Looks like Universal win this round

[mesaboy2]

I have not been to Universal in years and years. If we ever have more time to vacation, I would like to spend some time at Universal as well as WDW - with a little Sea World thrown in.

I am confused as to what has opened and what we are waiting to open in Universal. (and when it is slated to be open).

Is Diagon Alley open? If not when will it be open?

DA is not open, but is expected to be within a few weeks.

 

[rastuso]

The reason NFL has taken so long is it wasn't very ambitious to start with and they added the mine train after their feedback told them nobody was impressed with a bunch of princess M&Gs, and the mine train was the worst thing to do last since it's in the middle of the area. If they plan future adds better they will get them into production faster, but they are just not feeling the urgency that Uni is right now.

The Dwarf coaster was announced at least Jan 2011. I thought it was always in the plans, but always in the second wave, which was definitely stupid. I think early concepts didn't include it, but once construction started, it was part of it. I seem to recall that location was going to be the princesses, but they took over Snow's previous digs instead.

-Jason

 

[jade1]

Does it really matter who built what in how long? All that matters is they're both great at what they do and that makes US, the guests, the winners in the long run.

Yea I don't really get that either.

DHS and AK basically opened the same years as US and IOA.

Even those 2 WDW parks draw 42% more visitors than US and IOA, not to mention EPCOT and MK.

So US and IOA decided after 15 and 25 years they will "quickly" remodel a couple areas faster than MK's new FL and AK (DHS added TSM/RNR/TOT during that time) areas. I mean, I guess that's impressive.

 

[FLchick415]

Yea I don't really get that either.

DHS and AK basically opened the same years as US and IOA.

Even those 2 WDW parks draw 42% more visitors than US and IOA, not to mention EPCOT and MK.

So US and IOA decided after 15 and 25 years they will "quickly" remodel a couple areas faster than MK's new FL and AK areas. I mean, I guess that's impressive.

Well, I do think it's impressive, I just don't get why some people have to be all "HAHAHA UNIVERSAL BUILT IT FASTER. SUCK IT, DISNEY." (hyperbole on my part maybe, but you get the gist)

I think it's GREAT that Universal is churning out amazing attractions. I can't wait to check out Diagon Alley. But I don't get the point of putting Disney down to build Universal up. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Do I think there are improvements to be made at WDW? Of course. Does that lessen my enjoyment of the parks? No.

 

[AmyB2006]

Actually yes, it does matter. If Uni can build comparable attractions at a faster pace and lower cost than Disney it puts them at a competitive advantage that will make a big difference in the long run. Think GM vs Toyota.

Obviously this is a matter of opinion, but I don't think Universal's rides are comparable. They are rides, and that's it.

The "new" Transformers ride... IS the Spiderman ride. Same exact ride, with maybe a little bit added on. If you're going to copy one ride into another and give it a different name, sure I would expect it to take half the amount of time as Disney.

Disney's rides are more involved than "just a ride". It's the whole experience from the theme, the queue, transporting you to the land or movie or whatever it is.

But again, just another opinion, but in mine, Universal's rides are not comparable. They're just different. One isn't better than another IMO, just different.

 

[FLchick415]

Obviously this is a matter of opinion, but I don't think Universal's rides are comparable. They are rides, and that's it.

The "new" Transformers ride... IS the Spiderman ride. Same exact ride, with maybe a little bit added on. If you're going to copy one ride into another and give it a different name, sure I would expect it to take half the amount of time as Disney.

Disney's rides are more involved than "just a ride". It's the whole experience from the theme, the queue, transporting you to the land or movie or whatever it is.

But again, just another opinion, but in mine, Universal's rides are not comparable. They're just different. One isn't better than another IMO, just different.

Yes. Exactly.

