Universal vs. Disney - Observations from a 1st time Universal Visitor

[Tara8595]

Yeah, I got lucky on the POFQ relocation - I had a postcard code for $74 at a moderate, booked FQ and relocated for $30 more. But, I've never paid more than $200 to stay at a Deluxe at Disney. And usually I pay way less - traveling in value season and using an AP discount, sometimes up to 45% off.

There were no Entertainment rooms at HRH for my travel dates. I think it's terrible that they make you pay to self park. There were 2 sinks but one was in the bathroom. And there was no balcony. I've kind of gotten used to the balconies. So for me, the actual rooms at the Disney deluxes have been a much better value than what I had at HRH. Not that it wasn't a cool hotel - it was lots of fun, had a great staff, and the decor was entertaining.

I think 'value' is another subjective term. I always think Disney is a great value. The quality of the experience and the joy it brings makes it so.

Front of the Line has its good points and bad points. You miss a lot of detail on some of the attractions by using it. After going back to IOA on a Monday and having it less crowded than on the previous Thursday, we went in some of the regular lines just to see if we missed anything. Glad we did - the most that we had missed previously was the castle at the Dueling Dragons. The story told in the stained glass and all the neat detail in the castle would've made that worth standing in line. The fire coaster was awesome!

It would be pretty impossible for Disney to offer FOTL. There are too many hotels to make it practical. Easy for Universal with only 3 hotels and only 2 parks - they know that their guests will likely do other things while they're staying there and not just the parks. At Disney, some people do other things, but many only do the parks and do them every day. I've personally never had a problem using fastpasses and it even adds a little to the fun seeing how much of the MK you can do by lunchtime using fastpasses. However, I've only ever visited Animal Kingdom at peak season, so I can't really make a fair comparison for what it's like in the summer at the other parks.

 

[Tara8595]

Originally posted by Tigger Woods
Do Test Track, Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Mission: Space, Alien Encounter, etc. really tug at your heart strings?

No - they don't - and I agree with you - the only thing I regularly ride out of that list is Test Track. Neat ride, but not really magical in my opinion. I never said that everything at Disney was magical. Only that at Disney in general is magical and moreso TO ME than Universal. Illuminations touches my heart - standing in the World Showcase, listening to We Go On in the company of others from around the world - yeah, that does it. Putting it simply, at Disney, at least once a day, I experience something that touches me so deeply that it brings me to tears. I never had that happen at Universal, not once.

If I accept your definition of 'magic' as 'emotion, passion, and things that touch your heart', then spending time with my family, whether its at Disney World, Universal or my own back yard is definitely 'magic'.

Agreed, point well taken. But again, I'm really talking about attractions that are designed to do these things. Disney is just an expert at putting together something that really serves to lift your spirits in a way that is unlike what you can experience anywhere else. I know many of you think that you can get the same at Universal, but for me, it's not the same.

 

[Tigger Woods]

Putting it simply, at Disney, at least once a day, I experience something that touches me so deeply that it brings me to tears.

Please forgive my insensitivity, but a 35 year old woman who's alone and weeping at a theme park causes me some concern. That seems more tragic than 'magic'. Have cast members ever asked if you needed help?

 

[antmaril]

You certainly were lucky to get that $104 rate for BWI. We used to travel to WDW in the off seasons, but our son is in high school and we haven't been able to do that since he was in elementary school. I love WDW in January - no heat, no humidity, no crowds. Someday, I'm going back in January!

I agree that Universal is not really "magical". However, it is a lot of fun. I think that's why so many people do both while they are in Orlando.

The self-parking charge is annoying, but to tell you the truth, they have never added it to our bill, so I've never had to pay it. Besides, the hotel itself is such a great deal (compared to Disney) that if they do charge me, I will gladly pay it.

I agree that there is no way that Disney can offer FOTL. Too many people would be eligible - it would never work. However, as long as Universal is doing this (and they may have to stop someday), I will gladly take advantage of it - it is a great perk IMHO.

We leave next week and I look forward to having this fun time with my DH and DS - now that's magical!

 

[Tara8595]

Originally posted by Tigger Woods
Please forgive my insensitivity, but a 35 year old woman who's alone and weeping at a theme park causes me some concern. That seems more tragic than 'magic'. Have cast members ever asked if you needed help?

Uncalled for. Never said I was alone. Never said I was weeping.

