Universal is taking advantage of Disney's weak spot

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

You haven't made me angry. This is a discussion board, everything you post has a right to be discussed. You have a right to your opinion, just as everyone else has a right to disagree with it. When you start having opinions about other people's opinions, it starts to get even stickier.

I think it's completely unfair to dismiss the opinions of "many" like you did, and it doesn't even really apply to me. We haven't visited Universal in over 20 years. If something posted something like what you said about Disney fans instead, it wouldn't be pretty.

My final word on this.

Nothing I said was disparaging in my "scorned lovers" analogy about "many" of those that's "true love" is Disney. They have felt used and taken for granted by higher and hgher prices with nothing really new to show for it. Disney is where their HEART is. Universal is a WORLD CLASS alternative...no doubt about it. It's not even "second-best"...it's on par or even more advanced. It's rather easy to go over there and have a magnificent vacation.

All the while...Disney is where they wish they could go to but they feel like their money isn't appreciated and they don't get adequate value. They WANT Disney to make it just as attractive as Universal has made themselves in recent years because Disney is much more a part of the fabric of their being than Universal ever was.

End of.

 

[clsteve]

Actually not many even know there is a Universal section of this forum and they don't scroll down enough to see it. They see "theme park attractions and strategies" and think "well Universal is a theme park".

Read through and see how many threads are moved to the Uni section or how many posts in the Uni section say, "I didn't know there was a Universal section". It happens all the time. I read both sections daily and it's always been a common theme.

Also, when someone creates a thread like this one, well of course people who like Universal are going to chime in because well...it's a thread about Universal.

Yes there are some who post "I am going to Universal so suck it Disney" threads to and think they are sticking it to Disney or whatever but it's not the reason most say they like Universal, the truth is that they just honestly like Universal. There are many on this forum who think both are wonderful theme park resorts and if they get the chance to talk about why they like both then they do.

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. It's actually more common for the main Disney visitor to check out all the parks in Orlando when there, not just WDW and some coming for info and not going to think to go section hopping on the boards and just post in what looks like a common "theme park" section. To many there is no war of theme park worlds going on, they just want info on what all the parks offer.

Yes there are pot stirrers and so on but most are just posting about a theme park on a theme park board.

Yes

If you're talking about 2012 after DCA's refurb,DCA attendance went up about 22%,if you actually go back to 2011 the first full year with Potter at IOA,IOA attendance went up about 30%.Since attendance at USF wasn't as impressive they obviously corrected that with Diagon alley.I have AP's to all the Florida parks,Disney,Universal,Busch Gardens and Sea World and while I love them all you pretty much have to blind to not see the lack of new attractions in the Disney parks.Honestly if it wasn't for their special events,Christmas,the Epcot F&W and F&G festivals with their concerts and the Run Disney races the place will actually get pretty boring rather quickly.I know that Universal will never catch up to Disney as the parks currently stand,however at the speed that Universal is building new attractions compared to Disney and even though Disney has all the space in the world to build I see Universal building a third park before Disney builds at fifth,there's actually been rumors and filings for some sort of new park on I-Drive across from Universal.They've already opened Cabana Bay adding hotel rooms,they're adding a bunch of new restaurants to Citywalk and in all honesty the day they open a third park is the day Disney will really have to start worrying about their bottom line.

and Yes

 

[MichiganDVC]

I'm sorry, I didn't realized you asked a question with the intent to not get a response. You can let the horse rest after this one if you'd like .

You're the one who specifically asked why this is being discussed here. It's because it's allowed to be, like has already been stated by a moderator. You don't need to read it if you don't like it. It's not as if people busted in on a thread discussing the merits of going to the MK with how much it sucks and how much better Universal is. The discussion was specifically comparing the two

Eh, who cares anymore? Right?

 

[tidefan]

If you're talking about 2012 after DCA's refurb,DCA attendance went up about 22%,if you actually go back to 2011 the first full year with Potter at IOA,IOA attendance went up about 30%.Since attendance at USF wasn't as impressive they obviously corrected that with Diagon alley.I have AP's to all the Florida parks,Disney,Universal,Busch Gardens and Sea World and while I love them all you pretty much have to blind to not see the lack of new attractions in the Disney parks.Honestly if it wasn't for their special events,Christmas,the Epcot F&W and F&G festivals with their concerts and the Run Disney races the place will actually get pretty boring rather quickly.I know that Universal will never catch up to Disney as the parks currently stand,however at the speed that Universal is building new attractions compared to Disney and even though Disney has all the space in the world to build I see Universal building a third park before Disney builds at fifth,there's actually been rumors and filings for some sort of new park on I-Drive across from Universal.They've already opened Cabana Bay adding hotel rooms,they're adding a bunch of new restaurants to Citywalk and in all honesty the day they open a third park is the day Disney will really have to start worrying about their bottom line.

