Top five ways Universal can compete with Disney

[UniBoy]

Since Comcast has made it clear that Universal is a real asset to them (Unlike NBC), I was thinking of things that the parks could do to help it become a more real competitor to WDW.

Now, this is The Disboards and we are all Disney lovers here, but I for one believe that healthy competition can only lead to better parks for us all the way around.

So below are my personal top 5 things Universal/IOA could do to improve itself. Feel free to comment on them or add your own.

5. Expand Wizarding World- I'm sure many people might have this number 1, and I wouldn't necessarily disagree. There's no denying that WWOHP was a shot in the chest to a dying franchise. It made Universal a threat to WDW for the first time ever and (also for the first time) Disney was forced to react.

Still, this area is just way too small.While they are in the midst of doing an expansion, I for one believe this area could be twice and large and still have room to expand. Do it Universal!

4. Delve into your classics- Universal studios is one of the premier film making studios in the world. It has a bench of movies so deep that it could go on forever. There is simply no reason they couldn't get an entire land out of their Universal Monsters. In addition, use the properties you have. I've been to Universal during the holidays and one of the things that excited me about going there was seeing the Grinch, something I would never see in Disney. But he was nowhere to be seen. Use the icons in your tentpole. A couple playful Grinches running around pretending to steal things from my bag would put me in a fantastic mood.

3. Be relevant- This might seem strange after my last one, but Universal has a way of missing both the classics and the cutting edge of things. You have a production studio. Make things pop. Have some red carpet premieres in your parks. Make an interview in-park with an audience part of your company's press junket. I can't explain to you how many people would line up to see a panel of stars talking about the latest Universal film. It's cross promotion. It's simple. I know you can't have a ride for every new film you have, but get creative. Have contests. Give out merchandise, signed stuff, movie tickets.

2. Give me the magic- Disney makes me feel like I'm in a different world. With the exception of WWOHP, no area in Universal or IOA does that to me. Immerse me. Think it through. Do the extra. I get the feeling Disney pretends their world is real, that the princesses really exist, that the mouse really talks. As such, they create an illusion that feels real. Look to WWOHP. Do that with your other areas. And then do some more.

1. Show me that smile again- Disney is Disney, not only because they work hardest, but because they do so in a way that makes it look like they're barely trying. In DW, you just feel like it comes naturally. The people are wonderful. Every. One. Of. Them.

Give me the extra 'Thank You'. Let me know I'm welcome and appreciated. Focus on customer service and when you think you've done everything you can do, spend a day at DW and then come back and some more.

I hope this doesnt come off as pretentious, but I believe that, given their new fervor, if Universal focused on these things, they could give the Mouse a run for his (and our) money

 

[ChrisFL]

Good thoughts, I would say some are already better than what you're posting, customer service for one, but as always, your mileage may vary.

I would like to see a few changes.

1. Get rid of the annoying photographers at the entrance. Make a real photopass type option with better prices and more features than Disney has.

2. Make some dark rides at IOA that aren't tossing, turning, spinning, etc. When I was a teen I didn't care, but now that I'm older, I really would like to relax on a ride once in a while. Yes, I know its a tall order to make a calm dark ride and still "sell" it to people, but it can be done.

3. Always stay ahead of Disney on maintenance. This is EASY...compared to WDW's maintenance record of late, Universal should outshine them, but both have been running at grade B- stage for a while.

 

[damo]

I think they just need to add a few more solid family rides to each park. I'm happy with everything else. I don't want Universal to be another Disney park.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Good thoughts, I would say some are already better than what you're posting, customer service for one, but as always, your mileage may vary.

I would like to see a few changes.

1. Get rid of the annoying photographers at the entrance. Make a real photopass type option with better prices and more features than Disney has.

2. Make some dark rides at IOA that aren't tossing, turning, spinning, etc. When I was a teen I didn't care, but now that I'm older, I really would like to relax on a ride once in a while. Yes, I know its a tall order to make a calm dark ride and still "sell" it to people, but it can be done.

3. Always stay ahead of Disney on maintenance. This is EASY...compared to WDW's maintenance record of late, Universal should outshine them, but both have been running at grade B- stage for a while.

This. Oh, and:

4. Bring back Jaws.

 

[happysocky]

I dont care much for the "another world" feeling. I like how Universal is like different lands, and thrill rides... But I do think they need to update the Studio section. They are doing a good first step by having the parade and fireworks there.

