Universal vs. Disney

[sephorachick]

Our last trip to IOA & Universal was AWFUL. (Oct 1-8 2012) People were banging into you & not being polite at all or even say excuse me. Walkways seemed way smaller there than WDW As well. I'm not into Harry Potter or Transformers personally. I wouldn't mind seeing the new Springfield but that is it. The rock-it coaster made me almost black out BOTH times I've been on it so never again..... I do love the Hulk though I admit.

Disney's theme is far superior than IOA & universal. I dont care for going there anytime soon. I'm SO excited for the new Mine train to open @ WDW! Disney has more food options/snacks etc as well.

MK & epcot are my top fave follwed by DHS & DAK I'm a past cast member so I might be biased as well. The service is just WAY better @ Disney.....Whenever we go to universal everyone working there seems so unhappy?

 

[rteetz]

For me it's Disney. Although I enjoy Universal, it's still not magic like Disney. I have fun at Universal, but I have a memorable experience at Disney.

As far as you saying about the nightmare of WDW transportation, it can get that way, but it does depend on when you go AND how you do it. For example, our last time we went which was during Christmas time last year, it is obviously busy. But we had the BEST experience in the transportation dept than we ever had. We planned it to hit the EMH at whatever park it was that day, and some opened at 7am. I was surprised that not many were on these buses when we got on them at our resort. So we would do about 4-5 hours in a park, then get back on the bus to the hotel for rest, which hardly anyone was on those buses back at that time. Most people were coming in as we were leaving. We would go back late afternoon or early evening to another park for dinner or hit some attractions. I think we stood up once on a bus and a few times had some maybe full ones during an evening. But just a little planning and doing it different than we had before paid off. With kids, the early time may not work! I understand your situation if that's the case of not doing it that way.

Also, you weren't too impressed with the Value Resorts. I don't mind staying there. Of course, one perk that we try to get when we are going is the free Dining Plan, so then it really pays off and makes the stay there even more worth it. Having said that, we did stay at All Star Movies last time and it was decent, but nothing to brag about. We have stayed at POP twice, and we love it there. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

I know my thoughts are different since it is just my wife and I. With kids, the perspective changes.

Am heading to Universal Hollywood in early Sept and can't wait to ride Transformers!!

I completely agree with you here. Planning is key we usually don't have a ton of trouble with transportation especially if you plan your day right. I think we also only stood once on our last visit and thats really not bad at all. The value resorts are an up and down situation. I love the new AoA its beautiful and is a great place to stay but on the downside the all stars are getting kind of crappy and the pop is just okay. But I would definitely stay at any of the values any time because we just love them for some reason especially pop.

disney lover at heart

 

[Spacedog1975]

i see what you re saying although 47 000 000 to 14 000 000 makes those numbers closer to gether and i would imagine in 2016 those numbers wil be something like 48 000 000 to 18 000 000

i wonder if Staggs worries about universal and marketshare?

I definitely was not working off anything like actual numbers.

Presuming the 48M + 18M figure is accurate, my view is simply this:

I doubt we'd be talking about 66M unique guests which would yield

72.7% WDW and 27.3% Universal.

I would think we'd be looking at more like 50M unique guests which would yield

96% WDW and 32% Universal.

I'm not certain how you might calculate how this is effecting the bottom line at WDW. The easy view would be to say that Disney is losing those guests. The more complicated view would calculate whether Universal is drawing more guests to the area for longer because there is "more to do" and for every guest day that Disney loses to Universal, are they gaining guest days because of the value of Orlando as a destination with more options.

Again - none of my numbers are based on actual reality, just pure speculation.

 

[nugov2]

I didn't think this was allowed?

Someone here recommended we do this, so I called Valet at CR and they said absolutely. We did it the two days we were in the MK. It was so nice just dropping the car and walking just a few minutes to get the car. We left one night early b/c the kids were tired(we missed the fireworks). It wasn't that crowded in the park and thought lets take the monorail back to CR so the kids can ride it...it was a 20 minute wait We opted to walk back. I don't know what the bus wait was so maybe that was better, but the crowds looked deep. We were in WDW last week.

