Looks like Universal win this round

[momof2n2]

It's all subjective. You couldn't pay me to do Uni; it just doesn't have anything that interests us. But we did skip WDW this year for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Aquatica.

Anytime any of these parks adds great attractions it's a win for all of us travelers.

I just hope Disney moves away from all this "infrastructure improvements" and starts pumping out attractions.

 

[momof2n2]

What are your opinions on Avatar?

Touché.

 

[rastuso]

Having been to both too many times to count(born and raised Floridan) Universal is a day or two. WDW is a week+ vacation. People that compare the two are a little off to me. But hey that's why everyone gets an opinion. And yes US defiantly has a different demographic than Disney hence the TSA like security.

.

They have TSA security for their adult Halloween event, and nothing else. You seem a little off not understanding that.

WDW is a week if you want to ride all the big rides during a busy time, because you only get three a day.

-Jason

 

[rastuso]

We went with young kids and it was awful. They could ride very little and had to watch everyone else going off to have fun. Plus, our group had to split up constantly. At DW, even the youngest can ride almost everything and isn't stuck riding the same ride over and over. A few rides and an outdated show does not make Universal a family park.

Unless they were less than 40", this statement makes little sense. 40" gets you on Spidey and Transformers, and Pteranadon flyers. 42 gets you Jurassic and Popeye, and MIB. If a kid is lower than 40, they miss out on plenty at WDW too. Almost ALL the mountains.

So, for little kids, who want to ride pooh all day, and meet characters, yeah I cans see Disney as being it. But my 2 year old rode Kong, and LOVED it back then. I think the argument is valid for maybe kids between 36 and 40 inches tall, which are essentially 3 and 4 year olds. So yeah, if you have all toddlers, WDW is probably better, but shorter than that and they ain't riding anything much, and older than that and Uni offer state of the art rides, while WDW offers tame coasters, and nothing state of the art, because they haven't built anything state of the art for a long time.

Disney has more for kiddies. But they are kiddie rides, and won't keep them entertained for too long. If your 46" tall kid is afraid of rides, I guess WDW would be the best. But ride height restrictions are an analog to the excitement of the ride, and both Uni and Disney play by the exact same rules. Only difference is that Uni actually builds new rides. And they certainly aren't going to build a 70s era dark ride with plywood cutouts that lasts for a minute. I LOVE them, but even Disney is slowly killing them all off. The MK has lost their two main ones.

-Jason

 

[surferdave]

It's all subjective. You couldn't pay me to do Uni; it just doesn't have anything that interests us. But we did skip WDW this year for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Aquatica.

Anytime any of these parks adds great attractions it's a win for all of us travelers.

I just hope Disney moves away from all this "infrastructure improvements" and starts pumping out attractions.

None of the theme parks suits all of everyone's needs. For Disney in particular, if you're not the right gender or age for 8 days of princesses you might really get bored of watching your younger sister have a great time. Too bad for those kids that Disney spent over a billion to keep them in their parks, and it wasn't by making it more appealing to them.

 

[nugov2]

Snow White is timeless... Harry Potter is not. I think it's a huge expansion for a dying franchise.

In a short decade that entire area will be as relevant as Beetlejuice and Fantasyland will still be timeless.

But at the end of the day, I don't think it's worth it to compare them since most people just do both anyways (a few days at USF and the rest at Disney World).

I disagree. HP is very popular still. I work p/t at a library and it is still one of the most popular YA books checked out. I think it will play out much like the star wars franchise and parents who loved the books/movies will share them with their children and so on down the line. The funny thing is, while I don't feel Disney Princesses are a dying franchise...I feel that Snow White is probably one of the least popular Princesses. I don't know a single girl who ever wanted to be snow white or wanted to watch the snow white movie out of all the times we've had girls here playing. I think WDW does a lot right, but the 7DMT is not one of them...IMO.

 

[nugov2]

Having been to both too many times to count(born and raised Floridan)

Universal is a day or two.
WDW is a week+ vacation.

People that compare the two are a little off to me. But hey that's why everyone gets an opinion.

And yes US defiantly has a different demographic than Disney hence the TSA like security.

We were treated the same at both parks with regards to security and honestly(and I do really love WDW), but the population at WDW was way more the demographic that required the TSA security than what we saw at Uni on our last vacation. I was actually very disappointed in the cleanliness at MK and a few of the resorts we were at were very gross...especially POR. I love MK, but I feel that IOA/uni is far superior than any other of the other parks that WDW has to offer. I think Uni/IOA is 2-3 days while WDW is 4 days worth. Unless it is so crowded you can't get on anything that is. MK 2 days, HS1/2 AK1/2 and Epcot 1. I'd do 2 at IOA 1 at Uni/City Walk. Again, this is just my opinion and as far as the type of crowd I think all theme parks attract all different types. Both parks are equally expensive.

