One Day Dilemma-Disney or Universal

[GunnarCharles]

Hi everyone, I'm excited to say that after not being in Florida since 2012 I will be going back early next year as my fiance and I are running the WDW Marathon. Along with the two of us, some people from both our families will be there as well to cheer us and and have some fun in the parks. I am a theme park veteran, as I have been to Universal twice and Disney five times, the Disney trips being extended stays. My fiance however has only been to each once, for only a day. Here is the situation: we have Saturday and Sunday after the race to spend at Disney, Friday is an open option. My fiance and her family will no doubt be going to Universal, as they are thrill junkies and roller coaster fans, not to mention huge HP fans. They have not seen Diagon Alley and will want to experience the new Hulk for sure. I too enjoy Universal and would like to see the Simpsons and Diagon Alley expansion, but I am not a big coaster fan. (I would likely ride Simpsons and River Adventure over and over if I could) The other side of the dilemma is that I'm a nostalgic, a Disney nostalgic. My must dos are attractions like Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, SSE, POC, HM, and great movie ride. My fiance does not have the nostalgic connections to these rides and for our Disney Saturday wants to run around hitting all the major E ticket attractions and thrill rides. I can't decide if I should do a day in Universal to see some of the new things, or stay another day in Disney and do the classic attractions that I love so much but couldn't guarantee with just Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It is important to note I will likely not be back in Florida for several years. All suggestions and thoughts are noted and appreciated!

 

[Accident]

Inform your financee on what is going on around disney and then let her pick what your doing. I suspect harry potter might be more important than another disney day to her.. she may change her mind when standing there though.

fyi, if this is the marathon during food and wine, she would probably love food and wine but is that better than harry potter to her? she knows the answer and happy wife=happy life.

 

[GunnarCharles]

It is during the full marathon weekend in January, either way she will go to Universal and see Harry Potter, as she should. She likes Universal better and as you say, Happy wife=Happy life. I am in a dilemma about whether or not I should go to Universal for a day, or take an extra day in disney for all of my classic favorites.

 

[crazylady]

I would want to stay with the group but if you're ok separating from the group, I would choose another MK day for you.

Also, not sure what your roller coaster issue is but I ride just about anything and Simpson' makes me sick. I definitely wouldn't go to Universal just for that. I love River Adventure though! Have fun and good luck on the marathon.

 

[Accident]

It is during the full marathon weekend in January, either way she will go to Universal and see Harry Potter, as she should. She likes Universal better and as you say, Happy wife=Happy life. I am in a dilemma about whether or not I should go to Universal for a day, or take an extra day in disney for all of my classic favorites.

You have a long life of compromise ahead of you.. put one in the bank for a future trip and enjoy the day with her.

 

[Yngpreacherman]

Hi everyone, I'm excited to say that after not being in Florida since 2012 I will be going back early next year as my fiance and I are running the WDW Marathon. Along with the two of us, some people from both our families will be there as well to cheer us and and have some fun in the parks. I am a theme park veteran, as I have been to Universal twice and Disney five times, the Disney trips being extended stays. My fiance however has only been to each once, for only a day. Here is the situation: we have Saturday and Sunday after the race to spend at Disney, Friday is an open option. My fiance and her family will no doubt be going to Universal, as they are thrill junkies and roller coaster fans, not to mention huge HP fans. They have not seen Diagon Alley and will want to experience the new Hulk for sure. I too enjoy Universal and would like to see the Simpsons and Diagon Alley expansion, but I am not a big coaster fan. (I would likely ride Simpsons and River Adventure over and over if I could) The other side of the dilemma is that I'm a nostalgic, a Disney nostalgic. My must dos are attractions like Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, SSE, POC, HM, and great movie ride. My fiance does not have the nostalgic connections to these rides and for our Disney Saturday wants to run around hitting all the major E ticket attractions and thrill rides. I can't decide if I should do a day in Universal to see some of the new things, or stay another day in Disney and do the classic attractions that I love so much but couldn't guarantee with just Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It is important to note I will likely not be back in Florida for several years. All suggestions and thoughts are noted and appreciated!

I would most def. choose Universal in your situation. Universal doesn't really have many coasters. Only 3 turn upside down. Not sure if you would be park hopping to IOA and Studios, but the only actual coasters I know of in both parks are:

-Rip Ride Rocket
-Incredible Hulk
-Dragon Challenge
-Revenge of Mummy (Tame, doesn't go upside down)
- Escape from Gringotts (Very Tame, doesn't go upside down)

The rest are all water rides, simulator style rides, dark rides or shows.

 

[Mkid451]

We were at Universal that friday this year, and it was great. There was rain in the morning (which cleared to a gorgeous day), but the rides were all pretty much walk-ons. The only ones we waited for were the HP rides because they both broke down while we were in line, and the Rip Ride Rocket, because it had to close for the rain while we were in line. Universal has added so much stuff since 2012, Disney is adding, but hasn't finished them yet. It might be nice to do Universal just to see all the new stuff. Maybe if you compromise and go to Universal, she will be willing to compromise and ride some of your more nostalgic rides (especially since they are rides/attractions that don't typically have huge waits and could easily fit between thrill rides.) Also, if you are running the marathon, you might want a more quiet day at the parks anyway!

 

[Planogirl]

I would go to Universal just to stay with everyone. You have Saturday and Sunday at the Disney parks so it's not like you're skipping Disney.

 

[MrsJamesPSullivan]

As long as everyone is cool with splitting up I'd go to Disney and be happy. I'm with you, I don't do the coasters either. At Universal I would do the two Harry Potter areas and a bunch of people watching. Enjoy your day of nostalgia!