Universal orlando becoming a competitor?

[mbrou24]

I can't help but think with all the exciting expansion/refurb news that universal Orlando could become a huge competitor in Florida. I know Disney owns the area but with all the excitement the wizarding world brought, I have a feeling universal could become a legit threat in the next few years when the new wizarding world opens. Thoughts?

 

[damo]

Oh I totally agreed. Being comcasted has done wonders and with the amount to be spent in the next few years, it will become a real targetted vacation spot.

 

[Planogirl]

It already is for some of us. I can't see anything but growth and possibilites for Universal. I only wish that they had more space to grow.

 

[mbrou24]

True. Personally when I go down to Florida for Disney I always spend 2 days at universal as well. This is just making it better for me. I just wonder if its going to get more people to take off the mouse ears and give universal a shot

 

[metzgardesign]

We did our first ever visit to IOA this past trip. Went with the intention and attitude of "yay.....gonna go do this Harry Potter thing for our son." In other words....it was planned and looked at as a pitstop overnight at the HRH for a day at IOA before heading to WDW for our "real" vacation to begin. Previously, the US area was something we saw as we passed by on the I-4, with no real interest in exploring.

After the night at HRH and the day at IOA, our attitudes changed....A LOT! We were less thrilled about checking in at WDW. And would have loved more time to spend at HRH and IOA/US.

Of course there were things about HRH (in particular) that were aggravating (parking fee, for example, and some confusion about ticket and Express Pass retrieval. HRH could work on those and make it more streamlined) for us....but overall....the stay there for one night was nicer than our WDW stay. And the Kitchen restaurant in HRH flat-out blew away any of our dining experiences at WDW, including Cali Grill, Citricos and Yachtsman.

A longer US/IOA segment will take place on our next visit to Orlando.

 

[RMulieri]

It already is for some of us. I can't see anything but growth and possibilites for Universal. I only wish that they had more space to grow.

agree

 

[Silock]

I love US/IoA because the rides are better, for the most part. That being said, unless they can find a way to keep me in the park for things that aren't rides, it's never going to equal WDW for me. The parks just aren't as "fun" for me (or my wife), nor does there seem like there's much to DO, aside from Harry Potter. The rest of the parks just seem drab and only function to get you from one ride to the other. I hope it changes, as I'd like to spend more time in the park.

 

[bumbershoot]

It already is for some of us.

Agreed!

I love US/IoA because the rides are better, for the most part. That being said, unless they can find a way to keep me in the park for things that aren't rides, it's never going to equal WDW for me. The parks just aren't as "fun" for me (or my wife), nor does there seem like there's much to DO, aside from Harry Potter. The rest of the parks just seem drab and only function to get you from one ride to the other. I hope it changes, as I'd like to spend more time in the park.

Huh, my perspective is different. I love just being in the two parks, they make me happy. On our first trip we did nothing "big" (well, I did FJ and we did Spiderman, but that's all of the "big" rides) and yet we stayed all day* for 2 full days and 2 halfday that our schedule allowed.

Our trips have been progressively longer, with lots and lots of fun park time. I find the theming to be lovely, especially Port of Entry where I could spend hours just taking pictures, and I definitely don't feel that it exists just to get me from one ride to the other.

Maybe on a future trip you could really focus on all of the little things? I always have my camera out, ready to catch the intricate little details, and it has made me notice more than I might have if I were just focused on rides. I love taking pictures, have loved it since I was 15 and given my first camera, and it really helps me see more.


*all day as much as we could, physically...also, the pools are a HUGE draw for us, we love being at them, so it's a constant battle of wanting to be in the parks and wanting to be at the pools...

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

It already is a competitor. The numbers will never be equal due to size but what Universal does with their expenditures vs WDW's expenditures is the key and let's face it, Universal is way ahead over the past few years.

 

[Jennasis]

It sure seems to be getting uber competitive which can only be a good thing for us the vacationers. It makes the other places (WDW et al) take notice and respond or become proactive themselves. However, as it stands now USO is a one day trip for us. DH and I can do both parks in one day, so until there is a MAJOR expansion (a third gate or several new rides in both parks) we have no plans to return.

 

[ADP]

Oh I totally agreed. Being comcasted has done wonders and with the amount to be spent in the next few years, it will become a real targetted vacation spot.

You couldn't be more right Damo!
What's funny is it was Comcast about 7 or 8 years ago who tried to buy Disney and the parks. Disney scoffed at their offers. Now it maybe time for some payback. Not that Universal will ever catch-up with Disney, but I think Comcast has the idea to at least grab their attention and give them a headache or two.

 

[wiigirl]

It already is for some of us. I can't see anything but growth and possibilites for Universal. I only wish that they had more space to grow.

Ture...they are going to get tight on space real quick....

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

They have one big parcel left inside the intersections of Vineland and Turkey Lake Rd (the old parking lot/employee parking lot). This is large enough for a BIG new land at Universal Studios. After that it will all be refurbishment which IMO is a good thing. disney doesn't do it nearly enough (as in almost never) maybe Universal will take the lead in this area too. Imagine going to a Park where things are updated every four/five years!

 

[damo]

I don't really care about a 3rd gate. At WDW, there are four gates but so many of the attractions are things that I just walk right past. I'd rather have two parks filled with good rides, like they are doing now.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I don't really care about a 3rd gate. At WDW, there are four gates but so many of the attractions are things that I just walk right past. I'd rather have two parks filled with good rides, like they are doing now.

I agree and that was what I was trying to point out. DL only has two gates and I'd go there over WDW any day of the week, month, year.

 

[damo]

I agree and that was what I was trying to point out. DL only has two gates and I'd go there over WDW any day of the week, month, year.

I so agree.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree and that was what I was trying to point out. DL only has two gates and I'd go there over WDW any day of the week, month, year.

Me too. The original DL park is amazing and I understand that the newer park is way improved. I'll always miss that tortilla factory though.

 

[Metro West]

I remember when Blackstone sold their share of the Universal parks and Comcast later purchased the parks and how some posters were concerned as to what was going to happen to the parks. Now we know...they are dumping mega bucks into the Universal experience and it's only going to get better over the next few years. With Transformers and HP 2 set to open in the near future, Universal will be the place to be.

There's no telling what else is coming that hasn't been released yet!

 

[Maleficent53]

The last time I was at US was one month before IOA opened. We were pretty much burned out on US because every time we went rides were closed or intermittently down. One trip was so bad, every person leaving the gates was given a voucher for a free return on a future day.

I am not a HP fan but am interested in seeing that area. We are thinking of adding a couple of days on our next trip there. Hope they don't disappoint!

 

[Mad Hattered]

I
There's no telling what else is coming that hasn't been released yet!

You mean like the whole Simpson's land refurbishment that will include Moe's Tavern, Krusty Burger, Kentucky Fried Panda and a new flat spinner ride that's themed to KANG and Kodos on the waterfront?? There will also be food trucks in the new "Springfield" refurbishment.

Or the rumored new ride going in at Jurassic Park after Transformers is completed?



edited for spelling