 

[nugov2]

For me it's Disney. Although I enjoy Universal, it's still not magic like Disney. I have fun at Universal, but I have a memorable experience at Disney.

As far as you saying about the nightmare of WDW transportation, it can get that way, but it does depend on when you go AND how you do it. For example, our last time we went which was during Christmas time last year, it is obviously busy. But we had the BEST experience in the transportation dept than we ever had. We planned it to hit the EMH at whatever park it was that day, and some opened at 7am. I was surprised that not many were on these buses when we got on them at our resort. So we would do about 4-5 hours in a park, then get back on the bus to the hotel for rest, which hardly anyone was on those buses back at that time. Most people were coming in as we were leaving. We would go back late afternoon or early evening to another park for dinner or hit some attractions. I think we stood up once on a bus and a few times had some maybe full ones during an evening. But just a little planning and doing it different than we had before paid off. With kids, the early time may not work! I understand your situation if that's the case of not doing it that way.

Also, you weren't too impressed with the Value Resorts. I don't mind staying there. Of course, one perk that we try to get when we are going is the free Dining Plan, so then it really pays off and makes the stay there even more worth it. Having said that, we did stay at All Star Movies last time and it was decent, but nothing to brag about. We have stayed at POP twice, and we love it there. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

I know my thoughts are different since it is just my wife and I. With kids, the perspective changes.

Am heading to Universal Hollywood in early Sept and can't wait to ride Transformers!!

I didn't see those resorts...It was AOA that I wanted to see because I thought the kids would love the decorations. I was disappointed. The Values are just so far away that it seems like you might as well be off site. I only really felt like I was in the so called "bubble" when I was at the Poly, GF and CR. How many miles are the values and Mods from the parks? Even POR seemed as far as our house from MK, but don't know maybe it is closer to one of the other parks. It is hard to judge.

I agree if it was just my DH and I, it would be different. I loved the amenities when it was just DH and I traveling, but now I need the amenities more b/c of three kids. We stay in hotels for one or two nights but anything over that we get a 2 bdrm suite or house. We need space to spread out and function to have a little normalcy when we are in the room. I can't imagine all being up at the same time or going to bed a the same time for a full week. Granted we had a couple of nonpark days to chill, while others are nonstop park. So that could be part of it too. I just don't know if it is worth the price point the deluxe hotels charge to get that extra space.

We didn't feel that off site was a disadvantage really, but I do think some of the perks would be an added bonus. Maybe when the kids are older our priorities will change. I felt like this vacation it was all about avoiding crowds and no waits because their patience in that heat was limited. We did do pretty well with this at all parks b/c of the good tips we got here

 

[rteetz]

I didn't see those resorts...It was AOA that I wanted to see because I thought the kids would love the decorations. I was disappointed. The Values are just so far away that it seems like you might as well be off site. I only really felt like I was in the so called "bubble" when I was at the Poly, GF and CR. How many miles are the values and Mods from the parks? Even POR seemed as far as our house from MK, but don't know maybe it is closer to one of the other parks. It is hard to judge.

I agree if it was just my DH and I, it would be different. I loved the amenities when it was just DH and I traveling, but now I need the amenities more b/c of three kids. We stay in hotels for one or two nights but anything over that we get a 2 bdrm suite or house. We need space to spread out and function to have a little normalcy when we are in the room. I can't imagine all being up at the same time or going to bed a the same time for a full week. Granted we had a couple of nonpark days to chill, while others are nonstop park. So that could be part of it too. I just don't know if it is worth the price point the deluxe hotels charge to get that extra space.

We didn't feel that off site was a disadvantage really, but I do think some of the perks would be an added bonus. Maybe when the kids are older our priorities will change. I felt like this vacation it was all about avoiding crowds and no waits because their patience in that heat was limited. We did do pretty well with this at all parks b/c of the good tips we got here

Each set of hotels are in one park location you'd have to look at a park map to find all of them out but MK has about 6 hotels near it epcot about 5 DHS is right next to Epcot so thats about the same 5 and AK has a few DTD has like 2 as well. MK can be far if your hotel is closest to like AK or something. That's why they put hotels in different areas. I know MK is the main park but they need to have hotels in other park areas as well. That's why it may seem far but its really not. I want to know why you didn't like AoA I love and haven't heard anyone that doesn't love I'm just curious on your opinion.

disney lover at heart

 

[twebber55]

I definitely was not working off anything like actual numbers.

