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

[Tara8595]

I'm a full-blown slave to the mouse. A 3-4 trips per year verified Disney-holic. BUT - I'm open minded and have read enough on these boards to make me want to see what Universal was all about.

For those in a dilemma to give up a couple days of Disney magic or stick with Mickey - I thought I'd give you my impressions (as a single 35-yo female with no kids).

Disney is classic. Universal is trendy. WDW is wholesome; UO is hip. Disney is magical; Universal is cool. Get my drift?

I enjoyed Universal very much. Enough to make yearly visits? Probably not. Maybe enough to visit once every 3 years or so. If you have teens, I'm betting they would enjoy the Universal parks more. Little ones would likely prefer Disney. Why? Thrill rides. Hipness quotient. Rock'n'roll.

Disney plays on your emotions - that's why it has the magic. Universal does not. But everywhere you go, there's lots of cool rock music, which is fun and groovin' and definitely puts you in the right mood. There are no evening celebrations at Universal. I missed having that big event to top off my vacation days.

Universal staff and HRH employees were exceedingly nice, professional, and yes, cool. "Take it easy" is how they end their phone calls at the Hard Rock.

Stuff I liked - attractions were just as detailed and technically sound and entertaining as the Disney set. Islands of Adventure is full of eye candy from the big painted superhero cutouts of Marvel Island to the intricate details of the village within the Lost Continent - which looks like it was transported right out of the Xena and/or Hercules TV series. The studios especially tops MGM by a landslide - but then, most parks would as MGM has become a mere shadow of its own potential from closings.

Stuff I didn't like - crude sexually explicit inappropriate bawdy jokes from the casts of some shows, most notably from Beetlejuice (?) and the Horror make-up show. I don't know why some people feel the need to speak filth in front of children, and in some cases at the expense of guests! It wasn't funny, and nobody laughed. Also - constant references to being 'better' than Disney. I now know why Shrek is green. If they truly believed that they were better, they wouldn't have to voice it so often. Everywhere I went there was a put-down on Disney. Notice how Disney never does this to Universal. They don't have to. Universal doesn't really have to either, and all it does is make them look bad, or desperate, or unsure of what they're selling.

In conclusion - everyone should go at least once and form an opinion. Ride Spiderman as it's probably the best attraction in the world - literally. No doubt that you'll have a good time at Universal. But it won't be a magical one.

 

[Daisymeo]

Thanks for your thoughts. We are going to split our trip between WDW and US for the first time. It is really hard to do but thought my 12 year old daughter was probably old enough to enjoy US now. Thanks for the heads up on the jokes in some of the shows.

 

[h20jag]

Brave lady!
Can certainly respect your opinion, tho I'd disagree on a few points (i.e.- Shrek is green for $; digs at Disney everywhere; etc.).
If I may ask you, which would you say gives the all-around better value right now - Dis or Uni? I still gotta say Universal here.
Glad you checked it out & posted your experiences. Hope you're not flamed much!
Oh, you mentioned magic. As long as we don't hear a single telephone ring while at UO.... that's magic!!
Jim

 

[Tara8595]

Well - that's a tough question I guess.

I tend to get great deals at Disney using 'the codes' and just recently spent 4 nights at the BWI for $104/night. That was an amazing value. Best I could get at Hard Rock Hotel was $169/night and they charge $12/day for valet whether you use your car or not. Even if you don't valet, you pay $6/day to self park.

So if you're talking about the total experience - Disney is a far better value - and the nighttime celebrations and parades also give you a huge difference in entertainment quantity and quality.

I smiled more on my Disney vacation than my Universal one. That's an unbeatable value at any price.

However - I guess it depends on what you want in a vacation. I prefer the emotionally aware, tugging-at-your-heartstrings, we're all in the world together - type of entertainment Disney offers over the hip/cool/trendy WOW-ness type of entertainment that Universal offers.

I always feel like a child at Disney. You don't get that at Universal either - so I think that turning back the clock feeling is also priceless.

