal for all the progress they've made in such a short amount of time.

Regardless of what anyone here thinks, competition is a very good thing. Universal stepping up will also make Disney do the same since they don't want to lose any more market share to them.

Interesting observation about the Meet and Greets. I would gather the reason they built formal structures for them to happen is because guests desire to meet the characters for "free" (as in not pay for a meal) while in air conditioning.

While this displeases people who may prefer investment in a ride, the wait times indicate guests wanted that opportunity.

I try to avoid those lines if possible. If we see an opportunity with a short wait, we may go for it. But we don't care to wait lengthy times in a line to meet a character. Others don't mind since they are meeting a "celebrity". But I won't sulk that resources were used to enhance the experience for guests who enjoy that sort of thing.

All that said--competition is good. I don't see Disney forgoing meet and greets to stay "competitive", though, when guests expect that aspect from Disney.