Presuming the 48M + 18M figure is accurate, my view is simply this:

I doubt we'd be talking about 66M unique guests which would yield

72.7% WDW and 27.3% Universal.

I would think we'd be looking at more like 50M unique guests which would yield

96% WDW and 32% Universal.

I'm not certain how you might calculate how this is effecting the bottom line at WDW. The easy view would be to say that Disney is losing those guests. The more complicated view would calculate whether Universal is drawing more guests to the area for longer because there is "more to do" and for every guest day that Disney loses to Universal, are they gaining guest days because of the value of Orlando as a destination with more options.

Again - none of my numbers are based on actual reality, just pure speculation.

Mine too lol

 

[nugov2]

Each set of hotels are in one park location you'd have to look at a park map to find all of them out but MK has about 6 hotels near it epcot about 5 DHS is right next to Epcot so thats about the same 5 and AK has a few DTD has like 2 as well. MK can be far if your hotel is closest to like AK or something. That's why they put hotels in different areas. I know MK is the main park but they need to have hotels in other park areas as well. That's why it may seem far but its really not. I want to know why you didn't like AoA I love and haven't heard anyone that doesn't love I'm just curious on your opinion.

disney lover at heart

For me(and this is just my opinion...different strokes for different folks) it was very tacky. I thought I would love the Cars and LM themes, but they were so loud and in your face..too much of a good thing is no good. It looked like they repainted a cheap motel and put up a bunch of big plastic Disney characters all over the place. I can't speak for what the room quality is as we didn't sleep in it. When I went into the Poly and even POR(which I said I didn't love) the décor is subtle and upscale. I looked into the family suites at AOA and no way I would pay to stay 3 to 400 a night. Just not worth it for what you get. It was crowded and LOUD! People running around like crazy people...didn't see this once at any of the resorts we went to. I thought POR was a little dirty (This was a big surprise because online I really liked that resort...so maybe I had built it up in my head or maybe just an off day. There the bathroom and dinning area was a mess), but wouldn't say I wouldn't ever stay there. AOA I can say I wouldn't ever pay to stay there after seeing it.

 

[Spacedog1975]

For me(and this is just my opinion...different strokes for different folks) it was very tacky. I thought I would love the Cars and LM themes, but they were so loud and in your face..too much of a good thing is no good. It looked like they repainted a cheap motel and put up a bunch of big plastic Disney characters all over the place. I can't speak for what the room quality is as we didn't sleep in it. When I went into the Poly and even POR(which I said I didn't love) the décor is subtle and upscale. I looked into the family suites at AOA and no way I would pay to stay 3 to 400 a night. Just not worth it for what you get. It was crowded and LOUD! People running around like crazy people...didn't see this once at any of the resorts we went to. I thought POR was a little dirty (This was a big surprise because online I really liked that resort...so maybe I had built it up in my head or maybe just an off day. There the bathroom and dinning area was a mess), but wouldn't say I wouldn't ever stay there. AOA I can say I wouldn't ever pay to stay there after seeing it.

I've only ever stayed at the mods, but have always perceived that the values were likely overcrowded and of a significantly lower quality. I've been curious about AOA because it seemed like it would have been an upper level value and I'm curious about the audio being fed into the pool.

Not enough to actually book it, though.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Someone here recommended we do this, so I called Valet at CR and they said absolutely. We did it the two days we were in the MK. It was so nice just dropping the car and walking just a few minutes to get the car. We left one night early b/c the kids were tired(we missed the fireworks). It wasn't that crowded in the park and thought lets take the monorail back to CR so the kids can ride it...it was a 20 minute wait We opted to walk back. I don't know what the bus wait was so maybe that was better, but the crowds looked deep. We were in WDW last week.

learn something new every day!

