To Universal or not to Universal?

[mrsclark]

As big Harry Potter fans I had planned on spending 1 day of our upcoming Disney trip at Universal. After looking at the rides available at IoA and the cost for 1 day tickets plus transportation, we decided to skip it again. We are NOT thrill ride fans...Haunted Mansion and BTMRR more our style...never been on RnRRC, ToT, EE, SM, Splash, etc. I just couldn't justify the cost to walk around Harry Potter, stand in a lot of lines, and drop a small fortune (souvenirs would be too tempting I'm sure).

I think it's a personal preference and only you can decide if it's worth it for your family but for mine, it's not.

Just wanted to mention how easy it is to drop a small fortune on merchandise there. I would say they have Disney beat on attraction-specific merchandise. I am getting tired of seeing Walt Disney World resort or Walt Disney World 2013 generic stuff everywhere! I want a Living with the Land t-shirt!

I walked away from our two day visit at Universal with 4 t-shirts (3 HP, 1 US generic) for me, 1 Gryffindor bookmark and a HP t-shirt as a gift for someone else. I also purchased an ET t-shirt and Frank the Pug MIB plush as gifts. That was AFTER talking myself OUT of a wand, a Dobby t-shirt (we named one of our dogs Dobby, but all the Dobby t-shirts were dark and kind of scary rather than cute Dobby - I wanted one that said "Master gave Dobby a sock?"), a Marauder's Map ($50 - eek!), and a replica wizard chess set from book/movie 1 ($300 or $400, but I already imagined the perfect place in our house for it). DH is a big Simpsons fan and loved the new area at US and picked up lots of Duff beer stuff - two t-shirts (1 for a gift), a Duff Tervis, and 2 Duff golf balls (1 as a gift). He is now having regrets that he didn't get a Duff hat too.

So if you have Simpsons on HP fans in your family, there is a lot to spend money on!

 

[mrsclark]

While there are definitely more thrill rides at Universal, I wouldn't NOT visit solely for that purpose. The caliber of rides in my opinion, while not better than the attractions at WDW, are different and we really appreciate them. Plus its fun to be immersed in movies like Men in Black, Jurassic Park and The Mummy (one of my most favourite coasters)

The WWoHP is AMAZING, especially to a HP fan like myself. Since WWoHP was built we've never done a WDW trip without at least one day dedicated to Universal & IOA (we are always able to do both parks in one day).

It's a touch decision ... cause I do find that the tickets are crazy in price, but I still think its worth it

Doh, I mentioned Spider-Man and MIB as awesome rides in my pp - how could I forget Mummy probably my favorite coaster in Orlando???

 

[Magpie]

I think the problem is that a lot of "Disney" folks don't do Universal right.

Imagine if you were staying onsite at Universal, happily walking or taking a boat to the parks each morning, jumping to the front of every queue (a perk of staying onsite), and having yourself a wonderfully relaxed vacation.

Then you decide, "Gee, I've never been to Disney! Maybe I should go check it out."

So, you either rent a car or hop on a shuttle to the Magic Kingdom. You get there in the middle of a crush of people. You pay the incredibly high price for one day in the parks, and you head on in.

Now you're waiting in line. Or waiting for your Fastpass to come due. Everything's busy and crowded, you're hardly getting anything done, and you're just not feeling the "magic". There's no superhero themed rides! No randomly roaming characters! If you want a picture with a princess, you have to get in line.

At the end of the day, you're hot and tired and more than ready to get back to your pretty Universal resort. And you're thinking, wow, Disney's really not worth the money!

The fact is, Universal and Disney are pretty much on par with each other, in terms of vacation experience. But you need to give them your full attention to really enjoy what they have to offer.

If you're going to Universal, book yourself a room onsite. Even one night's stay will get you free, unlimited Express passes for two whole days (check in and check out). Personally, I can quite happily spend an entire week at Universal without running out of things to do. The "Team Members" are just as wonderfully helpful as Disney's "Cast Members". In fact, they're often the same people! I can't count how many folks I ran into who told me they've worked in both parks.

Just like with a Disney vacation, do your research. Have a plan. The more you know, the more you'll enjoy yourself.

