WDW and Universal. Who wins?

[BrianL]

It's some good old 90s cheese and I'm here for it. The costumes for the X Men and Spiderman are................something people are wearing though.

I watched a few walkthroughs of it including the Webslinger ride and that ride is one of the most creatively bankrupt things I've seen from Disney. I'll take anything built at WDW recently over that.

The thing about Islands of Adventure's Marvel stuff is that it was based on an era when the comics were actually good! Marvel comics today are absolute garbage. It doesn't surprise me that Disney focuses on the MCU because the movies are SO MUCH better.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I watched a few walkthroughs of it including the Webslinger ride and that ride is one of the most creatively bankrupt things I've seen from Disney. I'll take anything built at WDW recently over that.

Both parks seem to have that in common recently with some less than shooter attractions.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Both parks seem to have that in common recently with some less than shooter attractions.

Agreed, gotta be fair around here lol Villain Con doesn't look fantastic either.

 

[BrianL]

Both parks seem to have that in common recently with some less than shooter attractions.

The Pre-Show on Webslingers is pretty cool, but, yeah, the ride is pretty meh. It's okay, just Toy Story Mania on steroids. I don't really like gamified rides either. Smuggler's Run suffers from it too.

 

[jimmymc]

I think Universal is too far behind to pass Disney on total attendance and hotel stays. Disney is one of the few truly standalone vacation destinations in the US. Universal can be that for shorter trips, but I would get bored spending a week straight there, probably even with Epic Universe. I do think we'll start seeing a lot more split stays and off-site guests visiting both, and Universal gaining on total percentage. But I also think Disney could even get a small boost from people who normally wouldn't visit Orlando coming in to see Nintendo World and also taking a side trip to WDW.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

My family did 2 days at Universal and during March 2022 and left early the second day as it just was not worth it.

Ahh see you gotta give it enough time plus hold back from comparing too much with WDW while you're there at Universal IF you're on the fence about liking it or not. You were at 1 1/2 days which just isn't enough if you're wanting to really give it a shot at getting it all soaked in although it seems you've been before.

So, Universal has always been the less chill park as I am always all over the place there,

So the laid back part IS that you're not having to plan a ton there. I'm a big planner with spreadsheets galore but absolutely loved and craved how little planning you do over at Universal. We were a stressed out mess in May 2022 at Disney and could breath over at Universal. And OMG the gripes in the lines at Disney were disheartening, no one was happy and so many groans for all the waiting.

The all over the place you mentioned I don't get with exception to when we would hop back over to the Studios side to ride MIB and E.T. again. Otherwise with WDW because of the wait times, individual interests, planning of just when you're going to ride a particular ride, and having to select which ride when you do Genie+ (and before FP+) you could be all over the place. Let's not forget the prior running to get FP with the Legacy system.

99% of people who frequent both Universal and WDW will say USO has the more laid back feel, in fact people who look to the Boards for planning of their USO trips often come with the question "what planning is involved with Universal" and the answer is "well not much really" you don't even have to worry about dining reservations outside of Mythos but even that can be had a day or so in advance most times. Toothsome outside of the parks in CityWalk may require weeks. Over at Disney it's like a battle just to get a place to eat lol and so much info to have before you can even step foot in the parks. And I say this having not toured with EP over at Universal until last year, all the other times were without EP so it's not as if I'm comparing always being able to skip the line.

Don't get me wrong I get where you're coming from but the atmosphere is just completely different.

 

[bryaalre]

I think Universal is too far behind to pass Disney on total attendance and hotel stays. Disney is one of the few truly standalone vacation destinations in the US. Universal can be that for shorter trips, but I would get bored spending a week straight there, probably even with Epic Universe. I do think we'll start seeing a lot more split stays and off-site guests visiting both, and Universal gaining on total percentage. But I also think Disney could even get a small boost from people who normally wouldn't visit Orlando coming in to see Nintendo World and also taking a side trip to WDW.

I think there's a lot of factors that is hard to quantify right now as there's so much uncertainty with the opening of EU. It's assumed that annual passes will increase as they now have a third park that'll most likely be included. Does Universal continue the fastpass at deluxe hotels and if so will EU be included? Universal could make it so only EU hotels have fastpass for EU.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm glad to hear about people's opinions on Webslingers because I was initially looking forward to that but it seems like it's just a dud.

 

[BrianL]

I'm glad to hear about people's opinions on Webslingers because I was initially looking forward to that but it seems like it's just a dud.

I mean, it's okay - it's NOT worth a long wait. I think kids will like it more because of the game aspect. If you like TSMM, then it's amost the same except your arm doesn't get as tired.

 

[fatmanatee]

I'm glad to hear about people's opinions on Webslingers because I was initially looking forward to that but it seems like it's just a dud.