 

[Amy]

We just got back - 6 nights at Disney, and 4 nights at Universal, staying at the Hard Rock Hotel. Our boys are 11 and 13, and on the plane home, I asked them which park they liked better. They said that Disney has better theming, but USF/IOA had more to offer teenagers. Also, staying onsite at USF, we were able to use Universal Express all day, every single ride. We got so much more accomplished in less time and were able to ride our favorites again and again.

As for the better value, I'd give the edge to USF. Got the Hard Rock at the Entertainment rate ($125). Park passes from the Universal web site - $89.95 each for 5 days unlimited for both parks and City Walk. 10% AAA discounts at just about every restaurant, food cart, souvenier store (and our local AAA paper had a coupon that doubled our discount to 20% in the parks).

At Disney, we were able to stay at WL for $104 a night ONLY because we got a great upgrade when POFQ was closed. 4-day park hoppers were $192 each (and we used one leftover park day and plus from our last trip). No AAA discounts; only got 15% Disney Club discount for water mouse rental.

We love both Disney and Universal; I wouldn't want to have to choose one over the other. They're both great in their own way.

 

[Robinrs]

Thanks for your review and opinion, Tara. It is hardly what I agree with but it's your opinion.

First of all, I go to USO about 5 times a year and I have YET to hear anyone slam Disney... ... not once. But I do travel with a child and choose not to do the things that warn that they are PG13.

I love both parks and HATE it when people compare them. They are apples and oranges. My son is not into fairy tales and magic and has had enough of Disney. He told me that at 8 and he is now 10. I was disappointed because I do like the Disney parks!

As for the resorts, I would stay onsite Disney every trip if they offered what the Universal resorts did. I've spent a fortune onsite Disney and never got a card that made me skip the line! That, IMHO, is priceless. If you want deals check the Universal Resorts board for the best deals. I've stayed for as low as $99 a night. It always depends on the season and whether deals can be had.

Value wise, my AP for USO was $99, I only wish I could get a Disney AP for that!

Again, thanks for your review.

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks Tara for your observations. I like Disney but I also like Universal as well. AS mentioned in an earliar post it is like apples and oranges. There are things in Disney which I don't care for as there are things in Universal which I don't care much for.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks for taking the time to state your views. Your opinions will not reflect most that post on this board. I'm sure you expected that though. Yearly and more often visits to Universal is always anticipated by my family. It's actually Disney that we feel doesnt warrent the yearly trip. Universal has been consistent in providing us with something new where Disney has not. Disney thus far cant offer us what Universal does with their on-site properties. I enjoy Disney so I am not bashing by any means. I grew up on it. That in itself may be the difference to why I feel the way I do and my kids dont have those same feelings.

"Little ones would likely prefer Disney".
Little ones are growing up with a strong Nick influence and relate to these characters at Universal. I totally disagree that Universal is just thrill rides. It is so much more and Universal Studios itself is a family immersion.

"Disney plays on your emotions - that's why it has the magic. Universal does not". This is open to interpretation. An invoked feeling and each individuals preception of emotion. I can't conjure up a more emotional feeling in any park than the one I get entering Port Of Entry early in the morning excited beyond belief to start my day and immerse myself in all that IOA is. I would call that magical.

" crude sexually explicit inappropriate bawdy jokes from the casts of some shows, most notably from Beetlejuice (?) and the Horror make-up show". Thats a strong statement, but it is how you feel. I dont feel that way and any sexual humor is not explicit but hidden in a guise to go over childrens heads. As far as it not being funny and nobody laughing, I have not witnessed that either. I find Universal's sense of humor quite funny. If that humor is unacceptable you could just skip those shows labeled PG13. Again just stating our individual differences. I have not been subjected to Universal constantly referencing that they are better than Disney.

"No doubt that you'll have a good time at Universal. But it won't be a magical one". It wasnt a magical one for you, however you cant state that will be the case for everyone.

I enjoy Universal and Disney. I dont play them against each other or compare. They both have much to offer. The variety is wonderful and enables each of us to pick our favorites.

