New Universal Commercial? Kinda Rude...

[ChrisFL]

I used to not understand Universal... until I went there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. When you get right down to it, UO is nothing more than a well-done version of the amusement park in your home town (Carowinds, Kings Dominion, Six Flags, etc). They have to stay "cutting edge" with their advertising in order to give people a reason to come to FL and spend money there.

IMO thats totally incorrect. Universal is totally different than any amusement park and is actually better themed than Disney in a LOT of ways. Most attractions at Universal parks you won't find similar rides anywhere else in the world. You won't find anything like Spiderman, the Mummy, MIB, T2, Poseidon's Fury, Jurassic Park River Adventure...etc.etc.

Obviously this commercial has once again brought out the people who's job it is to do Universal bashing. Great job people, Walt would be proud

 

[damo]

You can't disagree about the declining attendance. Its a fact. While All of the Disney parks and Sea Worlds attendance went up a good bit in 2005, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Hollywood all saw a large drop in attendance. Not to mention a 25% dip in profits.

I think I would chalk this up to Disney's huge 50th Anniversay celebrations. People who went to Orlando and LA on theme park vacations went specifically to go to Disney (and maybe do something different and see some fish).

 

[Dznefreek]

I think I would chalk this up to Disney's huge 50th Anniversay celebrations.

You are correct. There was an article in the OBJ where USF admitted their attendance was down due to the incredible amount of "Happiest Celebration on Earth" advertising, not to mention the addition of new rides/attractions.

 

[nemofanatic]

I haven't seen the commercial, but when we went on our trip in October to Disneyland, we took a day trip to universal studion in Hollywood. The kids both wore their Disneyland sweatshirts. On the studio tour, the tour guide told them, "You can't wear that here." He was joking, but it showed how competitive they are to Disney.

 

[peter11435]

I think I would chalk this up to Disney's huge 50th Anniversay celebrations. People who went to Orlando and LA on theme park vacations went specifically to go to Disney (and maybe do something different and see some fish).

It doesn't matter why it happened or what Disney did to take guest away from Universal. It is Universals job to maintain or increase there market share and they failed.

 

[peter11435]

IMO thats totally incorrect. Universal is totally different than any amusement park and is actually better themed than Disney in a LOT of ways.

Universal has some great parks but they are not better themed than Disney. Sure there are areas at Universal that are better themed than certain area at Disney, however overall Disney wins by a long shot. The theming at AK alone blows anything Universal has out of the water

 

[WaltD4Me]

Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyLawyer
i cannot believe there is a thread on over analyzing commercials, WOW

I think we can declare this thread a winner as the most ridiculous thread ever on the DIS.

Well, somewhere along the way the thread turned into a debate about Universal Park vs. Disney's Parks and what Universal has to offer...which is fine, but the whole thread isn't about the commercial. Although, even I can't believe it's nine pages long now!

All I was trying to say in my original post was that I didn't understand (still don't) why Universal doesn't show case what they have there. Yes, the commercial was kinda funny, I laughed myself at the "hurl girl."
I did not post because I was offended by it. I did not post because I was trying to defend Disney.

I don't know alot about Universal, I've never been there, but not because I "hate" Universal or because I am "married" to Disney. I've never been because I hate driving in a strange city and it seemed like to much work to figure out how to get from Disney to Universal. I'm going to Disney though in May and I was actually thinking about figuring out a way to go to Universal and all I was trying to point out was that nothing in that commercial made me say...
"Well now for sure I want to go check out Universal!"

Someone pointed out that the kids in the commercial were standing by Universal rides, but the only way you would know that is if you've been there. I didn't know that because I haven't been there. So if they are trying to draw new people, I don't think that commercial showcased the neat things I've heard about that would make me want to figure out how to get there.

I didn't mean for this thread to turn into a debate between Universal enthuiasts and Disney enthuiasts.
Sheesh!

 

[jarestel]

I didn't mean for this thread to turn into a debate between Universal enthuiasts and Disney enthuiasts.

Not your fault, WaltD4Me. Given the nature of these forums, it would have been amazing if it hadn't turned into a debate.

 

[ugadog99]

Not wanting to get into a debate, but just wanting to view my thoughts. The commercial is sort of funny in a bashing Disney kind of way. I prefer my Disney commercials, though (except for the newest one ). We have never been to Universal and never intend to. We have no interest in thrill ride parks and when we go to Disney, we never leave site. It just holds no interest for us. That being said, I guess the commercial accomplished its goal: to get people talking about Universal and remember them. We'll stick with what we love...princesses, pixie dust, and magic!

 

[kimbac3]

Well, somewhere along the way the thread turned into a debate about Universal Park vs. Disney's Parks and what Universal has to offer...which is fine, but the whole thread isn't about the commercial.

All I was trying to say in my original post was that I didn't understand (still don't) why Universal doesn't show case what they have there. Yes, the commercial was kinda funny, I laughed myself at the "hurl girl."
I did not post because I was offended by it. I did not post because I was trying to defend Disney.

I don't know alot about Universal, I've never been there, but not because I "hate" Universal or because I am "married" to Disney. I've never been because I hate driving in a strange city and it seemed like to much work to figure out how to get from Disney to Universal. I'm going to Disney though in May and I was actually thinking about figuring out a way to go to Universal and all I was trying to point out was that nothing in that commercial made me say...
"Well now for sure I want to go check out Universal."

Someone pointed out that the kids in the commercial were standing by Universal rides, but the only way you would know that is if you've been there. I didn't know that because I haven't been there. So if they are trying to draw new people, I don't think that commercial showcased the neat things I've heard about that would make me want to figure out how to get there.

I didn't mean for this thread to turn into a debate between Universal enthuiasts and Disney enthuiasts.

