Universal is killing it!!

[jmurray2446]

I just became an AP holder last week, and went to Universal Resort 4 times since. I have to say I think Universal is doing a great job. Between their policies, and quality attractions, they have my loyalty. It was nice to be mask less, and see everyone's smiling faces. It was a really busy and hot the days we went but we still had a great time. It was my daughters first time there; I have a 4 and 1 year old. And the first time my wife and I have been in 8 years. A lot has changed and seeing the Harry Potter theming and the all around park experiences I was really happy. I think Hagrid's Motorbike is one of the best themed roller coasters out there!
Now that I am a local I will be more than happy to frequent Universal resort as often as I can. As a die hard Disney fan and DVC member it's such a bummer to not have Disney in all it's glory right now. But after being around Universal it seems like they are choosing the guest experience right now over other factors. May be wrong there, I have no idea on their financials. But just considering that they are moving forward on their 3rd theme park, kept AP sales and perks going, opened 2 major roller coasters in 3 years, and they are going full tilt towards Halloween Horror nights this year without a it being a stripped down event??
It's making me think Disney is pulling their punches in favor of the $, or something else. I understand they are a much larger entity and we could argue all day about that, but from a face value experience right now, if you can enjoy the rides. Universal, in my opinion, is beating Disney in a lot of areas, currently.

 

[davper]

I have to agree with you. We usually do 3 days at Universal then 8 at Disney. We found ourselves at Universal twice more this past trip because it was just a better experience.

 

[MarcIsMe]

Ditto. I live out of state but bought my wife and self AP’s when they had the add 3 months promotion. We went to Disney and Universal in December and were really impressed by Universal, especially the Express Pass that came with the room. My wife actually decided to forego our usual May anniversary trip to Disney in favor of a Universal trip this year. Yes, it was not perfect, early entry was a disappointment but berween the AP discount at the hotel, the Express Pass, and the variety, cost and quality of the food; everything added up to a win.

 

[NYHeel]

Ditto. I live out of state but bought my wife and self AP’s when they had the add 3 months promotion. We went to Disney and Universal in December and were really impressed by Universal, especially the Express Pass that came with the room. My wife actually decided to forego our usual May anniversary trip to Disney in favor of a Universal trip this year. Yes, it was not perfect, early entry was a disappointment but berween the AP discount at the hotel, the Express Pass, and the variety, cost and quality of the food; everything added up to a win.

Just curious, why was early entry a disappointment?

 

[MarcIsMe]

I guess I should elaborate. I have made 3 trips since activating my annual pass; early December, mid-April, and mid-May. The December trip was on a Wednesday and the park was a walk in, no crowds at all. Because of that trip, we got to IOA 15 minutes before EE opening. The two lines were stretched into Citywalk. Unlike Disney, I was not aware that everyone was let in early and the EE people were sorted out later. It was 15 minutes after regular park opening before we made it onto the ride at Hagrids. i had learned my lesson for the May trip. Each of the two days we got up at the crack of doom and were waiting at Citywalk security when they opened an hour before EE. We were at the front of the gate before they closed off the area at the breezeway and started the line. This did allow us to get into UO promptly and allowed a couple of Gringott’s rides before park opening. I guess my main disappointment with EE was the sorting took place after the turnstiles allowing for a massive line to get in. Disney does have a wider plaza area allowing for more of the lines to be spread out.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

After 4 WDW trips in 6 years we opted to swap for Universal this year because the resort rates are much more reasonable and because the top tier resorts come with free Express Passes. I agree with the Covid protocols Disney has followed but I do think they have used the pandemic to cut back on services while not lowering prices, and in some cases to hike prices exorbitantly (see: no more Magical Express, Boo Bash ticket prices vs MNSSHP) I won't return to WDW until FP+ is reinstated. I was very good at making that system work for my family, and I don't want to pay high WDW ticket prices to wait in long standby queues all day.

 

[cfoxga]

We made a similar switch after 3 WDW trips to 5 UO trips over the last 4 years.

UO deluxe resorts really make for a fantastic vacation. Since they are within walking/boating distance of CityWalk both parks, plus short lines with EPs, it gives a very relaxed feel with little planning needed. When combined with annual passes (which open up APH rates at the resorts) over multiple trips, the cost per day and planning stress level is much lower than WDW.