Universal Orlando Park thoughts&ideas

[GunnarCharles]

I just listened to the DIS Unplugged Universal edition. I am generally in the category of "Disney Snob" but I really enjoyed it. I have been to Universal before and enjoyed myself but just never got out of it what I have at Disney. That being said, I am really excited to one day check out Diagon Alley (I've been to Hogsmeade and it was excellent). That episode really inspired a lot of interest in seeing the park again, with so many great additions like Springfield and Diagon Alley there is really a lot to offer. Plus Universal is doing great with incentives to stay a little longer and stay on property especially with their fist value resort hotel. I really would like to see the park again and get a more full experience. However, this is my suggestion. The reason I love Disney parks like Epcot is there is so much to get lost in with things to do and sights to see. Shopping, Dining, and natural beauty creates a great chance to stop and smell the roses when Universal was more about doing the headliner attractions and getting out. Universal Studios is a beautiful park, and they should take advantage. Some more waterfront dining, shopping, and places to walk through would make this a full day park and then some. I look at Universal and think of it more as a Hollywood Studios (which needs work) when it could be more of an Epcot or DCA. Universal has far surpassed Hollywood Studios now with attractions and layout but it just needs those extra experiences to "plus" the park. I applaud Universal for their efforts into the theme parks and dedicating themselves to a great experience, which is something Disney needs to take note of. In fact I would like to see Hollywood Studious be more like a Universal Studios (or DCA for that matter). If all these parks continue to grow and compete with each other I may never need to vacation outside Orlando again.

 

[bumbershoot]

Universal Studios is a beautiful park, and they should take advantage. Some more waterfront dining, shopping, and places to walk through would make this a full day park and then some.

Well, I say...on the trip you take in the future, give yourself a few days at least, make sure you have the Express Pass so you can relax and not rush, and look around. You might very well be surprised at what is already there to see and enjoy.

 

[GunnarCharles]

You make a good point, I shouldnt say too much tell i've really had that experience, thanks for the advice!

 

[wookiebeck]

Welcome to the boards!!!

I love both WDW and USO. Vacation is what you make of it. If you want to do all headliners, that is how one will measure it. If you want to look in all the nooks for different experiences, US and IOA have them as well.

Our first trips in the 90's were one day at US and 4-days at WDW. Eventually we did 2-days at USO. Then we stayed on site for 4-days. Last year was onsite for 7 days. That was pure bliss.

Full immersion. A different and very satisfying trip. Next year back to WDW for maybe 10-days. It is all so good!

 

[GunnarCharles]

Thanks for the advice! I'd love to do that and make each trip to WDW or Universal separate trips to really get the full experience

 

[DOOM1001]

I'm as big an Epcot fan as it gets and I totally understand what you mean,however as great as Epcot is for the dining in World Showcase and events like the F&W and F&G festivals,the park is at the opposite end when compared to the Universal parks as far as rides is concerned,just try to book FP+ for Epcot to see how few the ride options are at Epcort.The biggest issue with Disney is their speed (or lack of) in building attractions.DHS needs a near total park makeover and if you ask me find a way to increase the size of the park for multiple new lands,obviously Star Wars along with Cars land or something new,Epcot's Future World has a few pavilions that also need to be gutted to make way for new attractions,Soarin is apparently getting new theaters to increase capacity when a new film opens but aside from that no new rumors of anything else new coming to Future World.Avatar Land at AK is finally in construction after what seems like years of waiting for it,Disney is going to have to amaze people with this because they failed to do so with the new Fantasyland while at the same time Universal opens the best themed area at any park in Diagon Alley.Plus now Universal has already built a huge building to house the new King Kong ride that at the rate they're going might be open by the end of the year,at which time Disney might still be 2 years from opening Avatar land or 3 from Star Wars land.People might hit middle age or start collecting social security by the time Disney opens a fifth park while Universal is probably a year a way from announcing a third theme park and a few months away from announcing their new onsite water park.Again I love Disney but considering how big they are their parks are basically ignored.

 

[GunnarCharles]

Agreed completely, Disney has the funds and resources to do a much better job in the way of more new attractions and in a timely matter. Ultimately thats what they will need to stay ahead of the game.