Universal (Yes or No)

[cathdisfan]

Is Universal really a must on a six day trip?

 

[themepark]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

 

[ripleysmom]

Only if you are staying onsite at one of their hotels. Otherwise it's a maybe.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'd say no... Of course you haven't laid out any parameters here. Reasons I'd do Universal.

1. I didn't do it last year.
2. I'm staying offsite and I have a car.
3. I'm staying in a Universal hotel and I don't have a car.

Incidentally the same reasoning applies to WDW except replace number 3 with "Disney".

Using Disney as an example it takes 4 days to do WDW at a relaxed pace in off season. So really the question becomes what do you want to do the other two days? Relax? Water Park? Universal?. When I used to do 7 day trips I'd do 3 or 4 days at Disney and 1 day at Universal (2 if there was promotion). Today with the extra park at Universal I wouldn't bother going in combination with a Disney trip. I can plan an entire theme park week without setting foot in WDW. It's actually a lot of fun to do because you really have to work at it.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Nope, it is NEVER a must do even if I lived there. I hate that place.

 

[emmagata]

Yes. I think so. We usually do 5 days WDW and two Universal.

 

[Prince Eric1]

If you haven't tried it I think you must. The rides are so technologically advanced, like nothing at Disney or anywhere else. Don't expect it to be Disney, its not. Its an experience all its own with lots of thrilling and entertaining rides. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

I've only been to Universal in Califnornia, but I absolutely love it! We usually go to Disneyland for five days, Universal for one day, and magic mountain for one day. There's not as much stuff as there is at Disney, but what is there is really fun. The Jurassic Park ride is one of our favorites and we usually ride that 8 or 10 times each visit (we go off season so there's never a line). Also, the new Shrek attraction is way cool. They have a lot of 3D movies that are super impressive. Disneyland has "Honey, I shunk the audience" which I always loved....then I saw Universal's 3D movies and Disney's kinda seemed like crap in comparison. Seriously, I would not skip Universal. It's not as fun as Disney, but it can be a great experience. I could spend a whole day at the City Walk. There are tons of cool shops and fun places to eat. And bring your camera if you go because there are tons of intersting characters that walk around. Some of my favorite pictures are of my daughter with superman, lassie, frankenstein, and a variety of others! It's definitely worth taking a day off of Disney as long as you still have at least five days at Disney!

 

[curlyjbs]

cathdisfan:

On our past Orlando trips my family has never been to US/IOA only Disney. This summer we are trying US/IOA for the first time!(dd's ages 12,10.8)

We enjoyed Disney but now we are really a little more adventurous and love to go to amusement parks for "thrill rides".We still love shows and themeing both of wich are abundant at these parks (from what I've learned on these boards)

I would say it depends on what you and your family are looking for in a park. It's kinda like what the commercial says about "Fairy Tales & Pixie Dust" ...

That said I definetely would give US/IOA a day or two. Ticket prices are excellent and if you could swing a night onsite you get the Front of the line perk.

curly

 

[TinkKel]

Nope, it is NEVER a must do even if I lived there. I hate that place

Why would someone that "hates" the place even bother with the US board?

 

[damo]

I think this was ANOTHER thread moved from the Theme Parks and Attractions board. I think posters like this want Disney people's opinion on if they think Universal is worth a day, not Universal people's opinion. These types of threads are better left over on those boards.

 

[TinkKel]

That explains it!!

Personally, I'm looking forward to WDW and US/IOA. WooHoo, can't wait!!

 

[RescueRanger]

Damo-

I think the responses like the one from Gail Hayden are the reasons they get moved over here. I think that everyone would agree that a response like that it not helpful to anyone. If you don't like it, fine, explain yourself to the OP so they can make an educated decision. However, "I hate that place" is just a ridiculous response, IMO. Like I've said before, many have a bad opinion of Universal just because it isn't Disney, not because it isn't a great themepark. Many make negative comments about Universal eventhough they haven't been there. Childish, childish, childish.

Now for the OP... If you have the time, by all means go to Universal. As a fan of both Disney and Universal, I can honestly tell you that we like both places. They are each different experiences. If you go to Universal and don't continually try to compare it to Disney, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself.

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Originally posted by RescueRanger
Many make negative comments about Universal eventhough they haven't been there. Childish, childish, childish.

Why make the assumption that Gail has never been?

Like I've said before, many have a bad opinion of Universal just because it isn't Disney, not because it isn't a great themepark.

IMHO, it isn't a great park, it is an over-bloated Six Flags with superhero cardboard cut-outs and overgrown plants.

If you go to Universal and don't continually try to compare it to Disney, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself.

I go once a year because my partner likes IOA and I've never tried to compare it to Disney, but I still haven't had an enjoyable experience.

