Universal announces details on diagon alley

[beer dave]

I was talking with DW the other day, saying we must plan a trip to Universal, while the FOTL pass is still available for resort guests, and THEN I found out that the pass is not good in the new HP areas-- WHAT? How can they take away privileges that they used to offer from the guests who loyally come to their resorts? I decided to cancel my plans. I am so disappointed in the way universal has been lowering the experience I receive at their parks and increasing the cost. The expense for me now outweighs value.

 

[Eoghann]

Thank you for sharing the talking points of team denial. They follow the classic totalitarian pattern: diminish those who dare to point out the emporer's clothes are getting dated and soiled (while the Duke's wardrobe is getting nicer and nicer), then pronounce that their viewpoint has no audience.

Then go back to pretending that everything is fine and that the natives really aren't restless.

Have a nice day

I've been lurking and reading for a long time and congratulations you've finally pushed me to comment.

It's not that I think Disney is some sort of perfect place and I don't doubt for a second that they are primarily focussed on increasing their profit margin and that they are deliberately going slow on new attractions.

But guess what... I still enjoy Disney World anyway.

You do not, and that is your right. What you don't have a right to do is constantly hassle and denigrate those who have a different feeling about it to you.

You come across on this thread (and pretty much every other thread in this sub-forum since you spam the same talking points again and again) as little more than a bully.

Give it a rest.

 

[rteetz]

Nope... just trolling on the DISboards. .... it is like arguing with a spoiled teenager: lots of attitude and really nothing new to say except Disney sucks and we are all stupid... 1 new ride.... the train doesn't really count because you can only ride IF you have a parkhopper... 1 restaurant... and lots of stores (with at least 2 simply moved from HPland1) all designed to get you to spend money on Chinese schlock. But the theming details will be beautiful. Yup... Universal is definitely learning from the Master and taking a page from Disney's recent playbook. Will I go, yes of course, I plan to visit WDW again in a couple of years for my daugter's B-day and we will take a day to go check out Universal again and it be be lots of fun... just like AK... and MK... HS.. and Epcot. Why is it a crime to appreciate each park? In all reality the competition is good for them and us... leading to more new attractions for everyone to enjoy. It is not like you have to sign a exclusivity clause: "If visiting Universal you will not be allowed to visit WDW property and vice verse". There will never be a winner to the argument (Disney vs Universal) because it is all based on personal subjective opinions. But while debate is fun.... when you become insulting in your attempt to prove your point ... then it is just juvenile posturing.

I agree with you

 

[rteetz]

I've been lurking and reading for a long time and congratulations you've finally pushed me to comment. It's not that I think Disney is some sort of perfect place and I don't doubt for a second that they are primarily focussed on increasing their profit margin and that they are deliberately going slow on new attractions. But guess what... I still enjoy Disney World anyway. You do not, and that is your right. What you don't have a right to do is constantly hassle and denigrate those who have a different feeling about it to you. You come across on this thread (and pretty much every other thread in this sub-forum since you spam the same talking points again and again) as little more than a bully. Give it a rest.

well thanks for finally posting because I couldn't agree more.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

WHAT? You mean that Universal is investing this money, supposedly to make our park experience better, but actually they are just doing it to increase their bottom line and feed the bonuses of the suits? This is preposterous! A company that we all have grown to love is just tossing us aside in favor of the big dollar sign. And the worst part is that all the universal apologist sheep are going along with it. They slap up these poorly thought out attractions with little to no detail in the shortest amount of time possible to give the illusion of
'improvement" but they are just actually looking for the next short term attendance increase-- to bolster next years pay out.

And they pour 6 oz of flavored corn syrup into carbonated water and charge you 6 dollars (?) a cupfull and name it after something we couldn't compare it to if we tried, and they are saviors.

Did I miss anything?

Once again: check...

I was talking with DW the other day, saying we must plan a trip to Universal, while the FOTL pass is still available for resort guests, and THEN I found out that the pass is not good in the new HP areas-- WHAT? How can they take away privileges that they used to offer from the guests who loyally come to their resorts? I decided to cancel my plans. I am so disappointed in the way universal has been lowering the experience I receive at their parks and increasing the cost. The expense for me now outweighs value.

aaaaaand... MATE!



