Universal pokes a little fun at WDW

[BarryHom]

Originally posted by edie w
I second what Julieannbabe said!

You should try Alton Towers if you want to see dirty bathrooms and surly employees.

Closer to the U.S., go to most any Six Flags park for dirty bathrooms and surly employees!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I strongly dislike Six Flags! The one in Georgia I thought was okay...but I didn't go into any of the bathrooms...did get snapped at by a few employees (a couple of girls and I accidentally found our way into a forbidden area (there was no "No Trespassing" sign or anything) and employees REALLY got upset with us). I went to the one in Illinois, and my entire family left after 3 hours...but it was partly to do with the horrible heat in addition to getting bored.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I agree about Six Flags. A couple of years ago I brought my son to the Maryland Six Flags since he had a free ticket. I told him that we wouldn't be back, even with a free ticket. The park was grungy, the rides sub par, with a few exceptions, not well kept, etc. I know that it's an amusement park as opposed to a theme park, but I don't plan on returning. We went to Dorney Park last summer and had a blast and do want to return next summer, so I'm not a theme park snob.

T&B

 

[Eclpz314]

Tigger, you should stay overnight across the street from Dorney next time you go. They have a 2nd day ticket that works well. We did that and were able to enjoy Dorney until closing the first day and Wild Water Kingdom the next. We actually stayed 2 nights and left for home early on the 3rd morning. It's only about 3 hours from here but not having to dread the long ride home after a full day was really nice.

 

[sha_lyn]

SF over GA is the park I grew up with. I loved it all thorugh my childhood and teen yrs. Started taking DS when he was just 1. Found that is had started to move away from being a family park, and was going toward being a thrill park. through various promotions, work picnics etc we would end up goign every other yr or so. Then whne DS was big enough for coasters we started going every yr again. Wasn't much for DD but we continued to go for DS every yr. About 3 yrs ago we had enough. The place was in horrible condidtion. Most of the rides in the kids are were closed, or gone.

We didn't return until last spring for a homeschool day. The park had improved greatly, but it was the very beginning of the season, so I expected things to look better.

We received return tickets as a part of the homeschool function. Then DS won a pair of tickets in a contest on kids WB. We took one trip in the middle of the summer, and the last trip right before closing in Oct. I have to say the park looked the bast it had in 25 years. The kids area had improved, but wasn't anywhere as many rides as when I was growing up.

I just received a flier from them and they are really putting money into the kids area now. 5 new kid/family rides are opening.


A few pages back some mentioned leaving US/IOA because of the first impression they had on arriving.

2 yrs ago we went to Cedar Pointe in Ohio. It is constantly rated in top 10 amusement parks. If I had not known that I think I would have turned away without entering. Their front gate impression leaves a lot to be desired. The first section of the park does IMHO look like a traveling fair. However I have to say we all loved it, and I thing it is a wonderful place.


That reminds me of my BIL. When we first took DS to SF over GA at age 1, we had BIL wiht us. He had just moved to GA from LA. He did not want to go to SF because he had driven all the way to GA the yr before with some friends. At that time you could not see but one or 2 rides when approaching the park. The front looked more like a "city" park, with a water fountain, benches etc. There were 2 covered walkways that then led people around the hill, to where almost all the rides were. At that time the only ride visable was the water flume. IF they had continued to the parking lot they would have cirlced around to the back and could have seen at least a few of the rides, including some of the coasters. BIL and his friends took one look at the entrance, decided SF didn't have any rides and left.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by Eclpz314
Tigger, you should stay overnight across the street from Dorney next time you go. They have a 2nd day ticket that works well. We did that and were able to enjoy Dorney until closing the first day and Wild Water Kingdom the next. We actually stayed 2 nights and left for home early on the 3rd morning. It's only about 3 hours from here but not having to dread the long ride home after a full day was really nice.

Which hotel has the 2nd day ticket option? We stayed at Comfort Suites last summer and didn't have such a wonderful experience. I know there's another hotel next door. Is Wild Water Kingdom the water part of the park? We had such a fun time in the water "squirter" area. It's kind of like the Curious George area a Universal, but I think even bigger. We played for probably a couple hours in that part and I was a big kid and liked squirting unsuspecting people. I think that we're also about 3 hours from Dorney Park.

T&B

 

[sm4987]

You can out grow fariries and pixie dust?

 

[EsmeraldaX]

The 6 flags up here is clean, but I haven't noticed a lot of non thrill rides. It's been a few years since I have been though.
Last time I went was at Halloween. I think they had some sort of Halloween party thing.

It could be totally different now.

