Universal has announced next hotel

[Michael623]

Do they?!?

I visited Disneyland Paris both as a day guest and a Disney hotel guest and the only difference as getting early entry. FastPass worked exactly the same both trips.

There are additional benefits for staying at THE Disneyland Hotel, not just A Disneyland Hotel.

 

[ahoyle]

Sorry but the group that has the funds to take safaris in africa is small. there are animal lovers (and children) all over the globe who enjoy seeing animals they would not have the ability to see otherwise. They go to the zoo.

Find me a prison where the entities running it study my life habits, desires, dietary needs and wants, give me a pool, a patio because I like that, a barbecue grille, a cool car to run some laps on in my compound occasionally, somewhere to go fishing, and constant medical service, and a mate that pleases me, and support for any offspring that I happen to create, and you can sign me up.

I agree 100% with this. My son wants to be a marine biologist. Why? Primarily because he loves what SeaWorld does. Who do officials in California, Texas, and Florida call if there are beached whales, or other aquatic wildlife that needs help, that would be SeaWorld. If you go to SeaWorlds facebook page, yesterday they posted a video of a 9 week old Manatee that they have been hand bottle feeding, that they rescued a month or so ago after the mother abandoned it. I bet this little guy is happy to be a "prisoner".

Manatees might be moved off the endangered species list shortly due to the increasing populations, which are largely credited to SeaWorld's efforts at changing Florida laws to protect them in the past. But yeah, lets focus on how "bad" SeaWorld is while merrily spending our money in Animal Kingdom or Epcot.

And just so its clear, I love Animal Kingdom...thats not a knock on them. I could do a documentary on 9 year old soccer, use the same music as blackfish, zoom in on some injuries while the music is playing, get a few "experts" that talk about concussions in youth soccer, get CNN to show it twice a week for 6 months, and people would be talking about the evils of youth soccer.

 

[L&Lfan]

I agree with you as well. In my opinion AK is underestimated by a lot of people. Yes it's about animals but it's about conservation of animals. The details in that park rival any other park in the world. Just the tree of life alone is amazing with the detail that was put in it. There are areas that need something better (dinoland) but I think even more incredible details will come with avatar. Animal kingdom also doesn't have animals shows except for the one bird show but it's really just showcasing what amazing animals they are they don't do tricks and crazy stunts. Animal kingdom also has the safari which replicates as much as possible a real African savannah the only difference is there are hidden boundaries that keep the animals in certain location so they don't have lions killing zebras in front of guests etc.

If I could watch the lions bringing down a zebra I might actually want to go to Animal Kingdom!

 

[Lynne G]

Since Comcast has not even hinted to buying Sea World, can we talk more about the new Universal hotel?

I am excited to see the new hotel. I like Loews hotels, and while I like the unlimited express pass with the 3 on site hotels, depending on the rates, on a slower time of year, I'd stay there for sure. I like they will give boat service, and a covered walkway to the Royal Pacific. Any more info on room size or types?

 

[skier_pete]

Since Comcast has not even hinted to buying Sea World, can we talk more about the new Universal hotel?

Yeah, I was thinking myself that it's been awhile since I've seen a thread derail as spectacularly as this one!

 

[Disneychick75]

I have somewhat less of an issue with the hotel "classes" (more expensive hotels include FOTL), and also am OK with on-site versus off-site benefits. It's more the fact that I have to pay $100+ a day to go to the park, but if I want to wait in shorter lines, I have to pay yet another fee. Meanwhile at Disney, I can stay on-site, off-site, show up that day and still have option of taking advantage of FP+.

I can't believe anyone is seriously saying that that PAYING for FOTL privileges is BETTER than having a difference between a 60 day FP+ window (for free) and a 30 day FP+ window (for free).

If Disney did the EXACT SAME THING (Free FP+ at Deluxe resorts, and a $20 a day fee for moderates, values and off-site) people would be COMPLETELY filling out.

Paying for a Uni onsite and getting FOTL is better because guests don't have to plan 30 -60 days in advance.

Sorry. They have no freedom. Three square meals and a small space to live? Sounds like prison to me. You're probably right though. Freedom is totally overrated.

Are you talking about the AK animals?

 

[beer dave]

Yeah, I was thinking myself that it's been awhile since I've seen a thread derail as spectacularly as this one!

But they are the most fun ones.

