Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

[disneylovin24]

Yes Universal has amazing resort hotels, and they are truly deluxe. They are themed as well, such as Portifino is a themed around the Italian Rivera and Royal Pacific is of course pacific tropical. There is also the Hard Rock. They are also about to open their first "value" resort, with family suites. All three of the main hotels at Universal are in walking distance to the parks, or you can take the boats. There is no need for buses or planning travel. Each hotel has signature dining as well. So yes, the hotels are just as immersive as any at Disney. Plus you are allowed to pool hop from resort to resort. There is no Motel Six real world vibe at the Universal resort.

I can get not being interested but to say "it's too real world" is absolutely false.

Disney has many, many more than 3-4 of those resorts though...4 themed resorts does not impress me at all.

 

[BrianL]

I can get not being interested but to say "it's too real world" is absolutely false.

I think what it is is that Universal is smack in the middle of Orlando. You don't feel like you're in a distant land, just Orldando. Honestly, it's a lot like DLR in that way. They're in the middle of high-dollar real-estate in Anaheim and can't really go anywhere. Both still provide a good experience though.

I actually prefer Universal Hollywood to the FL counterpart.

 

[mom2rtk]

But if you like the favorite classics then why are you going to spend your next trip mostly at Universal

If I can only get one FP+ per attraction, then it will be very easy for us to pop in and ride them quickly then head back over to Universal. I have no interest in hanging around Disney all day waiting in standby line after standby line.

It is possible to enjoy both parks. It's really not an either/or. But Disney loses in this scenario because 100% of our lodging will go to Universal and nearly 100% of our food budget will go to Universal and local off-site locations.

 

[BrianL]

EPCOT is actually my favorite park which I probably do enjoy more than the MK so I obviously like it the way it is and think it is a fine theme park that doesn't need to get into an arms race with Universal. Sure it could use another ride or two, but I still love it as is.

Hey, I love it too! But they have unused space there and are having crowding issues at the headliners. Adding something in a currently vacant space would certainly be prudent and a welcome move.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

You know, adding new stuff is great, and Universal is doing a nice job of it, but it's actually the Classics that keep me going back to Disney. Universal can build whatever new-fangled, cutting-edge, technological thrillhouse they can come up with, but if it's not better than the Haunted Mansion, then they haven't won me over.

Hey, I like Universal too, and it's great that they are investing in the rides, but Walt's place still has the edge for me. Now, 7DMT needs to be open this spring and I don't know why they are dragging their feet. Of course, MK was the park in least need of new attractions and yet here we are.

Not trying to throw Universal under the bus or anything but they kind of did lose a lot of classics over time (Back to the Future, Jaws, ET being in limbo) They still have some here in there but that's it. And I've said this elsewhere but where I come from construction is too that slow, so it's always made sense to me why it's taking that long, and when something pops up like Transformers, it kind of scares me how fast it was built

 

[disneylovin24]

I think what it is is that Universal is smack in the middle of Orlando. You don't feel like you're in a distant land, just Orldandl. Honestly, it's a lot like DLR in that way. They're in the middle of high-dollar real-estate in Anaheim and can't really go anywhere. Both still provide a good experience though.

I actually prefer Universal Hollywood to the FL counterpart.

And I am sure people will dislike this but this is also why I have little interest in going to DLR. I am sure I will go someday to experience it, but just looking at pictures I can't imagine it providing the same complete escape from reality that WDW does.

Looking at the sizes and locations, I don't think any park in the world can compare to WDW because WDW is so large and spread out which makes it its own little world and escape from reality.

 

[mom2rtk]

And I am sure people will dislike this but this is also why I have little interest in going to DLR. I am sure I will go someday to experience it, but just looking at pictures I can't imagine it providing the same complete escape from reality that WDW does.

Looking at the sizes and locations, I don't think any park in the world can compare to WDW because WDW is so large and spread out which makes it its own little world and escape from reality.