I personally will continue to visit both parks on a vacation. Neither one holds enough for me to spend an entire week exclusively at their location. I won't stay at WDW property b/c we don't do hotel rooms for our family for more than a night or two and they offer no perk at this time worth booking one for a night or two, but we will do a night on site at Uni because of the Express pass...next time we hope to stay in a Minion suite!!

 

[dd50]

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.

I agree.

 

[Planogirl]

Snow White is timeless... Harry Potter is not. I think it's a huge expansion for a dying franchise.

In a short decade that entire area will be as relevant as Beetlejuice and Fantasyland will still be timeless.

But at the end of the day, I don't think it's worth it to compare them since most people just do both anyways (a few days at USF and the rest at Disney World).

Who cares? The Haunted Mansion and Pirates are both quite popular and originally based on nothing. Good attractions (and castles) will bring them in no matter what franchise if any is used.

Besides, how relevant is Mickey and his gang outside of the parks? I love them but does anyone who isn't little or a Disney fan care one bit about them?

 

[Planogirl]

Having been to both too many times to count(born and raised Floridan)

Universal is a day or two.
WDW is a week+ vacation.

People that compare the two are a little off to me. But hey that's why everyone gets an opinion.

And yes US defiantly has a different demographic than Disney hence the TSA like security.

That's just rude.

 

[macphisto96]

Annual Passholder at all the parks, so I love aspects of each and have complaints for each too.

Universal usually doesn't pay near enough attention to detail and consistency in theming like Disney does. That said, the Harry Potter stuff is different. I've had a chance to preview London and Diagon Alley due to some connections and it is mindblowing. The problem is that this does not bleed into the rest of the Universal parks, at least not yet. They have tried to do more with theming and improving queues, bit still have to improve their older stuff. The Spidey queue is a joke, as is most stuff at IOA now outside of Potter. There are plans to change this long term (and discussions about transforming the Marvel stuff in the future, but I think they are waiting for Disney to give them a sweet buyout - they have a deal with WB to bring DC there in some form in the future; it was an option in the Potter deal they did with WB to sync the lands with the films).

I will say that Universal deserves kudos for transforming the Studios from an afterthought to the best park in the state IMHO. They've now got a boatload of e-tickets. Revenge of the Mummy, Despicable ME, Rip Ride Rockit, Simpsons, Transformers, and now Escape from Gringotts. Add in the side stuff like MIB (which they want to renovate, but is still fun), Shrek, ET, etc and shows like the Make-up Show and USF has become quite a place.

IOA has been ignored since Potter, but that'll be changing soon. They have two new rides opening over there in the next year or so. The new Kongfrontation based on Peter Jackson's bit on the Studio Tour out in Hollywood and a new Jurassic Park ride coordinated with the release of Jurassic World next year.

One HUGE thing that Universal has done is pay for 24 hour work to build these things. They got Transformers up in record time. Less than a year. Kong may be ready for Christmas. Expect digital upgrades to Mummy and queue upgrades to begin in the Fall.

We all win. For years, Disney had no real competition. Universal has been really putting on the pressure since Potter and not letting up. They all have to bring their "A" games and put money into the parks.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Snow White is timeless... Harry Potter is not.

Not to my kids. One never liked Snow White. One liked it fine but has been over the princesses for years. But they have both loved HP for years, not to mention that Disney's reliance on the princesses leaves out half the population (saying this as a mom of two girls).

Snow White was never my favorite movie either. I am interested in the SDMT because I hope the theming will be great and the ride will be fun, but I have no particular love for Snow White. I loved Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid - doesn't make them great attractions.

A great attraction that tells a great story is timeless, whether it comes from a 75 year old movie or a 20 year old book or the mind of an imaginer.

 

[agavegirl1]

I enjoy both parks. I stay longer at Disney because the crowds require me to do so. I will be at POP 9 nights. During that trip, I will be renting a car to go to Busch Gardens Tampa for a day. I may attend HHN at Universal one night as well. The rest of the time is broken up into numerous half day segments to utilize EMH and hopping to less crowded parks after lunch. My journey then takes me to the Hilton Garden Inn for a day and a half at Sea World followed by four nights at Portofino Bay Resort. If I'm spending the money for air, I'm getting my money's worth by immersing myself in make-believe of all kinds! Theme park wars are good for customers.

 

[disneycrazi]

I disagree. HP is very popular still. I work p/t at a library and it is still one of the most popular YA books checked out. I think it will play out much like the star wars franchise and parents who loved the books/movies will share them with their children and so on down the line. The funny thing is, while I don't feel Disney Princesses are a dying franchise...I feel that Snow White is probably one of the least popular Princesses. I don't know a single girl who ever wanted to be snow white or wanted to watch the snow white movie out of all the times we've had girls here playing. I think WDW does a lot right, but the 7DMT is not one of them...IMO.