I liked it but your arms will be sore by the end of it. Definitely the lesser of the two rides at AC. Seems wild that the two best Marvel rides at Disney properties are both Guardians-based.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think Universal is too far behind to pass Disney on total attendance and hotel stays. Disney is one of the few truly standalone vacation destinations in the US. Universal can be that for shorter trips, but I would get bored spending a week straight there, probably even with Epic Universe. I do think we'll start seeing a lot more split stays and off-site guests visiting both, and Universal gaining on total percentage. But I also think Disney could even get a small boost from people who normally wouldn't visit Orlando coming in to see Nintendo World and also taking a side trip to WDW.

For me 3 days it's perfect for Universal but with Epic Universe will need to add probably 2 additional days depending on how we feel about repeat stuff at the older parks we might be able to do just 4 (2 for the older, 2 for the newer).

However, if you frequent the Universal side of the Boards many of them spend longer times at Universal, 5-7 days being more normal.

During the pandemic it did seem to push people away from Disney to Universal, less split stays but rather abandoning Disney trips in favor of Universal because of the overly complicated and expensive aspect to Disney. That may level out once park reservations are removed next year for date based as at least people don't have to do that/know about that and get disappointed if they are blocked out of their park choice.

Over at Disney we do 5 days, we did 7 this past time but it was technically 6 day park ticket with hopper and 1 day with a CM. However, we were there for a wedding and large chunks of a few days were going to be unavailable so the longer days than usually just helped offset that.

I agree Disney tends to have more days but it's also 4 parks. With Disneyland you don't usually see the norm being 5-7 days but rather 2-3 days with only having 2 parks so that is part of the puzzle.

 

[bryaalre]

Ahh see you gotta give it enough time plus hold back from comparing too much with WDW while you're there at Universal IF you're on the fence about liking it or not. You were at 1 1/2 days which just isn't enough if you're wanting to really give it a shot at getting it all soaked in although it seems you've been before.

So the laid back part IS that you're not having to plan a ton there. I'm a big planner with spreadsheets galore but absolutely loved and craved how little planning you do over at Universal. We were a stressed out mess in May 2022 at Disney and could breath over at Universal. And OMG the gripes in the lines at Disney were disheartening, no one was happy and so many groans for all the waiting.

The all over the place you mentioned I don't get with exception to when we would hop back over to the Studios side to ride MIB and E.T. again. Otherwise with WDW because of the wait times, individual interests, planning of just when you're going to ride a particular ride, and having to select which ride when you do Genie+ (and before FP+) you could be all over the place. Let's not forget the prior running to get FP with the Legacy system.

99% of people who frequent both Universal and WDW will say USO has the more laid back feel, in fact people who look to the Boards for planning of their USO trips often come with the question "what planning is involved with Universal" and the answer is "well not much really" you don't even have to worry about dining reservations outside of Mythos but even that can be had a day or so in advance most times. Toothsome outside of the parks in CityWalk may require weeks. Over at Disney it's like a battle just to get a place to eat lol and so much info to have before you can even step foot in the parks. And I say this having not toured with EP over at Universal until last year, all the other times were without EP so it's not as if I'm comparing always being able to skip the line.

Don't get me wrong I get where you're coming from but the atmosphere is just completely different.

I actually think 1.5 days is to much for Universal. My wife and I have been there numerous times and 1.5 days is about what we took to complete them pre covid but since covid, 1 day for both parks is plenty. UO can be done in like 2 hours if you arrive early and this is with taking the time to walk through Diagon alley.

I don't think 99% would say it is more laid back. From everyone I have met, it has always been Disney as the laid back park. I can understand how non planners would say Universal but as a planner, I just don't see it. I can agree that planning and booking a Universal trip is more laid back as there are so many deadlines for Disney trips that it can be a bit of a headache but once you are at the parks, I don't see Universal as laid back.

I found people griping in all lines, whether it was Universal or Disney.

When EU opens, i hope to be there the first few months but I don't think EU will drastically change things at Universal. People will just as likely skip UO/IOA as they will skip a day at Disney.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I mena, it's okay - it's NOT worht a long wait. I think kids will liek it more because of the game aspect. If you like TSMM, then it's amost the same except your arm doesn't get as tired.

I liked it but your arms will be sore by the end of it. Definitely the lesser of the two rides at AC. Seems wild that the two best Marvel rides at Disney properties are both Guardians-based.

Funny you both mention sore arms because with TSMM I get that as well. I enjoy TSMM but it can wear on your wrists especially with the one at the end where you're going for as many points as you can.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I think other than the ride's actual quality, what hurts Webslingers is that it was supposed to be a lower tier attraction to complement the Avengers E ticket that was put on hold. Now it's in an E ticket spotlight it wasn't supposed to be in and its flaws come out more.

