Am I Crazy?

[Figgy1]

OK so most of you know I am but I have no desire to go to Universal. This year's trip includes 10 park days and an off day for DTD and the outlets. I don't think I am missing anything am I wrong? Great Adventure, Dorney Park and Hershey are 1 or 2 short day trips for me to get a roller coaster fix if needed! Keep me in my Disney bubble or should I check myself in somewhere?

 

[unkadug]

I'm doing 10 full days at Disney in July. Everyone keeps telling me to go to Harry Potter world or whatever but I never read the books or watched the movies so I have no interest! 10 days in my bubble are fine! Maybe I'm crazy too!!

Universal Orlando offers a lot more than Harry Potter! It's just one themed "island" at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Just sayin'!

Plus, neither the books nor the movies are a prerequisite for the attraction.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

It's better than DtD and the Outlet Mall.

I actually think IOA is the second best park in town behind the MK. Portofino Bay Resort is better than ANY WDW resort. And The Royal Pacific and Hard Rock Hotel are on par with Disney's best resorts. And USF is better than DHS or DAK. And soon to be MUCH better.

The 3 best "themed attractions" in Orlando as of right now are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man, and Tower of Terror. With Tower of Terror being the most intense. IOA has more intense attractions than ToT (Hulk and Dueling Dragons), but they aren't as well themed as Tower of Terror. But Forbidden Journey is at this point the best "themed attraction" on the planet. And Disney has yet to top The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man, which is a 12 year old attraction that recently received a major HD upgrade.

Universal Studios Florida also has some of the better attractions in town with Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, The Simpson's, and E.T. Despicable Me can hold it's own in the cute animated movie rides. FAR better than the less than spectacular Little Mermaid ride.

Universal Resort Orlando also has some fine dining options (think California Grill level). And also some great App and Libation options. Enjoying a cheese board and a bottle of Vino sitting harbor side at the Thirsty Fish (Portofino Bay Resort) is a favorite kicked back moment away from the parks for me. And is FAR easier than getting to most of the resorts around WDW.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I'm doing 10 full days at Disney in July. Everyone keeps telling me to go to Harry Potter world or whatever but I never read the books or watched the movies so I have no interest! 10 days in my bubble are fine! Maybe I'm crazy too!!

One day challenging your comfort zone won't ruin your vacation. People keep telling you that because it's a great themed experience in true Disney style, not because it's Harry Potter. If it were strictly Potter they would be telling you to read the books, not visit the theme park land. If you like what Disney does in their parks, I can't imagine you wouldn't like what Universal has created.

 

[bethram]

I'm a big fan of staying in the bubble. We went to IOA our second day at WDW last trip and it was ok. Next time, while I would be perfectly happy to stay at WDW for our entire 8 night trip, DH wants to spend the first 3 nights at US. I'm willing to compromise and stay for two nights and two days at US then head to WDW. I think having US at the beginning of our trip and not in the middle will help. I'm willing to try it and I am looking forward to the unlimited express pass

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I'm a big fan of staying in the bubble. We went to IOA our second day at WDW last trip and it was ok. Next time, while I would be perfectly happy to stay at WDW for our entire 8 night trip, DH wants to spend the first 3 nights at US. I'm willing to compromise and stay for two nights and two days at US then head to WDW. I think having US at the beginning of our trip and not in the middle will help. I'm willing to try it and I am looking forward to the unlimited express pass

Where do you normally stay at WDW? If you normally stay "Deluxe", I suggest Portofino Bay. If you normally stay "Mod" or "Value" anything at UOR will be a step up.

 

[Skibum1970]

NO just saw a bunch of posts about Universal and tring to figure out if maybe next trip I should add a day or 2, ouch this hurts to type, maybe going there in addition to.

I think that you should go to Islands of Adventure, even if it is just once and for one day. The coasters are great and the dark rides are also very enjoyable. The Hulk is a great B&M that beats pretty much any other B&M coaster. Plus, it will give you a feel for something different. Otherwise, go to Sea World. The killer whales, dolphins, other animals, and rides are all pretty interesting and entertaining. Of course, I love the killer whales and sea lions the most.

By the way, if you're posting on this site, you are probably crazy.

 

[bethram]

Where do you normally stay at WDW? If you normally stay "Deluxe", I suggest Portofino Bay. If you normally stay "Mod" or "Value" anything at UOR will be a step up.

We've stayed at POFQ and WL, I think we are going to stay at POR for the next trip. I was looking at Royal Pacific. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[disneysince71]

WE have not been in about 5 years... really want to go But... The biggest problem we have is by the time we do everything we want to do at Disney there is no time to go anywhere else.... But I agree that if you are going to go you need to stay in there resorts to get the express pass.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

We've stayed at POFQ and WL, I think we are going to stay at POR for the next trip. I was looking at Royal Pacific. Thanks for the suggestions!

