Why do most people like IOA more than US?

[islands]

fast pass is at the motherland.
express pass plus is at the darkside.

*Gasp* How could I have mistaken one for the other?!

I think the best time of year is early November. Crowds are low and the weather is usually very nice. I never purchase Express except for Halloween Horror Nights. I've done everything at both parks so many times that now I just like to go and people watch mostly.

I could never justify spending the money for a hotel at either Universal or Disney.

Yeah, the hotels are expensive, but IMO are part of enjoying the trip, especially because I live about three and a half hours away from Orlando. But if I lived in Orlando, it would be great to have an annual pass and go straight to the parks when I please and bypass the hotels.

Disney is not too bad either, but is in my opinion lagging behind in technological advancement/improvements.

SeaWorld has a few great rides too - but once you go Universal you don't go back.

 

[Lycaon]

Actually, I'd say my love is equally divided between IOA and US. I enjoy them for different reasons. IOA, with its thrilling rides and fantasy lands, caters to my need for adventure. There's something special about that place, something magical that I don't feel anywhere else. US is more laid back and charming. My favorite park day out of each trip is the one I spend at US... I stop by IOA for Harry Potter in the morning, then pop over to US when the park opens. Those first two hours of park opening are the most relaxing part of my vacation. There's hardly anyone around, and I just take my time going to each attraction, snapping pictures of the HHN stuff along the way and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Ah, I'm sorry for digressing, but not all of us prefer one park over the other. When I'm doing the parks, they must both be a part of my vacation. I couldn't imagine skipping either of them.

 

[islands]

Ah, I'm sorry for digressing, but not all of us prefer one park over the other. When I'm doing the parks, they must both be a part of my vacation. I couldn't imagine skipping either of them.

Totally agree - you can't miss either one, they're both great!

 

[AshleeH]

It's newer, it's more intense, and we get the feel that it caters more to boys (the super-heroes - my boys love them). That's a rare trait, since so many places lean toward being more girl-friendly.

 

[islands]

we get the feel that it caters more to boys (the super-heroes - my boys love them). That's a rare trait, since so many places lean toward being more girl-friendly.

Disney is definitely more child-oriented, though I wouldn't say any of the theme parks in Orlando are really geared toward one gender or the other.

I think what you're picking up on is that Islands of Adventure has more intense rides and a more adventurous atmosphere. Universal is more "movie set"-oriented, and much of the park's atmosphere is based on movies and special, traditional movie-style environments/time frames, like New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, etc. I actually believe people who are into a historic movie-set environment will like Universal more, and thrill-seekers will enjoy Islands more. Both parks are outstanding, but once you've tried both, it's easy to naturally have a preference.

I like to visit them both equally, but between the two, Universal tickles my fancy more (but that doesn't mean I like Islands less than Universal).

 

[Marquibiri]

My favorite park day out of each trip is the one I spend at US... I stop by IOA for Harry Potter in the morning, then pop over to US when the park opens. Those first two hours of park opening are the most relaxing part of my vacation. There's hardly anyone around, and I just take my time going to each attraction, snapping pictures of the HHN stuff along the way and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Ah, I'm sorry for digressing, but not all of us prefer one park over the other. When I'm doing the parks, they must both be a part of my vacation. I couldn't imagine skipping either of them.

Wow, you are just like me!

Agree! Both parks is a must!

Cheers!

Marquibiri

 

[Victoria3]

Universal is my favorite. IOA always feels crowded with there narrow walkways. The only reason I go to IOA is for Potter.