Quick thoughts on recent Universal trip

[Jhondy210]

I was recently at Universal from Sept. 11-14. This was a quick trip that we made to see the Harry Potter stuff. I had never been to universal, and will admit that I love Disney, so this was all new to me. Here is a quick list of my pros and cons to universal:

Pro:
The Harry Potter areas are awesome and the theming is excellent!

The proximity of the parks and city walk to the hotels

Due to the time of the year, the lines were nonexistent

Rip, Ride Rockit or whatever that roller coaster is called is awesome!

Workers were friendly

Blue Man Group was entertaining

Con:
Due to nonexistent lines we were able to get through each park in a 1/2 day each.

Minus Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss, I didn't think the theming was all that great. It was like they started to do a really cool theme but then stopped right before it was awesome.

Bathrooms were dirty

Internet was spotty

Overall thoughts

I enjoyed my time at Universal but I didn't love my time. I actually had wished we would have stuck with our original plan of going to Disney. I think at Universal I didn't feel like I had left the world behind like I do at Disney. I'm sure we will probably be back but it will probably be only to spend a day. For us, and it may be because of the time of year we went, I thought the 3 days we spent at Universal was too long (We ended up at Disney one day).

 

[Monki]

Glad you had an awesome time! I too am a Universal newbie, we are going Sept 29-Oct 1. I am hoping I didn't waste my money on a Universal room for one night for early entry and express pass. Thanks for sharing!

 

[schumigirl]

What did they say when you reported the dirty bathrooms to someone?

We have already been here a week and have never seen a dirty bathroom and we are in the parks every day. I would report it to someone if I saw that so I hope you did.

I have to disagree with you on the theming.........it is outstanding around the parks.....we never get bored at Universal there's always something to do and see and we really take the time to do that every trip.

 

[peel]

Con:
Due to nonexistent lines we were able to get through each park in a 1/2 day each.

I think most people would call this a big fat PRO! I like to do my favorite rides multiple times, and less time in lines means more time for attractions. I guess if you like to do everything once and move on it would be disappointing to run out of things to do in a 1/2 day.

 

[Jhondy210]

I think most people would call this a big fat PRO! I like to do my favorite rides multiple times, and less time in lines means more time for attractions. I guess if you like to do everything once and move on it would be disappointing to run out of things to do in a 1/2 day.

It was a con for me because I generally don't like repeating rides too many times. I did ride the rip ride rock it several times and the mummy a couple of times. However, for the first two days it was a huge pro. Had we only been there for two days it would have been on the pro category but we were there for 4. We took naps in the afternoon, which was relaxing but I felt like I was wasting my vacation.

 

[Jhondy210]

What did they say when you reported the dirty bathrooms to someone?

We have already been here a week and have never seen a dirty bathroom and we are in the parks every day. I would report it to someone if I saw that so I hope you did.

I have to disagree with you on the theming.........it is outstanding around the parks.....we never get bored at Universal there's always something to do and see and we really take the time to do that every trip.

I did not report it. I didn't like the bathrooms were dirty but it didn't affect my vacation for more than the moment that I was in the bathrooms. It was just something that I noticed.

I thought the Harry Potter theming was excellent and I like the Dr. Seuss theming. I think it is just a matter of opinion. I think it is much higher caliber than say six flags but I prefer disney theming. I like that when I'm in one area the music blends in with the theming and I don't see the other areas when I'm in the theme. I thought with universal theming was good but at other parts it was like they just threw in rides. For example, Simpsons was neat but in the back corner is the MIB ride. I think Island of Adventure had better theming then Universal but I think Diagon Ally is better than Hogsmead.

I do think Universal has the potential to eventually be better than Disney and have better theming…I just don't think they are there yet.

 

[pixeegrl]

We took naps in the afternoon, which was relaxing but I felt like I was wasting my vacation.

This made me giggle it's a vacation...you're supposed to relax and enjoy leisure time! I get it though, especially if you're used to "go, go, go" at Disney. Glad to hear you had fun. We love to reride. Especially MIB. Our family gets pretty competitive with one another on that ride

 

[dedex13]

I am hoping I didn't waste my money on a Universal room for one night for early entry and express pass. Thanks for sharing!

The other benefit to the express pass is the walk to the ride is usually shorter. Plus on Spiderman we almost always got to sit in the front since they would load the Express Pass line (which was only us) first.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm surprised to hear you didn't feel like you had left the world behind while staying onsite at Universal. I find the "bubble" to be amazing at UOR while onsite. You hardly even see a road the entire time unlike WDW where everything is so spread out.

I thought the bathrooms at the Universal parks were really clean on our trip in August. The ones at the WDW during the same week...not-so-much. Nothing horrifying, but certainly not sparkling.

You know, I think some Disney fans just aren't ever going to like Universal and that's totally ok. I would just cross it off your list!