 

[Jon360]

My family used to visit just WDW every year through the mid 90's.

Then it would be 1 or 2 days at Universal and a week at Disney.

Today we spend 1-2 weeks at Universal and don't even goto Disney.

We've all grown up and Disney has just lost it's appeal.

Maybe if they invested in some new and exciting attractions we would be motivated to visit again.

-Jon

 

[Micca]

I have never seen a thread where so many are pleased to discuss their age .

 

[threeboysmom]

Put us in the "love them both" category Universal and Disney are both theme parks, but that is where the likeness ends. You simply cannot compare them! We love Disney because of the ATMOSPHERE - you can spend a day at Magic Kingdom and not go on anything and still have a wonderful time! And the atmosphere at World Showcase cannot be beat either. My DH and I once spent 4 of our vacation days there! BUT we go to Universal because of the RIDES - US/IOA tend to go over the top when they create a ride using all the latest technology, etc. Disney, lately, seems to try and get by with the cheapest way possible.... My family always splits our time between Disney and Universal. Though with my boys getting older, I can see where in the future it may come down to Universal only. I have to say, however, that Universal beats Disney hands down when it comes to comparing resorts! Universal's hotels and prices and perks are 10x greater than Disney. The theming, the incredible discounts, the ease of walking to and from the parks & Citywalk, the FOTL access!!!! The whole experience cannot be beat!! We will ALWAYS stay onsite at Universal, where we don't always stay onsite at Disney. It costs my family of 5 MORE to stay at Disney's value resort than it does to stay at Universal's 4* resort!!! Plus the perks are SO MIUCH better than at Disney. I really could care less about getting up an hour early to head to a designated park........ We have Annual Passes with Universal ($119), but we would never even consider getting Annual Passes with Disney unless they could match that price. Highly doubt it!

Regarding dirty bathrooms & rude employees??!! We've NEVER encountered either. All the employees we've run into have been so friendly and helpful! At Disney AND Universal! We've never entered a dirty bathroom either! What's up with that??? The best themed bathrooms I have ever been in have both been at Universal!!! - one near the Barney attraction - this has got to be the cutest bathroom ever!!!! Does Disney "theme" their bathrooms? And the one in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel - Wow! I want to live in there!!

BOTH theme parks are WONDERFUL!!! Please don't place one over the other! They each have their own special qualities. We are so blessed to have them both in Orlando and to have the option to visit both in one magicial vacation!!!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

We love both parks too. For those of you who have young children I encourage you to go over to the Universal Trip Reports board and read my recent posts about our third trip to Universal in a year.

I would never had thought I would fall in love with Universal like I did before I went for the first time last summer. My kids adore this place and I have an 8 year old DS, and a 6 year old DD. There is TONS of stuff to do for young kids here. The characters are awesome!! Scooby, Shaggy, Shrek, Fionna, Rugrats, Curious George, Woody Woodpecker, SpongeBob!!! Come on, these are super characters. Also, every character we encountered spent time with our kids fooling, and playing, and talking. And, if you want to see the look of pure awe and happiness on a little one's face, go to the Barney show at US. And, yes, you do get to meet him after!!

IOA has INCREDIBLE theming. If you say it doesn't, I just don't think you have any credibility. Suess Landing is just amazing. Some characters you can meet here are the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and the Sam I Am. Superhero Island makes you feel like you are in a comic book. Going back to the character thing, Spiderman himself came up to my DD in a store and had a five minute conversation with her about washcloths. He was amazing (in more ways than one, ). Toon Lagoon has awesome water rides and even more characters. Jurassic Park makes you feel like you are in the Park from the movie. Camp Jurassic is the best playground in any theme park, period. The Lost Continent, is wonderfully themed and Mythos restuarant is gorgeous and has amazing food.

City Walk has tons of food options. I dare someone to go into Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and not have a great time with great food.

The onsite hotels at Universal are amazing. Here, I will say they far exceed the hotels I have stayed at in Disney. I have stayed at the Poly and Old Key West (in a one bedroom), and the Hard Rock Hotel and The Royal Pacific at Universal. The price isn't even comparable to WDW resorts and they are so much nicer. I can give specifics if anyone is interested.

I love both places, but I really think some people bash Universal when they are just not informed. Anyone can have a bad experience, and I believe a lot of people go into Univesal already thinking they will not like it as much and that really clouds their perceptions.

Here is something that I have noticed that is just plain true. I have NEVER, NEVER, heard a negative comment or flaming on the Universal Boards. It is a bunch of friendly, positive people. I think that says a lot.