Well, if Universal really wants to do something, they should really fix US Hollywood first. We were in CA last year and had the CityPass and got to go to SW, US, DCA, and DL. We had never been to a Universal park, and after hearing all of the wonderful things about Universal on these boards, we were very much looking forward to our visit.

Well, Universal was terrible. I was most disappointed in the state the Backlot tour was in. I had expected a bit of a history tour, but what it was more like was the Jungle Cruise, with the guide telling corny jokes the whole time. Also disappointing was the Transformers "ride" and the Simposons "ride" which made most of us sick. I will say the Waterworld stunt show was well done.

It put a bit of a bad taste in our mouth towards Universal. Maybe Orlando is better, but we aren't really HP fans and for coasters, I think we'd rather go to Busch Gardens.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

You do realize that Universal, in addition to Orlando and Hollywood, has parks in Japan and Singapore, with a further park under construction in Korea and recent leaks of a park in China?

No....I didn't realize that. The global numbers if you will......Universal Studios Recreation Group----34,515,000.....Walt Disney Parks and Resorts----126,479,000. Like I said......crumbs. But- you know those pesky little numbers don't mean nothin' so ignore all of that. The only thing that matters is how you feel....your emotions. So be it.......who am I to argue with that.....as far as I'm concerned Disney needs a little competition!!!!!

 

[morethananyonex]

My final word on this.

Nothing I said was disparaging in my "scorned lovers" analogy about "many" of those that's "true love" is Disney. They have felt used and taken for granted by higher and hgher prices with nothing really new to show for it. Disney is where there HEART is. Universal is a WORLD CLASS alternative...no doubt about it. It's not even "second-best"...it's on par or even more advanced. It's rather easy to go over there and have a magnificent vacation.

All the while...Disney is where they wish they could go to but they feel like there money isn't appreciated and they don't get adequate value. They WANT Disney to make it just as attractive as Universal has made themselves in recent years because Disny is much more a part of the fabric of their being than Universal ever was.

End of.

What you still aren't getting is that when you imply that "many" people only love Universal because they feel hurt by Disney it is just as condescending as if I were to say "many" people only love Disney because they are kool aid drinkers who don't know better. People are capable of understanding their own emotions. If they post that they love Universal because of Universal, I believe them.

People don't need a reason to want to visit Universal and enjoy their time there outside of what Universal provides for them. People can want improvement at Disney while still loving Universal. People can believe Disney is perfect and still love Universal. They're both visiting for reasons that have to do with Universal alone. It's really that simple.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Love Harry Potter, so Universal hit a home run there for me - and I will spend a day or two there every couple of years just for Harry Potter. But the rest of Universal Studios doesn't even measure up to Cedar Point, IMO - and Cedar Point is a lot closer.

As for market share - Universal has not impacted WDW attendance at all. Attendance still grows every year. What Universal has done is tap into a different market, and it shows in their numbers. I congratulate them and thank them for the Harry Potter rides.

But Disney hasn't reacted for a reason - they are not interested in becoming Universal. They are doing just fine operating within their "family" plan. I don't see that changing because a few folks think that they know more about running the WDW business than they really do.

Those who love Disney AND Universal should be happy that they have different ideas for family entertainment. The different ideas have produced very different experiences. IMO, that is a great thing.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I can't believe someone actually compared a theme park "rivalry" to a college sports team rivalry. College sports team allegiances run deep because generally someone only graduates from one school, so they're going to root for that team. Why root for a team you have no ties to?

But anyone can go to Universal or Disney whenever they want... the comparison makes zero sense to me.

For those saying that Disney is so special because it's a part of their childhoods, I totally agree. But Universal is getting up there in age now (24 years), and there's now a generation of people who have grown up going to Universal, including myself. Universal played a huge part in my adolescence as it was the park I visited the most. For me, Universal gives me that "home" feeling.. it's very nostalgic and special to me.