What!? They way some people talk I though Universal was a non-profit charity for the good of mankind!

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I've been lurking and reading for a long time and congratulations you've finally pushed me to comment.

It's not that I think Disney is some sort of perfect place and I don't doubt for a second that they are primarily focussed on increasing their profit margin and that they are deliberately going slow on new attractions.

But guess what... I still enjoy Disney World anyway.

You do not, and that is your right. What you don't have a right to do is constantly hassle and denigrate those who have a different feeling about it to you.

You come across on this thread (and pretty much every other thread in this sub-forum since you spam the same talking points again and again) as little more than a bully.

Give it a rest.

Nailed it in your second post ever. Well done.

 

[Ero_FL]

WHAT? You mean that Universal is investing this money, supposedly to make our park experience better, but actually they are just doing it to increase their bottom line and feed the bonuses of the suits?

And I suppose Disney is the charitable company not in it for the profits?

And they pour 6 oz of flavored corn syrup into carbonated water and charge you 6 dollars (?) a cupfull and name it after something we couldn't compare it to if we tried, and they are saviors.

Lolwut? It's good. Why does it need to be compared to anything? It's a new thing that is specifically not like anything in existence- on purpose.

 

[Ero_FL]

Why is it a crime to appreciate each park? In all reality the competition is good for them and us... leading to more new attractions for everyone to enjoy. It is not like you have to sign a exclusivity clause: "If visiting Universal you will not be allowed to visit WDW property and vice verse". There will never be a winner to the argument (Disney vs Universal) because it is all based on personal subjective opinions.

Ding Ding Ding! We have a winnah!

 

[Planogirl]

Universal has built quite a bit more than the Harry Potter additions but I'm not interested in defending Universal. I am interested in Disney getting off of their collective kiester and actually following through on some on these plans. Yes, the FL addition is nice and hopefully when the Dwarves ride finally opens, the new addition will actually include a nice ride. However Disney is known as an innovator and became so popular at least partially because of what they create. I'm just saying that they need to keep that up and actually create something now and then.

 

[Borishack]

I am interested in Disney getting off of their collective kiester and actually following through on some on these plans.

and welcome to the fraternity that is seen as a worrisome threat by the Disney-status-quo-is-fine crowd.

 

[ArthurKing1220]

Universal has built quite a bit more than the Harry Potter additions but I'm not interested in defending Universal. I am interested in Disney getting off of their collective kiester and actually following through on some on these plans. Yes, the FL addition is nice and hopefully when the Dwarves ride finally opens, the new addition will actually include a nice ride. However Disney is known as an innovator and became so popular at least partially because of what they create. I'm just saying that they need to keep that up and actually create something now and then.

Well said and agreed. I'm in the same boat. I'm not a huge Universal fan; I don't even like Harry Potter. That hasn't stopped me from objectively observing the momentum that Universal has gained in the last five years; nor has it stopped me from observing Disney's insouciance over the same time period. I think what many of the "critics of the critics" don't seem to appreciate is that most of the critics are big Disney supporters -- though I'm sure there are exceptions; you don't rail on about things that you don't genuinely care about.

 

[disneymac000]

You all are forgetting that comcast did say they will be adding a new section and ride every year for the next four years at Universal Orlando so why you are saying ohh cool look Universal won't be a threat, you don't know what they may pull out of their magic box such as lord of the rings (Huge franchise) and the rumoured Jurassic Park expansion with a movie still coming out before Avatarland will be even open. I get it, its easy to say Disney will be best but if one thing I learned is every great empire falls when they don't learn to go with the times. Universal is rising and has a partnership with Seaworld and Busch Gardens and now owns Wet and Wild. What do you think is going to happen later on when they decide to open their new rumoured park also and third gate? Fantasyland does not and will not get two demographics that Disney needs right now teens and males. The mine train coaster is suppose to be the same intensity as the barnstormer with a great visual. Teens and male adrenline junkies are not going to go forward wanting that. Disney needs to fix that stuff and people need to stop doubting Universal. I remember ten years ago, people wouldn't even consider Universal and look where they are at now.

