Universal or Disney World???

[Starfire]

Universal

 

[WDWLIGHTNINGZ]

If your stupid you like universal and if your not you like disney but i am kind of stupid because i like universal but WDW is better

 

[Loves Disney]

I am going to be different here and say that I like Walt Disney World. lol. And here are the reasons why:

Universal advertises agaisnt Disney (They publically "attack" Disney by using taglines such as, "Are you tired of fairytales and pixie dust?" and comparing themselves dramatically with Disney) Obviously with such a tagline some teens, in their attempt to act more "mature", will be assuming that Disney is connected with connotations of being for "little" kids. Disney does not publically attack Universal.

It is observed that WDW is a more sanitary place for tourists and is in fact considered one of the more sanitary theme parks in the United States.

Disney is larger and continues to build upon itself with 2/3 of its property still unused. Universal is reaching its end of open space.

As far as for my own reasons, I have never been to Universal so I could not compare rides or atmopshere. However, the reason I love WDW so much is because it simply reflects "magic" upon most of all its visitors. I use the word "magic" to exemplify and sum up all things such as memories, atmosphere, entertainment, and attractions. I pretty much love Disney for the simplicity and for the memories my family and I have planted so delicately there.

 

[LPoolWarriors45]

I am going to be different here and say that I like Walt Disney World. lol. And here are the reasons why:

Universal advertises agaisnt Disney (They publically "attack" Disney by using taglines such as, "Are you tired of fairytales and pixie dust?" and comparing themselves dramatically with Disney) Obviously with such a tagline some teens, in their attempt to act more "mature", will be assuming that Disney is connected with connotations of being for "little" kids. Disney does not publically attack Universal.

It is observed that WDW is a more sanitary place for tourists and is in fact considered one of the more sanitary theme parks in the United States.

Disney is larger and continues to build upon itself with 2/3 of its property still unused. Universal is reaching its end of open space.

As far as for my own reasons, I have never been to Universal so I could not compare rides or atmopshere. However, the reason I love WDW so much is because it simply reflects "magic" upon most of all its visitors. I use the word "magic" to exemplify and sum up all things such as memories, atmosphere, entertainment, and attractions. I pretty much love Disney for the simplicity and for the memories my family and I have planted so delicately there.

Exactly. That's basically what I said except more explained.

 

[Jamesy Epcot]

WDW ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!

 

[Jamesy Epcot]

Yess I Hate How They "make fun" of Disney!

 

[babieemelly]

Sorry, but I've got to say Universal. On our trip last summer Universal was 100% cleaner than Disney (Disney was a MESS), it's better themed, there are better rides, and there's more of a "party" atmosphere. At Pleasure Island they were blasting Lindsay Lohan, while at CityWalk they were playing AC/DC, Queen, Taking Back Sunday, and Cher! I loved the music at CityWalk, just walking around the outdoor area.

While the Disney hotels are nice, the Universal hotels surpass even the Grand Floridian. One trip to Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock, or the Royal Pacific will get you hooked! I just loved the whole atmosphere at Universal, it was more fun and "adult".

 

[Loves Disney]

Sorry, but I've got to say Universal. On our trip last summer Universal was 100% cleaner than Disney (Disney was a MESS), it's better themed, there are better rides, and there's more of a "party" atmosphere. At Pleasure Island they were blasting Lindsay Lohan, while at CityWalk they were playing AC/DC, Queen, Taking Back Sunday, and Cher! I loved the music at CityWalk, just walking around the outdoor area.

While the Disney hotels are nice, the Universal hotels surpass even the Grand Floridian. One trip to Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock, or the Royal Pacific will get you hooked! I just loved the whole atmosphere at Universal, it was more fun and "adult".

Are you talking about Disney World?? Because I have been to WDW 10 times at the least and I have been AMAZED at how spotless it is. The CMs are tested numerous times throughout the day to make sure they are cleaning up every last thing. I have NEVER seen any kind of litter or junk ANYWHERE in WDW. So I highly doubt Universal is 100% cleaner.

You can't say it is better themed and has better rides because they are completely different. It is like comparing apples to oranges when you say a statement so directly. Walt Disney World is a classic and the themes are remarkable! When in Fantasyland, you are only in Fantasyland and are unable to hear or see any other land. Same follows through with the other lands. MGM Studios is incredible in that the theme is present everywhere! Disney does an outstanding job on keeping with the theme. Also, the rides are extremely unique. Example: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

Why do you list one song of many? For Universal you listed a few tracks, but for Disney you mentioned only one artist. Disney does NOT play that particular artists over and over again.