I think Snow is making a comeback with the Once Upon A Time show. My bedroom is tastefully half Snow and half Evil Queen! I know I am a nerd!
For us Disney is the whole experience, the resorts as well as the parks. I love the nostalgic feel of it.
I am sure US is great, it's just not a draw for us.

 

[JeffryK]

I never really liked Harry Potter in IOA. Theres like 4 wand stands within 50 yards of each other and find the wand show where they basically force parents to buy the chosen kid a want really bad. I feel bad for the parent that has to tell a crying child they cant get it after they left the show.
Theming is great and i really enjoy the queue for Forbidden Journey a lot better then the actual ride. Mobing from one projection screen to another with badly fitting dummys in between is just not doing it for me. Can appreciate the technique though.
And in IS theyre just basically rebuilding buildings from London? Like in Epcot right? And then you jump into a modified Mummy ride. Again the new tricks will be cool but im sceptial about the rest. I always feel at Universal theyre after my money. Ofcourse at Disney theyre also after it but it to me it aint that obvious.

Having seen NFL and ridden the dwarf coaster I thouroughly enjoy it more, least more then Hogsmeade. The theming is ageless and more original. New animatronic dwarves are awesome and the rest of NFL is equally amazing. Fastpass + aint so bad either.

Other then that the competion is great as so many have noted. All WDW parks need a boost (some parts of Epcot and lack of things to do in AK make me sad) but if it keeps going this way we all win!

 

[JeffryK]

I never really liked Harry Potter in IOA. Theres like 4 wand stands within 50 yards of each other and find the wand show where they basically force parents to buy the chosen kid a wand bad manners. I feel bad for the parent that has to tell a crying child they cant get it after they left the show.

Theming is great and i really enjoy the queue for Forbidden Journey a lot better then the actual ride. Mobing from one projection screen to another with badly fitting dummys in between is just not doing it for me. Can appreciate the technique though.

And in US theyre just basically rebuilding buildings from London? And then you jump into a modified Mummy ride. Again the new tricks will be cool but im sceptial about the rest. I always feel at Universal theyre after my money. Pay more to skip the queue. Pay even more to ride the train between the 2 parks?! Ofcourse at Disney theyre also after it but it to me it aint that obvious.

Having seen NFL and ridden the dwarf coaster I thouroughly enjoy it more, least more then Hogsmeade. The theming is ageless and more original. New animatronic dwarves are awesome and the rest of NFL is equally amazing. Disney magic wins. Fastpass + aint so bad either.

Other then that the competion is great as so many have noted. All WDW parks need a boost (some parts of Epcot and lack of things to do in AK make me sad) but if it keeps going this way we all win!

 

[surferdave]

I think Snow is making a comeback with the Once Upon A Time show. My bedroom is tastefully half Snow and half Evil Queen! I know I am a nerd!

Even before that, there were two live action movies just last year about Snow White......but Disney didn't make either of them. Snow White is common domain being a Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

We all win. For years, Disney had no real competition. Universal has been really putting on the pressure since Potter and not letting up. They all have to bring their "A" games and put money into the parks.

Truer words have never been spoken.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I find that people really don't give the theming at Universal enough credit. Even with HP aside, the rest of both parks is extremely immersive.

In USF, Production Central is supposed to look like a studio because it is. It is the largest working production facility outside of Hollywood. They still shoot commercials, television shows and films in those soundstages. The New York section is beautiful.. in my opinion, better than the one at DHS which lacks depth and looks way more like a facade. I love the alleyways in the USF NY. Even though I'm not a Simpsons fan, I think the Springfield area looks great and offers a ton of great eating choices. Also, many of the queues are wonderful, even if the show building isn't- Despicable Me, Mummy, Men in Black, E.T., etc... really immersive queue lines.

Islands of Adventure is also beautifully themed. Port of Entry has so many fun details if you stop to look. Seuss Landing is really well done, with bright colors, no straight lines, so it's as if you're walking through a Seuss book. The Lost Continent has some spectacular architecture, particularly Mythos (the inside is incredible) and the Poseidon Fury show building.

I believe they're going to do an amazing job on Diagon Alley, from the pictures I've seen. Hogsmeade and Hogwarts are spectacular and I can't see why this wouldn't be just as good. For people complaining about crowds, yes, Hogsmeade could be crazy busy but there are many times during the year where it isn't nearly as busy. I've seen just as big crowds at MK.

 

[ziravan]

I added a day to my Sept Vacation for Diagon Alley. Added. I didn't take away any planned days from my already bought 7day Park Hopper that includes 3 planned MK trips.

And that extra day? I added a deluxe room on-site at Disney. I'll prob eat an extra meal at Disney because of it as well.

Disney didn't lose anything by me deciding to go see Diagon Alley; they gained more business from me because of it.

I think this is more grey than black and white winner/loser.