Universal is taking advantage of Disney's weak spot

[Seeker615]

Again disney won't make an attraction on a short term reaction. Avatar is starting its trilogy run as only 1 movie has come out and the 2nd will be around the launch of the area so it will be 20 years before it's old news.

Again think anything you want about Harry Potter but unless they relaunch the series or add more content in 10 years it WILL start to become old news. I know this as many of the die hard potter fans I know have now moved on to other series like Hunger Games or diving back into Lord of the Rings with the recent movie releases. Pop Culture will fade unless you keep it fresh and releasing new content. I love harry potter from a series perspective but the next big thing is around the corner and will take the limelight of Harry and point it in another direction, but that next big thing could be Hogwartz 500 years in the future or past....

Harry Potter is getting a reboot so to speak. They are currently working on a script based on the Fantastic Beasts Book which was in the Harry Potter series. Plus there is an interactive Harry Potter site that is popular. I don't think Harry Potter will be going away any time soon.

 

[ElizabethB]

Universal has been gaining ground rapidly ever since Disney passed on the Harry Potter opportunity and Universal had the good sense to grab it. Since then, Disney has been playing catch up -- and still is.

Dh and I used to spend one day at Universal. Then it became a day and night because we love Portofino Bay. Dh said the other day -- let's check out of Disney earlier than we used to and spend 3 days at Universal and 2 nights at Portofino.

My friend with twin boys is considering skipping Disney altogether this summer and simply spending 10 days at Universal and Portofino Bay Hotel.

I'm no Harry Potter fan and neither is dh. Never read the books. Slept through the movies. But, we like the whole package at Universal -- great hotels, excellent restaurants and creative attractions.

 

[MichiganDVC]

Through these boards and other forums, we are telling the company that we feel they are taking us for granted, and that they need to take a cue from what their competition is doing. It doesn't mean they need to add a bunch of coasters and intense thrill rides. It does mean that we want more new attractions (added at something faster than a glacial pace), the replacement of tired, mediocre and unpopular attractions, and amazing experiences in their parks.

My friend with twin boys is considering skipping Disney altogether this summer and simply spending 10 days at Universal and Portofino Bay Hotel.

I'm no Harry Potter fan and neither is dh. Never read the books. Slept through the movies. But, we like the whole package at Universal -- great hotels, excellent restaurants and creative attractions.

Here's what I'm not sure I understand. For some, WDW isn't building enough new attractions quickly enough and not getting rid of the old, tired attractions quickly enough. Therefore, people are spending less days at WDW and more days at Universal...to the extent that they would spend 10 days at Universal.

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

This is an honest question from someone who has absolutely zero problem riding Haunted Mansion, POTC, and Spaceship Earth year after year. But I get that many want to see exciting new things each time, but at what point is Universal also going to get old for you? Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

 

[kbelle8995]

It's not just that the lack of new rides. It's not about them for me.

They raise prices not only tickets but for parking, merchandise and food.
Then they take away things like entertainment.
I think that Disney as a company can be very complacent. You're gonna do what we want you do and there's no one who can compete is Disney's basic conceit.

Universal has shown they are ready to demand more of the audience and bring them to their parks. Good for them. More competition is better for all of us. i think Disney needs to be shaken a bit.

 

[fairyprincess88]

Here's what I'm not sure I understand. For some, WDW isn't building enough new attractions quickly enough and not getting rid of the old, tired attractions quickly enough. Therefore, people are spending less days at WDW and more days at Universal...to the extent that they would spend 10 days at Universal.

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

This is an honest question from someone who has absolutely zero problem riding Haunted Mansion, POTC, and Spaceship Earth year after year. But I get that many want to see exciting new things each time, but at what point is Universal also going to get old for you? Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

I can easily do 5 days at Universal or more and not get bored or have things feel old. I could and have spent a whole park day in just WWoHP and wanted to go back to that area first thing the next day. It's honestly no different than how you feel about Disney. You have zero problem riding HM, POTC and SE year after year, well the same thing is true with Uni rides(although I am like you too where I could ride Disney rides over and over as well.)

