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

[babieemelly]

This thread is getting so stupid Universal, Disney, Six Flags, Hershey Park... they're all theme parks there for you to have FUN! So go have fun! Yes, Disney is about "magic", Universal is about theming, Hershey Park is about candy, and Six Flags is about thrills. Great, there's something for everyone, and a lot of different types of parks to enjoy. Comparing EVERYTHING to Disney is just weird, and sad. It's just a theme park. It's OK to like other ones, too. And if you don't, then that's fine, too. But to say, "Oh, Walt would hunt me down if I ever went to a different theme park!" is just so STUPID. These parks are here for your enjoyment, so take advantage of them without trying to ruin your own time by comparing them all. It makes no sense.

 

[rejobako]

SUCH BLASPHEMY! Usually I add US and IOA on as a day or two to the WDW trip.

That's the market segment I think Universal is trying to appeal to with these commercials. Note -- they don't say "Come to Universal because it's better than Disney". Essentially, they're paying Disney a huge compliment by referring to them in these ads. To me, they're saying -- "Hey, while you're down here doing the cozy white-bread Disney thing, if you have an extra day to try an edgier, hipper theme park experience, we're right down the road." They accomplished that with a funny, irreverent ad that everyone remembers. People who would respond to the ad by not going to Universal out of spite because they "insulted" Disney aren't the type of people who'd go to Universal in the first place. Either that or they'd show up and complain about it, and who wants them around?

I agree with the tone of the most recent posts: I don't know that I've ever been to a theme park and had a terrible time. If I had to compare all other amusement/theme park experiences to Disney, I might not be so charitable. So why make the comparison in the first place. You've set yourself up to be disappointed.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

This thread is getting so stupid Universal, Disney, Six Flags, Hershey Park... they're all theme parks there for you to have FUN! So go have fun! Yes, Disney is about "magic", Universal is about theming, Hershey Park is about candy, and Six Flags is about thrills. Great, there's something for everyone, and a lot of different types of parks to enjoy. Comparing EVERYTHING to Disney is just weird, and sad. It's just a theme park. It's OK to like other ones, too. And if you don't, then that's fine, too. But to say, "Oh, Walt would hunt me down if I ever went to a different theme park!" is just so STUPID. These parks are here for your enjoyment, so take advantage of them without trying to ruin your own time by comparing them all. It makes no sense.

You are so right! To me, this is like a couple of kids fighting over what's better, the slide or the sandbox! They are both fun in different ways, and most people can enjoy both. Even if you highly prefer the sandbox, you don't have talk to bad about the slide. (Did I really just say that? )

Everyone is different and everyone likes different things... so what? The world would be an awfully boring place if we were all the same.

(Although I do tend to stick up for the underdog, so I apologize if any of my comments seem to be adding to the "debate" )

 

[nickhutson]

Exactly. They're both awesome; they're both world leaders in the industry, and every one who goes to Orlando will (and should) visit them both!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I guess I'm just missing the "magic" somewhere. Maybe, it's because we've been to WDW so many times. I will agree that the Christmas season at WDW is magically. I'm a sap for Christmas anyway, & think the entire season is that way. I love WDW. Epcot is my favorite all time park. I just don't see all the pixie dust flying around that many allude to.

I'm one of those rare people who prefers the CM's/ TM's do their jobs with a smile, & that's enough. Personally, I wish WDW would abandon the attempts at "creating the magic". I think everyone pays to visit there, & everyone should get the same experience. Singling out a few for a special experience makes it seem everyone isn't special. It's great for those few kids, but what about the 1000's who are left out? For every person that gets treated to the "once in a lifetime" experience, there's 1000's of kids upset that they weren't chosen. How is that a good thing? That's not what I consider magic. IMHO, those special experiences should be reserved for people in special situations such as on a "make a wish" trip. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I prefer UO's way of having the TM's treat everyone the same. My family will create our own magic wherever we go.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

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.

With regards to the first two comments, glad to see someone else has noticed too.

And with reference to the last comment, you're flogging a dead horse there, mate.