You shouldn't write DLR off so quickly. We just got back last month and rediscovered our love for Disney. There is a magic to being in Walt's home park that any Disney fan cannot escape.

 

[disneylovin24]

You shouldn't write DLR off so quickly. We just got back last month and rediscovered our love for Disney. There is a magic to being in Walt's home park that any Disney fan cannot escape.

I wouldn't say I am writing it off, like I said I plan to visit someday, but I would probably never sacrifice a WDW vacation for it. As I have stated before, my family are not big parks people. We enjoy WDW for a lot of other things that I know DLR nor Universe offer.

 

[dayvewc]

I really don't understand the all or nothing approach. Why do you have to prove your loyalty to Disney by never stepping foot in a Universal park? They both have their pros and they both have their cons. The nice thing is, you can enjoy them both!

This ^^. The last several trips I've been devoted to Disney, but US is on my agenda for summer 2015. (I plan to make full use of my AP to Disney this year).

I also greatly enjoyed my trips to SeaWorld and am looking forward to getting back there again.

 

[surferdave]

Disney has many, many more than 3-4 of those resorts though...4 themed resorts does not impress me at all.

When you're staying at a Disney resort, what is it about the presence of the other 30 or so resorts that pleases you so?

 

[mom2rtk]

If we didn't own DVC, we'd be taking the same plan under consideration. Instead, when we go to Florida for eight nights in December, we'll spend the better part of two days at the Universal parks. Getting there early in the morning and getting stuff done before the crowds build. And once we've had our fill of Universal each day, we'll pop into a Disney park for the evening and use the 3 FP+ they deign to give us. And if we didn't have to go to AK in August for our animal-loving friend, we'd add a second Universal day on that trip too.

I really don't understand the all or nothing approach. Why do you have to prove your loyalty to Disney by never stepping foot in a Universal park? They both have their pros and they both have their cons. The nice thing is, you can enjoy them both!

I call it the "If you give a mouse a cookie" approach (after the children's book).

Once Disney opens the door a tiny bit for guests to want to look offsite.... they really need to watch out. "If you give a guest a car"...... they will want to go to Universal. If they have a car and go to Universal, they will see other guests with FOTL privileges. If they see the other guests with FOTL privileges they will want to stay onsite themselves. If they stay at Universal, they will want to eat at some of the restaurants they see in the area. Pretty soon Disney is merely a bit player

Unless you own DVC of course.

But seriously, once I start evaluating..... it's ALL on the table. I haven't had to evaluate in a long time, but it appears I need to again. So why NOT have the best of both worlds?

 

[Viva Las Disney]

The reality is if ride count is your priority neither of these parks are your best bet, I went to school in Utah and they have a local park called Lagoon that has twice as many rides as any of the individual Disney or Universal parks, no lines either, on an average day I'd probably get 20 coaster rides and another 30 flat rides, including repeat rides. On a good day at Disney I doubt I get 20 rides total, including repeat rides.

There are dozens of parks that put Disney and Universal to shame based on ride count but I think most of us would agree they aren't even in the same league as Disney or Universal when it comes to themes, parades, shows, nighttime entertainment, cleanliness, guest service, overall atmosphere, etc, etc.

I did a quick count and of all the Orlando resorts Epcot has the fewest number of rides I would be upset if I missed on a trip (6 with only 2 absolute must rides) but I'd still rather be at Epcot than Lagoon or even Six Flags.

I'd love for Disney to add more rides, especially at Epcot, but even if they don't I'll still go back because it's about so much more than rides.

 

[2Tiggies]

I wouldn't say I am writing it off, like I said I plan to visit someday, but I would probably never sacrifice a WDW vacation for it. As I have stated before, my family are not big parks people. We enjoy WDW for a lot of other things that I know DLR nor Universe offer.