 

[mesaboy2]

Obviously this is a matter of opinion, but I don't think Universal's rides are comparable. They are rides, and that's it. The "new" Transformers ride... IS the Spiderman ride. Same exact ride, with maybe a little bit added on. If you're going to copy one ride into another and give it a different name, sure I would expect it to take half the amount of time as Disney. Disney's rides are more involved than "just a ride". It's the whole experience from the theme, the queue, transporting you to the land or movie or whatever it is. But again, just another opinion, but in mine, Universal's rides are not comparable. They're just different. One isn't better than another IMO, just different.

I agree with you except for the HP areas. In my opinion, those set a new bar that even Disney is struggling to match.

 

[FLchick415]

I agree with you except for the HP areas. In my opinion, those set a new bar that even Disney is struggling to match.

I do agree with this for sure. The HP area BLEW. ME. AWAY. when I saw it for the first time. I was literally almost in tears. lol

 

[jade1]

Well, I do think it's impressive, I just don't get why some people have to be all "HAHAHA UNIVERSAL BUILT IT FASTER. SUCK IT, DISNEY." (hyperbole on my part maybe, but you get the gist)

I think it's GREAT that Universal is churning out amazing attractions. I can't wait to check out Diagon Alley. But I don't get the point of putting Disney down to build Universal up. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Do I think there are improvements to be made at WDW? Of course. Does that lessen my enjoyment of the parks? No.

Yep actually my point-step back and look at the last 15 and 25 years, not something that took the last 3 years compared to the last 4 years.

Can't wait for HP2, but it will still be a one and done 1/2 day for us.

 

[Planogirl]

Yea I don't really get that either.

DHS and AK basically opened the same years as US and IOA.

Even those 2 WDW parks draw 42% more visitors than US and IOA, not to mention EPCOT and MK.

So US and IOA decided after 15 and 25 years they will "quickly" remodel a couple areas faster than MK's new FL and AK (DHS added TSM/RNR/TOT during that time) areas. I mean, I guess that's impressive.

Of course those two parks drew more than the Universal parks. They are being bundled with two popular, well-established parks which is certainly a distinct advantage.

US decided to remodel because they are under new ownership with deep pockets. They might be fast but there is still that cost factor.

 

[Hannathy]

Obviously this is a matter of opinion, but I don't think Universal's rides are comparable. They are rides, and that's it.

The "new" Transformers ride... IS the Spiderman ride. Same exact ride, with maybe a little bit added on. If you're going to copy one ride into another and give it a different name, sure I would expect it to take half the amount of time as Disney.

Disney's rides are more involved than "just a ride". It's the whole experience from the theme, the queue, transporting you to the land or movie or whatever it is.

But again, just another opinion, but in mine, Universal's rides are not comparable. They're just different. One isn't better than another IMO, just different.

Oh yes, adding another exact carnival ride (dumbo) is more involved than building an entire setting with a new ride and the whole set! (Diagon Alley) So why did it take Disney so long?


And the mine ride isn't BTMRR with a mine with dwarf's. Yeah Disney never copies a ride......

There aren't two very similar Toy Story rides.

I would hardly call the whole Harry Potter area just another ride.

I have been going to Disney for over 40 years but lately Disney has been resting on their laurels and has not been pushing the envelope or themselves on any rides or attractions. Look at all the meet and greets they keep putting in? That's not taking the cheapest easiest way out there is?

 

[Planogirl]

Well, I do think it's impressive, I just don't get why some people have to be all "HAHAHA UNIVERSAL BUILT IT FASTER. SUCK IT, DISNEY." (hyperbole on my part maybe, but you get the gist)

I think it's GREAT that Universal is churning out amazing attractions. I can't wait to check out Diagon Alley. But I don't get the point of putting Disney down to build Universal up. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Do I think there are improvements to be made at WDW? Of course. Does that lessen my enjoyment of the parks? No.

In fairness both sides tear down the other parks on a regular basis. Even in this thread there are comments that Universal just builds rides with no thought to theming. Um, no.

Both companies do (or can do) great things. I like that and don't understand the endless need to compare the two.

 

[FLchick415]

In fairness both sides tear down the other parks on a regular basis. Even in this thread there are comments that Universal just builds rides with no thought to theming. Um, no.