Feel free at any time to smash your face into the keyboard in the utter bewilderence of it all. After three, one, two, three............

bjhsbsjh3757356375gfijsbfjsbslekesighlegs;[],.;ki';glfjdhbdkdnjdnj

That's better, isn't it?

 

[yellowfish78]

Boy this was fun reading!

but back to my post...

Exactly. They're both awesome; they're both world leaders in the industry, and every one who goes to Orlando will (and should) visit them both!

Ditto! I was gonna say the same thing!
I love Disney and I love Universal. Both resorts appeal to me but in different ways. Both have employees that have their good days and bad days. Both offer rides for any age group that can be working or not. Anywhere you go nowadays there's a line (for fast food, for the grocery store, to buy stamps, to clock in at work...) And any theme park you go to today we can complain about; parking to high, hot dogs are too expensive, bathrooms need cleaned, lines are too long...

So......How bout them White Sox?!?

 

[rubberband1293]

As silly as this "debate" has become, it is still much more entertaining, and more insightful than the repeat threads like: "Is it hot in August in Florida?" (it's summer, and Florida is in the south - if the heat doesn't get you the humidity will) or "is it crowded during the week of July 4th (it's a very poplular theme park - it's pretty crowded during the summer months when many people vacation - imagine that?), or "will I be scared on the Mummy? (depends - enough said), or "I'm planning a trip in August of 2010, can anyone give me planning tips?" (Sorry to say, but not too long ago I actually posted a thread asking for suggestions for a one-day trip to Disney Land because I've never been and I was going to be in Anaheim, CA for a conference - yes it's a newbie thing to do and yes, it is basically a silly question when everyone knows that this ENTIRE FORUM IS A TRIP PLANNING GUIDE!) Funny thing is, I'll be going to USO for the FIRST time ever in less than two weeks and my family and I will be there for a week. We are going to Sea World one day and the rest of the time, we're in the US parks, by the pool or for the first time ever, getting some actual rest and relaxation on our vacation. We have been to Disney World several times and we loved it. We are not expecting USO to be like DW - but we are expecting to thoroughly enjoy ourselves and yes, we already know that USO is not DW. If we wanted the DW experience again, we'd have booked a vacation there for the third consecutive year.

 

[Luv2Roam]

USO has to market themselves different from Disney because they are different.
We own PAPs to USO and WDW. We visit WDW every weekend or sometime during the week.
USO -- maybe a dozen times a year. Although DH is a HRC pin collector. So he goes there quite often.
The preferred parking at USO is a joke. (Nothing like US Hollywood.)
USO goes for the more edgier, partier crowd. And it really shows at night.
And smoking (and drinking alcohol) everywhere at any time seems mandatory.
To each his own. USo has great attractions. But they just can't compete with WDW. So they have to try for a different market. Whether that works or not, I can't say I am convinced. Their declining attendance is in the news often.

 

[djm99]

I the CM's/ TM's do their jobs with a smile, & that's enough. Personally, I wish WDW would abandon the attempts at "creating the magic". Singling out a few for a special experience makes it seem everyone isn't special. It's great for those few kids, but what about the 1000's who are left out? For every person that gets treated to the "once in a lifetime" experience, there's 1000's of kids upset that they weren't chosen. How is that a good thing? That's not what I consider magic. IMHO, those special experiences should be reserved for people in special situations such as on a "make a wish" trip. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I prefer UO's way of having the TM's treat everyone the same. My family will create our own magic wherever we go.

You know - I thought I was the only one being a little selfish when I read that too. You wouldn't imagine how ticked off I'd be if I was in line at a disney resort and the guest next to me was just granted a wish - or "magic" is being poured all around me and keep missing me and my DD. How "magical" is that!!!! I need a hug!

 

[sha_lyn]

And smoking (and drinking alcohol) everywhere at any time seems mandatory.

Actually inside the parks there are smoking areas just like in WDW.
Asfor drinking,all you have to do is read the drink around WS threadsto know that it seems drinking is mandatory in Epcot.