I think what people mean when they say Universal builds more new attractions lately is that they do in fact do that. In the time it took Disney to build the complete NFL, Universal has put in Springfield, Transformers, Despicable Me and Diagon Alley(DA will open in the same time frame as Mine Train). That's 5 new rides and one entire new land at Universal in the span it took Disney to build an addition to a land and 2 new rides, three if you count the extra Dumbo. Yes there are arguments that Transformers was a copy but so was Little Mermaid. Bottom line is, that Universal has been pumping out attractions at a pace that Disney just isn't.

I don't think anyone is saying Universal is kicking Disney's butt but people notice when it took almost the same amount of time for Disney to build the Mine Train as it's taking Universal to build Diagon Alley. It is a tad on the ridiculous side when you line the two projects timeline wise up side by side.

Personally I don't see what the big deal is. You can still love Disney and be excited about what Universal is doing without having to justify it without spouting reasons. I swear I haven't had Disney no longer allow me in the gates just because I bought a Universal season pass. In fact they still took my money and said "welcome to the Magic Kingdom" just like they did before I drove up the street.

 

[Angel Ariel]

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

Just bc they are staying at universal for 10 days doesn't mean they are in the parks all 10 days any more than going to wdw for 10 days means you are in the parks all 10 days. Many people plan in pool days, shopping days, other non-park activities to break up the vacation. Maybe they hit sea world one day, cape Canaveral another, and then go back to universal for another few days.

Also, the person going mentioned twin boys in the family that's going for 10 days. Depending on their age, I can see boys not getting bored doing universal thrill rides over and over...there is an age where kids love to ride their favorites over and over and it doesn't get old.

Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

Depends on the family, just like everything else it is subjective. I can absolutely see a family existing that could go see HP, ride universal's thrill rides over and over, and yet get bored at Disney...Disney doesn't offer the same type of experience. It's not a lesser experience, just different. Personally I prefer wdw to universal, but wdw fits my wants/desires in a theme park...I'm not overly into thrill rides. That said, I don't view universal as lesser either...just different.

 

[Jennasis]

Here's what I'm not sure I understand. For some, WDW isn't building enough new attractions quickly enough and not getting rid of the old, tired attractions quickly enough. Therefore, people are spending less days at WDW and more days at Universal...to the extent that they would spend 10 days at Universal.

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

This is an honest question from someone who has absolutely zero problem riding Haunted Mansion, POTC, and Spaceship Earth year after year. But I get that many want to see exciting new things each time, but at what point is Universal also going to get old for you? Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

I don't know...it hasn't happened yet. But to be fair, I'm not tired of Disney yet...but it does need updating.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

maybe if you've spent the last 12 years or so riding Space Mountain over and over, you feel it's time to graduate to riding the Hulk over and over.

And there's the exceedingly detailed Harry Potter, which is a game changer and capitalizes on a massive fandom.

If Disney really wants to strike back, they'll build that Star Wars land, maybe someday they will actually want to.

No reason why the two can't coexist though.

 

[disneymac000]

As much as I see the lack of confidence by some in USF, I should remind most people that Comcast can buy a huge franchise that Disney is not allowed to touch. Even though, they have tried to buy it before based on the family who owns it, they aren't going to sale it to respect the authors wishes and that is LOTR. If Comcast buys LOTR, Disney having Star Wars will not exactly affect US negatively.

Also Star Trek is another franchise Comcast could buy out from Viacom to have in their parks that would negate the effects of Star Wars and arguably just as big as a fan following as Star Wars.

I love the mouse and have loved the mouse...in my entire 22 years of existence I have been to Disney World 21 times, and going back again in September but It's getting to the point, i'm getting bored with Disney due to the fact its the same. People are fanboying over the mine train coaster but its a junior coaster made for families, yea the AI's are cool but what, its nothing overly new and exciting or fresh that I would go to do.