You cannot make the statement that Universal is more "adult". If you say that, you have NOT seen WDW through and through. Maybe if you go to to WDW sometime later, open your eyes more, you may actually see something besides what you WANT to put down.

Uh...The Grand Floridian is ranked up there as one of the better hotels in the United States! It carries a five star restaurant called "Victoria and Alberts" which is known as the BEST restaurant in the state of Floridia and is also ranking up there in the United States. I could go on and on about the GF as I have researched the place countless times for both the positive and negitives of it. For a hotel that is considered a high class best nationwide, I don't see how a hotel in Universal ranking less, is considered better. Maybe it is that way in YOUR opinion...but think about the facts first.

 

[babieemelly]

Yes, I found Universal to be more "adult". What else did they play at Downtown Disney? Hilary Duff and "Livin La Vida Mickey" If that's what you're into then there's NOTHING wrong with that. It's just not at all for me. Universal plays up to twenty-somethings and adults while Disney is more for kids and families. That's a fact. Yes Disney has a few thill rides, but I'd rather see a fireworks show themed to contemporary music rather than Cinderella.

And when I was there last summer, the parks were absolutely FILTHY. Every fountain had garbage floating in it, and every theater that housed a 3D show had garbage under the seats. I spoke to a lot of people who were there last summer and they all had the same experience.

I do think the theming at Universal is a lot better. There's NO COMPARISON between NY Stree at MGM and NY at Universal Studios. At MGM it's a cardboard cutout, while at Universal it's a complete replica that looks JUST like the city. Everything is interactive and you can actually walk through it, making you feel as if you're right there in NY. There's no "theming" in Fantasyland, it's just a bunch of kiddie rides thrown together. I do love Peter Pan and Mickey's PhilharMagic, but theming in the area isn't much. Go over to the Lost Continent, or Seuss Landing, in Islands of Adventure, though, and you'll be blown away.

The Grand Floridian is definitely nice, but it doesn't compare to the Universal Resorts. The Grand Floridian was very stuffy and boring, while the Hard Rock Hotel was AWESOME! I had a ton of fun there.

You would think I just insulted your mom the way you lashed out at me It's MY opinion. That's what was asked for. Don't like it? Oh well. Maybe you should get out more and realize that there's more to life than defending Disney World.

 

[CheezDoodle]

I LOVE Disney! For one, Disneys got something for everyone, while all Uni. has is a few badly themed coasters and a million bad motion simulators. For two, I've been to disney over a hundred times and I'm still finding cute little things I've never noticed, but Uni., Inoticed everyting on our first trip. And another I hate are those commercials Uni. has! Especialy the ones where they have little kids saying things like " Sure I liked princesses and fairys... when was 5!". Disney doesn't have to bash other theme parks to get buisness. I could go on and on, but in short,

DISNEY ROCKS!!!!!

 

[MuNkY]

Well seeing as how we are arguing about which one is better, and seeing as how I'm a veteran of both parks, I'll give my extended imput.

On the subject of cleanliness. I would both say they are about equally clean. I see about the same ammount of litter at both parks.

You can't say it is better themed and has better rides because they are completely different. It is like comparing apples to oranges when you say a statement so directly. Walt Disney World is a classic and the themes are remarkable! When in Fantasyland, you are only in Fantasyland and are unable to hear or see any other land. Same follows through with the other lands. MGM Studios is incredible in that the theme is present everywhere! Disney does an outstanding job on keeping with the theme. Also, the rides are extremely unique. Example: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

It's not completely different. It's more like comparing a tomato to a cherry tomato. I can see where someone could say they like Universal's themeing better. Personally I'm one of those people. With Universal, there will be times where I'm walking through Universal, and the themeing will be say, New York City. There will be times where I actually feel like I'm in New York. The only time I get that sort of feeling is in Epcot. For instance, when I went to Universal for Mardi Grah, my mom and I walked through parts of the New York area we hadn't been to before, and it felt like something strait out of West Side Story or something. Walk by the Twister ride, and there is stuff sticking out of the side of the building. (I'm not kidding either) With Disney I feel like I'm in, well, Disney. And as been said, Fantasy land feels like it was just sort of thrown together, and the NY Street in MGM is a big cutout. Universal put a lot more time and effort into their themeing for those particular things. Sure both parks have their high points and low points when it comes to themeing, but Universal's High points are like, woah.