 

[MartDM]

11. "I'm sorry you choose to stereotype people like that - it's sad & detrimental to our society" Are you serious??

I'm as serious as a heart attack!

But I can assure you, I am NOT racist in any way shape or form

I think your words are evidence to the contrary as is your lengthy justification of your stereotyping of the persons you saw at the park!

=======
On other topics here...

I agree with those who see the absolute ridiculousness of people who choose a favorite destination (be it Universal Orlando, WDW, or other) and defend it as though it was their very lifeblood! There are lots of great parks that offer a lot of great things for a lot of various personalities and moods and *most* people can appreciate the unique things each and every one has to offer for our amusement.

I really don't get people who so vehemently refuse to accept the value of any vacation destination other than WDW. If that's the only experience you choose to have, more power to you, but I feel bad that you'll miss out on an awful lot of other great things in the world - other theme parks & more - but live & let live for cripes sake!

Oh, and that Universal commercial is hysterical! It's smart, witty, and gets right to the point of the advantage Universal Orlando has over WDW - less cutesy stuff and more thrills. I'm a fan of WDW but we also really enjoy Universal as a great alternative to the schmaltzy overload you get after 3 or 4 days at WDW. Anyone without a zombie like devotion to WDW can appreciate the humor of that commercial!!

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

I agree with those who see the absolute ridiculousness of people who choose a favorite destination (be it Universal Orlando, WDW, or other) and defend it as though it was their very lifeblood! There are lots of great parks that offer a lot of great things for a lot of various personalities and moods and *most* people can appreciate the unique things each and every one has to offer for our amusement.

I agree with this, but if you have ever raise the point of how stupid it is to fight about a theme park, you tend to find that the 3000+ posts crowd go all quiet. I wonder as to wether these posters are on the payroll at either WDW/US because their "fight to the death" stance is beyond reason.

 

[kimberh]

I have Skimmed this ENTIRE thread!!! We have just returned from our first 5 day trip with our family at US/IOA. We stayed at RPH with the APH. I did my homework!!! I have spent days on this board, reading what to do, where to stay, where to eat, how to get the MOST out of the trip. I mean lets face it, if it was Disney, I pretty much know it like the back of my hand but Universal? I needed help. We have a 3 yr old and a 7 yr old and we knew all the height requirements. WE had a blast!!!! I Had prearranged our dining (just like Disney).We had a Shrek meal, and they LOVED it and a wonderful meal at Mama Della's. The musician's went around the restaurant singing Italian livesongs, when they came to our table, my grandson said,"can you sing the song to Lady and the Tramp?" They did ,and it as beautiful. The one even howled!!! My two grandchildren were amazed and never took their eyes off of them.

We rode everything there was in those parks to ride and we took all day,everyday to do it. We really took advantage of Seuss landing and ET's adventure, of course there is Barney and Spongebob.

We all took our turns on the rollercoasters. We love Disney but for $20.00 a day this was a DEAL!!! My daughter just kept saying that. The room was a 4 1/2 stars and I paid $129.00 plus tax. Where am I going to stay on Disney for that, in that quality? I stay in the Deluxes, there aren't any!!! If the OP had a bad few hrs she turned right where she should have turned left! Oh ,and those fast passes that we all get at Disney, How much does that ticket cost per day? Just something to think about.
I think one reason we feel the Magic at Disney is we watched all those movies as a child and it takes us back to a earlier time in our life to when we were young and didn't have all this responsibility. US/IOA is about the comic books/super heros. A different age for us . Just a thought...

We are going to Disney as a Family in Oct.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Oh, and that Universal commercial is hysterical! It's smart, witty, and gets right to the point of the advantage Universal Orlando has over WDW - less cutesy stuff and more thrills. I'm a fan of WDW but we also really enjoy Universal as a great alternative to the schmaltzy overload you get after 3 or 4 days at WDW. Anyone without a zombie like devotion to WDW can appreciate the humor of that commercial!!