 

[disneyworld1977]

I didn't see those resorts...It was AOA that I wanted to see because I thought the kids would love the decorations. I was disappointed. The Values are just so far away that it seems like you might as well be off site. I only really felt like I was in the so called "bubble" when I was at the Poly, GF and CR. How many miles are the values and Mods from the parks? Even POR seemed as far as our house from MK, but don't know maybe it is closer to one of the other parks. It is hard to judge.

I agree if it was just my DH and I, it would be different. I loved the amenities when it was just DH and I traveling, but now I need the amenities more b/c of three kids. We stay in hotels for one or two nights but anything over that we get a 2 bdrm suite or house. We need space to spread out and function to have a little normalcy when we are in the room. I can't imagine all being up at the same time or going to bed a the same time for a full week. Granted we had a couple of nonpark days to chill, while others are nonstop park. So that could be part of it too. I just don't know if it is worth the price point the deluxe hotels charge to get that extra space.

We didn't feel that off site was a disadvantage really, but I do think some of the perks would be an added bonus. Maybe when the kids are older our priorities will change. I felt like this vacation it was all about avoiding crowds and no waits because their patience in that heat was limited. We did do pretty well with this at all parks b/c of the good tips we got here

Yea and maybe with our situation and when we go has to be a factor. I have felt crowded at times in the quick service area at POP one time. But we haven't been to WDW in the summer, so heat and crowd is a factor in some of these situations. We have gone around Christmas because we have been both off at that time. We have gone in October and early December before too where crowds are a little lighter. Now I will tell you that we have avoided summer because I do think I would run into more problems...heat, crowds which cause transportation and queue line issues. I would like to go maybe if I had lots of extra time to deal with that and maybe to hit a water park which I have never done. Other than that we stick with times of year with good weather.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

The key factor about Disney and Universal is that Disney is the reason Central Florida has become one of the biggest vacation destinations in the world. People from outside Florida travel to visit Disney and then also visit Universal, Sea World, etc. The people that travel to Florida to visit Universal and then decide to do a day at Disney is rather miniscule.


Because of this fact, it will probably be impossible for Universal to ever surpass or even get close to Disney. They aren't trying, either. They know their niche and are doing well at it. I doubt many people will spend 10 days at Universal resorts and go 1 or 2 days to Disney. Thousands will do the opposite! It is like Disney Land. An awesome park with lots of pixie dust, but still most attendance is loca.

THANK YOU for the CR Valet parking idea!!

Someone didn't like POR!!!!

Just kidding.

To each his own. I didn't think much of what I saw at Universal's hotels, but I am not a "Deluxe" person and I LOVE the space at Disney!!

 

[DanBoris]

The key factor about Disney and Universal is that Disney is the reason Central Florida has become one of the biggest vacation destinations in the world. People from outside Florida travel to visit Disney and then also visit Universal, Sea World, etc. The people that travel to Florida to visit Universal and then decide to do a day at Disney is rather miniscule.


Because of this fact, it will probably be impossible for Universal to ever surpass or even get close to Disney. They aren't trying, either. They know their niche and are doing well at it. I doubt many people will spend 10 days at Universal resorts and go 1 or 2 days to Disney. Thousands will do the opposite! It is like Disney Land. An awesome park with lots of pixie dust, but still most attendance is loca.

THANK YOU for the CR Valet parking idea!!

Someone didn't like POR!!!!

Just kidding.

To each his own. I didn't think much of what I saw at Universal's hotels, but I am not a "Deluxe" person and I LOVE the space at Disney!!

In the past Disney was getting all of most people's 6 or 7 day vacation, but now that Uni has uped their game most people aren't going to extend their vacation so they will start taking 1, 2 or even 3 days away from the Disney trip to visit Uni. Universal doesn't have to come anywhere near close to Disney's attendance numbers to start hurting Disney's bottom line.

