Universal is much better than WDW!!!

[DisUniversal]

I do think overall that for teens they will prefer Universal but real young probably Disney. But I disagree that there aren't enough things at Universal for a young kid to do. There are rides at both parks real young kids are too young for.

Yes...those too young to think for themselves may prefer Disney.

 

[jimsanfilippo]

When my boys were that age, they actually seemed to have a better time at the Universal parks because they tended to prefer the 'playground' type areas where they could create their own fun over being herded into queues to experience a 2 minute attraction that I wanted them to see.

Yeah, but that seems like a pretty pricey playground.

 

[DisUniversal]

Yeah, but that seems like a pretty pricey playground.

They don't spend all day at the playgrounds, but it certainly breaks up the day and gives them time to have some fun in between waiting in queues and certainly is more enjoyable for them than sitting on a curb for 60 or more minutes so they can see a parade featuring characters from their parents childhood.

 

[DrHfuhruhurr]

I just made a generalized comment that, was in no way shape or form, directed towards anyone in this forum; however, thank you for proving my point.

I maybe shouldn't have quoted you, since I wasn't exclusively responding to your post. More a combination of posts... a general trend I've noticed lately, capped by your post.

But, c'mon. Your post had a (snarky) point and you meant to make it. At least follow through and own it.

I dont see any "fighting in the dirt to support allegiance" , just people stating their opinions and pretty decently too...You want dirt fighting, go over to the themepark forum and post ANYTHING positive about Universal or a negative about Disney and watch what happens.Universal boards are a pretty friendly bunch I think

Again, I'm guilty of bringing outside baggage to the conversation. Many bags of which came from the Disney forum and not this one, granted. But, by "fighting in the dirt," I didn't mean "dirty fighting." I just meant the "tooth and nail" / "at all costs" mentality that pervades these My-Favorite-Corporation Wars--e.g., PC vs. Mac, iOS vs. Android, etc.

Don't worry about the things you can't control. Start a trip report as almost everyone on the darkside are nice.

Thanks for the tip, maybe I will. I have a lot to say about a lot of things. A small portion of which someone might find interesting.

 

[mforce1]

I maybe shouldn't have quoted you, since I wasn't exclusively responding to your post. More a combination of posts... a general trend I've noticed lately, capped by your post.

But, c'mon. Your post had a (snarky) point and you meant to make it. At least follow through and own it.

A generalized comment is just that, a general comment. The "only" person that's taking offense to the comment is you. If I wanted to "follow through", I would have directly responded to a particular person. But again, I'm not the one that's getting defensive over a generalized statement!

 

[sadossey]

I was just thinking about the controversy if someone went to the Disney Themeparks forum and posted a thread about how they preferred WDW and others chimed in to disagree. It's really nice that people can come here and just say what they think. (So far. ) I'll add that I don't agree that any Disney resort is more luxurious than the three luxury Universal resorts. I guess that luxury is in the eyes of the beholder too.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna copy my original post to the WDW parks forum just to stir the pot! (Rubs hands together with a creepy laugh!!)

 

[metzgardesign]

One of the best things about our brief stay and visit at Uni....was that it was what WDW used to be. Dining didn't need 6-month reservations, the overall vibe was just more relaxed....for us, from everything like checking into the hotel (no long lines.....just strolling up to the desk), to heading down to the nice restaurant in the hotel to be seated right away for a great meal, to wandering the parks easily and (with the early entry and Express Pass dealio) enjoying a wide variety of attractions with little waits.

And WDW used to be that way. I can recall on a trip maybe 14 years ago (?....our first stay at AKL). Our waiter at BOMA asked us if we had ever tried O'hana, and mentioned that if we had not, we needed to on that trip.

We were able to, without any troubles, stop in for dinner there one evening based on his suggestion. None of our dining plans were made before a particular day....we'd decide that morning where we were headed, and made dining plans at the concierge desk (if we felt like it) for that evening, based on where we planned on being.

WDW has lost so very much of that impulsive feel.....planning and reserving dining, planning and reserving attractions, carrying around the smartphone to constantly be abreast of all those reservations.

That's not a vacation.....that's everyday life with some rides thrown in, and perhaps netter scenery than a cubicle.

I go places to get away from that level of regimentation when I can.

 

[Planogirl]

I maybe shouldn't have quoted you, since I wasn't exclusively responding to your post. More a combination of posts... a general trend I've noticed lately, capped by your post.