I'm just a sensitive gal. So are many others, unlike yourself I guess. Maybe you should read these threads and try to feel something. I guess it would take you too much effort though, your name should be Grinch, not Tigger.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=382149
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=214067
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=314629

 

[Aisling]

Please forgive my insensitivity, but a 35 year old woman who's alone and weeping at a theme park causes me some concern. That seems more tragic than 'magic'. Have cast members ever asked if you needed help?

ROFL!!

I guess I'd cause you concern, because I can get weepy just from watching our Tapestry of Dreams video! It's not tragic to see beauty and be moved by it. My sister hated Tapestry, but I guess I saw something she didn't.
Count me in with the sensitive bunch, because Main Street always brings a happy tear to my eye.
But before the mods step in, I'll take my emotion over to the Disney boards, where there are many peple who feel as I do and react as I do.
And no, cast members have never asked me if I needed help! LOL


Still wildly excited about our Universal trip!

 

[Tigger Woods]

I'm sorry. When you said Disney 'brought you to tears', I thought you meant the weepy kind. I must admit, I cried at Disney World once, when they handed me my hotel bill at the Grand Floridian. Ouch! Listen, I'm sure your a nice person, but when you come over to the Universal board and give a not so glowing review of your trip to USO, you open yourself up to feedback. Nothing personal ..

 

[Red-Snapper]

Tigger.

This thread lasted nearly 2 pages before someone decided to get personal...and that was you.

The Universal board is part of the disboards site, its not in a separate universe, 1 click away and you get to the Disney board, try it - it might broaden your outlook a little. I am surprised you obviously feel threatened by someone "coming over" to this board who is not 110% US/IOA.

Tara's post was an interesting viewpoint from someone who had made it clear she was a die-hard Disneyite.

The fact that you chose to take one of her comments very literally is more a sad reflection on yourself than her.

There is a big difference between "feedback" which is what she was giving and unnecessary spite - which is closer to your "contribution"

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Not sure if someone mentioned this but...

US has a show list with the times and all. There is a show RATING. Horror Make-up show was listed as PG-13. That rating should tell you kids shouldn't see it anyway!

I love the jokes made at Horror Makeup Show...it's my 2nd favorite show at US (After Ghostbusters)! I'm 15 years old and my parents and I see it a lot.

I took a friend who is a couple months older and some of these jokes flew over her head! So, just because you understand the jokes doesn't mean little kids (or even some older, for that matter) will. And the part with them not being funny and no one laughing...? Wow you must have been in an empty room or a bunch of deaf people. Not one single laugh? I have yet to witness that! I've seen Horror Make-up Show at LEAST 30 times in less than 1 1/2 years at US and every time there are TONS of laughs the entire show at all jokes...including the sexual jokes.

But, if you were expecting Disney's kid-friendly entertainment...well...that's what the problem was.

What makes Universal Studios so appealing is the more "grown-up" atmosphere. No cheesy/corny jokes, no lame tricks, etc. I absolutely hate Disney. Find it too "kiddy."

JMHO

Thanks for sharing though!!

PS - US is MUCH more fun with a friend. So next time go with a friend and it'll be more enjoyable. In fact new ride in 2004! Yeah!!

Also, I hope you enjoyed the trip enough to make you feel it was worth your time and money! US is constantly improving....

...Did you know majority of the shows there have been completely changed? Horror Make-up Show used to have the PG-13 rating for really scary things (not sexual jokes). It was a LOT more gory back then. Ghostbusters Show was completely different (but I LOOOOVE the new one!! ) and one other I think has changed but I forgot now...

ALSO...hehe had remembered something...
About the putting Disney down...I have heard a couple "put-downs" but they are jokes. They are innocent and not really bashing Disney and are done in good taste (I've only heard one thing about Disney during an entire show. Not two or more) They try to be funny and I have heard the people laugh (and YES, sincerely laugh) at them. One for instance was at the horror make-up show was where they had the guest do simple movements Like waving hand...nodding...etc. For shaking her head they said "No...I will not go back to Disney..." It was sooooo funny! Everyone was cracking up.

I mean, I do understand where you are coming from but, come on, cut US some slack. They can't ever poke fun?

 

[Tigger Woods]

Snapper,
As a member of these boards for nearly 4 years, I can assure you I've spent lots of time exploring all of the Dis Boards. Surely, more than you have in the 3 months you've been here. I spend as much time at the Disney Boards as I do the Universal boards. I am not threatened by someone 'coming over' to this board. I was expressing concern for Tara. There was no spite. In fact, the only insults in this thread have come from you, in your post directed at me.