I never thought I'd say this, but I was actually looking at DLR just before Christmas. Not because of the changes at WDW - well not directly or not that I was consciously thinking of them - but I did start running up some quotes and doing some number crunching. I dismissed it for now only because it came up so expensive I don't think I could afford it

 

[mom2rtk]

I never thought I'd say this, but I was actually looking at DLR just before Christmas. Not because of the changes at WDW - well not directly or not that I was consciously thinking of them - but I did start running up some quotes and doing some number crunching. I dismissed it for now only because it came up so expensive I don't think I could afford it

It is a lot less trip for the money. But we enjoyed it immensely and are seriously bypassing Orlando again this year in favor of heading back west.

Besides, it's a lot more interesting to fly over the Grand Canyon.

We went this year mostly because we have been before and loved it, and have felt more some time like going back. When I saw how things were going with FP+ and the testing, I decided this was as good a year as any, sandwiched in between the Fantasyland opening and the Mine Train opening. But I figured all along we'd be back this year to see the Mine Train. But now not even that seems to be outweighing our disappointment in the prospect of only 3 FPs per day with no duplicates.

 

[mom2rtk]

The reality is if ride count is your priority neither of these parks are your best bet, I went to school in Utah and they have a local park called Lagoon that has twice as many rides as any of the individual Disney or Universal parks, no lines either, on an average day I'd probably get 20 coaster rides and another 30 flat rides, including repeat rides. On a good day at Disney I doubt I get 20 rides total, including repeat rides.

There are dozens of parks that put Disney and Universal to shame based on ride count but I think most of us would agree they aren't even in the same league as Disney or Universal when it comes to themes, parades, shows, nighttime entertainment, cleanliness, guest service, overall atmosphere, etc, etc.

I did a quick count and of all the Orlando resorts Epcot has the fewest number of rides I would be upset if I missed on a trip (6 with only 2 absolute must rides) but I'd still rather be at Epcot than Lagoon or even Six Flags.

I'd love for Disney to add more rides, especially at Epcot, but even if they don't I'll still go back because it's about so much more than rides.

If rides were our only priority, we'd stay home and just go to Worlds of Fun, our local theme park. And save tons of money.

I was willing to put up with less rides at Disney because with fastpass we could do a decent number of rides and still have time for the parades, characters and shows. It was truly an awesome balance. The best of both worlds. But with FP+ the ride part of our trip will take a lot more of our time than ever before (because of the standby lines we will be waiting in). So I feel the balance is all upset. And once I take a critical look at that balance, I have to reevaluate the entire thing.

 

[Mad Hattered]

It is a lot less trip for the money. But we enjoyed it immensely and are seriously bypassing Orlando again this year in favor of heading back west.

Besides, it's a lot more interesting to fly over the Grand Canyon.

I concur. We are purposely headed to DLR again in a month from today (woohoo) and the reason is because of FP+. I have NO desire to play their reindeer games. As long as DL stays clear of that fiasco then we will continue to visit there every so often.

They have like a greatest hits of attractions out there:

Soarin' (which we can personally do without)
TOT
SpaceM
SplashM
TSMM
HM
PP
IASW
BTMR
POTC
Buzz
JC
Speedway
Teacups
Star Tours
UTS (ugh)

Then you have things that WDW doesn't have like:

Radiator Springs
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run (which blows away Kali)
Mickey's Fun Wheel (or as I like to call it...Barf Wheel - if doing the swinging ones)
Monsters Inc Dark ride
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Indiana Jones Adventure (AWESOME)
Alice in Wonderland
Finding Nemo Submarine
Mr Toads


So people shouldn't sell it short. Especially when you can walk out of your hotel exit and directly into DCA without having to wait in the general entrance.

 

[mom2rtk]

I concur. We are purposely headed to DLR again in a month from today (woohoo) and the reason is because of FP+. I have NO desire to play their reindeer games. As long as DL stays clear of that fiasco then we will continue to visit there every so often.