I personally don't see this here but some people can be a little sensitive. Mention that you like or even worse prefer Universal in some areas and the attacks can be pretty severe. Sometimes people come to this forum to fuss about Universal and question why anyone in their right mind would go there. It gets old.

I don't get that sense in this thread which is nice. Present company included.

 

[TaylorsDad]

I personally don't this here but some people can be a little sensitive. Mention that you like or even worse prefer Universal in some areas and the attacks can be pretty severe. Sometimes people come to this forum to fuss about Universal and question why anyone in their right mind would go there. It gets old.

I don't get that sense in this thread which is nice. Present company included.

Yeah, but I do love the fact that even now it is not as bad in some of the other boards as it was just a few years ago prior to Potter. To their credit even some of Universals former detractors are now passionate to defend Universal in their posts and others that would have went along with the bashing now remain neutral because Universal has done so much with expansions and innovations compared to WDW. Very few that have been to WWOHP can claim WDW holds an exclusive to theming and the sheer WOW factor.

 

[RMulieri]

One of the best things about our brief stay and visit at Uni....was that it was what WDW used to be. Dining didn't need 6-month reservations, the overall vibe was just more relaxed....for us, from everything like checking into the hotel (no long lines.....just strolling up to the desk), to heading down to the nice restaurant in the hotel to be seated right away for a great meal, to wandering the parks easily and (with the early entry and Express Pass dealio) enjoying a wide variety of attractions with little waits.

And WDW used to be that way. I can recall on a trip maybe 14 years ago (?....our first stay at AKL). Our waiter at BOMA asked us if we had ever tried O'hana, and mentioned that if we had not, we needed to on that trip.

We were able to, without any troubles, stop in for dinner there one evening based on his suggestion. None of our dining plans were made before a particular day....we'd decide that morning where we were headed, and made dining plans at the concierge desk (if we felt like it) for that evening, based on where we planned on being.

WDW has lost so very much of that impulsive feel.....planning and reserving dining, planning and reserving attractions, carrying around the smartphone to constantly be abreast of all those reservations.

That's not a vacation.....that's everyday life with some rides thrown in, and perhaps netter scenery than a cubicle.

I go places to get away from that level of regimentation when I can.

DH and I say this ALL the time..Universal to us is like how disney USED to be..I hope Universal is never like Disney is now.I would have to reconsider going there too.My whole life and job is planned and regimented( nurse here) .I go on vacation to get away from that .If I want strict schedules I will stay home

 

[clsteve]

Yeah, but I do love the fact that even now it is not as bad in some of the other boards as it was just a few years ago prior to Potter. To their credit even some of Universals former detractors are now passionate to defend Universal in their posts and others that would have went along with the bashing now remain neutral because Universal has done so much with expansions and innovations compared to WDW. Very few that have been to WWOHP can claim WDW holds an exclusive to theming and the sheer WOW factor.

And Daigon Alley is really going to move that needle. Add in Kong plus the rumors of (potentially) further HP/DA expansion ---- it's going to be really tough for people to argue "UOR is only a 2 day Park" or "they just don't have the theme-ing like WDW". Heck, from all of the media reports, DA is going to take a full day to take everything in that's offered.

I think it's awesome. UOR has earned every accolade they're getting because they're delivering exactly what the public wants. And, Disney-lovers should be very happy they are. Because the ball's now firmly back in Disney's court. Hopefully, they're now adding things to Avatar instead of dropping things. James Cameron has to be ecstatic that JK Rowling's influence on and control of HP at UOR has been so successful. Tough for the Disney exec's to now say "back off Jimmy, we've got it..."

 

[StarWarsJez]

We've been fortunate to do both Disney and Universal for a long while and though we still love Disney, it's Universal that really excites us now.

IMO Disney has stagnated over the past few years, with the only really new expansion 'New Fantasyland' leaving us, frankly unimpressed. Comparing that with Universal which every year seems to have something new and exciting - and as others have said - much less stress!!!!

I can't wait for Diagonal Alley etc. since if it's anything like WWoHP then it's going to be amazing.

I hope Disney introduces new Florida attractions soon, but I'm not holding my breath. I think their attention is on China at the moment

 

[jon18uk]

I've not read every post on this topic, but I am curious about the "value" of the express pass that people put on it.

We have taken a holiday in Orlando several times before, staying at a Disney resort but going off to Universal / SeaWorld / Busch Gardens too.