For what it's worth, I love both Disney and Universal. I couldn't say which one I liked more. They're both wonderful, immersive environments that offer their own brands of entertainment. It's a shame that some won't even give Universal a try just because it's not Disney.

 

[MichiganDVC]

I'm really bored today...

What you still aren't getting is that when you imply that "many" people only love Universal because they feel hurt by Disney it is just as condescending as if I were to say "many" people only love Disney because they are kool aid drinkers who don't know better.

I don't want to put words in OPs mouth, but I would interpret the "they" as "the universal lovers who post on WDW forums about their love for Universal." Not ALL people who go to Universal truly love Disney. But perhaps many who must prove their love constantly on WDW forums. (Not just this one)

I can't believe someone actually compared a theme park "rivalry" to a college sports team rivalry. College sports team allegiances run deep because generally someone only graduates from one school, so they're going to root for that team. Why root for a team you have no ties to? But anyone can go to Universal or Disney whenever they want... the comparison makes zero sense to me. For those saying that Disney is so special because it's a part of their childhoods, I totally agree. But Universal is getting up there in age now (24 years), and there's now a generation of people who have grown up going to Universal, including myself. Universal played a huge part in my adolescence as it was the park I visited the most. For me, Universal gives me that "home" feeling.. it's very nostalgic and special to me. For what it's worth, I love both Disney and Universal. I couldn't say which one I liked more. They're both wonderful, immersive environments that offer their own brands of entertainment. It's a shame that some won't even give Universal a try just because it's not Disney.

A. I didn't go to Michigan, but I grew up 20min from campus. I have been a U-M fans since I was born due to proximity and success in the 1980s. I agree there are deep allegiances and they're different than theme parks, but some posts just reminded me of little brother constantly trying to prove itself and out-do its big brother. B. As for childhood nostalgia, what still remains in Universal from when you were a kid? When I was a kid, I stayed at Poly (check), rode the monorail (check), went on Pirates, Haunted Mansion, TTA, Spaceship Earth (check, check, check, check.) These are all still my favorite things today, 30+ years later. From what I've read, Universal has re-themed most of their original rides to fit more modern trends.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I'm really bored today...

I don't want to put words in OPs mouth, but I would interpret the "they" as "the universal lovers who post on WDW forums about their love for Universal." Not ALL people who go to Universal truly love Disney. But perhaps many who must prove their love constantly on WDW forums. (Not just this one)

A. I didn't go to Michigan, but I grew up 20min from campus. I have been a U-M fans since I was born due to proximity and success in the 1980s. I agree there are deep allegiances and they're different than theme parks, but some posts just reminded me of little brother constantly trying to prove itself and out-do its big brother. B. As for childhood nostalgia, what still remains in Universal from when you were a kid? When I was a kid, I stayed at Poly (check), rode the monorail (check), went on Pirates, Haunted Mansion, TTA, Spaceship Earth (check, check, check, check.) These are all still my favorite things today, 30+ years later. From what I've read, Universal has re-themed most of their original rides to fit more modern trends.

When I was a kid at Disney I remember riding the ones mentioned AND these:

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
Mr Toad
Snow White Scary Adventure
If You Had Wings
The Skyway
Davey Crockett Canoes
Horizons
Wonders of Life
Body Wars
World of Motion
The REAL Imagination
Seacabs

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I'm really bored today...

I don't want to put words in OPs mouth, but I would interpret the "they" as "the universal lovers who post on WDW forums about their love for Universal." Not ALL people who go to Universal truly love Disney. But perhaps many who must prove their love constantly on WDW forums. (Not just this one)

A. I didn't go to Michigan, but I grew up 20min from campus. I have been a U-M fans since I was born due to proximity and success in the 1980s. I agree there are deep allegiances and they're different than theme parks, but some posts just reminded me of little brother constantly trying to prove itself and out-do its big brother. B. As for childhood nostalgia, what still remains in Universal from when you were a kid? When I was a kid, I stayed at Poly (check), rode the monorail (check), went on Pirates, Haunted Mansion, TTA, Spaceship Earth (check, check, check, check.) These are all still my favorite things today, 30+ years later. From what I've read, Universal has re-themed most of their original rides to fit more modern trends.