Lisa - I got your meaning right away and I agree. I'm not against Universal in any way. I just thought it was kind of lame..I mean SHOW me the reason your park is so cool. My DD13 was pretty offended being a Disney lover. It didn't make her want to go there. Now she's a coaster freak so if they showed that or the one that is like an outside TOT (sorry can't remember the name) she'd probably be begging to go. She also pointed out that Shrek is a fairytale and Fiona is a princess. I don't know I guess with all the movie magic and innovative rides Universal has and does you'd think they could come up with a killer commercial!!
Kimba
PS they should show the inside of some of the rides..when I saw the commercial for Soarin I was soooo wanting to ride it!!

 

[mjmcca]

I have not seen the commercial and honestly it just sounds like a marketing strategy to me.


I do find curious the part of the commercial that apparently has a little boy saying something about going to bed early. When i used to go to the universal parks they routinely closed several hours earlier than the Disney parks. I just checked the Universal website and it appears that this is still the case with both parks closing as 6 or 7 routinely in the off season.


Looking at the Disney calendar MK is open till 8 most nights in the same time frame and Epcot as always is open till 9.



They close earlier than Disney so I just dont get it.

 

[ChrisFL]

I don't know alot about Universal, I've never been there, but not because I "hate" Universal or because I am "married" to Disney. I've never been because I hate driving in a strange city and it seemed like to much work to figure out how to get from Disney to Universal.

Take I-4 east....um, that's it, you see signs that say "universal" and you're there practically.

It's also a vastly overhyped misconception that Universal is all about thrill rides...it isnt

 

[mjmcca]

I haven't been in a few years. Honestly it has been about the money. Now i have some extra and I may take the kids there the next time we go to Orlando if hubby doesnt take the car all the time and do other stuff (He hates themeparks)

 

[cdpa4d]

I think Universal is very well themed, but unfortunately, it takes more than great theming to raise attendance. In today's Theme Park business it takes fresh, new attractions to bring in people and up the attendance. Besides "Revenge of the Mummy" Universal has sat on their &%$^ for the past 4 or 5 years now. They really haven't invested much in their Orlando theme parks. Until they come out with another E-Ticket attraction attendance will continue to decline. EE at Disney's Animal Kingdom will actually take attendance away from Universal in 2006. Hey Universal, it's time to add a new attraction to IOA! Storm Force and Flying Unicorn didn't cut it. You need a new attraction with some "Wow Factor". Don't you just love competition!

Just another note, there is a difference between Theme Parks and Amusement Parks. Orlando (Disney, Universal, and Sea World) have a theme attached to each park. Parks such as Cedar Point and Six Flags don't have a theme. These parks would be for your amusement, so they are considered Amusement Parks.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I've seen the commercial, and I don't see it as a jab at Walt Disney World at all.

On the surface, possibly - but dig a little deeper.

People on these boards truly represent a minority of Orlando area visitors. And the first time visitors? They don't KNOW the difference between Disney and Universal. Don't believe me? Talk to ANY Cast Member and ask them how many times people ask where the E.T. ride is, or Jurassic Park, or the Hulk.

So, from what I can gather from this ad, Universal is simply trying to say: You may think we're the same as the mouse - but we've got substantially different offerings. Don't NOT come here because you think you'll be getting exactly the same thing!

They try and do it in a humorous way. Maybe they failed - I don't know, but I think the summation of the commercial is "We're different! Come see us!"

 

[lucky978]

Not wanting to get into a debate, but just wanting to view my thoughts. The commercial is sort of funny in a bashing Disney kind of way.

I agree. I saw the commercial last night for the first time. I consider myself Disney "crazy" and have only been to Universal once (9 yrs ago - before kids). Even though I love Disney, I thought the commerical was funny. My girls are getting older and have never really been into the Princess theme to begin with. I have a feeling in a few years, they will be thinking the same thing as the girl in the commercial (although they better not say it!!!) Once they get some height on them, they'll be thrill ride junkies!!!

 

[willis37862]

I find it hilarious. Where has the world's sense of humor gone? Common side effect of puffing too much pixie dust! Ha ha ha....

That's to funny!
I don't think you should judge a place and say it's not for your family or you hate it when you haven't even been there once.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I saw the commercial yesterday and I love it!! I thought it was so funny.
And the part of the commercial that clinched a trip to Universal for me was the "kids are free".

I've only been to the Universal in Southern California and we've been waiting for the kids to get a little bit older to visit the one in Orlando. But I think we'll be visiting it alot sooner if the kids get to "play and dine" for free.

As soon as I saw that commercial, I knew there was going to be a huge thread about it on the Dis board. lol.

Mary

 

[jarestel]

I don't think you should judge a place and say it's not for your family or you hate it when you haven't even been there once.

Good point. I know of 3 instances personally where friends/family told me Disney wasn't for them, had nothing they were interested in, and never wanted to go. Well, after seeing my family embark on countless trips to WDW, they began to get curious. Long story short, after having experienced WDW for themselves, they found there was more to the place than people running around in mouse costumes and ended up enjoying themselves quite a bit. I'm sure the same logic works for Universal.

As momma used to say, "just taste it before you decide you don't like it"!

 

[mickeyfan2]

I don't think you should judge a place and say it's not for your family or you hate it when you haven't even been there once.

Actually I have been there and it is not for me. I love the ET ride, but not too much more. I do love Universal Studios in CA but not in FL. I do not like thrill rides, so IOA has nothing for me. I have asked DH if he wants to go and he say NO each time. So yes there are some of us who don't like US and IOA and have been there. I love Sea World and go there each trip. We also go to BGT and love it too. Only go every few trips, since don't always want to make the drive there.