 

[Robinrs]

Awesome post as usual, JR!

Tara, I guess I got a little ticked about the review because of the assumption that it is all that is expected by a newcomer when they go to Universal. It was YOUR experience and your experience alone.

Your observations were from one visit. I guess I could experience the things you saw on my next visit but I haven't seen it in my last 20. Everyone bases their experiences with these parks based on how they make them feel, well Universal makes me feel GOOD. Disney doesn't do that for me. Do I expect that to happen for others? NO.

So your conclusion was one for YOU, it is hardly for me and the people whose loyalty is to these boards or these parks. I didn't grow up on Disney, Islands of Adventure was my FIRST theme park. It's what makes me smile and makes me a child again.

 

[Tigger Woods]

I'm a full-blown slave to the mouse

That speaks for itself ..

Little ones would likely prefer Disney

Not my little ones. My 5 year old loves to ride Spiderman, Cat in The Hat, Back to The Future, etc. My 3 year old loves everything in Suess' Landing and the Woody Woodpecker Zone. With Jimmy Nuetron and Shrek opening up, they'll be in theme park heaven. Perhaps you should actually HAVE CHILDREN before making a statement like that.

Disney plays on your emotions

What the h*ll does that mean?

bawdy jokes from the casts of some shows, most notably from Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is one the most popular shows at Universal. When I saw it, EVERYONE was laughing.

Everywhere I went there was a put-down on Disney

What? I've been to Universal a dozen times and I've NEVER heard the word DISNEY mentioned.

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

That statement is ridiculous. When my family boards the boat at the Portofino Bay Hotel for our trip to the Port of Entry, you can't wipe the smiles off of our faces. We look forward to another 'magical' day at USO/IOA.

 

[Red-Snapper]

Enjoy both - especially because they are different experiences.

Disney/Universal may be competitors but does it mean we have to be also ?

As a Brit I would never dream of flying all that way and not seeing everything I could, but even without that I do not understand those who refuse to try one or the other out of some form of "loyalty"and often outright hostility.

At least Tara has now tried something different even if she doesnt again

I have to agree with the above about the entry to IOA early in the morning with that music playing - it is one of those experiences that always brings me back to Orlando.

but then again for me so is the walk out of Epcot at closing time with the music,lights and buzz of the crowd.

Disney/Universal may be a little different but they are not so far removed that you can not get good enjoyment from both.

 

[highlander447]

Have to say never heard anyone slag off Disney at Universal last year was our first time in USA and we went because of Disney but to be fair Disney was a disapointment pricey and far too retail oriented was my impresion where as at universal we found it more relaxed and consumer friendly and for next year we have booked up for universal 2 weeks on site and no Disney but in saying that Disney and Universal are not same which is a shame because Disney will not survive future if they do not move with times

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi Tara, thanx for your review opinions on the 2 experiences.

We love Disney and Universal - We have 6 nights booked at the Hard Rock followed by 10 nights at Disney this summer.

I agree that Universal/IOA is more cool & hip than Disney and I agree that Disney is more magical.


I don't recall hearing/seeing Disney slammed at Universal - however, I have noticed some of their new television commercials showing the spiderman, hulk & jurassic rides and saying something like "when you are tired of pixie dust come over here.."

It is obvious what they are saying - but it is light hearted and fun I wouldn't say it's a slam - it makes me laugh.

I feel very fortunate to be able to visit and enjoy both Disney & Universal.

Thanx again for your post.

>>^..^<<

 

[DocBosch]

Originally posted by Tara8595
Stuff I didn't like...constant references to being 'better' than Disney.

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.

Though, while Universal might make jokes with people about wearing Disney stuff (like the Fountain reference above), it's completely different then having a cast member belittle you for wearing a Universal shirt, tactlessly informing you that the place you love is "a dump".

...crude sexually explicit inappropriate bawdy jokes from the casts of some shows, most notably from Beetlejuice (?) and the Horror make-up show. I don't know why some people feel the need to speak filth in front of children, and in some cases at the expense of guests! It wasn't funny, and nobody laughed.

