Why do American Disney fans hate Universal?

[~Kik-Kik~]

IoA looks really nice, but I had a bad first expencece with Universal on my first trip. I HATE HATE HATE Jaws, guess what we went on....

 

[Mystry62]

I'm a FL resident and have been a passholder for many years to both WDW and US. I love Disney because, as other posters have said, it's like a whole other world when you cross the arch. However, Disney parks could use a bit of updating as some areas are looking a little tired and dated. But, hands down, WDW wins every time when we have the kids.

On the other hand, when my husband and I want a "grown up" weekend, US wins out. They are geared more towards the "adult" crowd. And when you stay on property, you get automatic front-line access to all of the rides (or at least you used to... haven't stayed on property in awhile). We also really enjoy hanging out and drinking at City Walk (especially Margaritaville) and going to Halloween Horror Nights.

 

[perla75]

I love Universal-even more over the years since IMO DHS has gone downhill. We don't always get to make it there because of time & we dont have a car when we vacation so it's a pain to get there, but we are most definately going on our next trip-especially to check out the new Simpsons attractions!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I actually love Universal and Islands of Adventure. I took the kids there this past July on a trip without DH since he had to travel for work.

We loved it. I liked that we could do both parks in 4 days without being stressed or rushing. We stayed onsite at Royal Pacific and the perks were fantastic. We aren't coaster folks but had plenty to keep us busy.

We also like Disney. But the problem with Disney is that you can't take just one trip and see it all. Yet that's also the cool thing about Disney.

So we like them both and will continue to do both through the years.

 

[Sandy Fisher]

I'd have to agree with KCMike. I was to Universal once. And only to the City Walk portion. The first thing I thought of when we arrived was that it was all so LOUD. It was as if every single building was blasting loud music and in competition with each other.
We went to Margaritaville to eat and did some shopping and took some pictures. We were with another couple who had been there a number of times. We enjoy their company and went because they wanted to.
Truthfully, I wouldn't bother going back. And we live close enough that we could go pretty much whenever we want. I didn't enjoy the atmosphere and we don't do the wild rides.
Disney definitely has more going for it. I like the idea that I can go from Main St. to Fantasyland to Frontierland, etc. and as I go to each one, the music and theming changes. There's nothing "shouting" at me.
Lots of people enjoy Universal for the shows and the rides. If I could go to see some of the shows/performances and not encounter the huge crowds and all that noise, maybe I'd consider it. I like the restaurants, but not the surroundings.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

We enjoy Universal and have been there probably 6-7 times. We love the resorts and have had a good time there. We don't go there everytime we visit Central Fl, but I would continue to go back. I like the atmosphere and just think it is different, not worse than WDW. I don't understand how adamant some WDW lovers are when they talk about US. I think some just don't have an open mind when they visit.

BTW we took a CA trip this summer and went to DLR and US. Had a great time at both!!

 

[photobob]

I've been to WDW 10 times and have yet to go to US. Since my first trip I have literally bought in to the being immersed in the magic for the entire trip. We love staying on site so much that finally decided to buy into DVC. I have nothing negative to say about US, I haven't been there. I understand they have tremendous thrill rides and I like thrill rides, but there's just something about Disney to me that makes me not want to leave the property.

I have been to SW once and enjoyed it but i did everything there was to do there in one day, so i feel I've been there done that. There are still things to at WDW that I haven't done.

 

[wall*e2008]

We enjoy Universal and have been there probably 6-7 times. We love the resorts and have had a good time there. We don't go there everytime we visit Central Fl, but I would continue to go back. I like the atmosphere and just think it is different, not worse than WDW. I don't understand how adamant some WDW lovers are when they talk about US. I think some just don't have an open mind when they visit.

BTW we took a CA trip this summer and went to DLR and US. Had a great time at both!!

We love US Hollywood. We were there years before the parts opened in FL. I think the way USH is with the tram and escalators did skew our opinion. Then we visits in Orlando and we were very disappointed. We have been back two more times and all three were less then stellar visits. I am hoping HP will be enough to want to see a second time. I am a huge HP fan.

 

[ChristineAndMatt29]

Funny - I just had this conversation with my DBF after we visited both Universal parks 2 weeks ago (we are usual Disney frequenters - We went to MK too, of course). Disney just has that special FEEL the moment you drive under the welcoming arch and after that you are in a whole other world. You never see anything else from the "real world" when you're in a Disney Park - the stores, rides and restaurants are all Disney. The CMs are FRIENDLY and welcoming. The rides are classic. The whole thing is built on one mans dream (cheesy, I know). I sadly can't say any of that is true for Universal. I have personally encountered many rude Universal employees. I guess it's fun to go ride some of the rides, but it is NO Disney vacation

 

[mickeymousemom]

We choose WDW not because the two are in competition(and honestly, I think its really hard to TRULY compete with Disney) but, as others have said, because of the "feeling".* There truly is magic there.* I don't know why.* I can't explain it, but its there.* Its Walt, and nostalgia, and magic and pixie dust.* Its my favorite place in the world. Its HOME.* As far as US, I don't hate it at all.* As a matter of fact, I can say that there are at least a few areas in IoA where the theming and visuals beat the heck out of Disney.* But.* The magic just isn't there.* As a PP said, if you don't already feel it yourself then you can't understand it.*

 

[AmandaSparks730]

I've been to USO/IOA 2 times, and WDW 5 times.