I also like Universal's lines better. Sure Disney does an AWSOME job with themeing the lines, but Universal does it just a touch better IMO. For instance, if you walk into the MIB Alien Attack ride, you feel like your walking into MIB headquarters. They have the elevator, the little alien dudes that drink coffee. The room where the aliens type on the computer and whatnot. (I hope you know what I'm talking about for those who have seen the movie) It just feels more real. Same thing with the Mummy Ride. When you walk into that line, you feel like your walking into a tomb in Eqypt. Same thing with Poseidon's Fury at Islands of Adventure. When you walk into the Cat in The Hat ride, you feel like you just stepped into the pages of the book. I dunno. I don't get that with say, the Winny the Pooh line, or the Thunder Mountain Railroad Line.


Hotels, I would have to say Disney, yet again I havn't been to the Universal Hotels so yeah.


As for the argument over City Walk and DTD. DTD > City Walk. That's it. End of argument. Why? DTD has more variety. More things to do. Better Resturaunts. And I also didn't have to stand in DTD for 2-3 hours trying to get out of the parks with second degree burns on the back of my legs. My mom and I both agree that that's where Disney won the nightlife thing. DTD is seperate, while you have to walk through City Walk to get out of the parks, and if any of you have tried leaving Universal at closing time during a busy time, (like the fourth of July), you know just how crazy and hectic it can get. For those of you who still don't know what I mean, imagine A LOT of people leaving not one, but TWO theme parks, going through a narrow opening. Yeah. That'll work. Also the music arguement at Pleasure Island is competely ridiculous. I'm sorry to offend anybody with that, but it's one of the dumber things I've heard in this whole debate. I've spent many, MANY hours in Pleasure Island, and have heard a variety of music, ranging from AC/DC and Motley Crue, to Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan. They...play...everything at Pleasure Island. City Walk's choise seems, at least to me, to be a little more selective.


With resturaunts, Universal wins. They don't have as many as Disney, but the few they have, they did extreemly well. From the NBA Cafe to the Hard Rock, its just so good.


But in the end, I would say it really depends on what mood your in. I wouldn't say either is better than the other, because they are both great. I'm just saying, it seems like Disney does a ton of stuff very well, but nothing extreemly mindblowing. (although they are really really good with little kids ) With Universal, they do one or two things extreemly mindblowing, and a few things poorly-somewhat good. Also, as been said, Disney is just so huge. Even with the individual parks, there is just so much to do. For example, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've been to Epcot, and I STILL havn't done everything. I'm not even close. With Universal, with the exception of one or two shows, and a ride here and there, we've just about covered all of it. In fact there was a time my mom decided not to re-new her annual pass because we have done basically everything.

But I would say if your in the mood for a good, casual, family oriented time. And your in the mood for variety, and a little something for everyone, go to Disney. If your in the mood for a more adult oriented time, and your sick of dealing with little kids, go to Universal. Why? Because....

Disney=
Universal=

Some Things I Missed

-I hate to vouch for Universal's themeing even more, but I would like to say that the themeing in some lines are so good, I refuse to go on the ride because the lines scare me more than the ride. Like Twister for example.

-Disney does have some darn good resturaunts though. For example, Flametree BBQ and Earl of Sandwich.

-The one thing Disney does extreemly well is giving little kids something to remember. If you go to disney when you were at the age where all the charicter stuff and all that was still real to you, that is a memory you will cherrish forever. I love the commercial that was on a few years ago where there was a family, and the only way they could go to Disney is if their youngest child learned to walk. Well they were all frustrated, especially the little girl's brothers and sister's, and finally the mother saw how frusturated the rest of the family was, so she decided to go anyway. Well they were looking at a map or something, and the little girl gets up and walks to Mickey Mouse.

 

[babieemelly]

I agree with a lot of what you said. It's two different things, it just depends on what YOU like better.

 

[Loves Disney]

I have to respecfully disagree with you, MuNkY, on some highlighted points. You make excellent observations and you certainly exemplify your opinions very well. A balance is obvious in your post. However, I find the themes found in WDW aren't anything less than incredible. Here is why:

Attention and detail is placed into everything done at WDW. I have mentioned before that each land in the Magic Kingdom is built to surround you in that atmosphere. For example, you will not see or hear sounds of Adventureland in Frontierland and the same goes for all the lands. Each land is separate and its own.

