Theming: Why it isn't necessarily a matter of opinion (picture intensive)

[JohnnySharp2]

We just got back from 6 nights/5 days and it was our first trip to Universal Studios Orlando. I thought the theming was fantastic!!! Each "land" was exceptional from the landscaping to the carvings, decorations, CM wardrobes, etc. I was amazed the whole time. I did not once compare it to Disney because I knew I was not at Disney - however looking over my digital photos, it is probably a tie!!!

Glad you had such a good time.

 

[RyMickey]

I'm a Disney devotee through and through, but I have to agree that IOA is one of the best themed parks in the area (I personally think it and AK run neck and neck). It really is a neat park to look at and explore.

That being said, I cannot stand the look of Universal Studios. I realize the theming of a "movie studio," but when I walk down the main avenue and pass the Shrek theater and see an empty block to the left it makes me cringe (BTW, I feel the same way at the backlot area of Disney-MGM by the car stunt show).

 

[dpuck1998]

I'm a Disney devotee through and through, but I have to agree that IOA is one of the best themed parks in the area (I personally think it and AK run neck and neck). It really is a neat park to look at and explore.

That being said, I cannot stand the look of Universal Studios. I realize the theming of a "movie studio," but when I walk down the main avenue and pass the Shrek theater and see an empty block to the left it makes me cringe (BTW, I feel the same way at the backlot area of Disney-MGM by the car stunt show).

My thoughts exactly. Although I'm a Disney "junkie" I do love the rides and themes at IOA. The park is wonderful and I think with a few tweaks in management it could be FANTASTIC. I remember watching it go up and waiting and waiting to go for the first time!! What an experiance...

 

[mmlovers90]

Another cool and unique idea is the photo-op places here, such as this one where you have to turn the camera to get the effect right:

Universal even found a way to poke fun at themselves, with this Popeye statue that is similar to the more serious looking sailor statue outside of Jaws:

Where was this taken? I missed it both times I've been and I know my kids would have loved to have their pix made there! I've also not seen the Popeye statue and if I had would not have realized it was him. Thanks for sharing it!

 

[ChrisFL]

The Marmaduke picture location is...if you're walking from the front of the park and are about halfway through Toon Lagoon, and before you make the left turn to go toward Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, it's on your left side.

 

[bubba's mom]

I thought the very same thing....I thought there was as much themeing at US/IOA as Disney has. Everything from pre-ride show, to trash cans, to employee's uniforms, etc.....I even saw jewels in the ground in front of DD! (Reminded me of Aladdin at MK) I think they have a great deal of detail and was pleasantly surprised! According to my DSIL (who has AP and visits often from Daytona area), they didn't used to be so clean and themed. She said after IOA was built, they really stepped it up as far as cleaniless and themeing. And, btw, I thought the park and every restroom I was in was extremely clean! I always saw someone walking around sweeping trash or emptying trash....I never saw the stray cup or empty bottle of water laying around somewhere....very good we thought! So, if you want to know if US/IOA has any kind of themeing, the answer is yes!! I think it's just as good as Disney!

 

[Friendly Frog]

I love Disney, but to me IOA is like a "more modern Disney".

IMO, Disney has been cutting corners on its staging lines. I like to feel the "mood" of the ride before I actually get on it. IOA does a great job of this.

I really like the attractions at US, but going from attraction to attraction is just too harsh to be pleasant. Maybe it looks TOO realistic. Nothing attractive about a movie studio lot, right?

I think they should have painted the buildings and done a few props so that the streets themselves are more like a movie SET. Each set area could be based on the attraction you were about to visit. Again more mood staging prior to the ride and would also give you something to look at as you walk from attraction to attraction.

 

[georgina]

We made our 2nd trip to Universal Studios (and 3rd to IOA) in June. We have always enjoyed the theming of IOA, but my DD, 16, really enjoyed the US areas this time too - New York/San Francisco/Amity. But those spheres for the 360 show really mess up the views across the lake!

 

[F-L-A]

That being said, I cannot stand the look of Universal Studios. I realize the theming of a "movie studio," but when I walk down the main avenue and pass the Shrek theater and see an empty block to the left it makes me cringe (BTW, I feel the same way at the backlot area of Disney-MGM by the car stunt show).

Empty block? If you're referring to the large, empty lot across from Twister, that space isn't left empty for looks. It's used for Mardi Gras concerts every year. It would be nice if they put an attraction there, but oh well...

I personally find USF's theming to be considerably superior to MGM's, and for a studio park, that's all you can ask of it.

 

[bazzanoid]

Call me strange (most people do), but one of the reasons i return to US every trip (as well as for the rides ) is this guy:

 

[katybugsmom]

Loved the pics!!! Can't wait to go!!