please talk me in to Universal.....

[Running_Bell]

... for my DS (17). We are headed to Disney again in Oct... and we promised out 17 year old son that we would go to Universal Island of Adventures for one day... he loves rollercoasters. I am trying to get excited with him... but I'm not yet. In fact, I'm almost dreading it. I love the Disney magic... and I know this will be different. It'll be my DH and DD (9... and hates rollercoasters) also.

Would someone give me some good positive feedback??

Thanks.

 

[MIB999999]

Go to see, enjoy and experience, and you should have a great time. If you are going to compare it to WD then just drop off your son and you go back to the Mouse.

It is different and every bit as enjoyable as WD. I believe Universal has more of what young to old teen's like. WD is more for the younger set and holds a place in the hearts of those that grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney on TV.

 

[Purseval]

US has a passenger dropoff. If you don't like it why not just drop off the ones that do? The you can go hug Mickey to your heart's content while the 17-year old rocks out. Since it's October you might also want to give him the option of staying for Halloween Horror Nights, he will love it. Then take the money you would have wasted on yourself and DD and go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Botique, play dressup instead.

You sound like someone who is afraid to find out that they've wasted so much money for so long on the Disney "Magic" Why else would you dread it?

 

[xipetotec]

... for my DS (17). We are headed to Disney again in Oct... and we promised out 17 year old son that we would go to Universal Island of Adventures for one day... he loves rollercoasters. I am trying to get excited with him... but I'm not yet. In fact, I'm almost dreading it. I love the Disney magic... and I know this will be different. It'll be my DH and DD (9... and hates rollercoasters) also.

Would someone give me some good positive feedback??

Thanks.

Well I can tell you that I *love* Disney. I love Disney magic, I love Disney service. And I do NOT like Roller Coasters much. That being said, I had a really great time at IOA. There are some really great attractions that are really worth seeing. ( Check out Spider-man!!!! ), it's really got this reputation as a "six-flags, all thrill rides" park, but it's really not! Sure it's got more than your average Disney Park, but there are lots of other things to see too. The Jurassic Park area alone is loads of fun! Not to mention Seuss Landing ( even the adults who've lived through Dr. Seuss liked this area ) and kids of all ages like the Marvel area.

GO! Have Fun!!!

 

[Running_Bell]

Don't get me wrong... I love rollercoasters and we ride them a lot together when we go to other amusement parks in our town. Carolwinds is less than two hours a way and we try to go a few times a year... just me and him. My son and I are very close and enjoy many fun things... the whole family rides/races sportbikes together (exept for my DD who is 9).. so it's not like we're sitting around scattering twinkling dust and painting our toenails....

We've never been to Universal.... maybe that is what is making me cautious.... geez Persaval.. take a pill.

 

[damo]

Don't get me wrong... I love rollercoasters and we ride them a lot together when we go to other amusement parks in our town. Carolwinds is less than two hours a way and we try to go a few times a year... just me and him. My son and I are very close and enjoy many fun things... the whole family rides/races sportbikes together (exept for my DD who is 9).. so it's not like we're sitting around scattering twinkling dust and painting our toenails....

We've never been to Universal.... maybe that is what is making me cautious.... geez Persaval.. take a pill.

You wouldn't believe the number of posts we get on this thread exactly like yours. So many moms not wanting to do Universal when their families are begging.

Don't be afraid. I am sure that after this vacation they will let you do one day of Disney in your week long Universal vacation. Most families who report back absolutely love it.

Take a look at the website. http://beta.universalorlando.com/home/home.aspx#
There are videos and pictures of each ride. I'm sure you'll find something you will like.

 

[Purseval]

Well I can tell you that I *love* Disney. I love Disney magic, I love Disney service. And I do NOT like Roller Coasters much. That being said, I had a really great time at IOA. There are some really great attractions that are really worth seeing. ( Check out Spider-man!!!! ), it's really got this reputation as a "six-flags, all thrill rides" park, but it's really not!

Not picking on you personally, just pointing out that this is a perfect example of regular Disney visitors who think they are going slumming when they pop over to Universal studios. This is why regular USF posters started adding the "redhead" to their handles.

 

[Darcy03231]

I love WDW! Having said that I also love US/IOA! If you go into it with an open mind I think you'll have a great time. I think the theming in both IOA and US is great. I'm not a coaster person at all. In fact, I'm a certified ride chicken. Having said that the only things I won't ride are:

IOA: Hulk, Dueling Dragons and Dr. Doom.
US: New rollercoaster - Rip, Ride Rockit.