 

[twebber55]

You all are forgetting that comcast did say they will be adding a new section and ride every year for the next four years at Universal Orlando so why you are saying ohh cool look Universal won't be a threat, you don't know what they may pull out of their magic box such as lord of the rings (Huge franchise) and the rumoured Jurassic Park expansion with a movie still coming out before Avatarland will be even open. I get it, its easy to say Disney will be best but if one thing I learned is every great empire falls when they don't learn to go with the times. Universal is rising and has a partnership with Seaworld and Busch Gardens and now owns Wet and Wild. What do you think is going to happen later on when they decide to open their new rumoured park also and third gate? Fantasyland does not and will not get two demographics that Disney needs right now teens and males. The mine train coaster is suppose to be the same intensity as the barnstormer with a great visual. Teens and male adrenline junkies are not going to go forward wanting that. Disney needs to fix that stuff and people need to stop doubting Universal. I remember ten years ago, people wouldn't even consider Universal and look where they are at now.

I agree with this
I was just at universal last weekend and had a blast...and it looks like Universal will continue this building spree for the next several years....im not a doom and gloomer for Disney just would like them to speed up the process

universal is in it to steel market share

 

[rteetz]

You all are forgetting that comcast did say they will be adding a new section and ride every year for the next four years at Universal Orlando so why you are saying ohh cool look Universal won't be a threat, you don't know what they may pull out of their magic box such as lord of the rings (Huge franchise) and the rumoured Jurassic Park expansion with a movie still coming out before Avatarland will be even open. I get it, its easy to say Disney will be best but if one thing I learned is every great empire falls when they don't learn to go with the times. Universal is rising and has a partnership with Seaworld and Busch Gardens and now owns Wet and Wild. What do you think is going to happen later on when they decide to open their new rumoured park also and third gate? Fantasyland does not and will not get two demographics that Disney needs right now teens and males. The mine train coaster is suppose to be the same intensity as the barnstormer with a great visual. Teens and male adrenline junkies are not going to go forward wanting that. Disney needs to fix that stuff and people need to stop doubting Universal. I remember ten years ago, people wouldn't even consider Universal and look where they are at now.

I agree with you but disney is not a place you go for thrills never has been and never will be. Disney has always prided itself on its rides telling a story and having great detail in theming. When Star Wars comes to the parks in most likely DHS that will appeal more to the males and teens. MK will never have serious thrills like some of what universal has or six flags. The only park you would see bigger thrill would be DHS because of that backlot Hollywood studio atmosphere. MK is about the magic, Epcot about the cultures and technology, and AK about nature. Disney is only going to find the best possible rides to work within their parks that creates a themed land that flows with the rest of the park. Your not going to see a Cinderella ride in DHS or something like rockin roller coaster in MK. They have there respective places.

 

[ChrisFL]

WHAT? You mean that Universal is investing this money, supposedly to make our park experience better, but actually they are just doing it to increase their bottom line and feed the bonuses of the suits? This is preposterous! A company that we all have grown to love is just tossing us aside in favor of the big dollar sign. And the worst part is that all the universal apologist sheep are going along with it. They slap up these poorly thought out attractions with little to no detail in the shortest amount of time possible to give the illusion of
'improvement" but they are just actually looking for the next short term attendance increase-- to bolster next years pay out.

And they pour 6 oz of flavored corn syrup into carbonated water and charge you 6 dollars (?) a cupfull and name it after something we couldn't compare it to if we tried, and they are saviors.

Did I miss anything?

Wait, you're talking about Disney right? I mean an omnimover attraction based on a 20+ year old movie that was just copied from DCA, a second version of an attraction that opened in 1971 with a new queue, oh and a drink at Gaston's "Tavern" that isn't getting as good of reviews as the Butterbeer I can only GUESS that your'e referring to? The one that sold over 1 million drinks in 6 months?

