Why do American Disney fans hate Universal?

[Notatourist]

Hate isn't strong enough a word for what I feel toward them and their so-called "theme parks." They're lying, thieving scum of the earth who would like nothing more than to see our precious children ground up and turned into hamburger to be served in their so-called restaurants. As for their rides, the traveling carnival that comes to my village once a year puts them to shame. Only a moron would subject themselves to the unmitigated disaster that is the Universal theme park.

(Actually, I haven't visited one since the 80s. I have no idea why people hate them. I just don't have enough time to do it all, but I plan to get there as soon as I can!)

While it's a free country and you're entitled to your opinion...You know Universal Orlando opened in 1990?

 

[BellaOfTheWorld]

First, I like Universal. I especially like IoA...the theming of some of the attractions there is outstanding and some of the rides are amongst the most thrilling anywhere.

That said, there's no comparison. Disney, hands-down.

While most Disney World rides may not be THE most thrilling, or have THE biggest drops, or THE biggest loops, or are THE fastest...they have just the right amount of thrill with phenomenal theming that can't be matched anywhere.

One of the big reasons why Disney is so special is that when you enter Walt Disney World, you enter an alternate reality. Another world. Complete fantasy. When you think of vacation, you think of escaping the everyday. There's no better way of escaping the everyday than entering the totally immersive world of Disney.

You lose yourself. The parks and resorts and streets and woodlands are pristine. The colors are vibrant, the sounds are happy, the atmosphere is joyous.

It feels safe. It feels like home.

It's all in the details, large and small. Disney has a phenomenal and glorious history that stands up today, and always will.

 

[ransom]

While it's a free country and you're entitled to your opinion...You know Universal Orlando opened in 1990?

Yes, actually I do know that. I was speaking of Universal Hollywood, which I visited a few times in the 80s when I was living in California.

BTW, you do realize my post was a joke, right? I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear enough in my parenthetical remarks.

 

[RockNRollerGator]

Why do non-Americans make broad generalizations about Americans?

 

[Luis Rodriguez]

Why do non-Americans make broad generalizations about Americans?

I'm afraid that this is part of the human condition, not only a "non-Americans" exclusive. Check all the Americans jokes about the French, for instance.

Also, the original post made about Americans "hating" US/IOA (or just simply missing the point of going to Disney instead of US/IOA) forgets the fact that many non Americans have the same preferences. If this not were the case, there would be a LOT more less tourists going to WDW.

Regards,

Luis

 

[scrappystamper1]

First let me say I did not get to go to Disney Wrold until I was 18. We lived in Texas so I was a "six Flags" girl all my life. Not that Six Flags has bought up all the little parks around they seem to be a dime a dozen. Same rides, different names. Once I experienced Disney nothing could compare.
Disney entertains you from the moment you arrive. every ride que, the utmost attention to every tiny detail. We have done the Universal thing twice (both times after several days at Disney.) It is a very different atmosphere. There is not the same attention to detail, the themeing is god (but not disney) secondly, it seems to be a place where parents drop off their kids and they run wild through the park. They cut in line, spit on people in line, push, shove, cus and make out. The rides were dirty, graffiti all though the cues. The worst part was the "fast pass" or whatever they call it there. Where the lines mere there was nobody controlling it, the people just shoved past you. My boys love the coasters, and Spiderman, but honestly, the favorite thing was the enchanted fountain an IOA. My kids have not asked to go back to Univesal like they have Disney.
There is a place for Universal and Six Flags, you go there for thrill rides but my expectations are not high. When we go to Disney, we expect alot and they deliver. Just my two cents, please no flaming!

Janet

 

[goofyernmost]

Reading some of the descriptions of Universal here, I can't help but wonder if I never really went to Universal. I don't ever remember experiencing anything like what has been described.

it seems to be a place where parents drop off their kids and they run wild through the park. They cut in line, spit on people in line, push, shove, cus and make out.