Again, I encourage anyone to go over and read my trip reports and look at my pictures. I think you will see a little bit of why I think Universal is magical, not Disney magical, but a place that has a magic all its own. Tonia

 

[DocBosch]

The point has been made that these two rivals have created quality theme park destinations, and each should be enjoyed as such. The problem is that the Disney fans’ biggest complaint with Universal (consciously or subconsciously, literally or symbolically) is that it’s “not Disney” (the same can be said when some people’s grievance with Disney parks is that “it’s Disney”).

When you have a strong fondness for something, you tend to hold that something as the highest standard. The mistake comes when you try to totally discount that other entity entirely, not even considering it on it’s own merits. Yes Universal is not “Disney”. But it is “Universal”, and that says a whole lot in terms of quality and excellence.

Someone tried to infer that those who favor Universal lack a sense of history, implying that Universal doesn’t have history. I think it’s time for a history lesson.

From the UniversalStudios.com history page:

“Universal's rich entertainment legacy can be traced back to 1906, when 39 year-old Bavarian immigrant Carl Laemmle opened his first nickelodeon theater in Chicago. From exhibiting short silent movies in one theater, Laemmle later moved to movie distribution and production.

On June 8, 1912, Laemmle first incorporated the name "Universal" when he formed the Universal Film Manufacturing Company in New York. In March 1914, [Laemmle purchased] a 230-acre ranch [in the Los Angeles area]. This site was to become "the entertainment center of the world" - Universal City.

On March 15, 1915 Carl Laemmle officially opened the gates of Universal City, the world's first self-contained community dedicated to making movies. Laemmle also began inviting visitors to Universal City to observe his movie making, establishing Universal's long-standing tradition of welcoming guests to enjoy the behind-the-scenes magic.”

Universal is responsible for some of the most memorable and iconic characters and films of the last 100 years of cinema. Carl Laemmle welcomed the first guest into Universal Studios a full 40 years before Disneyland. When the Universal Tour was reinstated in the mid 60s, it featured new immersive attractions that were obviously inspired by the Disney theme park philosophy. Much like Walt wanted Disneyland guests to enter his animated fairytales, Universal was allowing people to both experiences their favorite films and witness the process behind creating them. Still today this is the main difference between the two – different sides of the same coin.

Notice that the above blurb regarding Universal history ends with the word “magic”, which is what people claim Universal lacks. There’s an idea that the term “magic” is synonymous with the brand name Disney, when in reality, it should be that Disney, and anything else, should inspire “magic”. This is negated when it’s unquestionably accepted to such a degree that it’s even marketed in such a way.

The following is my reply to a “Disney vs. Universal” post at the Universal board that stated that Universal was a good enough place, a “cool” place, but that it just isn’t “magical”:

“Universal was my favorite park as a young child, mainly due to the presence of Back To The Future and my affinity to movie making. To this day, the Universal logo in front of movies gets to me. My dream is for my first film to be a Universal picture.
Universal became the park I visited the most, and one of the things I got most attached to as a kid. USF is literally my favorite place on earth. It's a place where I can recall various thoughts and feelings from different parts of my life just by walking around. Disney was too big and popular for it to feel personal, but Universal to me was something special.

The night they closed Kongfrontation, I started questioning my attachment to Universal. I figured that Disney had its supposed "magic" and history, things that you’re allowed to value, but why did I have such strong feeling for Universal? They had just closed a classic attraction to replace it with a roller coaster. While Kong was iconic, the original ride was just meant to thrill, and when it stopped doing that, it would be replaced by a different movie's high tech ride. I wondered where the reminiscence was in that.

I walked around the USF lagoon at dusk for a bit, contemplating this, when I looked up at the view. I remembered the park as I used to see it as a kid. I remembered how it seemed huge, and how there was always something cool around the corner. I remembered being so impressed with the street facades, and the themeing within the rides. The first visit when I became completely and unreasonably upset that we had to leave, but when we returned soon after, I realized that this was a place I was going to be able to come back to constantly.

When I walked out of the park, I started to think about how there is so much more now then there was in my memories of my first visits. I tracked the expansion of the Universal property for over two years but I wondered if it had grown too much for me to genuinely care for it all. Then I looked over to the IOA skyline, with the lighthouse beaming and Hulk snaking all over the sky, and remembered how amazing it was. Then I looked at CityWalk, all lit up in the night, and remembered how amazing it was. And I remembered that the reason I liked Universal so much the first time was because it was so amazing.