Like imagine if Navi River Journey was the only ride in Pandora or if Smuggler's was the only one in Galaxy's Edge.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I think other than the ride's actual quality, what hurts Webslingers is that it was supposed to be a lower tier attraction to complement the Avengers E ticket that was put on hold. Now it's in an E ticket spotlight it wasn't supposed to be in and its flaws come out more.

Like imagine if Navi River Journey was the only ride in Pandora or if Smuggler's was the only one in Galaxy's Edge.

It’s funny that both parks had it that way when it first opened. I was in Disneyland the day they announced the opening dates for Rise in World and Land and Galaxy’s Edge had already been open a few months in Disneyland. Disneyland had to wait a little bit longer than Walt Disney World since World had the ability to pivot from the construction issues Disneyland ran into.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I actually think 1.5 days is to much for Universal. My wife and I have been there numerous times and 1.5 days is about what we took to complete them pre covid but since covid, 1 day for both parks is plenty. UO can be done in like 2 hours if you arrive early and this is with taking the time to walk through Diagon alley.

I don't think 99% would say it is more laid back. From everyone I have met, it has always been Disney as the laid back park. I can understand how non planners would say Universal but as a planner, I just don't see it. I can agree that planning and booking a Universal trip is more laid back as there are so many deadlines for Disney trips that it can be a bit of a headache but once you are at the parks, I don't see Universal as laid back.

I found people griping in all lines, whether it was Universal or Disney.

Oh we found some people griping at Universal but the sheer amount at Disney was astounding and if you look towards past threads and past comments this is absolutely a trend for Disney primarily. There are many posters who can back up that part. So it's not that people were perfect angels at Universal but that people were the absolute worst at Disney.

See I almost put in a longer comment but opted to remove it, I suppose I shouldn't. It's not non-planners who just casually say Universal is more laid back. In fact all of the Disney veterans I know say the same thing. These are DVC and AP holders, some live local to Disney and Universal now but always said it before they moved. I actually think it's the people who have gone to both places enough who can give that good information. If you don't believe me go over to the Universal side for a while and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I'm not entirely certain why you'd go to the expense of any park to only spend 1 1/2 days there every time. Sure I could see someone checking out Universal and doing a one and done but to always do that? Why go? Can you imagine if you did the same over at Disney? Clearly you are not the same type of Universal visitor as many others who frequent it. Like really you are like a road runner through the parks? I'm not even sure what rides you're doing even with EP to get all done in both parks in 2 hours but you seem to treat Universal like it's a place to get in and out as quickly as possible. No wonder you don't think it's laid back you aren't even experiencing the park when you go! lol

 

[Smugpugmug]

It’s funny that both parks had it that way when it first opened. I was in Disneyland the day they announced the opening dates for Rise in World and Land and Galaxy’s Edge had already been open a few months in Disneyland. Disneyland had to wait a little bit longer than Walt Disney World since World had the ability to pivot from the construction issues Disneyland ran into.

I actually forgot that Rise opened later than the rest of the land, thanks for the reminder. At least that opened instead of being put on hold for years. Is that Avengers ride even happening still?

 

[HokieRaven5]

I actually forgot that Rise opened later than the rest of the land, thanks for the reminder. At least that opened instead of being put on hold for years. Is that Avengers ride even happening still?

As much as I follow Disney news updates, that one has vanished from discussion. It got brought up again at D23 Expo 2022 with being more multiversal with King Thanos, but radio silence since.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think other than the ride's actual quality, what hurts Webslingers is that it was supposed to be a lower tier attraction to complement the Avengers E ticket that was put on hold. Now it's in an E ticket spotlight it wasn't supposed to be in and its flaws come out more.

Like imagine if Navi River Journey was the only ride in Pandora or if Smuggler's was the only one in Galaxy's Edge.

We actually went to Disneyland a few weeks after Galaxy's Edge opened up. Smuggler's Run was it for the attraction as Rise had been delayed, you could see where the ride entrance for Rise was going to be but that was it.

It did hurt the impressions of many locals and visitors alike for that reason at least as we were in the parks (which was 3 days). We actually like Smuggler's Run better than Rise once we got to ride Rise several years later but back in 2019 at Disneyland you sorta heard "that's it?" and people weren't finding the rest of the land as impressive. I think the ships they put out in the land for photo ops was great but you still had quite a lot of dead space too.

 

[BrianL]

I actually forgot that Rise opened later than the rest of the land, thanks for the reminder. At least that opened instead of being put on hold for years. Is that Avengers ride even happening still?

Rumors were that it was going to be back on the schedule at some point - no idea when though.