 

[Tomader]

The problem with Disney is they have very few must go on rides. If I am there a week I go on the few rides I need a fast pass for and I am done. The Studios have Toy Story that is it. Epcot has Soaring and Test Track. Magic Kingdom the new Mine Ride. Animal Kingdom I could skip. Not much going on there. Avatar land? When? I think I saw the movie years ago. They need more rides! It took years for the Mine Ride and that was a disappointment! I just hope they do something instead of building more vacation club villas. I love Disney but they are making me look elsewhere to vacation. The people I talk with their kids want Universal. People are skipping Disney.

 

[rteetz]

The problem with Disney is they have very few must go on rides. If I am there a week I go on the few rides I need a fast pass for and I am done. The Studios have Toy Story that is it. Epcot has Soaring and Test Track. Magic Kingdom the new Mine Ride. Animal Kingdom I could skip. Not much going on there. Avatar land? When? I think I saw the movie years ago. They need more rides! It took years for the Mine Ride and that was a disappointment! I just hope they do something instead of building more vacation club villas. I love Disney but they are making me look elsewhere to vacation. The people I talk with their kids want Universal. People are skipping Disney.

DHS has more than just Toy Story. ToT and RnR are two musts I would think.
Animal Kingdom has E-tickets and is so much more than just rides. Avatarland is coming and opening in 2017 along with it brings an entire new nightlife to a day time park. Nighttime safari, and two new attractions in Avatarland. Yes the movie wasn't great doesn't mean the land can't be tho. We are lucky we got the mine train that wasn't in the original plans, yes it took long, I don't think its a disappointment unless you were looking for a big new E-ticket, which disney never intended it to be. The animatronics in that attraction are some of the best in WDW. Universal is doing what Disney did in the 80s and 90s there will come a time in the next 5 years or so where they won't be building much and it won't be at a fast rate. Yes disney could do a lot more but its not like they aren't doing anything.

 

[rteetz]

But they are the most fun ones.

That they are

 

[beer dave]

The problem with Disney is they have very few must go on rides. If I am there a week I go on the few rides I need a fast pass for and I am done. The Studios have Toy Story that is it. Epcot has Soaring and Test Track. Magic Kingdom the new Mine Ride. Animal Kingdom I could skip. Not much going on there. Avatar land? When? I think I saw the movie years ago. They need more rides! It took years for the Mine Ride and that was a disappointment! I just hope they do something instead of building more vacation club villas. I love Disney but they are making me look elsewhere to vacation. The people I talk with their kids want Universal. People are skipping Disney.

If those rides are all you enjoy about Disney parks, it sounds like Disney isn't for you.
They have never been and never will be a thrill ride park.

 

[clsteve]

Since Comcast has not even hinted to buying Sea World, can we talk more about the new Universal hotel?

I am excited to see the new hotel. I like Loews hotels, and while I like the unlimited express pass with the 3 on site hotels, depending on the rates, on a slower time of year, I'd stay there for sure. I like they will give boat service, and a covered walkway to the Royal Pacific. Any more info on room size or types?

Agreed.

I had no idea bringing it up - even though I don't think I could have added any more caveats than I did - would turn the thread into a Save/or don't Save the Whales discussion.....

Lesson learned

The point was more that there must be additional major expansion(s) on the horizon for Loews to build Sapphire Bay and have 2 or so additional in the long term plans.

This isn't Disney and how they've historically approached Hotel/DVC expansion. Loews would only move forward once they were very, very comfortable that the guest footprint will increase incrementally for the builds and along with some draw to keep them on-site with lengths of stay that fit their top-line rev and profitability models.

The Convention business and the new water park may be enough for Sapphire - so what's coming to fill other 2....?

 

[Lynne G]

The Convention business and the new water park may be enough for Sapphire - so what's coming to fill other 2....?

I don't know, but they already now provide free bus service to Sea World, but I think they are trying to be more competitive as a destination - like WDW. However, maybe they are not as afraid of capturing the customer to go to its parks every day, but stay, enjoy our hotels and parks, and make side trips to our competitors is more their business plan.

Regardless, I am excited to see competition.

 

[rteetz]

Agreed. I had no idea bringing it up - even though I don't think I could have added any more caveats than I did - would turn the thread into a Save/or don't Save the Whales discussion..... Lesson learned The point was more that there must be additional major expansion(s) on the horizon for Loews to build Sapphire Bay and have 2 or so additional in the long term plans. This isn't Disney and how they've historically approached Hotel/DVC expansion. Loews would only move forward once they were very, very comfortable that the guest footprint will increase incrementally for the builds and along with some draw to keep them on-site with lengths of stay that fit their top-line rev and profitability models. The Convention business and the new water park may be enough for Sapphire - so what's coming to fill other 2....?