The "nostalgia" of Universal isn't nostalgia at all, but innovation. Universal isn't about things staying the same forever, so we can relive our childhoods over and over again, but about things evolving and getting better, and getting 'cooler'. Disney is magical because of it's classic attractions, and the classic characters they are based on, while Universal's charm comes from it's ability to create spectacular things, regardless of the subject, that will amaze us.

Which is what makes my time at Universal magical.”

What is “magical” is based on each person’s personal experience, not on corporate branding or group ideology. Universal is magical for me for what I said above. Disney is magical to me because of Walt and what he accomplished and the creativity and imagination he and those he worked with possessed.

My five-year-old nieces are sometimes excited about Mickey and Minnie and the Princesses, and sometimes it’s all about Cat in the Hat and ET and Sponge Bob. And contrary to marketing efforts, when they get to meet Cinderella, or get to drive a car, or get to spin around in a giant teacup, they’re not thinking, “This is so magical.” They’re thinking, “This is so cool!” And them having that degree of fun is what make’s it “magical” for me, whether it’s Disney or Universal.

After an amazing first trip to Orlando, my girlfriend and I couldn’t decide if we had a better time at Disney or Universal. Later I figured out why. Disney is this incredible, iconic place, much like Paris, that we got to experience and explore together. Universal is a place that’s personal to me that I got to share with her, and it was great to have a lot of thrilling fun there together. Both places were great and magical, but each for different reasons.

Some say Universal isn’t “magical” is because it doesn’t “transport you to a different world”, but that’s not Universal’s intention. The coolest thing about Universal is that it’s a real working motion picture studio. You’re not supposed to really believe you’re in New York, or Hollywood or a World’s Fair, but in a studio’s backlot reproductions. This has always been the most fascinating thing for me, to see how these cinematic illusions are created and how they work. While Disney parks are supposed to be a stage to perform on, Universal Studios is more like the behind-the-scenes peek. Islands of Adventure is their effort to create highly detailed, realistic “other worlds”, the Universal way.

That’s why it’s more acceptable to Universal to reference and even joke about Disney. I don’t see the new Universal commercial as an attack on Disney. Like I’ve said already, there are differences between the two places not related to quality or “magic”. All that Universal is doing is playing up that difference to attract those who want the difference. Universal is the hip, cool park, and it’s definitely post-modern in many ways, so it’s completely understandable for them to take such a jab at Disney, which they do all the time anyway.

The following is my reply to a Disney person complaining about the same thing, on the Universal board:

“I've heard jokes about Disney at Universal, but they've always been sly and innocent, and not really hateful in any way. Disney will always be bigger and more popular, so Universal, as the underdog, is allowed to poke fun at their "big brother".

Universal references to Disney usually range from jabs in the ribs (The Mystic Fountain asking a little girl "Who's that stupid looking cartoon rat on your shirt? Why does your hat have satellite dishes?”) to sarcastically comparative (After a gory effect in the Make-up Show: "I bet you won't see that at Disney!") to self detrimental (at the end of the Ghostbusters/Beetlejuice street show: "Ok, that’s it folks. There's no more show. There's no curtain. We don't have that kind of budget. We're not Disney!").

These types of jokes are especially funny to people who like Disney. I personally consider the Disney-esque signs and posters in the Shrek and MIB queues as both humorous and attributing. You didn't expect this, and found it off putting, because you’re used to Disney, and Disney doesn't do that at all. But you said it yourself, Universal is "hip", and it's hip to be witty and self aware.

Disney doesn't mention Universal at all, jokingly or not, and I wouldn't expect them to. Disney is too big. Disney's the establishment. They are above it. For Disney to mention Universal at all is to acknowledge Universal, and to acknowledge Universal, or anything outside the Disney World, is too un-Disney. To me, for Disney to make references to Universal or, say, Gator World, would completely take me out of the magical world of Disney.”

Somebody said that they didn’t like the idea of Universal attacking Disney with the ad, and that Disney would never do the same thing. But what about a Disney cast member berating me and putting down Universal because I was wearing a Universal shirt at a Disney park. Considering what Disney is supposed to stand for, I think it’s much worse for a cast member to verbally attack Universal, let alone even mention Universal inside a Disney park, then Universal having an advertising campaign that pokes fun at their competition.

-Kevin

 

[*Fantasia*]

I think my kids started to out grow Disney already at a young age! DD5 and DS7! They prefer Universal over Disney! They always mention they want to stay at RPR or HRH and wants the IOA/USF parks better. I love both Universal and Disney just the same. I feel the "magic" at both parks.