Glad you had some fun

 

[johde]

I thought the Harry Potter theming was excellent and I like the Dr. Seuss theming. I think it is just a matter of opinion. I think it is much higher caliber than say six flags but I prefer disney theming. I like that when I'm in one area the music blends in with the theming and I don't see the other areas when I'm in the theme. I thought with universal theming was good but at other parts it was like they just threw in rides. For example, Simpsons was neat but in the back corner is the MIB ride. I think Island of Adventure had better theming then Universal but I think Diagon Ally is better than Hogsmead.

I do think Universal has the potential to eventually be better than Disney and have better theming…I just don't think they are there yet.

I haven't seen Diagon Alley in person so most of these comments aren't fully incorporating that. In a lot of ways, I think Universal Studios Florida is every bit as well themed as it's closest Disney counterpart: Disney Hollywood Studios. That being said, they both suffer from the same problem. Both were opened as Theme Parks/Working Movie Studio. But neither park as seen any major production in years (although some of Universal sound stages are still used for TNA Wrestling and I think some Sports programing but I'm not sure). Once the "working studio" idea went by the wayside much of the theming doesn't make sense any more. Both parks have "tight" theming around some of their attractions. You mentioned MIB at Universal. The area around Star Tours, Indiana Jones, Sounds Dangerous and Backlot Express is nearly as big of a hodgepodge. But given the original theming it somewhat makes sense because you "only build enough to get the shot".

In recent years, both park have made changes that "ruin" that theming in peoples minds. For Universal, it's Rip Ride Rocket. You have more the most part an unthemed coaster jetting out through the buildings ruining the forced perspective that the area once had. At Disney Hollywood Studios, it's that awful hat. You take 1920's of Hollywood Blvd. and plop that thing right at the end.

 

[schumigirl]

Glad you had an awesome time! I too am a Universal newbie, we are going Sept 29-Oct 1. I am hoping I didn't waste my money on a Universal room for one night for early entry and express pass. Thanks for sharing!

Don't worry.........Universal is an amazing place and if you give it a proper chance and don't compare it to Disney you will have an amazing time. Especially as you have EP things will be just lovely for you.
There is so much to see and do......don't rush through everything, take some time to notice things like Port of Entry at IOA......it's just beautiful, and very well themed.
The hotels are lovely too.......I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there

I'm surprised to hear you didn't feel like you had left the world behind while staying onsite at Universal. I find the "bubble" to be amazing at UOR while onsite. You hardly even see a road the entire time unlike WDW where everything is so spread out.

I thought the bathrooms at the Universal parks were really clean on our trip in August. The ones at the WDW during the same week...not-so-much. Nothing horrifying, but certainly not sparkling.

You know, I think some Disney fans just aren't ever going to like Universal and that's totally ok. I would just cross it off your list!

Glad you had some fun

Couldn't agree more......we find Universal to be our little bubble and we couldn't be happier there........and yes, Disney "lovers" don't seem to get it......and yes that's ok too.

But if I see anywhere dirty I would report it to someone......if no-one mentions these things nothing will get done.

But I looked today specifically.........bathrooms are all clean and tidy......as they should be.

 

[Jhondy210]

I haven't seen Diagon Alley in person so most of these comments aren't fully incorporating that. In a lot of ways, I think Universal Studios Florida is every bit as well themed as it's closest Disney counterpart: Disney Hollywood Studios. That being said, they both suffer from the same problem. Both were opened as Theme Parks/Working Movie Studio. But neither park as seen any major production in years (although some of Universal sound stages are still used for TNA Wrestling and I think some Sports programing but I'm not sure). Once the "working studio" idea went by the wayside much of the theming doesn't make sense any more. Both parks have "tight" theming around some of their attractions. You mentioned MIB at Universal. The area around Star Tours, Indiana Jones, Sounds Dangerous and Backlot Express is nearly as big of a hodgepodge. But given the original theming it somewhat makes sense because you "only build enough to get the shot".

In recent years, both park have made changes that "ruin" that theming in peoples minds. For Universal, it's Rip Ride Rocket. You have more the most part an unthemed coaster jetting out through the buildings ruining the forced perspective that the area once had. At Disney Hollywood Studios, it's that awful hat. You take 1920's of Hollywood Blvd. and plop that thing right at the end.

I think you are right. I think you made me realize something. I was comparing universal to magic kingdom and that isn't right. It should be compared to hollywood studios, which I agree the theming is not great at hollywood studios. If I compare universal to hollywood studios, I would agree with you that universal has better theming.

 

[Jhondy210]

I'm surprised to hear you didn't feel like you had left the world behind while staying onsite at Universal. I find the "bubble" to be amazing at UOR while onsite. You hardly even see a road the entire time unlike WDW where everything is so spread out.

I thought the bathrooms at the Universal parks were really clean on our trip in August. The ones at the WDW during the same week...not-so-much. Nothing horrifying, but certainly not sparkling.

You know, I think some Disney fans just aren't ever going to like Universal and that's totally ok. I would just cross it off your list!

Glad you had some fun

I don't know if I can explain why I didn't feel I was in a bubble. I honestly agree with everything you are saying that Disney is more spread out and that you see the road all the time. I also agree that there have been times at Disney that the bathrooms have been dirty. There is just a safety bubble that I feel when I am in Disney that I drop my guard and relax a lot more than I did in Universal. It could just be because Disney I know and Universal I didn't. It may just be a comfort level.