Universal is not "just thrill rides" any more than Animal Kingdom is "just a half-day park".

 

[kimj88]

Hi All! Going in January to WDW for 8 nights...me, DH, DS9, DS4. It is DH and my first trip since 1997 and both DS9 and DS4's very first trip ever and it is a surprise for them. We were going to do one day at Universal, but are now reconsidering since it will be like $400 more just for the tickets and transportation there from WDW. Neither son is a big thrill ride lover so no worries missing that, but I know there are nice things there for the younger set too. Should we cough up the money and go for a day or just maybe try it next trip and stick around WDW? We do have 9 day park hoppers and I am sure we will have plenty to do. What do you all think?

OP here, and looking at the responses (THANK YOU all by the way for the responses!!!), I see that I should have mentioned that none of the 4 of us likes Harry Potter....

 

[Sheilby]

OP here, and looking at the responses (THANK YOU all by the way for the responses!!!), I see that I should have mentioned that none of the 4 of us likes Harry Potter....

Ouch, that just wounded me a little

Seriously then, at the age your kids are I would just concentrate on Disney for this trip.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I think the problem is that a lot of "Disney" folks don't do Universal right.

Imagine if you were staying onsite at Universal, happily walking or taking a boat to the parks each morning, jumping to the front of every queue (a perk of staying onsite), and having yourself a wonderfully relaxed vacation.

Then you decide, "Gee, I've never been to Disney! Maybe I should go check it out."

So, you either rent a car or hop on a shuttle to the Magic Kingdom. You get there in the middle of a crush of people. You pay the incredibly high price for one day in the parks, and you head on in.

Now you're waiting in line. Or waiting for your Fastpass to come due. Everything's busy and crowded, you're hardly getting anything done, and you're just not feeling the "magic". There's no superhero themed rides! No randomly roaming characters! If you want a picture with a princess, you have to get in line.

At the end of the day, you're hot and tired and more than ready to get back to your pretty Universal resort. And you're thinking, wow, Disney's really not worth the money!

The fact is, Universal and Disney are pretty much on par with each other, in terms of vacation experience. But you need to give them your full attention to really enjoy what they have to offer.

If you're going to Universal, book yourself a room onsite. Even one night's stay will get you free, unlimited Express passes for two whole days (check in and check out). Personally, I can quite happily spend an entire week at Universal without running out of things to do. The "Team Members" are just as wonderfully helpful as Disney's "Cast Members". In fact, they're often the same people! I can't count how many folks I ran into who told me they've worked in both parks.

Just like with a Disney vacation, do your research. Have a plan. The more you know, the more you'll enjoy yourself.

Universal is not "just thrill rides" any more than Animal Kingdom is "just a half-day park".

THIS EXACTLY!!!! I read so many negative posts by people who plan the heck out of their Disney trips but don't bother with planning their Universal trips. I read even more negative posts by people who haven't visited at all but still feel qualified to respond when someone asks about the Universal parks.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think your children may be too young and you already mentioned that they do not like thrill rides. There are a few rides and exhibits they might like, but there is a lot they won't be able to do. If you or they are Harry Potter fans you may want to do one day to see that, but remember that more Harry Potter is opening up within the next year or so. If you dislike Harry Potter...definitely wait till the kids want to do the more thrilling rides.

Obviously someone who is just going for a day trip isn't going to book a room at a Universal hotel, if you leave it for a later trip you can plan a couple of nights there and see everything. (Universal is building a huge "value" resort, but it will not have front of the line access, so you'd still need one of the three currently existing resorts.)

 

[Robbi]

We love Universal as much as we love WDW. That said, I would not go without staying onsite because of the Front of the Line passes.
To those who go to Uni and think "it's not Disney", you're right and thank goodness!

 

[KeroKero]

Ouch, that just wounded me a little

Seriously then, at the age your kids are I would just concentrate on Disney for this trip.

I agree .... skip it this trip, and when the kids are a bit older then its something they will appreciate more.