I do have to close my eyes on the "down" part of Spiderman, but I think its one of the best rides in Orlando, hands down. Also, I did ride the Simpsons once and won't do that again. I have some inner ear issues which made this a really unenjoyable ride for me.

On our last trip during Spring Break this year we only ended up spending one day at WDW (I have older teens) and spent the rest of the week at US/IOA. We had a great time and I don't feel like I was "cheated" out of a WDW vacation. I think its fun to try new things. That said I'll be back at WDW the first week of December.

 

[Planogirl]

DS talked me into it too and I loved it. I never dreaded going to this extent though.

I can only advise you to be adventurous and expand your horizons a little. Why does it matter if it's different because why should everything be the same?

 

[damo]

DS talked me into it too and I loved it. I never dreaded going to this extent though.

I can only advise you to be adventurous and expand your horizons a little. Why does it matter if it's different because why should everything be the same?

People need to embrace the differences! Not everything looks good with Mickey ears!

I think we really short change our sons by keeping them at Disney. There is so much to offer for them at Universal.

 

[Gina35]

Purseval~Chill...seriously.
Running Bell~ Definitely GO to US/IoA. Like the PP, I, too, am crazy about WDW. When we first went to Universal (years ago), I was so-so about going.
Not that I didn't want to go, but I wasn't totally anxious to go either. It was mainly my kids who were looking forward to going. Now I truly love Universal as well... It's a totally different kind of experience. It's not Disney, and it will never take the place of Disney for me. That being said, there is SO much excitement in Universal! The roller coasters are great, and so is Spiderman. Each of the themed areas offers something unique. I think the water rides are the best I've EVER been on....each one of them is fantastic! Do yourself a favor and try it out; I really think you'll enjoy it.

 

[macraven]

Not picking on you personally, just pointing out that this is a perfect example of regular Disney visitors who think they are going slumming when they pop over to Universal studios. This is why regular USF posters started adding the "redhead" to their handles.

one of the red headed step child of the dis checking in.......


most newbies don't realize there are more than just rides at Universal.
if you could spend a couple of days at the parks, you would notice all the details that have been put into the parks.

i totally understand what Purseval is saying.

peeps make a thread about going to universal for the first time.
when they add that they don't really want to go (and dreading it) but are doing so because of a family member's request, makes it difficult for posters to respond.

i don't like to tell anyone to go to a park that they have already decided is not their cup of tea.

what you like and what i like can be two different things.

change and exploring new things can be difficult for some families.
i totally understand that.

some families have a strict budget and don't feel they can comfortably afford park tickets, transportation and food costs for a new park.

if you had asked what rides are available that the entire family can do together, i could post a list for you.

like damo posted, check out the website so you can see what there is in the parks. check out both parks in case you want to buy the 2 park 1 day pass.

for me, it would be difficult to chose one park.
the studios have so many family rides and shows to entertain the guests.

you miss the big picture when you only go to one of the parks at Universal.


i do the motherland and the darkside each year on the same trip to orlando.
i can't imagine taking this vacation and not staying at both park's resorts.
they each have something to offer me that i enjoy.


if you do go and only take in IOA, spend sometime at the Mystic Fountain.
it can be a hoot!!

 

[Gina35]

Love what macraven had to say. When they 1st opened IoA, we bought the 2-day, 2-park tickets; but we ended up going to both parks in one day. It was a LONG (marathon) day, mind you....but we didn't want to stop at just one park. We ended up saving the 2nd day for the next trip. We've done that for several years now. For one of our next trips, we'd like to spend a few days at the Universal resort so that we can experience the whole package, just as we do at Disney. I would suggest going to both parks if you could swing it.

 

[D. Crockett]

In fact, I'm almost dreading it. I love the Disney magic.

Universal parks have their own magic. I'm guessing you'll be pleasantly surprised and have a really good time. We went solely to Disney for years before ever trying a Universal park. I ended up regretting the fact we waited so long, and wished we had visited "the other side" a lot sooner.

 

[macraven]

Universal parks have their own magic. I'm guessing you'll be pleasantly surprised and have a really good time. We went solely to Disney for years before ever trying a Universal park. I ended up regretting the fact we waited so long, and wished we had visited "the other side" a lot sooner.

we have homie talk here and made new words up.


Disney: Motherland
Universal: the Darkside.