I would also not say that I didn't enjoy universal…I just didn't enjoy 4 days at universal. Based on the time and season, if we had only gone 2 days, I think it would have been an outstanding time at Universal but the four days for me was too long. It is kinda like I love Disney but if I would be there for say 2 weeks it would be too long for me.

 

[Jhondy210]

This made me giggle it's a vacation...you're supposed to relax and enjoy leisure time! I get it though, especially if you're used to "go, go, go" at Disney. Glad to hear you had fun. We love to reride. Especially MIB. Our family gets pretty competitive with one another on that ride

I generally have a go, go, go personality while on vacation because I just want to see and do everything. I don't like taking naps because I always think there is something I could be experiencing. It is why my fiancé doesn't like going on vacation with me. He aways says he needs a vacation after the vacation cause I wake him up so early and keep him up too late.

 

[puakinikini]

We are doing Universal in March for 2 days before going to WDW for 7 days. I can't wait to see all the HP stuff. Super excited. We will have lines though - and wont have the express pass!

 

[soniam]

I'm wondering if we are going to get bored. We've never been. We're doing 3 days in mid-March. We will have EE and Express. The lines will probably be longer then, so that will kill some time. I guess you could spend a ton of time just looking and shopping in the HP parts. Plus, it wouldn't be the end of the world to have to go back to the hotel and swim for an afternoon

 

[ryansstitch]

I don't know if I can explain why I didn't feel I was in a bubble. I honestly agree with everything you are saying that Disney is more spread out and that you see the road all the time. I also agree that there have been times at Disney that the bathrooms have been dirty. There is just a safety bubble that I feel when I am in Disney that I drop my guard and relax a lot more than I did in Universal. It could just be because Disney I know and Universal I didn't. It may just be a comfort level. I would also not say that I didn't enjoy universal…I just didn't enjoy 4 days at universal. Based on the time and season, if we had only gone 2 days, I think it would have been an outstanding time at Universal but the four days for me was too long. It is kinda like I love Disney but if I would be there for say 2 weeks it would be too long for me.

I completely understand your experience! Sounds like me! UOR is fun, I enjoy the attractions, and they do more exciting attractions. Theming I think isn't great aside from hogsmead, though I haven't been to DA yet. I also always have a major customer service problem that winds up being blown off by the staff there every trip, so that certainly puts a damper on my family's experience. After giving it some thought, there is a major difference that keeps the magical experience at bay for me, I have no nostalgic attachment to the place. As an off shoot, it doesn't give me the immediate sense that I'm in "the happiest place on earth". It doesn't have a distinct personality, ie, walt disney or Mickey Mouse, for me to have an attachment to. That being said, they do tons of cool things, including concerts by more interesting artists than Disney ever books. I am excited to go back and see DA in a few months though, and I'm sure it's amazing!

 

[dedex13]

I'm wondering if we are going to get bored. We've never been. We're doing 3 days in mid-March. We will have EE and Express. The lines will probably be longer then, so that will kill some time. I guess you could spend a ton of time just looking and shopping in the HP parts. Plus, it wouldn't be the end of the world to have to go back to the hotel and swim for an afternoon

We were there last year for 7 days the beginning of November and really didn't want to leave. With the Express Pass and the hotel being so close we did find that we spent more time at the hotel, but it was so relaxing... not having to rush, rush, rush just to wait in line for an hour.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't know if I can explain why I didn't feel I was in a bubble. I honestly agree with everything you are saying that Disney is more spread out and that you see the road all the time. I also agree that there have been times at Disney that the bathrooms have been dirty. There is just a safety bubble that I feel when I am in Disney that I drop my guard and relax a lot more than I did in Universal. It could just be because Disney I know and Universal I didn't. It may just be a comfort level.

I would also not say that I didn't enjoy universal…I just didn't enjoy 4 days at universal. Based on the time and season, if we had only gone 2 days, I think it would have been an outstanding time at Universal but the four days for me was too long. It is kinda like I love Disney but if I would be there for say 2 weeks it would be too long for me.

Honestly, it sounds to me like you just didn't like it that much this trip. And that's fine! I think it's really about the parks. I think the Universal parks are very different from the Disney parks. They aren't better or worse IMO, but they are different. Someone who really loves the Universal parks will be able to spend four days there, or even a week, interspersed with pool time and eating and all that. Same for Disney. Some people might enjoy WDW for a couple of days but would not want to be there more than that and some people can spend two weeks there and be thrilled.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm wondering if we are going to get bored. We've never been. We're doing 3 days in mid-March. We will have EE and Express. The lines will probably be longer then, so that will kill some time. I guess you could spend a ton of time just looking and shopping in the HP parts. Plus, it wouldn't be the end of the world to have to go back to the hotel and swim for an afternoon

I think 3 days is perfect for a first visit. You won't have to rush around so you'll get to really get into the feel of the resort, yet if you don't love it, you won't be there too long either. And when in doubt, the pool is always nice