I think you'll be quite pleased. Emeril's Tchoup Chop is their signature restaurant (Dale Chihuly blown glass chandeliers) and is a darned fine meal.

http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-tchoup-chop

And if you like Sushi, The Orchid Garden Sushi Bar on the Lobby Level is one of the best Sushi Bars in town.

 

[HenryMystic]

OK so most of you know I am but I have no desire to go to Universal. This year's trip includes 10 park days and an off day for DTD and the outlets. I don't think I am missing anything am I wrong? Great Adventure, Dorney Park and Hershey are 1 or 2 short day trips for me to get a roller coaster fix if needed! Keep me in my Disney bubble or should I check myself in somewhere?

You are crazy. Get out of this so-called bubble. With 10 days, should be able to comfortably do everything in O-Town. Why restrict yourself to WDW?!

 

[Disneyhead'71]

You are crazy. Get out of this so-called bubble. With 10 days, should be able to comfortably do everything in O-Town. Why restrict yourself to WDW?!

She REALLY likes WDW. I bet she wouldn't even consider skipping WDW for a trip to Disneyland even though by EVERY account it is a better "Disney Parks" experience. That said, she can experience URO and STILL run back to the comfort of WDW for an evening Magical® cupcake to calm her nerves.

Leaving ones comfort zone is stressful. Especially when someone has gone to great lengths and paid a king's ransom to get into it.

I wonder how many WDW faithful would ever consider jumping out of a boat in the open sea to snorkel the Molasses reef off of Key Largo? My 12 and 16 year old daughters did. And they say it was BY FAR the most amazing thing they have ever done. And they ride 300' tall/96 mph roller coasters, have seen Broadway plays on Broadway, eaten at 5 star restaurants, visited Yellowstone, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, The Everglades, Disneyland and every other major Theme/Amusement Park in the US. As far as I can tell I have deleted their "comfort zone". That's scary and pleasing at the same time.

But the scariest thing they have ever done was have lunch with a certain "Spirit" at The Biergarten. He's like famous or something.

 

[WDW1974]

She REALLY likes WDW. I bet she wouldn't even consider skipping WDW for a trip to Disneyland even though by EVERY account it is a better "Disney Parks" experience. That said, she can experience URO and STILL run back to the comfort of WDW for an evening Magical® cupcake to calm her nerves.

Leaving ones comfort zone is stressful. Especially when someone has gone to great lengths and paid a king's ransom to get into it.

I wonder how many WDW faithful would ever consider jumping out of a boat in the open sea to snorkel the Molasses reef off of Key Largo? My 12 and 16 year old daughters did. And they say it was BY FAR the most amazing thing they have ever done. And they ride 300' tall/96 mph roller coasters, have seen Broadway plays on Broadway, eaten at 5 star restaurants, visited Yellowstone, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, The Everglades, Disneyland and every other major Theme/Amusement Park in the US. As far as I can tell I have deleted their "comfort zone". That's scary and pleasing at the same time.

But the scariest thing they have ever done was have lunch with a certain "Spirit" at The Biergarten. He's like famous or something.

Those kids can handle anything between having you as a parent and then having to dine with me!

Normally, I stay away from threads like this, but since you summoned me and since the OP asks a question, I'm going to answer it.

Yes, I think you could be crazy. I think many people have unnatural ties/addictions to WDW that (not saying in your case) can be as damaging as food, booze, drugs, , gambling etc addictions. REALLY!

When people talk about leaving WDW like cheating on a spouse or partner, I just say 'they need serious therapy' ... right now, UNI offers a superior product to WDW in many areas. And Disney offers far better products at resorts as close as Anaheim and as far as Europe and Asia.

I actually feel sorry for folks who visit WDW and that's all they ever do for vacations. I love the place, but there's something very sad about adults who refuse to expand their comfort zones and their horizons and keep paying more at WDW for ever the more crappier product.

So, just to be clear, I DO think you may be crazy.

 

[Prof Ecks]

We pass beneath the gate and never look back until it is time to go the airport.

 

[Magenta Panther]

I did 3 days at Universal this past trip, and I have to say I enjoyed it.

I walked into it a bit of a Disney snob, expecting it to be all roller coasters and a third rate experience, but after 3 days I wish I had done 5. Is it WDW? No. But it is well done, and there is plenty to do and see besides thrill rides.

I would recommend it.

Same here. Universal is incredible. It doesn't have the cohesive Disney magic, but it has spectacle, ambience and its own brand of enchantment - and not just in the Harry Potter area. And it's VERY high-quality. I agree, the OP should give it a try. Next time I'm in Florida I'm going to give it at least 3 days. There's so much to do there.

 

[s&k'smom]

I think I would go to Harry Potter World as my kids adore HP but otherwise have no desire to leave my little bubble at Disney.