Well something is being constructed next to Jurassic park at universal that is confirmed what it is isn't. Most say its kong, they also have approved some trade marks for other things including Jurassic world so an expansion of that area could be coming. Toon island is rumored to be leveled as well. Potter phase 3 is also supposedly coming sooner or later. Universal and Loews have also been rumored to start their own type of DVC, some of the plots of land they are looking at aren't very big so a smaller time share resort might make sense.

 

[skier_pete]

Well something is being constructed next to Jurassic park at universal that is confirmed what it is isn't. Most say its kong, they also have approved some trade marks for other things including Jurassic world so an expansion of that area could be coming. Toon island is rumored to be leveled as well. Potter phase 3 is also supposedly coming sooner or later. Universal and Loews have also been rumored to start their own type of DVC, some of the plots of land they are looking at aren't very big so a smaller time share resort might make sense.

Wow, that's a lot of rumors I haven't heard before (except the Kong one).

Here's the thing about a Universal DVC - do you really think they are big enough to sustain there own timeshare system? I supposed Disney started out with just one, but they were able to expand to around a dozen locations, not all at WDW.

The thing is, Universal is still a LOOOONNNGGG way from being a week-long destination resort. With a water park and a third theme park, then maybe you would be talking about that, but timeshares are usually week-long destinations...

Wouldn't you think it more likely if Universal was going to get a timeshare at the parks it would be in conjunction with say Hilton GVC or Wyndham?

 

[rteetz]

Wow, that's a lot of rumors I haven't heard before (except the Kong one). Here's the thing about a Universal DVC - do you really think they are big enough to sustain there own timeshare system? I supposed Disney started out with just one, but they were able to expand to around a dozen locations, not all at WDW. The thing is, Universal is still a LOOOONNNGGG way from being a week-long destination resort. With a water park and a third theme park, then maybe you would be talking about that, but timeshares are usually week-long destinations... Wouldn't you think it more likely if Universal was going to get a timeshare at the parks it would be in conjunction with say Hilton GVC or Wyndham?

I know and agree I was just putting the rumor out there because it is being discussed. I think we are a long way from a third universal theme park but the waterpark is very likely. I only know one DVC member personally but of course have heard from a lot more on here, but my friend doesn't normally stay a week they own at BLT, and usually stay about 4-5 days. I also know a lot of DVC members on the boards are staying at their DVC but going to universal instead or at least going to universal for a couple days. The same could be done with a universal timeshare, people could only stay for a 4-5 day period, and or if they stay longer they could go to other destinations like Disney, or SeaWorld.

 

[Disneychick75]

I'd sell my DVC in a heartbeat and buy into a Uni timeshare. Maybe I should sell now because I think a Uni timeshare might have a negative impact on DVC prices.

 

[HoneymoonandBEYOND]

The problem with Disney is they have very few must go on rides. If I am there a week I go on the few rides I need a fast pass for and I am done. The Studios have Toy Story that is it. Epcot has Soaring and Test Track. Magic Kingdom the new Mine Ride. Animal Kingdom I could skip. Not much going on there. Avatar land? When? I think I saw the movie years ago. They need more rides! It took years for the Mine Ride and that was a disappointment! I just hope they do something instead of building more vacation club villas. I love Disney but they are making me look elsewhere to vacation. The people I talk with their kids want Universal. People are skipping Disney.

Disney isn't all about the rides though, Disney's 4 parks design = Universal Studios prior to IoA. IoA houses the majority of the rides for Universal, Universal Studios was all about details, behind the scenes, taking you somewhere different, etc. Disney focuses more on details, unique settings, shopping experiences, rides, etc. - it's like a vacation somewhere else where you can cut off the rest of the world. I would also argue that DHS gets more negativity than deserved; RnR, ToT, TSM, ST, and the outstanding plays/ shows.

Disney shifted even more focus in recent times to making it an all inclusive family park, so super big thrill rides are not probably a major feature for them in the future. I don't love Disney for the rides exclusively though, I love it for the small yet beautiful details, the all inclusive feeling, the magic.

To put into perspective, we are passholders at both USO and WDW so I am not talking from directly one side. I love going to Universal for a day or two... but I LOVE going to Disney for a week.