Can't say that I ever noticed anything like that. I'm sure I would have remembered being spit on.

The rides were dirty, graffiti all though the cues.

Again...can't remember ever seeing anything like that. It always seemed clean to me. The only exception was the old King Kong ride, but, that was intentionally themed to look like a big city subway complete with graffiti, etc.

It boils down to what one likes or dislikes, I guess. I love Disney, but, I do find Universal to be first rate, just not the same thing.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Disney fans seem to be repeatedly asking that they not be flamed on this thread. Attention Universal Studios marketing personnel! The information that you are getting from people who prefer Disney's parks is a gift to you. They are telling you what would make you more money. Shouting them down is no way to repay that gift and will not encourage them to share with you in the future. It will only futher convince them that Universal's fans and/or employees are rude and is doing Disney's market researchers a trememdous favor.

I have been to Disneyland a couple of times, Disney World once, and Universal Studios Hollywood once. I was there to see ET. I looked at other things as well while my group was there, but I was there to see ET. Nothing else that I saw in that park came close to the charm of ET. If Disneyland had had ET, I would have been over there again. I cannot be 100% sure since it was so long ago that I visited Universal Studios Hollywood and have never been to the one in Orlando, but my sense is that I will always be more of a Disney girl. I will choose heartwarming attractions over heartpounding every time. I suspect that it typical of Disney preferers and not typical of Universal prefererers. You can blur the lines between the two groups by listening to what Disney fans tell you, but I think that lines are unlikely to ever be erased.

 

[korg]

I've been to both Universal Studios ... CAl. and Fla and Disney in both states. I really like the Florida Universal parks and did not like the California Universal park at all!!

Although to be fair and honest ... I Love Disney World Florida and consider the Magic Kingdon in California as only a sweet one day diversion. California Disney had all the charm, especially being the "original" but was way too small with a lot of old attractions. (Also to be fair my California trip was around 10 years ago and The Disney California Adventure wasn't open yet.)

So for ME .... BOTH Universal parks and all Disney in Florida ROCK and Universal in California is nothing special and The Magic Kingdom in Cal. is nice but it's small and it's biggest selling point is it's Disney nostalgia. ....... Just my opinions,

 

[bubba's mom]

Reading some of the descriptions of Universal here, I can't help but wonder if I never really went to Universal. I don't ever remember experiencing anything like what has been described.

me either

 

[mikoiv]

me either

Actually I have been to that US, not full of graffiti or dirty, but full of malfunctions. It was the first year and the major attractions (especially Jaws) were off line so much that we got free passes twice.
Certainly since then I have not encountered the park described by some in this thread.
I peviously mentioned that US doesn't have the same appeal to me as WDW but still enjoy my time there and go almost everytime we vacation at WDW.

 

[LBelle0890]

I have been to Disney ten times and Universal twice. Disney brings a theme and an atmosphere like no other. I literally tear up as we drive under the arch entering Disney. Universal is a very nice park, Islands of Adventure, too, but I think that is for a person seeking more thrill rides than the culture/magical atmosphere Disney provides. Just my opinion! I wouldn't trade Disney for anything!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I actually used to love Universal far more than I did WDW. I actually participated in an "internship" program (if you can even consider it that) and UO and it really ruined the atmosphere for me. I didn't enjoy how they treated their guests (like walking money bags, basically). Although WDW is a business, you still have those magical moments from cast members really going beyond the effort of any other theme park I've been to. WDW truly allows you to escape reality. UO just doesn't give me that same feeling. But, I still enjoy going to both parks and riding the thrill rides there. It just will never compare to the feeling you receive at WDW!

 

[TaylorsDad]

Many people just dont know what they are missing because they refuse to give Universal a chance. I love both parks and have a great time at both places. I do think comparing Universal alone to all 4 of Disney Parks, Downtown Disney, and Water Parks as well to being a little unfair though.
But hey , their loss.