Islands of Adventure got a huge attendance boost from WWoHP Phase 1 and according to the 2012 attendance numbers that were recently released they held onto that entire gain and added 4% more, the largest percent gain in attendance of any major Orlando area park. They have also recently added a new parade, nighttime show, cool 36 hole miniature golf course, converted Jimmy Neutron to Despicable Me and let's not forget Transformers, a E-ticket attraction built in an unprecedented 12 months. Simpsons area will be fully open in a couple months and next hear will see WWoHP Phase 2 with not one, but major E-ticket attractions along with more shops and restaurants. And of course the new budget hotel on property.

Beyond this there are very strong rumors of an update to the Jurassic Park area with a new ride, and possible updates/additions to the Kidz Zone and Seuss area. Finally, today we hear that they have bought the Wet'n'Wild land giving them more options for expansion.

As for Disney, the only major thing were are likely to get in the next 3 if not 5 years is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride.

Don't get me wrong I love both Disney and Uni and will likely continue to visit both, but Disney cannot just sit back and rest on their previous success. They have to compete or they could have real problems.

 

[nugov2]

The key factor about Disney and Universal is that Disney is the reason Central Florida has become one of the biggest vacation destinations in the world. People from outside Florida travel to visit Disney and then also visit Universal, Sea World, etc. The people that travel to Florida to visit Universal and then decide to do a day at Disney is rather miniscule.


Because of this fact, it will probably be impossible for Universal to ever surpass or even get close to Disney. They aren't trying, either. They know their niche and are doing well at it. I doubt many people will spend 10 days at Universal resorts and go 1 or 2 days to Disney. Thousands will do the opposite! It is like Disney Land. An awesome park with lots of pixie dust, but still most attendance is loca.

THANK YOU for the CR Valet parking idea!!

Someone didn't like POR!!!!

Just kidding.

To each his own. I didn't think much of what I saw at Universal's hotels, but I am not a "Deluxe" person and I LOVE the space at Disney!!

I agree people won't go to Universal for a week, but you may see people staying at Uni for a week and doing 2/3 days there and only 3 days at Disney. That is what I might be interested in doing our next trip down. Again, didn't check out the hotels there, but their boardwalk was really appealing. Sometimes smaller is better and in some ways I think Disney is too big at least as far as the value resorts are concerned. I just don't understand why people would shell out more money for lower quality accommodation that are only 1 mile closer to MK than some really nice off site options. I know they are a little closer to AK and HS, but it is still only a mile closer to Epcot than off site.

Also, I wouldn't say I didn't like POR. I was just disappointed in the appearance of some areas of the hotel plus the food court was a hot mess. I will say the CM's there were super nice. My kids did the pirate cruise and the CM's that took them were awesome!! I think I would be open to giving it a try

 

[Suger Mag]

Last time we were in Orlando we decided to go check out Universal and specifically the WWOHP, as we loved the books and had watched all the movies. I will give props for Hulk and Spiderman, but I honestly was not that impressed with WWOHP... it was way too small for the crowds and there was not much there to besides shop... I did ride Fire and Ice... oh excuse me Dragon Challenge, and it was a good coaster... but that was there before WWOHP ...and as far as the big ride...I HATED the Forbidden Journey... it broke down halfway through our ride leaving me hanging sideways right in front of the mouth of the steam breathing dragon for about 10 minutes... in the dark... no power or lights but somehow that stupid dragon kept belching out steam . NOT fun and a bit nerve wracking as I started worrying if we were going to get evacuated and how I would find my daughter who was in a separate car somewhere behind me. When we got off... no apologies, no nothing from the Universal staff. The whole experience showed me why Disney is superior not only in theming but in customer service... for example when I waited too long for a simple bus to come at AKL... I got attention and special fastpasses from the CM on duty. It is not a competition. Folks come for Disney and will often do like us and take a day to see the other side and remember why they keep coming back to the mouse.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

but I honestly was not that impressed with WWOHP... it was way too small for the crowds and there was not much there to besides shop... I

That is exactly what my son and daughter said. My daughter is a huge Harry Potter fan and loved Harry Potter at Universal, but she said it was WAY too small and crowded it was hard to get into some of the shops and other places. I have read that it was Rowling that insisted it be scaled this way, which Disney refused. Disney was right.

