Universal v. Disney, fresh thoughts in my mind

[havoc315]

After doing a split stay (3 days at Disney, 2 at US) my hubby, my DD10 and myself all had a better time at US. For us, it is about relaxation. At US, I did not have to worry about FP times or ADRs. We could go through the parks at our own pace without worrying about getting everything in we wanted to. We could decide that day where we wanted to eat. This made our time so much more pleasant and relaxed. I think the theming is great in US- the super hero area is totally underrated. I left US feeling like I did so much. I never feel that way when I leave Disney; I always leave there feeling like there was so much I missed. Part of the problem is our florida vacations are very short (5 days or less) so US is better suited for us.

But I do realize, that everyone has different vacation styles. Our lives are already busy, busy, busy and heavily scheduled. I don't like my vacation to be like that too.

My goal is to do a US-only trip after VB opens.

I couldn't agree more, that Universal lets you have a much more spontaneous trip. I'll see how I really feel about FP+ after my August trip, but right now, I think FP+ is generally a "fail." Though I generally actually like planning, it's gotten ridiculously complex at Disney. One can apply for a mortgage with more simplicity than planning a Disney trip.
I still love Disney but this is a big advantage to universal.

I wasn't a huge fan of the Superhero land -- It was nice and colorful to walk through. But I felt like it truly only had one attraction that really was based on the superheros -- Spiderman. The remainder of the rides simply stuck some minimal superhero theming. (The Hulk Coaster is just a green coaster... Dr. Doom's fearfall is just a regular amusement park drop ride, but with a big picture of Dr. Doom, etc).

The theming of Harry Potter was truly on the next level, beyond anything Disney has done. Mummy, Kong, also had very good theming. Beyond that, personally, I prefer the theming of Disney. And I'm not a thrill ride person -- I do Tower of Terror at Disney for the theming, not for the thrills. But that's just me.

 

[mellyf]

I am another grandma who loves crazy rides. In fact I just got back from doing the highest, fastest and longest zip-line in North America. (Granted I am only 50)

I love Universal and I personally do not think the simulators are at all repetitive. I love being so immersed in the rides and being the cars actually move through the scenes makes a huge difference then just sitting in a room with moving seats.

I do love Disney too but I don't think we will be back until our grand-kids are old enough for a visit. I would not miss that experience for the world. In the meantime I will be at Universal.

OT, but my husband and I LOVE ziplining! Both times we've gone to Kauai, we've done ziplining. We're in our 50s, and I'm pretty sure we weren't the oldest ones doing it.

 

[havoc315]

Lost of "grandparents" seem to object to my characterization that the rides at Disney are more friendly...... lol..
I was thinking of my own parents and their generation, in their 70's and 80's... I can't really imagine them on the Rip Ride Rocket though I'm sure there are plenty of 90 year olds who still would do it!