Honestly, as a teen, I love both.

WDW for nostalgia and magic, USO/IOA for thrill rides.

I don't see why people can't like both?

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Well, I don't hate Universal, I just don't enjoy it as much. As a Pooh sized person, Universal is not nearly as friendly as Disney. You really do have to try the test seats at Universal to see if you will fit. I have never had to worry at Disney. And quite frankly, for the amount of money I am paying to be there, I don't want to have to worry. Plus, I go by myself a lot and I don't feel as comfortable getting around Universal as I do at Disney. I'm always careful, but I don't feel I have to be "on my guard" all the time at Disney but I do when I'm at Universal.

 

[bytheblood]

OP - I do not fit into that category. I love all things Disney and while many vacation spots pale in comparison, I don't hate any of it. Every experience is fun, it just depends on what you make of it.

 

[Kaler131]

I also like Universal....but WDW is a classic!

 

[luvthemouse71]

I did not know that Universal was owned by the French..that certainly isn't going to help their case any! (Before people start foaming at the mouth and pointing the finger at me, I'm French on my Dad's side)

I agree with the person that said they're not really a coaster person. I'm not either..I have no interest in going on the Hulk coaster. I will ride EE at Disney though because of the awesome theming and the fact that you get thrills from it, but you don't feel like you're going to die. Universal to me is a glorified amusement park..I like amusement parks but WDW to me is so much more. I have childhood memories there, I think it's more appealing to a wider range of ages. There is "magic" there. I will check out the Harry Potter park at Universal when it opens but Disney will always be my one and only.

 

[Little Monkey]

My DH and I love Universal but you really cannot compare it to Disney. We do like the hotels on Universal property much better though. In my humble opinion the Portofino Bay is better than any hotel on Disney property.

 

[DVCajun]

A few people have mentioned that US beats Disney with adult themes, but I disagree. I'm here with my wife WITHOUT the kids for the Food and Wine Festival. Epcot is my favorite park, but I enjoy all of the parks even while traveling w/out the kids.

I am personally turned off by the approach at US. It seems more vulgar, in your face... difficult to describe, really. Their Halloween event pretty much sums it up. Not knocking folks who like it, but it's definitely not my cup of tea and it's a good example of why US just doesn't make the grade for me.

 

[seadd67]

You ask a 100 diffrent people, you will get a 100 diffrent answers , The feelings we get from Disney, of course your not going to get from US. were trying to much to make US out to be In competition with Diseny and compare the two comparebly. Disney a long time ago was able to sepreat them self from the amusment park family, and I do not think the amusment parksl ever try to compete with them, but to co exist. Lets stop picking on US and let them do there thing and we will contenue to embrace Disney

 

[minijeanie]

I love US....As matter of fact...I love their hotels much more than WDW..
rooms are bigger and beds nicer.

That being said...My perfect trip is to go to wdw for 5 days and then end my trip at US. Bigger rooms and FOTL access all day.

perfect way to end any trip to the Orlando area

 

[MeanestMomEver]

OK, maybe that is a bit strong, but on the American Disney boards and podcasts Universal get a lot of stick and are even mocked. Many who visit Disney Parks regularly never visit Universal, etc

In the UK most people who visit Orlando visit both and, in fact, many prefer Universal to Disney. People say (don't shoot the messenger) that WDW parks are starting to look "tired" whereas Universal is more up to date.

So, what is it that you don't like?

Is it a nostalgic love of Disney? Is it the Disney "American Dream" versus French-owned Universal (i.e. patriotism)? What?

Just curious...

As someone whose budget only allows a true family vacation every few years, price is a big factor in leaving US out of the plan. Once you are buying a multi-day WDW pass, it's only a few dollars for an additional day at a Disney park. If we have an extra day to enjoy the parks, my family of 5 can revist our fav WDW park for just a few dollars each as opposed to ..what? 80.00 each at US? Also, we can add other ticket options to allow us to visit DQ or BB/TL for much less. LOL, Disney marketing genius has cleverly engineered options to simply make economical and easy to make a Disney vacation a DISNEY vacation, IMO.

I also agree about the extra little details and the excellent customer service, though, to be fair, I can't honestly compare since I haven't been to US since 1992.