Whether people like to admit it or not, Universal has always had some role in innovation when it comes to theme parks - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is just the most recent and one of the most impressive results. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is still considered to be one of the top attractions anywhere - the first ride to seamlessly combine real sets, 3D action, and motion simulator tech. Back to the Future's style of simulation was revolutionary at the time, setting the bar for motion simulation. Terminator 2:3D perfects the combination of a 3D presentation with live action elements via animatronics and stunt actors. Revenge of the Mummy created an attraction that was both a spooky (and detail-ridden) dark ride as well as a high-speed coaster. Dueling Dragons took the concept of a dual coaster and moved it past the concept of just "timing" the launches of each track - it created a computer system that insured the trains movements would be near-synonymous and nail all of the "near-miss" points. E.T. Adventure was one of the first few attractions to attempt to integrate guests into the experience with E.T.'s goodbyes by name at the conclusion of the ride... and Men in Black took the concept of a ride-through shooting gallery introduced by Buzz and amplified it to the nth degree, giving it fully dimensional (and believable) sets, grade A effects and animatronics, a compelling story, a true competition, and multiple endings.
The list goes on. Now granted many of their attempts at innovation were misguided, too complex for their time, or downright stupid (see 1990 Jaws, Sylvester McMonkey McBean, and Rip-Ride-Rockit) and they've made some poor decisions and weak efforts in their theme parks (shuttering Kong & Alfred Hitchcock, introducing Neutron, Fear Factor, and Shrek) but no theme park hasn't had failures, including Disney.
Universal is an innovator since it's setting the bar for new ride technologies, concepts, and theming - the amount of detail and effects found in Wizarding World are comparable (at least in my eyes) only to the likes of Tokyo Disney Sea and a few select areas of the domestic Disney parks. And frankly, while some areas are weaker than others (Production Central, Toon Lagoon), a majority of Universal's parks are exquisitely themed as well.
I don't mind theme parks using nostalgia - but they can't solely rely on it. If Disney was using a nostalgia-washed ad campaign to tell me to come to their parks to savor the experiences I've had there, as WELL as enjoy new exciting concepts, then I wouldn't have a problem - that's what Universal is going for with their Potter ads, targeting those who love Potter (read: a lot of people) but delivering to them a new, fantastic experience. And The Wizarding World will stand the test of time regardless of whether the franchise remains as relevant as it is today - the attractions found there are incredibly entertaining. A great attraction is a great attraction, regardless of the franchise that pulls it.
Disney is far from being doomed in terms of quality - the parks have faced rough waters before (especially Disneyland) and have navigated their way out of it. What WDW needs is some quality leadership that understands and puts into motion Lasseter's simple (but correct) business plan of great quality. If you build exciting things, people will come, including me. But as long as Disney watches their parks rust (seriously, Yeti?), cuts corners (Lights of Winter), and refuses to expand, I will not be a customer of theirs. If I keep giving them money for a mediocre experience, they will continue to give me a mediocre experience. The ball is in our court.