DHS has more than just Toy Story. ToT and RnR are two musts I would think.
Animal Kingdom has E-tickets and is so much more than just rides. Avatarland is coming and opening in 2017 along with it brings an entire new nightlife to a day time park. Nighttime safari, and two new attractions in Avatarland. Yes the movie wasn't great doesn't mean the land can't be tho. We are lucky we got the mine train that wasn't in the original plans, yes it took long, I don't think its a disappointment unless you were looking for a big new E-ticket, which disney never intended it to be. The animatronics in that attraction are some of the best in WDW. Universal is doing what Disney did in the 80s and 90s there will come a time in the next 5 years or so where they won't be building much and it won't be at a fast rate. Yes disney could do a lot more but its not like they aren't doing anything.

It's funny that people talk about the movie not being so great (me included) but it was one of the most successful films of all times and reviewed well critically. I think it was marketed incorrectly and my distaste for the film comes from the lack of uniqueness in the script and again, it was marketed as an edgy family film which IMO it definitely WAS NOT.

I do truthfully believe that AvatarLand will be outstanding though, regardless of the way I feel of the movie. It was a beautiful movie at the very least which will make the section of AK beautiful.

I don't know, but they already now provide free bus service to Sea World, but I think they are trying to be more competitive as a destination - like WDW. However, maybe they are not as afraid of capturing the customer to go to its parks every day, but stay, enjoy our hotels and parks, and make side trips to our competitors is more their business plan.

Regardless, I am excited to see competition.

No doubt they want to compete as the family vacation destination not just the "theme park" destination. It is evident with the changes tot he meal plan, connection of the parks, rapid expansion, more hotels, etc.

My issue is, without making some of the rumored acquisitions they are far more land locked than WDW. They once had the land to make it much larger, unfortunately it was formerly sold off - I do get excited with the new rumors though and would love to see major USO expansions (like the water park, 3rd park, etc. rumors)

Well something is being constructed next to Jurassic park at universal that is confirmed what it is isn't. Most say its kong, they also have approved some trade marks for other things including Jurassic world so an expansion of that area could be coming. Toon island is rumored to be leveled as well. Potter phase 3 is also supposedly coming sooner or later. Universal and Loews have also been rumored to start their own type of DVC, some of the plots of land they are looking at aren't very big so a smaller time share resort might make sense.

It is definitely a Kong revival. I would be shocked if anything else, though I really wish they would expand upon JP like planned so long ago.

Toon Island rumor has been around for the greater portion of 4-5 years... Idk how I feel about this yet. I could see it go both ways, but they continue to make refurbs yearly so for now I don't see it going anywhere in the near future.

Potter phase 3 is fan talk IMO, at least for now. It won't be soon if ever, much of the loyal USO crowd is mad about the expansion of Potter and removal of classic rides, you have to take some of that into consideration too. They don't want ANOTHER expansion.

I think it's extremely plausible there may be a timeshare system coming - again look at changes to dining plan, more hotels, expansions, etc. Looks like they are gearing up for SOMETHING.

 

[Tomader]

If those rides are all you enjoy about Disney parks, it sounds like Disney isn't for you.
They have never been and never will be a thrill ride park.

I am not looking for thrill rides. I'm just looking for more new attractions. When you go to Disney every year and see the same thing over and over but pay higher and higher prices you begin to rethink your Disney vacation. It' a shame because I love the place. I know there are a lot of people that I talk to about Disney that feel the same way. We all agree on build more attractions but don't take 5 years to do it! Also redo a lot of those attractions that are outdated. They ruined the Backlot tour. Also Indiana Jones went out in the 90's. I guess patience is not my strong point.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I am not looking for thrill rides. I'm just looking for more new attractions. When you go to Disney every year and see the same thing over and over but pay higher and higher prices you begin to rethink your Disney vacation. It' a shame because I love the place. I know there are a lot of people that I talk to about Disney that feel the same way. We all agree on build more attractions but don't take 5 years to do it! Also redo a lot of those attractions that are outdated. They ruined the Backlot tour. Also Indiana Jones went out in the 90's. I guess patience is not my strong point.

Maybe the movie came out in the 90s but I have teen boys who love it all the same. I can't say I love the movie or the attraction but some things are timeless. Every time they remove an "old" attraction to keep things fresh, they get a ton of complaints that a "classic" was taken away. I'm not saying IJ is a classic just saying that people all have different favorites at WDW. Reminds me of the rehab at the Poly. So many people think it's looked like early 70s and desperately needs updating. Just as many are sad that what they come to expect at the Poly (and all the nostalgia) will be gone forever. Sometimes you can't please everyone.
What year was Peter Pan first released? Yet it's rare to ever see that line less than 45 mins., even during off peak times.