Our Universal days. Pros and Cons.

[poeticdiabetic]

OP, I've noticed that too. At around 5 or 6 PM, you can ride the rides you want to ride with virtually no wait! The reason why is because people head for the exits.

As far as WDW is concerned, we haven't been in over 2 years, but we're going back this Sept. (Went to US/IOA for 5 days and another for 2 days in 2009, 2010 was a Disney cruise, and went to US/IOA a couple weeks back for a couple of days.) I'm excited about going because it's been a long time. I like both parks for different reasons.

For instance, I like US/IOA's rides better than Disney. I like US/IOA's ticket prices better than Disney. I like the more "grown-up stuff" at US/IOA. I can say more, but I like US/IOA.

But I like Disney's MYW with Dining Option. I like those nostalgic rides. I like Star Wars. I like the 4 parks and 2 water parks. And I like the Princesses. I can say more, but I like WDW, too.

In my mind and my experiences, you can get Disney'd out. I was Disney'd out in 2009. That's what made me investigate US/IOA. But right now, we're going to US/IOA next year after a cruise we have planned (Got one more day of our 3-day Costco pass.) After that, we're taking a break from US/IOA too.

(As a matter of fact, after next year we're taking a break from all theme parks and will be going on more cruises and resort-hopping. Kids are getting older and I want them to see the world before they leave our home.)

 

[Mickey Fliers]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. I really wasn't trying to do a Disney comparison, although I understand that is inevitable. I was just trying to give our thoughts.

I absolutely had a good time at Universal and I am glad we went. As far as feeling nickel and dimed, I understand the point that you only pay for what you use, but there is something pshyscological about paying one price and expecting the gym to be included. We paid $230ish/night with a military rate and we would have paid the same for BC and that would have included the gym and parking. Same goes for automatic gratuity. I expect it when we are a large party but not when I order 2 drinks at the bar. And we certainly weren't going to walk to Citywalk for a cocktail while sitting poolside. Again, these are just observations on things things that made a difference to me. YMMV.

Our tickets were cheaper for Disney, but again that is because we can buy military passes so that is a wash. I do, however, think there is no excuse for not completing the Hogwarts facade.

We had a good time at Universal and RPR, but just like Disney, there are things they could do better. JMO.

 

[IdesOmarch]

I do understand how someone can feel nickel and dimed. But to me that's just part of going anywhere similar really. First time staying at PBR I remember getting all kinds of extra things on the bill, big charges for local calls, bottle of water like $8 or whatever, but I wasn't offended or shocked, just chaulk it up to it is what it is kind of thing. I do admit, I don't touch anything in the rooms anymore. But to me its all worth it, its a great place, and there really is nothing in the world like it.

 

[LizEN]

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We are Loews First rewards members. We always stay at Loews properties, when we travel so get free gym access and free internet,etc. The $15 self-parking fee is actually cheap for a Loews. We pay $22 at one of the other Loews where we stay.

Hi Austin. I thought First Rewards members got free parking. How are you finding their rewards program?
TIA --Liz