Our First, Last and only visit to Universal...yuck!

[damo]

For PHAMTOM:
Yes, there are some discounts, but am I the only one who notices US/IOA is giving them ALL? Not just free dining and free transportation, not just ticket discounts, but almost everything they can give away without letting everyone in for free, eat for free and stay for free. And, that is at the supposed "highest" season of the summer -- Disney's Free Dining is only in the Fall, the slowest time of the year. No comparison to me.

The major difference is that the freebies are for kids at Universal. All part of the plan to get more kids into the parks. I'm not seeing a lot of desperation, but more of an attempt to attract more families.

At Disney, the free dining seems to be for everyone. You should be thrilled that Universal is creating these discount opportunities at Disney! Without that competition there would be no discounts.

 

[patster734]

For PHAMTOM:
Yes, there are some discounts, but am I the only one who notices US/IOA is giving them ALL? Not just free dining and free transportation, not just ticket discounts, but almost everything they can give away without letting everyone in for free, eat for free and stay for free. And, that is at the supposed "highest" season of the summer -- Disney's Free Dining is only in the Fall, the slowest time of the year. No comparison to me.

Um, why are you complaining about discounts?

 

[momof3disneyholics]

For PHAMTOM:
Yes, there are some discounts, but am I the only one who notices US/IOA is giving them ALL? Not just free dining and free transportation, not just ticket discounts, but almost everything they can give away without letting everyone in for free, eat for free and stay for free. And, that is at the supposed "highest" season of the summer -- Disney's Free Dining is only in the Fall, the slowest time of the year. No comparison to me.

Ok, are they really complaining about the discounts????

 

[babieemelly]

If you don't like Universal, then don't go. That's the end of that :

And for the people who would rather hide in their room pretending to be sick, rather than going to Universal, you sound like a lot of fun to travel with

 

[phamton]

For PHAMTOM:
Yes, there are some discounts, but am I the only one who notices US/IOA is giving them ALL? Not just free dining and free transportation, not just ticket discounts, but almost everything they can give away without letting everyone in for free, eat for free and stay for free.

The kids free promotion started in January. It is marketing to attract families with younger children. Disney has always had the market on that, plain and simple. People have been led to believe that Universal/IoA are just for families with teens. Many families have fallen for that and never set foot off of Disney property on vacation until their kids are older. Universal has always attracted the teens. The advertising and kids free was started the first of January (not this summer) to attract a different demographics. I'm sorry you see it as desperation. I suppose when Kraft offers buy one get one free or mail in rebates for Sony, they are desperate.

Was Disney desperate to keep people on property when they offered Magical Express? They didn't do it out of the kindness of their heart. They offered it right after the stats were released that showed they were losing people to Universal. I am sure they decided the best way is to keep people from having to rent cars. If they provide free transportation from the airport, people wouldn't have cars and leave property as often. Here's the stats that year:

1 Magic Kingdom
- Orlando, Florida 15.2m
(+8%)
2 Disneyland
- Anaheim, California 13.4m
(+5%)
3 Epcot
- Orlando, Florida 9.4m
(+9%)
4 Disney-MGM Studios
- Orlando, Florida 8.3m
(+5%)
5 Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Orlando, Florida 7.8m
(+7%)
6 Universal Studios Florida
- Orlando, Florida 6.7m
(+14%)
7 Islands of Adventure
- Orlando, Florida 6.3m
(+13%)

Magical Express was a smart move on their part. Orlando wanted a mass transit system and Disney was all for it until the city asked that it also allow stops near Universal. Suddenly Disney didn't like the idea. Imagine that!

It's not deperation but ways to attract more guests. All the parks do that. The competition benefits us all.

 

[notnothin]

Yum ... kool aid. Drink it up!

 

[MScott1851]

The only people with scowls on their faces was people wearing mouse ears, their daughters dressed up like cinderalla, had 3 inch binders with trip planning documentation, they also talked in a strange language, kept on saying ressies, must fastpass, WDWMMNSHP, Magic Momement, No towel figures, PSs, Sort of like that Shawn of the Dead Movie. Mouse of the Dead maybe.

Bwahahahaaahaaa!

Sorry. That made me laugh. But people obsessively plan trips to Universal , too. Even more funny...or perhaps sad, is the way people get so gosh darn RILED up and waste energy and trade insults and get their little feelings hurt over a damn themepark debate ON THE INTERNET!!!

Now, I myself will debate to the death if something affects my family, my job, or my livelihood personally, but a themepark preference?