 

[Michelina]

I love WDW and Universal both. I can't understand how one could like theme parks and hate Universal. But hey, different strokes for different folks. I think from now on though, I'd like to do separate vacations for them. There is enough to do at US/IOA to warrant more than just a day away from the Disney parks. That being said, if you had an extra day I'd totally go to IOA before a Disney water park.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

There's nothing wrong with not liking Universal. But hating it? There are very few things that I really hate. I don't think that I'll ever go back to our local 6 Flags. I guess that I dislike that park quite a bit, but hating it would be beyond me. I'm not a Pollyanna, but I try to reserve "hate" for the things that are really deserving of such negative emotions.


Cathdisfan, have you been to WDW before? If this is a once in a lifetime kind of trip I would personally spend all the time at WDW. Six days is not a lot of time. If you've been to WDW before and want to hit the highlights and also try new parks then I would spend a couple of days at Universal. Stay onsite for one night and then get the FOTL for two days. This is especially important if you are going during a busy time of the year.

What types of rides do you like? Do you have children? A little more information would be great so you can get some more specific advice.

Whatever you decide, have an open mind and you'll have a wonderful time!

T&B

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by HauntedMansionFan

IMHO, it isn't a great park, it is an over-bloated Six Flags with superhero cardboard cut-outs and overgrown plants.

You do know you are on the US/IOA board, right?

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Originally posted by phamton
You do know you are on the US/IOA board, right?

Yep, it is now. It was originally over on the debate board.

 

[ChrisFL]

Originally posted by HauntedMansionFan
Why make the assumption that Gail has never been?

IMHO, it isn't a great park, it is an over-bloated Six Flags with superhero cardboard cut-outs and overgrown plants.

I go once a year because my partner likes IOA and I've never tried to compare it to Disney, but I still haven't had an enjoyable experience.

You can't seriously think that's true. Just be honest, you've never been to IOA, right? You're just making this up because you really don't want to go.

Only 1/5 of IOA has so-called "Cardboard cutouts" sitting on a few FULLY THEMED buildings. There is a very good reason why those aren't 3 dimensional. They're from comic books, which is a 2 dimensional medium.

At least all these cardboard cutouts aren't ON the rides like new ones at Disney (Buzz Lightyear, Rock'n'roller coaster), they actually have real decorations and animatronics.

Tell me ONE ride in either Universal park that's just "Cardboard cutouts", or even any other area in the parks. Probably be very difficult because there AREN'T ANY.

 

[wendypooh]

Personally we do both parks on our visits.......... we love both parks. Disney is magical, like a nice warm fuzzy........ we enjoy it, and look forward to going every time we are in florida........... but, we also do US/IOA........... it is fantastic......... and fotl is awesome. I would say that if you have been to disney, then try US/IOA even if for only one day...........( not that one day is enough) but give it a shot, you may find like most people on this board, that it is a great place.

Specifics............( and I wish more people would give specifics, especially when they tell you NOT to go..........) I personally would like to know why they didn't enjoy it, for information if nothing else!!! It's nice to know all aspects, espcecially when trying to form an opinion, or to know what to avoid.

The rides are unbelievable......... they are thrilling, exciting, fun, and if you like coasters, then it's obvious, you have to go!! They have the best coasters in florida.

They have some very good restaurants, Mythos and Tchoup Tchoup are two that no one should miss.

The shows are entertaining, interactive and a lot of fun.

The "theme" around each area is terrific, if you take the time to take it all in, and realize that the theme is geared toward the rides in that area.......... it is amazing, take Jaws for example, the entire area is the town of amity, just like in the movie....... etc, etc... I think too many don't pay attention to that aspect of the parks.

The resorts are fantastic, we personally stayed at RPR, and if you enjoy "fiji" then this is the place for you........ we were treated like royalty, the hotel is gorgeous, you really feel like you are in a tropical paradise.......... and the drinks by the pool aren't too shabby either!!!

Citywalk is so much fun, from the restaurants, to the shopping, to the movies, and so much going on.......... after the parks close, citywalk is awesome.

As far as "Disney-esque"........... you won't find that here, but it does have it's own unique kind of charm. Just different.

I love disney, and will always go to disney, it is one of my favorite places, and I won't go into specifics about it, because, well we all know how magical it is.......... but I for one would try US/IOA, and if you "hate" ??? it, then at least you gave it a shot. Personally, I think you'll enjoy it, and if you have children, especially if they like nickelodeon, then they will love Jimmy Neutron, Spongebob, the nick labs, slimetime, the gak geiser, the rugrats, etc..... etc.... and don't forget shrek!!!!

Let us know if you do go, and what your opinion is........... either way, have a great time on your vacation.