2 thumbs down for Universal Studios, but Disney is awesome as usual!

We just got back from a WONDERFUL 6 days in Disney yesterday morning. I just love being down there around all the friendly people soaking in Disney Magic and it was so great to share it with my kids for the first time.

Unfortunately we spent the 7th day of our trip at Universal Studios. I haven't been there in 10 years and I don't know if I will ever go again. It was AWFUL!! I couldn't wait to leave. But I do miss Disney like crazy.

You can read about my entire trip in more detail and see all the pictures on my website here:
http://photogreetingsgalore.com/family/disneypictures/disneypics.htm

 

[mkmarty]

Hiya,
I just thought as this was a free for all :lol: I would jot my thoughts as well.
I prefer US over Disney, and I think the reason is because it is a different type of park(s). I found MK very much for the young family type, and to be honest the last time I went I was done and dusted in about 4 hrs. In fact the only thing I remember about it was Alien Encounter which is now in rehab. Splash mountain was closed, and the runaway train had over an hour wait.
With US there are attractions, while I think IOA has more rides. After all US is trying to be a 'movie studio' rather than a park. This is why I like US, it is more adult orientated.
I think she would have been better going to IOA, which I'd say is much more geared to the young. Next time try there -- you will have fun - honest!!

 

[rainfully]

I went to Universal in mid-May... the park was COMPLETELY empty... so we got to do everything without waiting in line, and leave by about 4m. It was perfect. So if you're going to go to the "other" park... go in mid-May!

 

[Tinkerbell1220]

While I do have my own quibbles with Universal I do like their park, although its not the kind of place I feel the need to visit more than twice a year. I am also glad that disney doesnt offer premium fastpasses to resort guests, thats just wrong. I dont agree with how they do it at Universal but I'll be damned if i dont buy the little express packs that they offer during halloween horror nights (the only time of the year where universal beats disney in my humble opinion.) As for an earlier comment about messy queues, some of those lines can be full almost the entire day making it virtually impossible for cast members to get in their and clean things up. This happened a lot back when I worked at the parks so their isnt that much we can do about it. During the slower times the queue lines are almost always very clean.

 

[DisneyFanLS]

Sorry you had such a BAD experience Laura22

While I certainly agree that Universal doesn't nearly have as good "customer service" as WDW, I've never had what you would classify as a "BAD" experience there...although I totally agree with comments about the outdoor que lines being so "HOT" and LONG!!!!! My wife and I especially like Islands of Adventure and the Spiderman ride is our favorite ride in BOTH parks...we're looking forward to riding the new Mummy ride in September...maybe you just caught them on a "bad" day??? Anyhow, I hope you're next trip there goes a bit better......

 

[ArielLover]

While I certainly agree that Universal doesn't nearly have as good "customer service" as WDW, I've never had what you would classify as a "BAD" experience there...although I totally agree with comments about the outdoor que lines being so "HOT" and LONG!!!!! My wife and I especially like Islands of Adventure and the Spiderman ride is our favorite ride in BOTH parks...we're looking forward to riding the new Mummy ride in September...maybe you just caught them on a "bad" day??? Anyhow, I hope you're next trip there goes a bit better......

Wish I couls say the same. I have never had an issue with IOA but US is another issue. All 3 times we have gone were miserable with customer service. Worst one was we had bought 2 day passes that came with a third day free (bought through AAA). We had no intention to use the third day as time would not permit and the expire after 7 days I beleive. We decided on the second day to just hit US about 4PM after the day at IOA. What a mistake. We didnt bother with the handstamp as we knew we had the extra day on the passes. The person at the turnstyle was arrogant and nasty and made us go to customer service and would not admit us. I was so mad I just said keep the passes we are out of here. Too bad to I would have liked to see SHREK. Needless to say we will not be attending either Universal park on our next trip.