WDW or Universal Studios... which is better and why?

[mega13]

Hi, Gang!

I'm always getting into discussions with people about which is better - WDW or US. (And which specific park)?

Now, obviously, WDW has more quantity. But her are two questions:
1) As far as the quality of the rides themselves (not talking characters, restaurants, shows, etc), which park do you think is the best and why?

2) For the whole overall experience, which of the parks (the four WDW and 2 US parks) was the best in your opinion?

We're going to all six, but my DBF has never been to either, and the other day I said to him, "I wonder which park you'll end up liking better." His reply was, "Well, what does everyone else say?"

Good question!

 

[disneyag]

If you like thrill rides and roller coasters, then Univeral is best. I prefer WDW for the overall theming of the entire resort.

 

[nativetxn]

WDW and USF/IofA are both terrific in different ways.

USF/IofA has awesome thrill rides and their Spiderman 3D ride is better than anything Disney has.

The ambience of WDW is just <b>magical</b> and they have more rides for people who don't enjoy thrill rides.

I could never compare the two. It's like trying to compare apples and oranges.

 

[danny1649]

What navivetxn said.

 

[Shutterbug]

Yes Disney is very happy happy joy joy type of place while Universal is more edgey.

 

[Sandyincanada]

I agree, apples and oranges, we always do both. I have to admit we prefer Universal/IOA. We just love the rides there! But, as said, Disney is special, magical even but if we could only do one, it would be Univ/IOA. With little kids, it would be Disney....teens prefer Univ/IOA and Busch

 

[Aimeedyan]

Apples and oranges, can't be compared. They exist for diff reasons, they reach diff groups, they have diff rides and attractions.

We love them both!

 

[Calcio]

Hello mega13. We're on our way in 68 days, running the marathon and hanging out in warm, instead of bitter cold, weather.

DBF eh? If he likes Jimmy Buffett, and who doesn't, be sure to hit Margaritaville at Universal City Walk for lunch or dinner. My first visit there was January of 2003. It was 2 degrees at home, and I'm eating corn and crab chowder, enjoying a boat drink, and finishing it with key lime pie. Watching the videos of concerts and listening to the music the entire time. All I could think of was, "this is pretty nice."

Enjoy

 

[mega13]

Oh, we plan to do it all. I've been to WDW twice - once when I was 16, and once when I was 25. (The last time I only went to MGM and Citywalk - I know... strange combo. But we had ressies at Emerils.)

But my DBF hasn't been there since the early 80's when he was a teen (he's now 37, I'm 30) and I'm so excited! So I just take that as "he hasn't been there." I think Epcot just opened before he went! lol

It's so different now, and I am so thrilled to be going back! He thinks that I'm just going to drag him around to the different parks, but I'm really hoping he'll love it. I'm trying to make an itinerary of the more "adult attractions," and see how it goes. I remember when I went as a teen (mid-90's) I thought Universal Studios was divine. (Hence my original question.)

Any other "must-do's" for a couple with no kids?

 

[sugermouse]

Whats Universal???

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Yep, apples and oranges! I have APs for WDW now, but have had Universal APs (and WDW APs before that). I like to alternate which parks I concentrate on every 2-3 years and I'm on a Disney binge right now, but still plan to go to Universal Studios this next WDW visit. I would go to IoA (probably my favorite park of all the parks), but will have my 81yo old mother with me and I know that she would prefer Universal Studios.

I guess if I had to number the parks I would start with IoA, then Univ Studios, MGM (for ToT mainly), MK, Epcot, and then AK. But that's only if I was forced to number them.

T&B

 

[Micca]

I am strictly a Disney fan. I encourage all who would listen to go to Universal/IOA. Shorter lines for me

 

[Puffy2]

Universal Studios is the best theme park in Orlando - best rides/ attractions.

Islands of Adventures leaves a lot to be desired (I'm not into wild rollercoasters or rides that leave you drenched, though, someone who likes those things might think differently).

The hotels at Universal are far superior to the hotels at Disney - more comfortable , more luxurious, PLUS if you are a hotel guest, you get front of the line access to all rides at the Universal theme parks - a huge plus.

Disney has it's own charm and "feeling" - I like it especially for smaller children - the Magic Kingdom is ideal for them.

Universal is more of an adult playground - City Walk has some nice clubs (City Jazz which offers a lot more than jazz - is REALLY nice) and the prices for food are cheaper at City Walk.

They both have their strong points.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Don't forget the margaritas at Margaritaville. One of those (I had one fo the top shelf type) and I'm very happy!

T&B