 

[GoofyKidd]

Well as with everything on DIS-everyone has a different opinion. We did the exact same scenario last January. Our oldest daughter loves Harry Potter so we decided to take a day & visit Universal. Harry Potter World is very well done. The rest of Universal-eh. No magic. We paid a fortune for admission for 4 for both parks plus transportation there & back. Given that it was January, we waited for nothing-literally walked on every ride. But a lot of restaurants were closed and the parks closed much earlier than I expected. For US, it was not worth it at all. Glad we went once, but if you're not into thrill rides or Harry Potter, I'd skip it. It isn't Disney-for some that's a pro-but not us. We love everything Disney and love being totally immersed the entire trip. You'll have a wonderful trip no matter what you decide.

 

[elgerber]

Even if you were Harry Potter lovers (which we are, big time), I would have said skip it. It costs so much for one day, when that same day would cost almost nothing at Disney, since you already have passes there. I loved the Harry Potter area, but the rest I can take or leave. If the boys are not thrill ride fans, and now knowing you are not HP fans, then I really say skip it.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

OP here, and looking at the responses (THANK YOU all by the way for the responses!!!), I see that I should have mentioned that none of the 4 of us likes Harry Potter....

Another vote to stick with Disney. We found that they offered way less for little kids than Disney & if your older child isn't into the thrill rides either, and NONE of you is a HP fan (it pains me to say that, lol ) then I wouldn't think twice about skipping it.

We had APs for Universal when DD was 5 - I'm a huge HP fan, we all love the Simpsons & thrill rides but part of what we loved most were their free concerts because we could take DD along. We are all music fans but it's difficult to find rock venues that are appropriate for her like outside, no smoking, etc. (especially at that age).

We took her to see Three Doors Down for her first concert experience at Universal which was amazing since they are a fave band of all 3 of us... I have really fond memories of that night & am SO happy that that will always be her first concert with mom & dad. Otherwise we found ourselves "done" with Universal at a certain point - which has NEVER happened in 20 years of visiting WDW.

 

[Minniesgal]

Universaloutely

 

[disneyfreak33]

I agree with the above posters, it's just too much for one day. We are all HUGE HP fans but we were so disappointed in the HP part of Universal. Aside from the "signature" ride, which is very well done and the 3 broomsticks it was so very disappointing. They could have done so much better.

That being said, I would stick with Disney and hold out for the expansion of HP. I am HOPING it is as good as I am reading and they do it justice this time. If you do, I think it would be better that way you can just buy a ticket for more then a day and experience everything that is new all at once. That is our plan.

Just my 2 cents

 

[bumbershoot]

We originally went to Universal for Wizarding World and then fell in love with the rest of the place, with only me stepping foot on anything resembling a thrill ride. DH still can't do the big rides and he still loves it madly. He will love it more when he can ride the big rides.

We think its beautiful and themed and wonderful and fun.

But if no one is a fan of the big draw to the parks and if those rides can't be appreciated without appreciating the stories (I appreciate splash though I never saw or read the stories TS based on), if no one wants the bigger rides, and if looking at park maps and info doesn't make you drool, well, the park will be there for future trips when/if the family interests change.

And then maybe you can do it up. One of the reasons I believe our first trip was a success is because we stayed there and had four days at the parks. Doing a new place frantically in one or two days doesn't sound like fun to me at all.

One day somewhere is always the most relatively expensive way to do it. We have APs for uni and in 2012 we stayed at boardwalk our first night for access to free laundry. Tempted to hit Epcot that first full day, but a one day pass was just ridiculous. There was nothing at wdw that was was worth THAT much for one day. We left and went to universal to use our APs.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd stick with WDW. Unless you've got time to do everything at WDW and have leftover days you can just enjoy it more.

 

[Robbi]

I agree with the above posters, it's just too much for one day. We are all HUGE HP fans but we were so disappointed in the HP part of Universal. Aside from the "signature" ride, which is very well done and the 3 broomsticks it was so very disappointing. They could have done so much better.

That being said, I would stick with Disney and hold out for the expansion of HP. I am HOPING it is as good as I am reading and they do it justice this time. If you do, I think it would be better that way you can just buy a ticket for more then a day and experience everything that is new all at once. That is our plan.