The themes are classic and timeless. In EPCOT's Future World, you will find innovative items and designs. The theme follows through perfectly and not once loses its touch. The theme in Disney Studios is, to me, "mindblowing." You mentioned how you will not go on certain rides due to the line apperance being outstandingly realistic. Well, I have not been on the Tower of Terror for many years passed now because that boiler room and the whole setting is just so realistic. Same goes true with just about every other ride in WDW, not just in MGM. I strongly, STRONGLY believe the themeing in WDW is "mindblowing" and the attention to detail Disney does is out of this world.

SO much detail becomes evident in every attraction at WDW, even the streets and building sides are hidding extraordinary details.

You also mentioned how Universal has less to offer than WDW, that is true and another fact is Universal has much less land left over to work with and so it basically has reached all it can do. Disney, as I have mentioned in a previous post, has 2/3 of its land left to work with.

I must also defend Disney when you come to say that it is pretty much a park for the younger children. That is COMPLETELY untrue and that tells me media has influenced even Disney fans (or least I would expect considering this is a Disney forum). PI is not appropriate for young children. Also, there are many rides younger kids cannot ride due to the intensity level and height requirements. There are dining services at WDW that are geared for adults, such as Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian. WDW has an equal balance of things for both children and adults. Basically, Disney World is ideal for not only teens and adults, but for all ages which makes it that much more magical.

I have heard great things about Universal and my point is to not put it down, I am here, only defending WDW as some are Universal. I must also say that it really is comparing two different things because Disney's purpose is different than Universal's. Universal is more for the teen and adult age and so the rides are going to be themed more after things those age groups (mostly teens and young adults) can relate to and know of. Disney is classic whereas Universal is modern. Both have their own ways of themeing, none less than the other. I would NOT say one can theme better because again, it is not easy to compare the two. It would be easier to compare WDW to DLR.

 

[repentingrabbit]

I have been to both parks, and I have to say Disney is better. It just has more to do, and it seems like that while you are there the service is, well more personal feeling. I dont really know if that makes any sense. And Disney is way bigger than Universal, therefore they have more to do. Disney World is just not all parks, they do have other activities. But yea, Disney is better.

 

[MuNkY]

I have to respecfully disagree with you, MuNkY, on some highlighted points. You make excellent observations and you certainly exemplify your opinions very well. A balance is obvious in your post. However, I find the themes found in WDW aren't anything less than incredible. Here is why:

Attention and detail is placed into everything done at WDW. I have mentioned before that each land in the Magic Kingdom is built to surround you in that atmosphere. For example, you will not see or hear sounds of Adventureland in Frontierland and the same goes for all the lands. Each land is separate and its own.

The themes are classic and timeless. In EPCOT's Future World, you will find innovative items and designs. The theme follows through perfectly and not once loses its touch. The theme in Disney Studios is, to me, "mindblowing." You mentioned how you will not go on certain rides due to the line apperance being outstandingly realistic. Well, I have not been on the Tower of Terror for many years passed now because that boiler room and the whole setting is just so realistic. Same goes true with just about every other ride in WDW, not just in MGM. I strongly, STRONGLY believe the themeing in WDW is "mindblowing" and the attention to detail Disney does is out of this world.

SO much detail becomes evident in every attraction at WDW, even the streets and building sides are hidding extraordinary details.

You also mentioned how Universal has less to offer than WDW, that is true and another fact is Universal has much less land left over to work with and so it basically has reached all it can do. Disney, as I have mentioned in a previous post, has 2/3 of its land left to work with.

I must also defend Disney when you come to say that it is pretty much a park for the younger children. That is COMPLETELY untrue and that tells me media has influenced even Disney fans (or least I would expect considering this is a Disney forum). PI is not appropriate for young children. Also, there are many rides younger kids cannot ride due to the intensity level and height requirements. There are dining services at WDW that are geared for adults, such as Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian. WDW has an equal balance of things for both children and adults. Basically, Disney World is ideal for not only teens and adults, but for all ages which makes it that much more magical.

I have heard great things about Universal and my point is to not put it down, I am here, only defending WDW as some are Universal. I must also say that it really is comparing two different things because Disney's purpose is different than Universal's. Universal is more for the teen and adult age and so the rides are going to be themed more after things those age groups (mostly teens and young adults) can relate to and know of. Disney is classic whereas Universal is modern. Both have their own ways of themeing, none less than the other. I would NOT say one can theme better because again, it is not easy to compare the two. It would be easier to compare WDW to DLR.

Attention and detail is placed into everything done at WDW. I have mentioned before that each land in the Magic Kingdom is built to surround you in that atmosphere. For example, you will not see or hear sounds of Adventureland in Frontierland and the same goes for all the lands. Each land is separate and its own.