 

[BonnieA]

Have to correct you on one thing Tara8595. Busch Gardens Williamsburg "the old country" was never a drive through zoo. That was King's Dominion. Before it became a theme park, it had a drive thru zoo, then they put in a monorail in the park as a safari tour (now gone of course). I use to live in Williamsburg, even worked at Anheiser Busch.

 

[Aisling]

...it's my 2nd favorite show at US (After Ghostbusters)!

Firefly,
when I first went to Universal in 2001, I didn't see the Ghostbusters show, I didn't even know it existed! I don't know how I missed it, but I look forward to it this time. Where does it taks place?

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

It's full name is The Extreme Ghostbusters Show. It's a "Street Show" and so it outside. It is located in the New York area.

I'll have to act like I'm walking there to tell you where it is...lol...here it is:

Enter park at US and walk down the main road towards Twister and walk past it and keep walking straight. There is nothing in front of you but a big scenery background of the outside of New York Library or whatever it is called and some steps.

These steps are the stage. You have to sit either on the sidewalk nearby or on the pavement...yes...it can get hot...but the show is only 15 minutes.

The show is probably more entertaining for teenage females and other women (my mom LOVES it too). HOWEVER I've heard of guys who enjoyed it. Doesn't mean they'll see it more than once. It's one you have to see at least once. It's pretty cute.

 

[Tara8595]

Originally posted by BonnieA
Have to correct you on one thing Tara8595. Busch Gardens Williamsburg "the old country" was never a drive through zoo. That was King's Dominion.

Not true, and I even have the brochure to prove it. I know that Kings Dominion had it too, but so did the area that became Busch Gardens - it was called something like the Royal Preserve - but I'm going way back - this was when I was really little. It was like 30 years ago or more. From what I remember, and even that is very little - it was very forested and had things like Bison and Elk.

 

[Tara8595]

Originally posted by Tigger Woods
I was expressing concern for Tara. There was no spite.

Wow, and it was so sincere and genuine too. I feel the love... I really do...

 

[UOEntertainmentGuy]

Originally posted by Tara8595
and then innuendo type dialog - but the worst was them "cutting" her arm and showing the special effect and the fake blood - and then giving her a towel to wipe it off, and one of the cast members said she was probably a little sticky, and the other saying, "It's okay, she came in that way." Now yes, this probably went over the heads of the kids, but the adults just groaned. I couldn't believe that he said that. I don't think that type of thing is appropriate anywhere except maybe a Robin Williams stand-up routine. Certainly not in a theme park. And the girl was just mortified. Not magical, not funny, just in really poor taste.

As someone who is very familiar with said show, I can tell you that this particular joke is a throw-away, that is not dwelled on. It's in and out, and that's it. You can take it however you want it. Just because someone is sticky, or "[comes in] that way" doesn't imply anything sexual at all. It's all how YOU take it.

That being said, there are numerous signs and warnings that say the show is PG-13.

I'd think that someone would be more concerned about the amount of video based gore in the show as opposed to a joke that, even if it really meant anything at all, would go right over a kid's head. Also, the Make-Up Show is extremely popular, and is by far the funniest show in either park... probably one of the funniest in ANY theme park, and numerous guests have told us that. (we have very high guest survey ratings as well)

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Tara8595
There were other digs at their race, but I can't remember specifically, and then innuendo type dialog - but the worst was them "cutting" her arm and showing the special effect and the fake blood - and then giving her a towel to wipe it off, and one of the cast members said she was probably a little sticky, and the other saying, "It's okay, she came in that way." Now yes, this probably went over the heads of the kids, but the adults just groaned. I couldn't believe that he said that. I don't think that type of thing is appropriate anywhere except maybe a Robin Williams stand-up routine. Certainly not in a theme park. And the girl was just mortified. Not magical, not funny, just in really poor taste.

sorry...have to comment on this quote too...

Yeah, the "coming in sticky" is how you interpret in as UOEntertainment Guy said.

And again, what kind of group were you with?!?! I mean, EVERY SINGLE TIME I've seen it the people crack up so much...including that joke!

The show's jokes change a LITTLE bit all the time. I remember once when they presented Edgar and they said, "He's a little limp wrist, but we're not here to judge." It was hysterical and the audience was nearly laughing to tears. Haven't heard that one since. Maybe someone complained.