Sorry, but I don't qualify as one who has a zombie like devotion to WDW. Although, I do like WDW, but we go to UO much more often for the past few years. We'll be staying at HRH for 5 nights next month, & I can't wait. We also like cruises & other vacations. I have a zombie like devotion to vacation in general.

Anyway, as I've mentioned, I don't like those commercials either. It has nothing to do with the underlying humor. I think Shrek is hilarious. It's the bratty acting kids that I don't like. I've seen kids act that way & there's nothing cute or funny about it. I personally think it was poor choice in wording & attitude. If my DS tells me something makes him want to hurl, he'll be sitting home until he feels better. Explanation over. Back to your regularly scheduled program. How about the commercial with the mom getting close to her kids on JP? That's a good commercial!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I agree with this, but if you have ever raise the point of how stupid it is to fight about a theme park, you tend to find that the 3000+ posts crowd go all quiet. I wonder as to wether these posters are on the payroll at either WDW/US because their "fight to the death" stance is beyond reason.

Most people on here agree with you on that. We just don't feel the need to say so in every thread.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Most people on here agree with you on that. We just don't feel the need to say so in every thread.

Well if most of the people agree with it, why do the same threads appear constantly, with the same names posting?

Edit

They have their panties in a wad again

Poll on MK or IOA on Disney Boards

Click here if your tired of US bashing

My trip to Universal

Is it my imagination

196 posts on someone who (unreasonably) criticised US


Not ones to bang on about it though.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Well if most of the people agree with it, why do the same threads appear constantly, with the same names posting?

Edit

They have their panties in a wad again

Poll on MK or IOA on Disney Boards

Click here if your tired of US bashing

My trip to Universal

Is it my imagination

196 posts on someone who (unreasonably) criticised US


Not ones to bang on about it though.

I didn't post any of them, & I can't answer for those who did. It appears to me that some were posted to lighten the mood on this board. We all need a laugh occasionally. I personally didn't see anything wrong with the "poll" thread. If it was attempt to stuff the ballot box, then maybe. It wasn't. It was simply an attempt to give someone looking for info. a better chance of getting a fair poll. The poll was posted on a board which will skew the outcome rendering it useless. Some of the posts were nothing more than observations, like the fact that there's more people posting here recently. That's a good thing. None of those posts bother me. If they do, I'm not forced to read them. However, it does get on my nerves when every thread I click on to read says the same thing over & over. It gets really old really fast!

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

However, it does get on my nerves when every thread I click on to read says the same thing over & over. It gets really old really fast!

You're right. It does. Now you can see what I can see. Rather boring when the same drivel gets posted, isn't it?

 

[phamton]

Well if most of the people agree with it, why do the same threads appear constantly, with the same names posting?

Edit

They have their panties in a wad again

Poll on MK or IOA on Disney Boards

Click here if your tired of US bashing

My trip to Universal

Is it my imagination

196 posts on someone who (unreasonably) criticised US


Not ones to bang on about it though.

Because this is a small board with few regular posters. The people who post here daily, respond to most of the posts. There are some regular posters on the DVC, Restaurant boards, Cruise boards, and Disney resort boards that respond to most posts also. Others just stop in from time to time on those boards and don't post on many threads. It is the same on this board.


Personally, my family moved to Orlando when I retired to be near Disney. We promptly purchased APs for Disney but didn't purchase APs to Universal for several months. When the 2 year Burger King special came out we decided to purchase APs. We seldom used them and instead went to Disney every weekend. We decided to get some of our moneys worth on our Universal APs and decided to go after having the APs for over a month. Once there we fell in love with the parks. We had visited US/IoA before while on vacation and weren't that impressed so purchasing APs wasn't something on our list. After going with our new APs I began to compare the parks with Disney. But this time I saw that Universal parks were getting cleaner while Disney was starting to not sparkle as before. The team members at Universal started recognizing us after only a few weekends of going and welcoming us back. While that never happened in our months of going to Disney. Everything was clean and the TMs were friendly. Our AP discount gave us more discounts than the WDW AP. We soon became Universal converts. We still visit WDW several times a month but go to Universal/IoA more often.