Both companies do (or can do) great things. I like that and don't understand the endless need to compare the two.

To your first point, I can't disagree with that. I see that as well and don't understand it either.

To your second point, I 100% agree. This is at least the third Uni vs. WDW thread I've seen that has devolved into "which park is better". It's the same arguments time after time.

(Side note [not aimed at you, PlanoGirl]: Yes, I'm aware I don't have to click on and read the thread. But here I am anyway, so...lol)

 

[Kate and Family]

DA is not open, but is expected to be within a few weeks.

I am selfishly hoping (wishing) that this will further decrease the crowds for end of Sept, early Oct.

 

[Mad Hattered]

DHS and AK basically opened the same years as US and IOA.

Even those 2 WDW parks draw 42% more visitors than US and IOA, not to mention EPCOT and MK.

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.

 

[Magpie]

I do agree with this for sure. The HP area BLEW. ME. AWAY. when I saw it for the first time. I was literally almost in tears. lol

And this is exactly why HP is not, and never will be, a "dying franchise". An entire generation has grown up with the Harry Potter books. And they'll pass that love on to their children and their children's children, the same way previous generations did with Peter Pan and Mary Poppins and Winnie the Pooh.

Reading is not a dying art. With popular books spinning off movies right and left, and with e-books making books cheaper and more accessible than every before, more people read for pleasure now than in any previous generation. Yes, the publishing industry is in trouble and brick-and-mortar bookstores are struggling to survive. But Amazon is a behemoth in the corporate world, and not because they sell garden supplies. E-publishing means anyone can self-publish a book, and tens of thousand of people do, every year. There are more amateur writers and bloggers out there than at any previous time in history.

Look at what I'm doing right now - reading a discussion board and taking part in a debate about a book that spun off multiple rides, shows and shops in a theme park!

Universal has landed a brilliant property in HP, which will line their pockets for decades to come. Disney had a chance at it, and blew it by not being willing to give J.K. Rowling the reins. We all know the story of Rowling walking out of talks with Disney and cabbing it over to Universal. (Granted, it's a bit apocryphal and likely didn't happen quite like that.)

I love both Disney and Universal. I spend most of my time at Disney, because they have SO successfully built that bubble, that I'm never tempted to leave Disney property, once I'm on it. But I would never argue Disney offers anything "better" or "more lasting", or that HP is just a "flash in the pan" or a "fad". Both parks offer a very similar product in terms of quality and content. Disney is simply much, much bigger.

And, just because, here's my daughter discovering that the HP books can "make the Harry Potter movie happen in my head!" (A full year before the first movie came out.)

She cried, too, when she first stepped into the Wizarding World at Universal Studios.

 

[skylizard]

Oh yes, adding another exact carnival ride (dumbo) is more involved than building an entire setting with a new ride and the whole set! (Diagon Alley) So why did it take Disney so long?


And the mine ride isn't BTMRR with a mine with dwarf's. Yeah Disney never copies a ride......

There aren't two very similar Toy Story rides.

I would hardly call the whole Harry Potter area just another ride.

I have been going to Disney for over 40 years but lately Disney has been resting on their laurels and has not been pushing the envelope or themselves on any rides or attractions. Look at all the meet and greets they keep putting in? That's not taking the cheapest easiest way out there is?

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.

 

[jade1]

Of course those two parks drew more than the Universal parks. They are being bundled with two popular, well-established parks which is certainly a distinct advantage.

But it's still the only actual data we have to go by.

If your opinion is most people prefer US/IOA to DHS/AK that's fine. I don't believe that's true so which of us is correct?

Furthermore-where would US/IOA be without those "established" parks right down the road?

 

[jade1]

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.

 

[skylizard]

US/IOA would not exist if not for MK.

Who's arguing that?

Pretty much most of Orlando wouldn't exist if it weren't for Disney. The whole reason Walt chose that area was for the cheap land (who wanted to build on mostly swamp land?) and it's climate. There was nearly nothing in that area before Walt came along.