We should all meet somewhere neutral and sing "Kumbaya" and have a couple of drinks (some of us more than a couple). I'd be willing to bring something to remove the sticks from people's behinds.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Just my 2 cents....

I'm truly sorry that the OP had such an awful experience at Universal.

I have always been a Disney fan and stay on property 4-5 times annually. In fact, I stayed as a 12 year old with my parents the first week the POLY opened. The magic continues with my family!

With that being said, we also visit and enjoy the onsite hotels and FOTL access at Universal multiple times each year as well.

Both have their merits and we appreciate the different atmospheres, offerings, dining, rides, pools, shows, etc...etc...etc..

In fact, starting June 29th, we will be at HRH in 2 rooms with our 2DD's and two of their friends for 4 nights then over to the GF for 5 more nights! The best of both worlds!!!

Life is Good!

 

[mickeymousemom]

I'm partially with the OP on this one(didn't read the whole thread). We have been to US/IoA two times. I'd be surprised if we ever went back.
My complaints aren't like the OP's and in defense of Universal, we never experienced the type of guests that were pointed out(we were there right before the Halloween thingy one time, so of course, there were several teens and young people around). I have no complaint about the cost of parking, and I love the walk from the parking garages(love those)...the music is uplifting and my oldest DD and I danced all the way to CityWalk!
The theming at IoA is amazing as are the visuals.

We didn't like the fact that we had to pay for a "Fastpass". The employees just aren't the CM's we've seen 90% of the time at WDW. There's a feeling you get at WDW that you just don't get at US. I do agree that it takes no time at all to see the parks(and this is in June). Regardless of the theming at IoA, US does NOT have great theming and the details you find at WDW just aren't there. Even my oldest, who loves the thrill rides at IoA, admitted that it lacked the "magic" of WDW. I suppose you could say we've been spoiled by Disney. I can see us making a day trip to a park around here(King's Island, Santa Claus Land, Kentucky Kingdom, etc), but if we're going to Orlando, then WDW it has to be. If money were tight, I'd rather spend a day or two at a Disney park than 5 or 6 days at US.

And if I have to hear a little girl say that she's going to HURL if she has to hug(kiss, whatever) one more princess, then I'm going to HURL!

 

[AlexandNessa]

And if I have to hear a little girl say that she's going to HURL if she has to hug(kiss, whatever) one more princess, then I'm going to HURL!

Then, feel free to change the channel or join the "me too" thread over here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1136882&page=1&pp=15

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I'm partially with the OP on this one(didn't read the whole thread). We have been to US/IoA two times. I'd be surprised if we ever went back.
My complaints aren't like the OP's and in defense of Universal, we never experienced the type of guests that were pointed out(we were there right before the Halloween thingy one time, so of course, there were several teens and young people around). I have no complaint about the cost of parking, and I love the walk from the parking garages(love those)...the music is uplifting and my oldest DD and I danced all the way to CityWalk!
The theming at IoA is amazing as are the visuals.

We didn't like the fact that we had to pay for a "Fastpass". The employees just aren't the CM's we've seen 90% of the time at WDW. There's a feeling you get at WDW that you just don't get at US. I do agree that it takes no time at all to see the parks(and this is in June). Regardless of the theming at IoA, US does NOT have great theming and the details you find at WDW just aren't there. Even my oldest, who loves the thrill rides at IoA, admitted that it lacked the "magic" of WDW. I suppose you could say we've been spoiled by Disney. I can see us making a day trip to a park around here(King's Island, Santa Claus Land, Kentucky Kingdom, etc), but if we're going to Orlando, then WDW it has to be. If money were tight, I'd rather spend a day or two at a Disney park than 5 or 6 days at US.

And if I have to hear a little girl say that she's going to HURL if she has to hug(kiss, whatever) one more princess, then I'm going to HURL!

LOL. I definitely agree with the last part!! I don't get why that commercial would appeal to anyone. Then again, I'm definitely part "princess" myself, lol.

Wouldn't it be better to capitalize on things Disney doesn't have (Citywalk, lots of thrill rides, etc.) instead of mocking something as popular as the princesses? If I were working for Universal, I'd try to "get" the Disney fanatics to come over for a day or two instead of alienating them.

It reminds me of those "Fairytales and pixie dust not your thing?" commercials. I'd always respond "They're MY things!" It used to crack my BF up!

 

[Figment22]

Regardless of the theming at IoA, US does NOT have great theming and the details you find at WDW just aren't there. Even my oldest, who loves the thrill rides at IoA, admitted that it lacked the "magic" of WDW.

