Universal pokes a little fun at WDW

[welovedisneyx4]

Universal and IOA don't appeal to me personally. If I want thrill rides, I'll go to Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens which are only 3-4 hrs away from home. However, if you like US&IOA, that's fine w/ me, to each his own. My big problem is the FOTL pass. We have a condo in Orlando and wouldn't stay on property at US. Why would my family want to go and spend extra $ to buy a "Fast Pass" or since we weren't staying on property, have to stand in extremely long lines? At WDW, everyone has access to FP and it's free. I don't get it.

 

[phamton]

Umm, you do know that you can get free express passes at Universal. They are like the Disney fastpass. Just like at WDW, you stick in your ticket to get an express pass. It costs you nothing and you also get a choice between 2 different times to return to the ride.

Just like WDW you have to wait until the window for your ride occurs or within 2 hours after getting the first pass before you can get another. The express pass plus bookletsthat you can buy give you an express ride for ever ride in the park with no time frame to use them in.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

No, I didn't realize that about the free FP at US, but I still don't think it's fair for the on-property guest to automaticlly get FOTL. Most of what I have heard is that the lines just get incredible if you don't have a pass. Just my opinion.

 

[phamton]

The FOTL is a perk just as Early Entry is a perk for staying on Disney property. Yes, the lines can be long without a pass but definitely not any longer than the lines at WDW without a fastpass. I love WDW but the lines are much longer than what you encounter at Universal.

These statements such as long lines and thrill rides convinces me that many of you who are criticizing universal have never been there. Just think how aggravated you get with family and friends who can't understand why you would go to WDW more than once in a lifetime. If they had been to WDW they would understand how much WDW has to offer.

Universal is not a thrill ride park but a theme park and because of the themeing, I never get tired of visiting there.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Yes, but the Early Entry is only for 1 hour. As far as I know, FOTL is all day.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

yes, FOTL is for all day, but also remember it doesn't include special events like Halloween Horror Nights or Rock the Universe (you can't use it for FOTL after regular park hours at those events). I can see how THAT would get people upset.

However, what's wrong with the perk, personally? You can get the free passes, or buy the Express Pass Plus...so it's not like it is restricted to on-site guests. The whole FOTL perk is to attract people to stay on-site. I live in Florida...I might as well stay off-site, or just drive over for a single-day trip. The FOTL perk gets me and my family wanting to stay onsite anyway...thus we spend more money! It's a great method by Universal.

Plus, they have only 3 on-site hotels, as oppose to the many, many numbers over at Disney...so in reality, the number of people with FOTL isn't that large...or else they WOULD discontinue the perk.

Universal used to have the early-entry way back when....a few years ago. They gave that up though. Not sure why, since I didn't go often back then...not every weekend like I do now(which reminds me..I need to update my trip number count!)!

But also...more people in Express Line...less people in regular line...doesn't it benefit all of us?? Lines at Universal do not get very long...they are very tolerable. Or if worse comes to worst, just go in the Single Riders Line....those are great!

I think why Universal appeals to me is my interest in film. I enjoy seeing special effects used in films (that they show through preshows, and some select rides), I love going on attractions based on some of my favorite movies, and witnessing productions (ie - taping for a commercial, TV special, etc). All exciting to me! Plus the rides are awesome...and many employees are rather nice....and cute (*cough*Ghostbusters*cough* lol sorry...had to put that in!). Those not interested in film may not appreciate the parks like I do...though I know of many who still love them for their own reasons.

 

[Cocamami]

I think that both Disney and Universal have a lot to offer. I go to both each time I visit Orlando. They are very different parks, and I appreciate the differences. I think the commercial says "Fairy tales and Pixie dust not your thing?" For some it isn't. To each his own. Sometimes I too need a break from the Disney magic (GASP!), and I love having Universal and SeaWorld so close by. Don't get me wrong, nothing replaces Disney as my favorite place to be (It's like my 2nd home!). I just think that you can like both without having to draw battle lines in the sand.

 

[goofyernmost]

Originally posted by phamton
I love WDW but the lines are much longer than what you encounter at Universal.

These statements such as long lines and thrill rides convinces me that many of you who are criticizing universal have never been there.

Actually, I believe that I am one of the people that mentioned the lines and take my word for it, I have been there. I have never found lines as long (without fastpass) at Disney as I have found at Universal. It really isn't the size of the line that is frustrating it is the way it is hidden from you until you have invested a lot of time and will probably ride it out. Some of the attractions I can think of off the top of my head that have a huge Q visable, only to turn a corner and find a bigger one are Earthquake, Back to the Future, ET, Jaws and Twister. Now that doesn't mean I don't think it is worth it, it is just that for the first timer it can be a real surprise. I plan for it now but early on it always frustrated me.

And just to be fair, Disney has it's share of surprise lines as well.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I have to admit, I hate those "surprise line continuations" The new Mummy ride's line is like that too...though you rarely fully reach a stop, but it just keeps going and going.

Although many of the lines are interesting...like the ET queue (rarely is this one backed up anymore, anyway), Mummy line, MIB, etc.

 

[disneycrazed139]

Universal is trendy. Disney is not. That's really the difference. I think Universal is a great place to be, but I don't think it has the same staying power as Disney. I, for one, will never outgrow fairy tales, pixie dust, etc.