My kids, both now grown, went on their own to Universal last trip. We will all go together this trip. While they both enjoyed Universal, they were very quick to report exactly what you said: Universal is great for some of the rides, but it is not comparable at all with Disney in a number of ways. HP was too small, CM were not as top par, things were not designed/didn't operate as well as at Disney, and there was not as much in all. They didn't think the park was an all-day park.

 

[rteetz]

I've only ever stayed at the mods, but have always perceived that the values were likely overcrowded and of a significantly lower quality. I've been curious about AOA because it seemed like it would have been an upper level value and I'm curious about the audio being fed into the pool.

Not enough to actually book it, though.

I think its amazing. The rooms are family suites so they have separate bedrooms and the theming is supposed to be loud its disney I thinks it's perfect. The audio has been fed into waterproof speakers that work under the water in the pools so you can still hear the music.

disney lover at heart

 

[rteetz]

For me(and this is just my opinion...different strokes for different folks) it was very tacky. I thought I would love the Cars and LM themes, but they were so loud and in your face..too much of a good thing is no good. It looked like they repainted a cheap motel and put up a bunch of big plastic Disney characters all over the place. I can't speak for what the room quality is as we didn't sleep in it. When I went into the Poly and even POR(which I said I didn't love) the décor is subtle and upscale. I looked into the family suites at AOA and no way I would pay to stay 3 to 400 a night. Just not worth it for what you get. It was crowded and LOUD! People running around like crazy people...didn't see this once at any of the resorts we went to. I thought POR was a little dirty (This was a big surprise because online I really liked that resort...so maybe I had built it up in my head or maybe just an off day. There the bathroom and dinning area was a mess), but wouldn't say I wouldn't ever stay there. AOA I can say I wouldn't ever pay to stay there after seeing it.

I see your point but I must say the rooms are much better at AoA than at the other values. The rooms are family suites and have great theming as well. Of course its crowded its a new resort new resorts are always crowded. The resorts you mention that you like are all deluxes and I've never stayed at a deluxe because we can't afford it and we are in the parks so much I don't care if we stay at a mod or value. Dining at AoA is much better than other values at the moment but disney is reminding most of the value food courts.

disney lover at heart

 

[rteetz]

In the past Disney was getting all of most people's 6 or 7 day vacation, but now that Uni has uped their game most people aren't going to extend their vacation so they will start taking 1, 2 or even 3 days away from the Disney trip to visit Uni. Universal doesn't have to come anywhere near close to Disney's attendance numbers to start hurting Disney's bottom line.

Islands of Adventure got a huge attendance boost from WWoHP Phase 1 and according to the 2012 attendance numbers that were recently released they held onto that entire gain and added 4% more, the largest percent gain in attendance of any major Orlando area park. They have also recently added a new parade, nighttime show, cool 36 hole miniature golf course, converted Jimmy Neutron to Despicable Me and let's not forget Transformers, a E-ticket attraction built in an unprecedented 12 months. Simpsons area will be fully open in a couple months and next hear will see WWoHP Phase 2 with not one, but major E-ticket attractions along with more shops and restaurants. And of course the new budget hotel on property.

Beyond this there are very strong rumors of an update to the Jurassic Park area with a new ride, and possible updates/additions to the Kidz Zone and Seuss area. Finally, today we hear that they have bought the Wet'n'Wild land giving them more options for expansion.

As for Disney, the only major thing were are likely to get in the next 3 if not 5 years is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride.

Don't get me wrong I love both Disney and Uni and will likely continue to visit both, but Disney cannot just sit back and rest on their previous success. They have to compete or they could have real problems.

So you don't think a DHS expansion will happen in the next three to five years? Something needs to be done there and fast. And what about AK with Avatarland nothing with that in the next three to five years? Don't forget disney springs either that will finish I'm three years it may not be a be a park buts its a destination.

disney lover at heart

 

[nugov2]

The topic of the "loud" decorations at AOA made me go look at pictures of all the resorts. Why is it all the Value resorts have crazy bright colors and big huge carnival type decorations. Every other resort on property has much more subtle theming. Just seems odd to me now that I have really noticed that.