 

[derekburgan]

We actually just got the Photopass deal on my last trip and now it's something I will definitely recommend to family and friends who are interested in taking pictures. You get a pretty neat card that can also have a photo on it, get access to all the on ride photos, the special character photos like Spider-Man, Shrek and Donkey (etc), and even the cool E.T.-themed ones in that gift shop.

While I agree the almost paparazzi attack at the front of the parks can be annoying, I've gotten pictures with family at both parks and it ends up coming out pretty neat if you're into that sort of thing.

 

[derekburgan]

As for the original post, while one day I'd love to do a whole rant on theming and what it means to today's theme park consumer, I think at Islands of Adventure Universal is pretty set at doing the best in can to compete with Disney's best in this area. Seuss Landing, the Marvel Island, and Jurassic Park are fantastically themed areas and of course Harry Potter is the first non-Disney themed land to blow Disney out of the water. I'm not sure what they could do to make it better. I'd even argue the Port of Entry is one of the best themed areas in any theme park.

Universal Studios proper does have theming issues, but nothing will ever change that considering what the park is. It would take a California Adventure like 1 Billion investment to change that around.

 

[UniBoy]

Perhaps I came off as a little harsh in the first post. I adore both Universal proper and IOA. I was simply stating a few things that would enhance the experience for me and, in my opinion, push them even further along the road of being a proper Disney rival.

For me, the themeing is wonderful. I can't think of a better themed area in any park than Wizarding World. But more would be, well, more.

 

[Planogirl]

I wouldn't mind seeing Universal spruce up some of the theming and maybe add some special events but I hope that they always keep a bit of that edgy attitude. I don't want them to be like Disney either, I just want them to be like Universal and maybe kick it up a notch.

 

[macraven]

Since Comcast has made it clear that Universal is a real asset to them (Unlike NBC), I was thinking of things that the parks could do to help it become a more real competitor to WDW.

Now, this is The Disboards and we are all Disney lovers here, but I for one believe that healthy competition can only lead to better parks for us all the way around.

well, i wouldn't go as far as what you said that we are all disney lovers.......
i enjoy disney, i go there and stay onsite, but i wouldn't state i am a disney lover.

i stay onsite at both theme park resorts.
there are things that i enjoyed in both of them.


i like the motherland the way it is and i like the darkside the way it is.
they each have a unique appeal to me or i wouldn't be there.

they both have sections in their parks that can be enjoyed by families of various ages.


for me, i give the edge to the darkside for the entertainment i like to have.

rides and attractions change more often at the darkside than the motherland.
some of the attractions at the darkside have been removed and with it, a piece of my heart.
but, when new rides/shows immerge, i usually get attached to them.

when i do my vacations and stay at both resorts, i don't compare them.
they are what they are. i like some of this and some of that at both places.

both theme parks have areas where they could improve.
what one does well in, the other may lack.

i guess it is basically, what do you want out of a park for entertainment and what does one think is good entertainment.

my stays at the motherland are busy and tiring at times due to the bus system. i need to plan out touring plans when i am there.

my stays at the darkside are relaxing. it's a calming, no stress type of vacation. i can do city walk, both parks and enjoy the hotel.

i do split stays and have for years.
couldn't be in orlando and not do both parks.

 

[bumbershoot]

i like the motherland the way it is and i like the darkside the way it is.
they each have a unique appeal to me or i wouldn't be there.

I agree with just about everything in mac's post, with an emphasis on what I quoted. But we have gone to Univ without going to WDW; stayed at Boardwalk for a night before Portofino, too, and still didn't plunk down the cash for a one day ticket, not even for Epcot!


While reading the OP, I kept thinking "they are already doing those things."


It's easy to believe a princess is a princess. What's HARD is to stay in character while behind glass with dinosaur eggs that are hatching, and pretend like you really ARE a scientist in Jurassic Park before everything goes SO wrong. It's hard to be a Slytherin in a Gryffindor-centric world. Heck, it must be hard to be a Who with that funky face, and still make nervous kids comfortable enough to talk with you!

I have had, by far, *better* interactions with TMs over CMs.

And I know that many of the TMs are also CMs, and vice versa, but I have never met the same person working in each capacity to compare how they behave in one park vs the other. All I know is that the CMs I've dealt with fade out during interactions, while the TMs I've met have been 100% there. I like 100%.