 

[bubba's mom]

I actually participated in an "internship" program (if you can even consider it that) and UO and it really ruined the atmosphere for me. I didn't enjoy how they treated their guests (like walking money bags, basically).

Actually, I don't mind paying more money for dining and a hotel room at Universal...considering I think I am getting more for my money at Universal than Disney.... BUT, it's odd you mention "walking money bags" because that's how we feel at Disney. Every time we turn around, there is another gift shop to spend money in. And, now if you aren't eligible to participate in evening EMHs, you CAN stay in the park and shop/eat/spend your money, just not ride anything. Is this new? I remember when we were at DHS a couple years ago (then MGM) and we heard people being told to leave the park if they weren't Disney onsite guests. I guess it sours me to think that "oh, you can't ride anything, but you are more than welcome to stay and spend your money anyway..."

 

[AndyMcV]

I have been to Disney ten times and Universal twice. Disney brings a theme and an atmosphere like no other. I literally tear up as we drive under the arch entering Disney. Universal is a very nice park, Islands of Adventure, too, but I think that is for a person seeking more thrill rides than the culture/magical atmosphere Disney provides. Just my opinion! I wouldn't trade Disney for anything!

Well said LBelle0890!

Universal is an amusement park, period. Disney too has some amusment park rides but also offers so much more in terms of atmosphere and the true essence of a show. The Disney experience is so much more. There is so much more to be immersed in with Disney compared to Universal no question.

As previous posters have said this is all personal opinion. However I think my opinion is dead on.

Andy

 

[AndyMcV]

...I remember when we were at DHS a couple years ago (then MGM) and we heard people being told to leave the park if they weren't Disney onsite guests. I guess it sours me to think that "oh, you can't ride anything, but you are more than welcome to stay and spend your money anyway..."

Huh???

The whole idea of the EMH is to give on-site guests an extra 2-3 hours in the parks and yes you CAN ride the rides.

Sorry if I missed your point but it sounds like you are saying that EMH's at Disney don't include riding the rides.

A.

 

[xipetotec]

Huh???

The whole idea of the EMH is to give on-site guests an extra 2-3 hours in the parks and yes you CAN ride the rides.

Sorry if I missed your point but it sounds like you are saying that EMH's at Disney don't include riding the rides.

A.

I think it's more like they're saying that they feel it unfair that non guests would be allowed to stay and spend, but not to ride the rides.

What this person doesn't understand is that EMH is a PERK of staying on-site. and that the fact that they are allowed to stay and spend money is that they don't want to be checking every single person and ushering them out of the parks during this time. It's easier to just restrict access to the attractions.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Actually, I don't mind paying more money for dining and a hotel room at Universal...considering I think I am getting more for my money at Universal than Disney.... BUT, it's odd you mention "walking money bags" because that's how we feel at Disney. Every time we turn around, there is another gift shop to spend money in. And, now if you aren't eligible to participate in evening EMHs, you CAN stay in the park and shop/eat/spend your money, just not ride anything. Is this new? I remember when we were at DHS a couple years ago (then MGM) and we heard people being told to leave the park if they weren't Disney onsite guests. I guess it sours me to think that "oh, you can't ride anything, but you are more than welcome to stay and spend your money anyway..."

You could argue that UO does the same with their resort guests being offered front of the line access - and for the people who chose to buy front of the line access. EMH are perks that people get for staying on-site, just UO does. I think WDW has done a great job in creating value resorts, so everyone can take advantage of cheaper rates and stay on-site to get these perks. I don't see anything wrong with it.

I see what you mean with Disney, but I feel they make a conscious effort to give a guest an experience for their money where UO just wants your money. While I love UO, you just don't get that magical feeling that WDW provides to their guests, IMO.

 

[LuvsTinker]

I like US but I LOVE Disney World

We usually go one day to US because my DH and older son love the fast coasters.