You've got to be kidding me. Have you even looked around at the New York, San Francisco, Amity, Hollywood Blvd./Sunset Blvd. sections of the park??? Using an apples to apples comparison between Universal Studios and Disney MGM Studios, USF's theming blows Disney out of the water. The only area that is well themed in the Disney park is their old Hollywood area, which coincidentally was not part of the park when it first opened because Disney rushed construction on the Studios like mad in order to get that park opened before Universal Studios opened. They were scared spitless of the competition! If truth be told, Rock and Roller Coaster has no business being in that area because it doesn't fit the "theme".

If I have to hear one more time about how only Disney has the "magic", I think I'm going to hurl!

 

[Figment22]

One more comment - why would such a great park need to give huge discounts on its tickets, free rental cars, free kids tickets, kids food free, big hotel discounts...??? I don't see Sea World Orlando doing that.

About Sea World Orlando (following up on the discounts Bev has already posted):
In April, our family purchased Fun Cards at SWO. For the price of a one day admission ticket, you get to come back free for the rest of 2006. If that's not a huge discount, I don't know what qualifies as one in your mind.

 

[ChrisFL]

That is Correct, Universal Studios has a theme the same way MGM Studios does....the theme is a STUDIO (Imagine that!)

The facades, shops and soundstage layouts are on purpose, since you're making movies.

And that comment about Disney trying to beat Universal to the punch with a rushed park with hardly any real attractions is true with MGM Studios. Universal had more attractions when it opened, none of them worked the day it opened (like DL), but they had the idea at least.

Since IOA was planned, Disney put in Rock'n'Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Mission Space, and you think all of that wasn't trying to counter Universal's thrill rides? And Magical Express was most definitely a ploy to get Disney to stay on site and never venture outside of the kingdom. New Mickey Ears hats double as blinders apparently.

 

[patster734]

Yum ... kool aid. Drink it up!

That's not koolaid we're drinking! It's called Potion of the Gods and can only be obtained at Mythos restaurant in IOA. Come try it some time. Its much better than koolaid! Infact, it's one of the best drinks I've had. On my next Universal trip in October, I plan on drinking one (or two).

 

[NewJersey]

Didn't read the thread...frankly don't have the time, but I'm always a fan of throwing my 2 cents in!

I've been to both US and IOA a bunch of times, but I'm a Disney fan at heart. I just don't get that same feeling as I do when I'm in Disney. Not to say I don't like US or IOA but I would never stay in their resorts and make a "vacation" out of it. If I did, it'd be a 2 day vacation! I enjoy going there for day trips for a day out of my Disney stay. But Disney wins hands down in my book.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

But Disney wins hands down in my book.

THIS THREAD ISN'T A COMPETITION, TIM.

 

[Pooh Fan]

I don't understand why people want to compare the 2. My family loves the rides and the laidback feeling that we have at Universal. We enjoy having the time to relax at our hotel and enjoy the pool. For us, it is the perfect way to end our Orlando vacation. Since we added a 4-5 day stay at Universal to our Orlando trips, we have not come home from vacation exhausted and in need of another vacation to rest. On the other hand, our time at Disney is more rushing from this to that. We love Disney and eat at numerous character meals. We feel as though we are transported back to being kids again. The rides are cute and fun. We enjoy them for the theme. There are only a few thrill rides and compared to many of the coasters we have ridden, they are VERY tame. When we want a thrill and to ride the coasters, we know that a trip to Universal or Cedar Point or Six Flags is in order. What I am trying to say is that people would probably enjoy themselves more if they would stop comparing the 2 parks and just enjoy them for what they are. There is nothing wrong with liking both parks.

 

[RadioFanatic]

What I am trying to say is that people would probably enjoy themselves more if they would stop comparing the 2 parks and just enjoy them for what they are. There is nothing wrong with liking both parks.

SUCH BLASPHEMY! You can't possibly like both parks!!!! I totally agree Pooh Fan. I love both parks for different reasons. Have I been to WDW more? Yes. Usually I add US and IOA on as a day or two to the WDW trip. In January, however, it was just US and I have to say, very enjoyable and relaxing. And for our trip in October, we're going to HHN during our week long trip at WDW. And yes, I love both parks. So sue me.

 

[NewJersey]

THIS THREAD ISN'T A COMPETITION, TIM.

My God, calm down. I was saying I enjoy both parks, but I enjoy going to Disney as a vacation and doing IOA and US for a day trip. I think IOA is a fantastic park and US is always a good time. Instead of jumping down my throat, maybe you should allow people to give their opinion, especially when they don't drink the Disney kool aid like some on here do. As for my "disney wins" it means, to me they win all that money I pump into my vacation.