Meanwhile down the road, this is heresay, The Gringotts coaster is a 3D simulator coaster which pretty much combines Revenge of the mummy with Spiderman. That excites me more. Two of my favorite rides combined with a character I grew up with. And when has a simulator been placed on a roller coaster track? Rocking cars seem less more innovative than that.

 

[Planogirl]

Here's what I'm not sure I understand. For some, WDW isn't building enough new attractions quickly enough and not getting rid of the old, tired attractions quickly enough. Therefore, people are spending less days at WDW and more days at Universal...to the extent that they would spend 10 days at Universal.

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

This is an honest question from someone who has absolutely zero problem riding Haunted Mansion, POTC, and Spaceship Earth year after year. But I get that many want to see exciting new things each time, but at what point is Universal also going to get old for you? Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

I agree with some of the comments but I wanted to add that staying at Universal is like a real vacation. You don't need FP+ or adr's and you can pool hop and it's just a different feel. We can spend all or part of several days in the parks and walk or ride the launch to try other pools or play mini-golf or see a movie. No worries with transportation and there are always plenty of activities too. I felt extremely well-rested after we stayed onsite at Universal.

I'm not tired of Disney at all but they are making me feel a bit frazzled nowadays.

 

[Mad Hattered]

And for the record, Comcast TRIED to buy Disney but was turned down. So what did they do? They bought Universal and decided it was time to get the games going. They bought Universal and then got the theme park rights to Potter. And so it began....

 

[Davey Jones II]

I don't think many people are spending ten days solely at Universal. That is a bit much, for just two theme parks. I just think that Universal, and other Orlando entertainment options, are chipping away at Disney bit by bit. And yes, there is a risk of getting tired of Universal, too. Theme parks are not like your local movie theatre; they can't add new goodies very often.

But, at the rate Universal is adding to their parks, it will take some doing before a real fan gets tired of them. Meanwhile, many have been saying for years that WDW is "stale". I don't feel that way myself because I don't go that often, but they still need to give us tourists new reasons to go. People will plan whole vacations around new attractions; they sure won't book a trip because of FP+.

I just think Disney has to get out of their complacent "let's do the minimum we can get away with, to save money" mindset, because Universal is acting like Walt during Disneyland's first ten years: they are building as fast as they can, and going all out to create great attractions. That's real competition.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Here's what I'm not sure I understand. For some, WDW isn't building enough new attractions quickly enough and not getting rid of the old, tired attractions quickly enough. Therefore, people are spending less days at WDW and more days at Universal...to the extent that they would spend 10 days at Universal.

But after 10 days at two theme parks, wouldn't those rides become old and stale to you then? Will you then beg Universal to build new rides in both parks because you spent 10 days riding the same things over and over?

This is an honest question from someone who has absolutely zero problem riding Haunted Mansion, POTC, and Spaceship Earth year after year. But I get that many want to see exciting new things each time, but at what point is Universal also going to get old for you? Can you do 5 days there and not have it get "old," but can only do WDW once every two years because there's nothing "new?"

I wouldn't spend a week or more exclusively at the 2 Universal parks. But, I can package those tickets with Sea World, Busch Gardens, and 2 water parks - and I can do it for less than Comparable Disney tickets. NOW you've got a vacation, and you don't "need" Disney.

The upside of MYW is it makes longer Disney stays more economical than Disney/combo trips. The downside is it makes tacking a couple Disney days onto a "Universal" trip pretty unappealing as well.

 

[cbsnyber1]

I think at *my age* that Cedar Point would be absolute torture.

My age is north of 55 and we did Cedar Point last summer. I survived, barely.

My advice: do NOT ride the Mean Streak, but do try the Top Thrill Dragster - the most thrilling coaster I've ever experienced. I say that now that my liver has dropped back into place.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Also Star Trek is another franchise Comcast could buy out from Viacom to have in their parks that would negate the effects of Star Wars and arguably just as big as a fan following as Star Wars.