These shows have a rating for a reason; much the same reason movies are rated to (though, people tend to ignore those too, and then get upset when their children are up to date with all the latest slang terms for various sexual activities).

Again, you said it yourself, Universal is not Disney, and it doesn't have to go by Disney's rules. Universal does not cater solely to the family market, so naturally some of it's attractions will angle to entertain adults. It's nice enough that Universal rates their attractions for content, but if parents don't want to listen, it's not Universal's problem anymore. If a parent decides to bring a small child into one of those show, the performers aren't going to depart from the script simply because of that parent’s judgment.

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

Now, I do agree that Disney is "classic", because it is the original and has the nostalgia card to play, and that Universal is "cool" based on what it brings to the table, but to say what is "magical" and what is not is subjective. Disney is considered magical mainly because that's it's marketing campaign, but a lot of people do bring memories and feelings to the park, and are able to live them through there. Though rare, this is also possible at Universal.

Universal was my favorite park as a young child (as opposed to the 20 year old child I currently am), mainly due to the presence of Back To The Future and my affinity to movie making. Universal became the park I visited the most, and one of the things I got most attached to as a kid. Disney was too big and popular for it to feel personal, but Universal to me was something special.

To this day, the Universal logo in front of movies gets to me. Just recently I found myself playing and replaying the late 1980's globe revolution found in front of Army Of Darkness. I know that some day I'll be a successful filmmaker, there's no question about that. My only worry is ensuring that my first film (or at least, first big film) is a Universal picture.

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. Oddly enough, despite all the great things that exists around it now, and the fact that it would pretty much be the same, I would give anything to be able to visit early 1990s USF, and experience it from that perspective.

I tracked the expansion of the Universal property for over two years. I knew everything there was to possibly know about IOA. When I finally got to visit IOA, it was a dream come true (literally, considering I had multiple dreams about visiting the park before it opened). Granted, it is odd to feel nostalgic about City Walk, the hotels or even the parking garages, but since I followed the entire process so closely, the whole place just feels like home to me.

During my Farewell to Kong celebration visit, 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 special effects 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 time I was 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 wondered if Universal 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.

-Kevin

 

[markey]

" crude sexually explicit inappropriate bawdy jokes from the casts of some shows, most notably from Beetlejuice (?)

Did you take your kids to see the Shrek movie? It was the funniest movie I ever saw, antimated. It was full of jokes that went right over most kids heads.

We tried Universal/IOA for the first time in 2001, had been to Universal in California, after going to Disney every year. Know what? We also went in 2002 and are booked for 8/2003. Have not taken our summer vacation at Disney since, although we do go on DCL after. I went to Disney with my daughter and grandkids in May. While waiting in line, in line, in line all I could think of was FOTL. After 2 trips to Universal/IOA I have to say that a lot of the rides at Disney seem lame. Spiderman just blows me away, cann't wait for Shrek! I have to admit that walking up main street after a 3 year absence did give me a chill and I loved it, but other then that and Tinker Bell at night I would choose Universal over Disney if I only had one choice. Just my opinion, should also say that you are reading the views of a young at heart grandma who can out last her grandkids, 8 and 9!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

*applauds Kevin*

 

[Aisling]

I agree with the OP about the magic and the emotion of Disney vs the hipness of Universal. I prefer Disney, as do my 11 and 17 year old sons. We don't go to either place just for the rides, or attractions, but for the whole feeling that we get. They love the excitement of Universal, but Disney really touches our hearts.

Price-wise, we're going to Universal next week (YAY!) for a lot less than what Disney cost us last year. The hotel prices can't be beat, with the discounts. But I'm willing to pay more at Disney because we get so much more out of it.

If it wasn't for the new Royal Pacific Resort being only $110 a night, we might not be going back to Universal this year, but saving that money for another Disney trip.

AS for the jabs at Disney by Universal, I think it's cute and doesn't bother me a bit. That's the edgy style of Universal to do things like that, not sugar-coated sweetness like Disney's style.