True, Universal has been changing a lot of their rides (which is exciting, to me). But what remains the same at Universal is mostly the theming. Except for Amity (which will soon be Diagon Alley) and the formation of Springfield, everything is the same: New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, KidZone.. plus there's Disaster!, Terminator, Twister, Men in Black, E.T., and the live action shows that have been there for a long while. As for Islands of Adventure, pretty much everything that is there has been there since opening day, except for Forbidden Journey (the other Potter rides were re-themed), and the Seuss Trolley ride. CityWalk is going under a huge renovation right now, but it will still always be CityWalk.

 

[MichiganDVC]

When I was a kid at Disney I remember riding the ones mentioned AND these: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Mr Toad Snow White Scary Adventure If You Had Wings The Skyway Davey Crockett Canoes Horizons Wonders of Life Body Wars World of Motion The REAL Imagination Seacabs

That's a small list for 40 years and 4 parks.

Mr. Toad's is the only one that still makes me sad. Was my favorite ride there...

 

[Mad Hattered]

That's a small list for 40 years and 4 parks.

Mr. Toad's is the only one that still makes me sad. Was my favorite ride there...

Literally every ride in EPCOT has been rethemed or abandoned all together. Disney does it too. The list I posted is just from 2 parks.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I know many people who love Cedar Point every bit as much as I love WDW. I wouldn't bother trying to convince them that my memories are more valid than theirs.

 

[Disneychick75]

I hear ya. I'm not arguing that Universal isn't doing great things...whatever they may be. For a lot of reasons (I don't drive to Orlando, I fly = no car; DVC member; WDW AP holder) I will never go to Universal. Just not going to. So I come to this Disney forum to hear about Disney World. So I was just asking the question...why do I keep seeing these Universal-love threads on Disney World forums? Like was basically said by PPs, this isn't a Disney World Theme parks forum anymore. Oh well....I'll adapt.

We fly, we're DVC members (BWV), and have APs. We also use a taxi or car service to take us to stay at a Universal onsite resort for a few days after the Disney portion of our trip. Our love for Universal happened unexpectedly. My then 9 year old daughter and decided to take 1 day to spend at Universal. We were hooked from that day to this one.

Sorry I took your thread down this rabbit hole.





Back to my original point... WHY is this being discussed on the WDW theme parks part of Disboards? How is "Here's what I love about Universal" a Walt Disney World theme park attraction or strategy?

If these people really loved Universal and just want to talk about Universal, they can scroll down to the Universal/Sea World forum right here on the Disboards, right?

No, they are posting here because it IS a competition to them and they are trying to prove something to Disney fans. Little brother always has something to prove...

Did you not see that Cyrano, a moderator, said it was ok to post about Universal? It was pointed out that Disney lost market share and Universal gained market share, so it is a thread about Disney too.

We love both places. Disney has won the most $$$$ so far with our DVC purchase. Universal has won a bigger spot in our hearts. If they ever offered a DVC type of thing, we'd buy in a nanosecond.

 

[MichiganDVC]

Literally every ride in EPCOT has been rethemed or abandoned all together. Disney does it too.

Of course, they won't keep all their original rides. It is funny, however, that everyone is clamoring for the "old" Journey into Imagination and Horizons, etc... Maybe re-theming to meet the latest trends isn't what everyone wants.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Of course, they won't keep all their original rides. It is funny, however, that everyone is clamoring for the "old" Journey into Imagination and Horizons, etc... Maybe re-theming to meet the latest trends isn't what everyone wants.

It's because they were BETTER before they changed them. Have you ridden the different versions of Journey? Are you happy with Mission:Space?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

It's because they were BETTER before they changed them. Have you ridden the different versions of Journey? Are you happy with Mission:Space?

I loved Journey. I love Mission Space. One was better to you. That does not make it universally true. Heck, some people even like Captain EO and Stitch.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I loved Journey. I love Mission Space. One was better to you. That does not make it universally true. Heck, some people even like Captain EO and Stitch.

True. My bad.

 

[MichiganDVC]

It's because they were BETTER before they changed them. Have you ridden the different versions of Journey? Are you happy with Mission:Space?

I have been on all the Journeys and prefer the first one. I won't go on MS...will make me sick.

My point was that I prefer the nostalgic rides, not just latest and greatest. I might be in the minority.