All I know is that if Universal ever created a timeshare like DVC, we'd sell our DVC and buy Universal. (or maybe we'd keep DVC and buy Universal...we're becoming more in love with Boardwalk and OKW each time we stay there, LOL)

 

[Disneysupport]

Why is universal even discussed on Dis board?

 

[AJA]

OP I love your #4 Suggestion!!! A classic monster section in the Studios much like Marvel world at IOA (only better) I'm betting would be a HUGE hit.

And as already posted, more family rides are a must as HP continues to draw in the young family crowd.

Why is universal even discussed on Dis board?

As with everything else, supply and demand...there's a demand for it.

 

[Metro West]

Why is universal even discussed on Dis board?

Why not? Look around...there are plenty of other topics on the DIS besides Disney.

well, i wouldn't go as far as what you said that we are all disney lovers.......
i enjoy disney, i go there and stay onsite, but i wouldn't state i am a disney lover.

Same here. I don't think I can honestly say that I've ever loved Disney...or Universal either for that fact. Maybe it's because I'm no longer a tourist and don't see either resort in the same light I did before. I prefer Universal mainly because of the atmosphere and HHN of course. Disney is OK but it's not the same...nor should it be. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I will keep patronizing both resorts although Universal will get more of my time.

 

[RMulieri]

I think they just need to add a few more solid family rides to each park. I'm happy with everything else. I don't want Universal to be another Disney park.

agree add some more rides ( and please not all motion simulators).It is fine as is and I love Disney AND universal, because they are so different...

 

[RMulieri]

Why is universal even discussed on Dis board?

Because like it or not it is the OTHER big destination in Orlando.Not to mention if you look on some of these forums on the dis you find a variety of topics and MANY do not have anything to do with DIsney..Unless how to save $$ at the grocery store, how to deal with a teething baby and where to stay in DC are about Disney...

 

[Bluer101]

Why not? Look around...there are plenty of other topics on the DIS besides Disney.

Same here. I don't think I can honestly say that I've ever loved Disney...or Universal either for that fact. Maybe it's because I'm no longer a tourist and don't see either resort in the same light I did before. I prefer Universal mainly because of the atmosphere and HHN of course. Disney is OK but it's not the same...nor should it be. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I will keep patronizing both resorts although Universal will get more of my time.

This is how I look at it. I've been going to the parks since I move to Florida in the early 80's and had our first trip in 1986. This was due to one of my fathers clients, United Technologies "The Living Seas", now The Seas with Nemo & Friends. We visited both parks and I fell in love. Not so much my folks, but as a kid how could you not. We made a few visits in the next years to come and then the opening of MGM in 1989.

Then along comes Universal, 1990. Made my first trip in early 1991 with school. This did not change my feelings about Disney since Universal was still trying to find it's place in Orlando. After meeting my DW in school ( still together today) we made numerous trips to both lands. How could you visit without doing all parks. But that all changed in 1998 with IOA and Universal Resort. We now started to visit Universal more than Disney. Now the rest is history, Universal is where our hearts are and now with our DS. Don't get me wrong Disney is nice but does not give us the same "Tourist feeling" as it used to like Metro stated. We still visit both but Universal is the winner for us.

Now for the original questions. I believe Universal is going in the right direction to steal some light from Disney, really putting them on the map. But I do not want them to be more like Disney. This is one of the many reasons we choose Universal over Disney.

 

[derekburgan]

There's another Disney related podcast I listen to which agrees with the poster who thinks Disney sites/podcasts shouldn't cover other Orlando parks. I happen to really enjoy their podcast, but couldn't disagree more with that particular opinion.

Disney is fantastic, and I don't think many on these boards would disagree. However, Disney has chosen to basically target one demographic. I like to joke with my g/f that Disney is made to enjoy if you are "8 or 80," the key word being OR. It's great that they have so many things very young kids can enjoy, and that's one area Universal could improve on, but Universal does a much better job giving several other demographics what they are looking for.

The world has changed. The "nuclear family," that may have existed when Disneyland and Disneyworld opened is not the same anymore. There's a reason Disney had to buy Pixar and Marvel, because what they were creating just wasn't connecting to people anymore. The days of an animated film with the Disney name being the ones people would be drawn to were over. Disney was putting out stuff like Meet the Robinsons, while it's competition was doing Shrek, Toy Story, and Ice Age. You can say whatever you want about quality, but clearly consumers were voting with their dollars and Disney was not their brand of choice when it came to what movies they wanted to take their kids to.