They have like a greatest hits of attractions out there:

Soarin' (which we can personally do without)
TOT
SpaceM
SplashM
TSMM
HM
PP
IASW
BTMR
POTC
Buzz
JC
Speedway
Teacups
Star Tours
UTS (ugh)

Then you have things that WDW doesn't have like:

Radiator Springs
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run (which blows away Kali)
Mickey's Fun Wheel (or as I like to call it...Barf Wheel - if doing the swinging ones)
Monsters Inc Dark ride
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Indiana Jones Adventure (AWESOME)
Alice in Wonderland
Finding Nemo Submarine
Mr Toads


So people shouldn't sell it short. Especially when you can walk out of your hotel exit and directly into DCA without having to wait in the general entrance.

Well, we might not have walked right out the door of our hotel and into the park..... but we walked out our hotel , across the street and through that hotel to the park! And I still don't think it was as far as our walk to the bus stop last year at AoA!

But the list of rides really is amazing. DCA is like Epcot and DHS put together and onto steroids. We went the entire week without ever riding TSMM or Soarin and never missed them. I think I was just tired of hearing about them over here on the FP+ threads!

 

[fairyprincess88]

Disney has many, many more than 3-4 of those resorts though...4 themed resorts does not impress me at all.

So Disney has more hotels? So? They are hotels, you sleep in them. Honestly, the last thing I care about is how many hotels a theme park has. Rides? Yes. Attractions? Yes. But hotels? Yeah no.

To each is own, but the amount of hotels a theme park has should not be a deciding factor in how impressive it is. Especially when a few them are basically motels with big statues in front of them. And hey, I quite like staying at Pop Century so there is nothing wrong with it, but it's a hotel.

 

[jcemom]

..... which is precisely why I prefer the old FP system where you could use it to ride your favorite classic over and over again. The inability to duplicate rides with FP+ is one of the biggest drawbacks to me.

Same here. I'm okay with the magic bands, but I almost hate FP+. I say almost because in our house we strongly discourage hating anything lol.

So Disney has more hotels? So? They are hotels, you sleep in them. Honestly, the last thing I care about is how many hotels a theme park has. Rides? Yes. Attractions? Yes. But hotels? Yeah no.

To each is own, but the amount of hotels a theme park has should not be a deciding factor in how impressive it is. Especially when a few them are basically motels with big statues in front of them. And hey, I quite like staying at Pop Century so there is nothing wrong with it, but it's a hotel.

I agree. I enjoy the Disney resorts, but only the one I'm staying in. I don't spend any time at the others. They don't count as attractions to me.

As for the earlier discussion on Magical Express. That idea was pure genius. It's what has kept us at Disney year after year. I do not like to drive. I especially do not like to drive in unfamiliar places. DME has allowed me to avoid renting a car for a really long time. I also don't like retrieving my luggage myself. It's usually just DD and I, and when she was younger it was a huge hassle. (That's not so much an issue anymore, now that we have no stroller and she can wheel her own bag.) If Universal had a version of ME, I'd have been there by now.

 

[AquaDame]

It is a lot less trip for the money. But we enjoyed it immensely and are seriously bypassing Orlando again this year in favor of heading back west.

Besides, it's a lot more interesting to fly over the Grand Canyon.

We went this year mostly because we have been before and loved it, and have felt more some time like going back. When I saw how things were going with FP+ and the testing, I decided this was as good a year as any, sandwiched in between the Fantasyland opening and the Mine Train opening. But I figured all along we'd be back this year to see the Mine Train. But now not even that seems to be outweighing our disappointment in the prospect of only 3 FPs per day with no duplicates.

Oh my... we feel exactly the opposite! We only save $150pp or so on the airfare but being able to stay CLOSER to the park by staying at one of the hotels across the street for half as much as WDW, having the ticket cost less and finding the food to be cheaper helps us a ton! You don't waste time on busses and walking endlessly either so after a long weekend we've ridden everything, relaxed, had a blast, ate good food... we find WAY more value in going to DLR than WDW - these FP+ changes are just the final push we needed to take a nice long break from it. I'll know for sure in a couple more weeks!