But please don't flame me! We enjoyed Universal a lot our first time there in 2001, and we're so excited to be going again in a few days!

 

[Tara8595]

Wow - what a can of worms. Mostly I meant my post to just be my own opinions, and opinions that might be helpful to others with Disneyitis to let them know the differences to expect when visiting for the first time.

Certainly didn't mean to imply that Universal has no magic for *anyone* - 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 - and for me, touring Universal was not an emotional experience, didn't make me feel that I'd escaped reality, whereas, any park at Disney has attractions that touch my heart in ways I can't express.

I understand how attached to a park one can get when one tours as a child and literally grows up there. I feel that way about Busch Gardens Williamsburg and have been touring it since before it even had rides - many don't know that before it was the 'Old Country' it was a zoological park that you drove through and it had animals. So, I remember the transition and riding the Loch Ness Monster the year it opened, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. So, I have a huge emotional attachment to that park, and I understand that many have that same feeling about Universal.

My first trip to Disney was at 19, on spring break from college, and I HATED it. I had no idea what Disney was about, and it was nothing that I expected having grown up on Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion and LOTS of thrill rides. I thought Disney was the most boring place ever and I was swamped in a sea of strollers. We spent a day at "Boardwalk and Baseball" just to ride some rides, and I had more fun there than at Disney. So I can especially understand the opinions of the 14-25 age set. I would have agreed completely with you at that age. That's why I said my opinions were from a single 35 year old with no kids - so you could extrapolate where I was coming from.

As for Disney slams and comments, etc - I was saying that Universal is so good at what they do, they don't need to mention Disney at all - those who said it could never be as big or as good, I disagree - I think it could be as big, and could corner its market as an entertainment giant - but everytime they even mention Disney, they acknowlege that they feel they aren't as good and can't compete on that level, and I think they are only hurting themselves in the long run.

And I don't think blowing up Tinkerbell in the Shrek attraction was cute. Just mean spirited. And no they don't *say* it's Tinkerbell, but I think it was a conscious decision to make the fairy a blonde in a little green outfit.

Okay - details on why I was offended by crude comments - the Horror Make-up show specifically. The girl they chose from the audience was from China, and was there with her boyfriend. When they told him to take a picture of her onstage, he took a while to get his camera out and set, and they insulted him making a comment that they thought being Chinese, he'd be a little better with the camera. 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.

Anyhow - just wanted to reply to some of the comments, maybe explain myself a little better.

 

[antmaril]

Okay, I want to know how you got BWI for $104 per night - it must have been an upgrade because of POFQ closing. I can't believe you got that with a code. We are staying next week at BWI, I USED A CODE and our room is $305 per night!!! Obviously, that is a huge difference.

We also have reservations at Portofino Bay next week. We have stayed here in the past and I know for a fact that the room at PB will be at least 100 square feet larger than the room at BWI and will cost us $125 LESS! Disney is not a value. However, I know the resort itself will be lovely, the location is great and we will enjoy our stay at Disney, as well as at Universal. They both offer a different experience. The FOTL perk at Universal for staying on-site cannot be beat. I always do Disney first, because I can't bear to stand in lines at WDW after FOTL at Universal.


Just my two cents!

 

[Tigger Woods]

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

Do Test Track, Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Mission: Space, Alien Encounter, etc. really tug at your heart strings? For years, Disney has been moving away from classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and going more high tech. JUST LIKE UNIVERSAL! I grew up watching Disney programs and have been to Disney World dozens of times. I still love the long walk down Main Street with the castle (and crowds) in the background. The Haunted Mansion, the Great Movie Ride and Spaceship Earth stir memories of days gone by. I still get a kick out of seeing a cast member dressed up as Mickey Mouse. As a somewhat sane person, I realize what I'm feeling is nostalgia, not 'magic'. My young children do not have the same affection for classic Disney Characters that you and I have. They would rather meet Spongebob Squarepants than Snow White. 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'.