Perhaps I should have put "winning" in quotes . . . I was just continuing with the boxing metaphor jt04 had set up, not implying that there is some contest to be won between WDW and Universal. I do feel that currently, the show quality standards being met by Universal's new attractions exceeds those of Walt Disney World, which I find unfortunate. Ultimately, what matters to me as a customer is where I feel my money is better spent. I feel my money is
better spent taking me to a place where I can experience the best in
beautifully designed and well maintained attractions, shows and theming.
Because of this I have been trending toward Disneyland in recent years
rather than Walt Disney World.
Does Walt Disney World have more to do than Disneyland and Universal
Studios? Yes, but for my money I'd prefer quality over quantity. I'm still
happy to give my dollars to the Walt Disney Company (hence why I've been
visiting Disneyland instead of Universal Studios Florida, even though it's
slightly less convenient for me to get to. I find the hassle to be worth it in
the end) because I feel when Disney is "swinging for the fences" they
achieve a result that I prefer to that of Universal.
WDW is not playing their best "game", and I see it as a customer. WDW
history and present Disneyland shows that the Walt Disney Company has a
better product to offer their theme parks than the one they are currently
putting out in Florida. Until they start offering that product there, I'll go
where I can get it.
Perhaps that's what bothers me the most. I KNOW Disney can do better, offer a superior product, but, they choose not to. Do I consider them the best. Yep, but I don't think (for whatever reason's) that they are creating the greatest, most innovative attractions/rides that they are VERY capable of. Wether it's lack of "political" will or general "vision", it's telling. Disney set this standard years ago, they grew this level of expectation with their execution of (maintained) quality and attention to detail. I don't what to see anyone beat Disney at their game, but sometimes, they get to play second fiddle to the competition. I love WDW, I just know what they are capable of.
Hope I didn't keep you waiting all that long for my response . . . rest assured that I'll be here for as long as I feel I have something to add to the conversation.