I thought this was interesting.... not sure if I shared this yet, or not. Maybe in one of my totally extensive trip reports?
But -- we were on the resort bus, talking with a family who had their college aged daughters with them. The girls had taken the day before to go over to Universal alone.
I was quizzing them on the Harry Potter stuff (I'm a huge fan) and they were happy to give me their own little trip report.
They said that the Harry Potter area was incredible -- beautifully executed!
BUT -- (this is the interesting part) -- the girls spoke at length about how Universal does not begin to compare with Disney in terms of "magic." They said it is very cool and very fun, but that something essential is missing. In their opinion, it is definitely a bigger, better, more exciting amusement park -- but JUST an amusement park, like Six Flags on steroids. They said the employees were nowhere near as seemingly personally invested in the park experience -- it seemed like "just a job" and that most of them didn't seem to care much. The customer service vibe was lacking.
Of course, on a funny note, I was telling my dear friend about this. She grew up in Orlando, where every graduate's rite of employment passage is to work a summer or two at WDW. She laughed and said "that's because if you DON'T give 300% at Disney, you're fired!" She speaks from experience!
As an aside -- on a serious note -- this is my friend who is battling cancer. She said her doctor has said it is "moving" so they've taken her back to heavy duty chemo. Her attitude has gone from "I'm beating this, dang it" to a more uncertain and fearful feeling. I'm scared to death of it all. She's too young and it's just so frightening. Please pray for her and her family. She has two young boys and she is the stability in their family. Dad has some substance dependencies that make him a bit of a wild card. Her kids need her! Her name is Jill.
Thanks, guys and gals
But -- we were on the resort bus, talking with a family who had their college aged daughters with them. The girls had taken the day before to go over to Universal alone.
I was quizzing them on the Harry Potter stuff (I'm a huge fan) and they were happy to give me their own little trip report.
They said that the Harry Potter area was incredible -- beautifully executed!
BUT -- (this is the interesting part) -- the girls spoke at length about how Universal does not begin to compare with Disney in terms of "magic." They said it is very cool and very fun, but that something essential is missing. In their opinion, it is definitely a bigger, better, more exciting amusement park -- but JUST an amusement park, like Six Flags on steroids. They said the employees were nowhere near as seemingly personally invested in the park experience -- it seemed like "just a job" and that most of them didn't seem to care much. The customer service vibe was lacking.
Of course, on a funny note, I was telling my dear friend about this. She grew up in Orlando, where every graduate's rite of employment passage is to work a summer or two at WDW. She laughed and said "that's because if you DON'T give 300% at Disney, you're fired!" She speaks from experience!
As an aside -- on a serious note -- this is my friend who is battling cancer. She said her doctor has said it is "moving" so they've taken her back to heavy duty chemo. Her attitude has gone from "I'm beating this, dang it" to a more uncertain and fearful feeling. I'm scared to death of it all. She's too young and it's just so frightening. Please pray for her and her family. She has two young boys and she is the stability in their family. Dad has some substance dependencies that make him a bit of a wild card. Her kids need her! Her name is Jill.
Thanks, guys and gals
I don't think I've ever gone to WDW to be able to get what I can get everywhere else. 
May the date continue to be filled with magic! 
It will be missed. 
I've added a new link in my signature for anyone who wishes to follow along in our adventure over the next few weeks. The travelogue of sorts will include, among other stories, the background on how I proposed to luv. 