We used FastPass at Disney, simply because it was there. But never felt the need to pay for Express Pass as we pretty much were able to ride everything we wanted at Universal.

For those who say they get much more enjoyment because they get unlimited Express Pass with their deluxe hotel at Universal, would you pay the $90+ for the pass if you stayed off-site? If you had never experienced the ExpressPass would you ever have thought of paying?

I don't see myself paying for the pass, as we usually go when the crowds are lighter anyway.

 

[jimsanfilippo]

I dont see any "fighting in the dirt to support allegiance" , just people stating their opinions and pretty decently too...You want dirt fighting, go over to the themepark forum and post ANYTHING positive about Universal or a negative about Disney and watch what happens.Universal boards are a pretty friendly bunch I think

Yes, I've witnessed this first hand when I dared to suggest that not allowing guests onto rides or into shops in the back of MK starting at about 6:40pm when there is a special night (Halloween Party, Christmas Party, etc.) starting at 7pm was wrong. I took a TON of non-stop abuse for that opinion. People can get harsh.

 

[Karkor]

I read a lot of sites and forums over the years.
There seems to be a common thing that a LOT of Dis fans are OTT. They seem to be very protective over Dis 'which is fine' but quite nasty about Uni.
I read one review of Uni recently from a Dis Fan. It was as if they were looking for stuff to hate at Uni. I am starting to hate the term lacks the Disney Magic or Disney polish...
We have Harry Potter and does not come more magical than that for me lol.

Of course people have favourites and that is ok, yet a lot and I am not saying ALL, Disney fans seem a bit OTT.
On another well known site it seems very pro Disney even thought its about Orlando. Threads seems to get closed very easily when its about Uni for silliest reasons. yet many boring Dis threads about sleeps go on forever lol.

I just wondered if there was a reason Uni people on forums come across more nicely a lot of the time? Again I am not saying all dis fans are the same as ofc they not...

 

[Owlpost23]

This board really has nice,helpful people on it.I've always noticed it.Very passionate about US/IOA,but not hateful towards Disney.Lots of info to give out,if anyone ever needs it,too!

 

[Fantasmic23]

I wrote a few Universal Trip Reports back in 2011. Never before have I encountered such lovely people! Friendly, interested, and fun-loving individuals. As I wrote at the conclusion of that long ago trip report ("Cheating on Mickey with Harry"), there is a more laid-back, friendly vibe at Universal (and amongst its fans). I love WDW, too, but things that usually send people into a tizzy at WDW, are met with an "Oh, well. Stuff happens." kind of attitude at Universal.

 

[RedSox68]

We have split our time between WDW and Universal on our last trip and doing so again in December. We find Universal way more relaxing and less overwhelming than all the Disney parks -- even with the Harry Potter parks. They have so many great sections -- including the Marvel area and superhero parade, and tons of fun and inventive eating places. And as I said on another thread, getting dinner reservations here or even just walking into a restaurant for a meal is a breeze compared to Disney. You don't feel that panic to reserve pre-trip. And the ability to walk everywhere there from any resort is a huge plus -- you don't waste all that time waiting for transportation and fighting crowds at bus and monorail stops. My co-worker said he's not interested in Universal because he heard the food wasn't as good! WHAT?!? We love their food -- and the resort restaurants are outstanding, along with some great table service and counter service places in both parks. And we like Citywalk more than DD because it's more compact.

 

[disneyAndi14]

We are heading to US in early Jan15, it will be our first time staying on site very excited, we usually stay at WDW and take a day at US, so this will be so nice to have the EP, we have never had that luxury. We have not been able to do Despicable Me yet, it was always 70 minutes or more when we would get over there from IOA! Does anyone know what crowd levels will be like Jan 4-7?? It will be after the holidays so hoping it will be decent, plus having the EP will make such a difference. My kids and me are huge HP fans so DA is so exciting to us. HPFJ, is by far my favorite ride ever! I do love WDW as well but WWoHP is by far superior to most areas at WDW, could be because I am a super fan as well. Good info on here Thanks!

 

[glocon]

Since we have never been to UO in January, I can't speak for crowds then. But with your unlimited ep you do not have to worry. Since DM has ep, you will not have to worry about lines for that ride. The only rides your ep will not work on are the new HP rides, FJ, Pterondon Flyers and the Ollivander wand shows.

Go enjoy a theme park like never before!