 

[shinjirod]

Listen, i'm gonna be a cast member soon in WDW. And the first thing i doing is buying an annual pass for Universal Studios. I'd buy one first for Disney, but guess what, entrance will be free lol.

With that said, if you're already putting yourself down for visiting Universal, only two things can happen: that it will be a completely horrid experience, or that you will love it because your expectations are too low, anything will surpass them.

Honestly, i believe it's a dumb thing to do. (I'm not calling you dumb, BTW, we all make dumb mistakes every once in a while. I've done two today).

But here's the deal. Disney is pure magic, it's all wonderful, amazing and well, all the adjetives you all know.

But that doesn't mean no other place can have it.

Universal, specially since the opening of Islands of Adventure, has improved a lot in terms of theming and entertainment. Their attractions are top notch (and not just the rollercoasters).

You sya you have a nine year old. Well, Seuss' Landing is a BEAUTIFUL place for the young ones to have fun. I'm 26, and never miss the chance to spend some time with the Grinch. He's awesome. Cat in the Hat is a lot of fun, as are the other games.

Popeye's a lot of fun too. You will get soaked, and get a tummy ache from laughing so hard.

Spiderman is a great attraction (and very expensive, Universal doesn't do cheap anymore). Disney doesn't have anything like it. And that's great!!!

There's many things to do, see and enjoy in Universal. There's a reason why it's becoming so popular, and it's only second to WDW in the world. Go there with an open mind. Trust me, the mouse won't mind you visiting the park across the road.

 

[macraven]

you will find that many cm's that work at the motherland, work also part time at the darkside.

same for TM's working as CM's....


the motherland may have magic but the darkside has mummy dust....


many enjoy both parks.
i have been doing the motherland since 1974 and the darkside since 1992.

what can i say...
i was a late bloomer for the darkside.


congrats on your new job!
i hear the perks for being a CM are good.
free park admission, discounted rooms for the resorts and employee discounts on food.

 

[shinjirod]

you will find that many cm's that work at the motherland, work also part time at the darkside.

same for TM's working as CM's....


the motherland may have magic but the darkside has mummy dust....


many enjoy both parks.
i have been doing the motherland since 1974 and the darkside since 1992.

what can i say...
i was a late bloomer for the darkside.


congrats on your new job!
i hear the perks for being a CM are good.
free park admission, discounted rooms for the resorts and employee discounts on food.

Thanks!!! And on merchandise as well, and a few other goodies

 

[Metro West]

... for my DS (17). We are headed to Disney again in Oct... and we promised out 17 year old son that we would go to Universal Island of Adventures for one day... he loves rollercoasters. I am trying to get excited with him... but I'm not yet. In fact, I'm almost dreading it. I love the Disney magic... and I know this will be different. It'll be my DH and DD (9... and hates rollercoasters) also.

Would someone give me some good positive feedback??

Thanks.

Hello and welcome! Another redheaded stepchild here.

I think you would really enjoy IOA and yes it's a different vibe than Disney but just as good. Your daughter won't have to worry about the coasters if she doesn't want to ride them. She will fall in love with Seuss Landing and the attractions there. Heck...I like most of them too especially Cat in The Hat and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. You will find the themeing at IOA is on par with Disney and lots of folks think it's superior...I'll leave that to you.

Some of the attractions your daughter might like are: Spiderman, Seuss Landing attractions, Jurassic Park Discovery Center and if she likes water rides, IOA has the best in Orlando. Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure are all outstanding and loads of fun. She would also enjoy Me Ship, The Olive which is an interactive play area where she can shoot the riders on Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges and explore the ship that has three levels of play areas. Also...Camp Jurassic is a great play area. It has rope bridges, paths, caves and more. That's just a sample.

We can't give away all the secrets for you. Somethings you will have to discover yourself.

I'm sure you would have a great time exploring the Darkside for a day. Who knows...you might want to come back and stay onsite on your next vacation.

I hope that helped a little.

 

[Planogirl]

It's hard not to get frustrated sometimes. People so often decide that Universal is all wrong sight unseen and I don't get that. I was reluctant to leave Disney, I admit it but not really because I thought that Universal was terrible. I was just all about Disney for a while and it took a bit for me to rip off the rainbow colored glasses. I did go into Universal with eyes wide open at least.

I hope that people who do try it go in NOT looking for Disney. Universal will never be Disney and I personally wouldn't want it to be. It's just right the way it is in my opinion. And it is SO not just roller coasters!

OK, off my soapbox. To each their own and I personally hope that everyone finds what they're looking for.