As is the same case in Universal. Islands of Adventure is just unreal. You walk onto Seuss' Landing, and its insane at how much detail is put into it. They did a lot of work to make sure that it looked like it belonged in a Dr. Seuss Book. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

Photos don't do justice either. You really have to be there to know what I'm talking about. I'm sorry, but IMO, that is something you just don't get at Fantasy Land.

The Lost Continent.

Jurrasic Park. This area just blows me away.

Remember that New York Street me and another poster was raving about?

Mind you, my mom is dating a New Yorker, born and raised in the city. He even praised at how ridiculously accurate and detailed this was.

Hollywood

Amity (the place where Jaws took place)

And remeber how I was saying how themed and detailed some of the lines were, and how it's to the point to were the line scares me more than the ride. Well here is an example of that. This is part of the line for the Twister ride.

Factor in the fact that Tornados scare the stuffing out of me, and yeah.



Soooo. I hope you now get a better idea about why we say that Universal does a better job at themeing their individual areas. The detail that goes into this, its just insane.

I must also defend Disney when you come to say that it is pretty much a park for the younger children. That is COMPLETELY untrue and that tells me media has influenced even Disney fans (or least I would expect considering this is a Disney forum). PI is not appropriate for young children. Also, there are many rides younger kids cannot ride due to the intensity level and height requirements. There are dining services at WDW that are geared for adults, such as Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian. WDW has an equal balance of things for both children and adults. Basically, Disney World is ideal for not only teens and adults, but for all ages which makes it that much more magical.

Yes, but overall, it is geared twards the younger generation. How many commercials do you see advertising big thrills at Disney?


I have more to say, but to save this post from becoming a page long, I'll stop. I just hope you get a better idea about where we are coming from. With the theming arguement.

 

[Loves Disney]

Those are awesome pictures and yes, the detail is amazing. I never put down the themeing of Universal, I simply implied that WDW's themeing is just as incredible if not, in some parts, more so. The detail, IMHO, is far too amazing for words. Here are some pictures of WDW. (They are not the best pictures, but I could not get my camera to import the pictures on, so I used google)

Tree of Life: (Hand carved and everything!)

In Frontierland:

Tomorrowland:

Disney's MGM Studios:

This picture really portrays the streets of a back city.

The Tower of Terror:

The Boiler room you walk through at the Tower of Terror

Alley at Rock and Roller Coaster:

These are just a few pictures that as well, don't do it justice. I also know that Disney was not nor is now, intended or built for the younger generation. Walt Disney wanted a place where all ages could enjoy a park. He wanted to create a place where young and young at heart could get together and really enjoy Disney. Roy and Walt worked together and built Disney World after DLR and opened its gates for ALL and EVERY age. I truly wish, hope and pray people realize Walt Disney World IS NOT meant for the "younger generation." I don't want to put Universal down, but I wish they would stop infering WDW to be a child's place! It makes me sick to hear their ads on TV or in magazines belittling WDW. I agree that Universal has awesome detail, but so does Disney and I believe neither is over the other. They are each their OWN park meant for their OWN purposes. You may as well compare WDW to Sea World for all it matters! (and some do!) I too, could write on, but as you said so well, MuNkY, "to save this post from becoming a page long", I too will stop lol.

 

[CheezDoodle]

I've posted here before, and just wanted to say Universal DOES have better theming in some areas, but you can't beat the disney experence. Also, I don't mean to bash Universal any more than I already did, but has anyone noticed that the theme music they play at the parks is really loud?! I always have a headache when I get back from there!

 

[MuNkY]

I've posted here before, and just wanted to say Universal DOES have better theming in some areas, but you can't beat the disney experence. Also, I don't mean to bash Universal any more than I already did, but has anyone noticed that the theme music they play at the parks is really loud?! I always have a headache when I get back from there!

I've never thought it to be loud.

Also another thing Disney does better is parking.

 

[CheezDoodle]

I've never thought it to be loud.

Also another thing Disney does better is parking.

OK I admit it, I'm a baby when it comes to loud music. And I do really think Universal did a WAY better job at theming their New York area . MGM's looks like a cardboard playset!

 

[babieemelly]

Yep, NY is amazing. I live here in the city and a lot of Greenwich Village looks JUST like that, it's awesome! I don't find the music to be too loud. But then again, I like loud music.

The thing you're not understanding is that while Disney is GREAT, it's not for everyone. What is a "classic", family-friendly experience for some is a boring, babyish experience for others. Not everyone likes the same things.