And they don't really mean anything when they tease the people they choose as a "victim." I haven't heard anything that would offend any race of people. They've made comments about being too slow with the camera, etc, etc. But nothing because of their race. That would be a little too much. Is that what you were talking about?

But as I said, they change a little bit each time, so maybe they try new things and see how everyone reacts and then adjusts from there.

I loooove Horror Make-Up Show. It's so much better now than better. Sorry, I'd rather listen to all their jokes than watch a bunch of gory stuff that can appear "scary" to kids. Doesn't interest me.

Hope I'm not sounding mean...I'm really not trying to...I'm disappointed that US wasn't how you imagined it and you weren't really pleased.

Next time try Ghostbusters Show...you might like that one a bit better. Yes, Beetlejuice is it in but they made the show more for kids (funny thing is, probably 80 - 90% of the crowd's female...teenagers and their mums...and all ages). It's VERY cute. Love it love it love it.

But I think these boards already know that by now!! Haha....

 

[Tigger Woods]

Flyfly_Eclipse,
Hey, you sold me on the Horror Make-Up Show. I've been to Universal many times but have never seen it. I'll catch it next month when I'm there. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Great to hear Tigger! I think you'll like it!

It's always worth seeing a show once even if you don't. You don't want to risk missing something that you may have liked.

 

[DocBosch]

Certainly didn't mean to imply that Universal has no magic for *anyone*

That may not be what you meant to imply, but it is how it came across.

No doubt that you'll have a good time at Universal. But it won't be a magical one.

While I understand that your Universal review was derived from personal preference and opinion, that particular statement is worded as to imply how all others will feel. It was a generalization that I disagreed with and made my case against.

But aside from that, and your staunch disapproval with the content of some of the shows, I had no problem with the rest of your review. In fact, despite some of the reactions culled here, your review was quite positive. There were many things you liked about Universal, even admitting that the attractions and all around themeing were up to par with Disney. The things you disliked were mostly un-Disney things, rather natural for a self-proclaimed “slave to the mouse”.

But I also hope you understand that my attachment to Universal isn’t simply because I fit into the “14-25 age set”. My draw to Universal is innate, based on affection and admiration, not superficial reasons. I don’t like Universal just because it has thrill rides and "rock-n-roll" music. Aside from being a place I have a connection to, I love Universal because of the creativity, imagination and craftsmanship it embodies. It’s the same reason why I have so much interest in Disney history and the progress of the Disney parks.

For me, the true Disney magic comes from Walt, and the Imagineers, and the animators; the creative core that made everything possible and great. It was their imagination and determination that gave heart to the classic Disney animations and attractions. It was Walt Disney’s creativity, originality and drive that made the Disney theme parks so special. I like the idea of the Disney theme parks. What was achieved and what they’re meant to be. It’s all about the attention to detail and to the big picture too, and the cohesive impression it creates. It’s only too bad that all this is lost on most tourists.

Many people seem to feel that Disney is magical just because they’re told it is. It is the basis of the entire Disney marketing campaign. “Experience the magic at Disney, because Disney is magical, so it’ll be magical for you, at Disney, because it’s magical here, at Disney, a magical place where you’ll have a magical time (because Disney’s so magical)!” Every new show or ad is “dreams” this or “magic” that. The completly overt sappiness is totally off-putting. Instead of trumpeting the things that truly make Disney parks unique and exceptional, the easy way is taken by simply tugging at everybody’s heartstrings. You said it yourself: Disney plays on your emotions. Universal does not. Universal just presents what they have. The achievements they’ve made. Disney almost tricks you into liking them.

Disneyland came about by Walt’s desire to have fun with his children. All things equal, as a 20 year old with no children, I would be a more akin to have an enjoyable time at Universal over Disney. As a 20 year old uncle to 5 year old twin girls and a 3 year old boy, I would steer straight to the Kingdom. Universal was fun for them, but it wasn’t fun having to reassure them that things weren’t real. At Magic Kingdom I was able to just let them enjoy believing everything. It was fun for me to do things that were fun for them, especially those things that were never fun before. To them being able to drive a car or spin around in a cup or meet their princess idols wasn’t “magical”, but just something cool and fun and amazing. The end result is what’s magical.

…the way I define magic, has to do with emotion, and passion, and things that touch your heart and allow you to escape the real world

To me, Universal is a place that I can go to revisit my childhood, that is familiar, that is home, that makes me awe and smile and gets me excited, that gets me away from everyday life, and that makes me stay up all night writing rambling dissertations. I think your definition fits.

-Kevin