Theme park fans who "only" go to Disney make me think of people who love comic books but "only" read Archie or Superhero books. Or try to imagine a person who fell in love with going to the movies, but "only" sees animated films. What other entertainment area in your life do you enjoy which is designed to cater to children? We can all enjoy the movie "Brave," but it's also nice to be able to see a movie that is targeting an older crowd, whether it be Avengers or The Hunger Games. Universal provides that opportunity. I like the excitement of The Hulk Coaster as a thrill ride, despite the fact that my two year old granddaughter can't ride it.

If you like Disney there's a great chance you'll also enjoy Universal, Sea World, and Busch Gardens, especially if you have people in your group from the ages of 9-45 (or in the case of SW and BG, animal lovers). No one is arguing that Disney World is possibly the greatest theme park in the world, but there is some other great stuff out there.

 

[Planogirl]

derekburgan, we were just recently talking about what you mentioned here. The consensus was that Disney will be making a lot of money this year due to their purchases and not due to anything they've done themselves. Their own movie studio has really been in the doldrums for a while.

There are so many things Universal could do but should they? Should they key on younger kids and older folks more or should they stick to the demographic that they seem to understand best? I'm not sure...

 

[bedogged]

Since Comcast has made it clear that Universal is a real asset to them (Unlike NBC), I was thinking of things that the parks could do to help it become a more real competitor to WDW.

Now, this is The Disboards and we are all Disney lovers here, but I for one believe that healthy competition can only lead to better parks for us all the way around.

So below are my personal top 5 things Universal/IOA could do to improve itself. Feel free to comment on them or add your own.

5. Expand Wizarding World- I'm sure many people might have this number 1, and I wouldn't necessarily disagree. There's no denying that WWOHP was a shot in the chest to a dying franchise. It made Universal a threat to WDW for the first time ever and (also for the first time) Disney was forced to react.

Still, this area is just way too small.While they are in the midst of doing an expansion, I for one believe this area could be twice and large and still have room to expand. Do it Universal!

4. Delve into your classics- Universal studios is one of the premier film making studios in the world. It has a bench of movies so deep that it could go on forever. There is simply no reason they couldn't get an entire land out of their Universal Monsters. In addition, use the properties you have. I've been to Universal during the holidays and one of the things that excited me about going there was seeing the Grinch, something I would never see in Disney. But he was nowhere to be seen. Use the icons in your tentpole. A couple playful Grinches running around pretending to steal things from my bag would put me in a fantastic mood.

3. Be relevant- This might seem strange after my last one, but Universal has a way of missing both the classics and the cutting edge of things. You have a production studio. Make things pop. Have some red carpet premieres in your parks. Make an interview in-park with an audience part of your company's press junket. I can't explain to you how many people would line up to see a panel of stars talking about the latest Universal film. It's cross promotion. It's simple. I know you can't have a ride for every new film you have, but get creative. Have contests. Give out merchandise, signed stuff, movie tickets.

2. Give me the magic- Disney makes me feel like I'm in a different world. With the exception of WWOHP, no area in Universal or IOA does that to me. Immerse me. Think it through. Do the extra. I get the feeling Disney pretends their world is real, that the princesses really exist, that the mouse really talks. As such, they create an illusion that feels real. Look to WWOHP. Do that with your other areas. And then do some more.

1. Show me that smile again- Disney is Disney, not only because they work hardest, but because they do so in a way that makes it look like they're barely trying. In DW, you just feel like it comes naturally. The people are wonderful. Every. One. Of. Them.

Give me the extra 'Thank You'. Let me know I'm welcome and appreciated. Focus on customer service and when you think you've done everything you can do, spend a day at DW and then come back and some more.

I hope this doesnt come off as pretentious, but I believe that, given their new fervor, if Universal focused on these things, they could give the Mouse a run for his (and our) money

Make Universal more handicapped friendly. Even if they have accommodations in place, many of the ride attendants are untrained and do not know how to direct you to them. Also, the Royal Pacific doesn't even have automatic door openers so people in wheelchairs or scooters have to rely on someone else to open doors for them.

Make FJ available to people of size. I'm not talking about the super obese, but a lot of people who are just big cannot ride. This new policy about not helping to push the bar down certainly makes matters worse. What were they thinking when they built this ride? Half of my party could not ride so we will not be returning to Universal. Think of all the money they lose because of these issues? Disney has cashed in on this market!