What about the new Tangled bathrooms and benches area....great press event, that one!

Clearly you may want to do some research or maybe even visit the parks you're bashing.

I don't hate Disney, I love Disney, but WDW is a mess and it's only getting worse.

 

[Borishack]

Wait, you're talking about Disney right? I mean an omnimover attraction based on a 20+ year old movie that was just copied from DCA, a second version of an attraction that opened in 1971 with a new queue, oh and a drink at Gaston's "Tavern" that isn't getting as good of reviews as the Butterbeer I can only GUESS that your'e referring to? The one that sold over 1 million drinks in 6 months?

What about the new Tangled bathrooms and benches area....great press event, that one!

Clearly you may want to do some research or maybe even visit the parks you're bashing.

I don't hate Disney, I love Disney, but WDW is a mess and it's only getting worse.

Bingo, we have a REAL winner!!!!

 

[Borishack]

When Star Wars comes to the parks

When? I believe you mean "if." If I am incorrect, please update us with the confirmation that new Star Wars attractions are indeed definitely coming to WDW. Of course, that means details that go beyond quotes of those fluffy non-committal soundbites from Iger. We would love to see the specifics (what attractions/where will the be/when will they open).

MK will never have serious thrills like some of what universal has or six flags.

I agree, but what is the point? The breakthrough headliners the Universal has introduced over the last 5 years aren't thrill rides. It almost seems like some here are trying to diminish Universal because they happen to have some "thrill rides,' even though the primary draws there now are heavily themed dark rides, many of which give the ones at the Magic Kingdom more than a run for their money.

 

[rteetz]

When? I believe you mean "if." If I am incorrect, please update us with the confirmation that new Star Wars attractions are indeed definitely coming to WDW. Of course, that means details that go beyond quotes of those fluffy non-committal soundbites from Iger. We would love to see the specifics (what attractions/where will the be/when will they open). I agree, but what is the point? The breakthrough headliners the Universal has introduced over the last 5 years aren't thrill rides. It almost seems like some here are trying to diminish Universal because they happen to have some "thrill rides,' even though the primary draws there now are heavily themed dark rides, many of which give the ones at the Magic Kingdom more than a run for their money.

Star Wars will come eventually to WDW even if its not until 30 years down the road Star Wars is to much of a money maker to to come to the parks some how. I agree with you about the universal thing. Disneys dark rides have been around for decades and don't show off any good technology likely they used to, but a lot of them are classic and won't be changed anytime soon. Even tho the mine train won't exactly be thrilling or appeal to males it is going to have great theming.

 

[hedberg1661]

I really think this HP Expansion will be a great and needed addition to Universal. While I am a bit partial to WDW I really enjoyed the first phase of HP and can't wait to see the new additions. I think that these new expansions (on both sides) keeps the competition high and drives both groups to continue to improve.

I see many posts regarding the pending Star Wars land or park. This will eventually happen. There is too much money to be made. Disney didn't spend 4 Billion just so they could put movies out. Unfortunately they under estimated the cost of the Magic Bands / MDE roll-out (started at 1 Billion and has steadily increased since then). Once their finances are in order without overextending Disney they will proceed. I can't wait to see what both groups put out in the next decade.

 

[ChipnDale79]

My 2 cents, it appears that Universal is taking things seriously and are building new big attractions in half to maybe a quarter of the time frame Disney is currently. Avatar was announced 2 to 3 years ago and they just broke ground? We'll miss the Lion King while we are there. For the life of me I can't understand this, I don't understand why the show is down for a full 6 months. This show should be down for a month or two tops. Build the new building while the old building still holds the current show, then move the show once the building is complete.

I understand Disney is a company and at the end of the day they are in business to make a profit. However, what really bothers me is that prices keep increasing while the entire experience decreases.

It appears they take more things away then add things. At the end of the day, it makes it harder and harder to justify paying the increased price.

Meanwhile, Universal is increasing prices as well, but at the same time they are increasing the guest experience by leaps and bounds. I can easily justify the increased price for Universal.

Again, this is all my opinion.