This is unlikely, as the Star Trek rights are not solely owned by Viacom (Paramount).

Basically it comes down to this: since CBS owns the rights to the all the Star Trek TV shows, it owns the rights to the characters. In order to make a Star Trek movie, Paramount must license the characters from CBS. (CBS and Paramount were once both owned by Viacom, but CBS broke off in 2006.)

Source is the link above. Comcast would have to buy the rights from both CBS and Paramount.

It also appears that Star Trek will play an integral part in the Paramount Park Murica that is scheduled to debut in spain in 2015. Star Trek has had a presence in other Paramount Parks as well. I recall seeing Star Trek represented in Paramount Canada's Wonderland when I took a class trip there.

Even if Comcast did buy the rights from both companies, they would probably have some kind of similar contract to the one Disney has w/Universal re: Marvel characters, since there is a long standing history of Star Trek in Paramount Parks.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I am obviously a huge fan of Universal but I would have a tough time just going to Universal 10 days straight. On our Uni-only trips we spend 3 to 4 days onsite and then drive to one coast or the other for 2 to 3 nights. Even if we do a Uni/Disney trip we take at least one day to go to the ocean. I can't not put my feet in the ocean when I am that close.

We pretty much live at the Ocean Deck in Daytona when we stay there. http://oceandeck.com/ Sometimes we drive up and stay in St Augustine.

If we head to Clearwater/St Pete then we either hit up Busch Gardens or head south to Fort Desoto park just south of Tampa. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm A typical day would consist of stopping by a marina and buying some fresh seafood off one of the boats, head to the park and grill a meal on the beach.

Orlando is so centrally located that it's the perfect place to branch out from. The theme parks are a great starting point, but there really is so much to do once you step outside of them.

 

[MichiganDVC]

I am obviously a huge fan of Universal but I would have a tough time just going to Universal 10 days straight. On our Uni-only trips we spend 3 to 4 days onsite and then drive to one coast or the other for 2 to 3 nights. Even if we do a Uni/Disney trip we take at least one day to go to the ocean. I can't not put my feet in the ocean when I am that close.

We pretty much live at the Ocean Deck in Daytona when we stay there. http://oceandeck.com/ Sometimes we drive up and stay in St Augustine.

If we head to Clearwater/St Pete then we either hit up Busch Gardens or head south to Fort Desoto park just south of Tampa. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm A typical day would consist of stopping by a marina and buying some fresh seafood off one of the boats, head to the park and grill a meal on the beach.

Orlando is so centrally located that it's the perfect place to branch out from. The theme parks are a great starting point, but there really is so much to do once you step outside of them.

Gotcha. For me, it's the complete opposite. If I'm within 100 miles of WDW, that's where I'm headed. My folks live in Bradenton south of Tampa, so when I want beach, I can go there. And I love it. But if I have 5 days at WDW, I'm certainly not even leaving the property!

 

[sethschroeder]

Remember the charming tale from our childhood about the cute little rabbit and turtle in the race? While few were paying attention the little turtle plodded along and eventually won the race?

Not saying lightening strikes twice.......

Not saying I live in a Fantasyland (curious in this discussion)........


However,

It was recent reported in a popular Theme Parks publication (which believes there IS LIFE beyond Disney Parks) that US attendance numbers have overtaken AK and HS.

Immediate reaction is......SO? I say, watch who is investing wisely in their parks and remember the little childhood fairy tale about the tortious and the haire.

I'm patient. Just sayin...........

Umm except Disney is the turtle slowly but surely adding rides and just building off past success. Universal is the company building like mad at a pace that will likely curtail at some point either due to money or land....

 

[MichiganDVC]

Umm except Disney is the turtle slowly but surely adding rides and just building off past success. Universal is the company building like mad at a pace that will likely curtail at some point either due to money or land....

http://youtu.be/Alf19unbtVs

 

[Mad Hattered]

http://youtu.be/Alf19unbtVs

http://youtu.be/gId6nrMDmUU