I must say...I LOVE ROYAL PACICIF RESORT AT UNIVERSAL!! I love staying on-sight. Can't beat that FOTL!! And the walk to the parks is only about 10 minutes. The best part is that getting the room that is facing the parks! And one more thing...finding discounts at Universal resorts isn't too hard.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Originally posted by phamton
I know that Universal and Islands of Adventure is not everyone's cup of tea, but come on.

I have never seen graffiti covered bathrooms there. Every restroom I have been in at UO/IoA has been clean. In fact there is almost always an employee stationed in the restroom cleaning.

Yes, they have fastpass booklets you can buy that have passes for all the rides in them but they also have free express pass machines that work just like the Disney fastpass except it gives you a choice of two different return times.

Bev

I agree... I've been going to Universal at different times and have yet to see graffitti or messy bathrooms. And ditto to everything else Bev said.

 

[phamton]

Kevin, that is an amazing post. I have never heard it put quite that way but that is exactly how I feel. I would suggest you send it to the Universal PR dept. as I am sure that those who work there would love to read it.

I know I am copying it and saving it for future reference. My son starts work at Universal on Thursday and I am so excited for him. We love Universal and IoA!

Bev

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Bravo Kevin! You never cease to amaze me with your posts. I too heard the mystical fountain use the "satellite dishes" thing too. I found the reference cute and playful.


But I completely concur with your opinion...especially since I grew up with Universal, and have a love for film like you. Therefore, my attitude towards the parks are similar.

 

[ScandleBoom]

Yea, you go put on your diaper and ride "It's a Small Small World After All"...
I'll be rocking with Donna Summer and roaring with the Dueling Dragons this weekend.
What sounds more fun to you? Wait a minute, i just realized where I am, so don't answer that.

Originally posted by Schmeck
"Have you outgrown fairy tales and pixie dust?" What's the next line - "Then come experience our superhero-violence based rides, our grafitti covered bathrooms and not-so-clean parks, and pay extra for a special fastpass-type pass while you're at it?"

No thanks, I'm keeping my pixie dust and fairy tales!

:

 

[eclipseSD]

I'm sick of this bickering. Let's set something straight right now.

Universal has Universal magic. Disney has Disney magic. Both are unique but like, different but similar. Objectively, one is no t better than the other. It is the outlook, mindset, and experiences of the individual traveler that will determine which they prefer, or whether they like both equally.

Disney and Universal both have luxurious accomodations which provide different advantages for guests at their hotels. Disney has EMH and E-Ride Nights, Universal has FOTL. One is not greater than the other, as the situations are different. Both provide relaxation and enjoyment to some, dissatisfiement and awkwardness to others.

There are superb, friendly, vibrant, magic spurting employees at both Disney and Universal. There are mean-spirited, arrogant, unfriendly, even vile castmembers at both Universal and Disney. Some guests meet only one group, both others meet a mixture. Rest assured though, both Universal and Disney can be complemented or condemned for some hirings, and commended for others.

Resort, park, and attraction upkeep is both wonderful and terrible at Universal and Disney. Some benches are brand new, others are falling apart. Some places need paint, others are still drying. Again, both parks should be complemented and condemned for fixing problems but allowing others to progress into disrepair.

You can apply the standards above to every area Disney and Universal share. Some attest to one parks greatness in one area, other's detest its ugliness. Both are right.

Remember:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Don't compare apples and oranges.

This line of thinking could has saved many great discussions on this board from turning into bickering.

JMHO

 

[goofyernmost]

I like them both. Disney has it's qualities and Universal, its very own. As much as most hate to admit it, I think that Universal has invested a lot more into the parks than Disney lately. It shows by the quality of the attractions. The "ride-through" experiences of Universal, IMHO, are far more interesting than Disney's at this point (with the exception of Mission: Space.) That's my take on Universal Studios (btw, Shrek 4D, pokes a lot of fun at Disney, but it is funny.)

Now as far as my Opinion on IOA. They have spent a lot of money there. Spiderman was great but nothing else caught my attention. Not being a thrill ride groupie, almost everything there was not on my list. I wandered around and at one point decided I wanted to leave. I had an incredably hard time finding my way out. I would head down a walkway that looked like it lead to the exit and would be dead ended. I had to backtrack completely to get out. Didn't like that feeling at all.

Anyway, my point is, there is room in the Orlando area for both. I find that I almost always go to Universal at least one day of my trip. Both are very entertaining and governed by the same standards. In fact, it could be said that you can't compete with Disney unless you are a little bit better. I always found the rest rooms clean and the staff helpful. The food isn't as good in US and they seem to get some joy out of hiding the actual size of the wait line but other than that, I'm happy it is there.