Just my 2 cents

Wow and we were very impressed! Hogsmead was beautifully done. Can't wait to see the new HP addition in US which will connect to HP in IOA.
It looks like both the movie and has a lot of the same places:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Attractions
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
Dragon Challenge™
Flight of the Hippogriff™

Dining
Three Broomsticks
carts selling Butterbeer which is delicious but rich.

Shops
Dervish and Banges™
Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
Hogwarts & Quidditch
Honeydukes
Ollivanders
Zonko's™
http://www.**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/hogsmeade-smaller.jpg

We originally went to Universal for Wizarding World and then fell in love with the rest of the place, with only me stepping foot on anything resembling a thrill ride. DH still can't do the big rides and he still loves it madly. He will love it more when he can ride the big rides.

We think its beautiful and themed and wonderful and fun.

But if no one is a fan of the big draw to the parks and if those rides can't be appreciated without appreciating the stories (I appreciate splash though I never saw or read the stories TS based on), if no one wants the bigger rides, and if looking at park maps and info doesn't make you drool, well, the park will be there for future trips when/if the family interests change.

And then maybe you can do it up. One of the reasons I believe our first trip was a success is because we stayed there and had four days at the parks. Doing a new place frantically in one or two days doesn't sound like fun to me at all.

One day somewhere is always the most relatively expensive way to do it. We have APs for uni and in 2012 we stayed at boardwalk our first night for access to free laundry. Tempted to hit Epcot that first full day, but a one day pass was just ridiculous. There was nothing at wdw that was was worth THAT much for one day. We left and went to universal to use our APs.

This is our story as well. My daughter and I were on a WDW trip and decided to ride to Uni for the day. We were hooked!

 

[buckeev]

My .02 cents...
Prequel Disclaimer: WE LOVE ORLANDO!!!

Do IT! Granted, it is generally accepted that US/IOA are more for the "Thrill Junkies", but there still are things of a bit slower/milder variety. The approx $400 obviously isn't chump change, but in the scheme of total vacation expenses, it is a small percentage. Maybe look at it as a "scouting trip" for a future on-site stay. If you get the chance, perhaps go do a quick tour of Hard Rock Hotel, or any of the others, they are really nice!
After the New Year's rush, the parks won't be "as crowded", so you should be able to do quite a few rides/attractions.

For us, the distance/expense of getting to Orlando is significant. But our 5 kids have grown up so fast, I never catch myself saying I wish we DIDN'T go to this park or that attraction with them. With our precious Autistic son, we probably never will be "completely empty nesters", but the oldest 2 are already outta here with families of their own. WooHoo...GRANDKIDS to introduce to Orlando!!!

AS PPs have said, you know your issues better than any of us, and will make the decision based on what you feel is best for y'all.
Regardless, have a great trip!!!

 

[Bullseye]

I think the problem is that a lot of "Disney" folks don't do Universal right.

Just like with a Disney vacation, do your research. Have a plan. The more you know, the more you'll enjoy yourself.

Universal is not "just thrill rides" any more than Animal Kingdom is "just a half-day park".

THIS EXACTLY!!!! I read so many negative posts by people who plan the heck out of their Disney trips but don't bother with planning their Universal trips. I read even more negative posts by people who haven't visited at all but still feel qualified to respond when someone asks about the Universal parks.

That's what I was thinking too. If you were doing a Disney park for one day it would be like $400 also. After 8 straight years of WDW only trips we finally did US/IOA in 2012 and it was awesome. Since then, any WDW trip now includes two days at US/IOA . These parks have so much more than just big thrill rides! Being a DVC member it's not cost effective for us to stay onsite at US, but the cost of admission is so worth it. It's just too bad the OP can't do a two day park to park ticket which would be more reasonable.

p.s. btw op, I have never read a HP book nor watched one of the movies all the way through, yet WWoHP is great fun!!

 

[Feralpeg]

I am not a thrill ride person. My idea of a thrill ride is TTA. That being said, I adore Universal! I have an AP to both WDW and Universal. They are totally different experiences. The shows at Universal are amazing! There is so much beyond the thrill rides. The theming is fantastic.

OP, only you know your family and your money situation, but don't be scared away from Universal because of thrill rides. Yes, Universal does have incredible thrill rides, but I manage to go there often, never do a thrill ride and have an amazing time.