Have universal surpassed Disney ?

[TheKarnivalKid]

I can't make a 100% fair argument as I have never been to Universal Studios, but I feel like one of Universal's main arguments going for it, its theming, is not a good one. Yes, Disney isn't always perfect at theming (just take a look at Hollywood Studios), but generally they are quite exceptional at it. Most people will say that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is superior to anything Disney has made in its Orlando Parks. I find this to be true for Diagon Alley but not for Hogsmeade/ Hogwarts (yet again, I have never been and am just basing this off of videos). Back to my main point though, Universal Studios has so much in its theme parks that isn't Diagon Alley and almost none of it is well themed. Disney at least attempts at finding a theme in something as mish-mashy as Fantasyland (which finds a way to mix together fairytales from different places and eras) while Universal seems to just throw things together. In a land called World Expo, one can find Fear Factor, Men in Black, and The Simpsons. That seems like a very big lack of effort. Within these poorly themed lands, giant buildings may be seen bare, further taking away from the level of immersion that is so vital to any theme park. I'm hoping Universal changes these lands so they are all on the same levels as Diagon Alley (which is jaw-dropping even through YouTube) but sadly, they haven't done so yet.

 

[BrianV]

I just got back from a 3 night on-site stay at Universal for my first visit there ever. Universal isn't Disney and doesn't want to be. They cater to a completely different demographic and have completely different goals as a theme park (outside of the "get your money" goal, that is).

They both had advantages and disadvantages. While Im on a small rant- here is my take. Went with just myself and my 6 yr old daughter.

Hotel:
-Stayed at the royal pacific and stay at Deluxes at Disney (Typically Bay Lake, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, Saratoga Springs, and Grand Floridian)
I was originally in a non-refurb room at the royal- it was dingy and they moved me to a refurbed on the next day. Night and day. The hotel itself I didn't like as much as the Polynesian @ WDW.
Pro- It was quieter and the price are about the only pros I can come up with. However service and rooms were great, Emeril's was fantastic, etc. Good hotel overall.
Con- WDW soaps and towels are better (Towels in both rooms had a wierd chemical odor I didnt like), and at the Poly I get a balcony w/ standard views. The pool at the poly is much better as well for me. Also- I feel a little more "transported" at the poly (I go to Hawaii regularly, but feel more like I'm "there" at WDW).

Food:
-Ate at Emerils @ Royal Pacific, Mythos, Finnegans, and Bob Marlys. Bob marlys was not good. Really enjoyed the other 3.
Pro- WAY more affordable $33 for app/entree/dessert at emerils. Are you kidding?. $2.99 for a banana split @ mythos. Really? Loved it. Food was very good- service was great as well. No planning/reservations- just go in and eat- very different change of pace.
Con- The quick service at the parks is awful- same menu everywhere outside of HP- and it looked bad. So nowhere near the variety of Disney- which is fine.

Rides:
-Rode everything multiple times except Rip Ride/Doom/Dueling Dragons
Pro- Rides were way more intense. Really, really enjoyed them. Nothing bad to say really. And I got off Harry Potter and said "thats the best ride I think ive ever done". Impressive- and holy heck do you get wet on Popeyes.
Con- A couple rides were in terrible shape- Namely Dudley Do Rights, and the Seuss Trolley. Dirty, bad paint- night and day difference between top end rides and low-end rides. Dudley was fun- but filthy. No reason for this.

Parade:
Not even close

Shows or entertainment:
Also not even close. Although Horror Makeup was fantastic!

Meet and Greets:
Not even close. It was great there was no lines at all- but there is a reason there are no lines (who cares about woody woodpecker?)

Overall:
I really enjoyed Universal. It doesn't transport you like Disney does, and I don't think the parks are as "cohesive" as say- Magic or Animal Kingdom. But what they focus on- they do really well. Saying to my daughter "Did you want to ride xyz now or later" and having express passes was a great change of pace and allowed for spontaneity (although I still plan almost everything).
They have a niche- and they have their place for sure. Everyone owes it to themselves to spend a day or 2 there vs Disney for a full week if your kids are tall enough (Id say 42" minimum- 48" preferred)

Quick Notes:
-Blue Man group was hilarious
-I walked way more than @ Disney (9.5 miles/day vs ~6.5-7 miles/day)
-My 6 yr old was def. one of the youngest there & my 2 yr old wouldnt have enjoyed it nearly as much as Disney.
-Didn't see a single ECV
-There were maybe 5 strollers max at any stroller parking at any time.
-When will DAK and Universal drop the dumb carnival attractions already- hate them
-No area is as cool as Harry Potter. Not even you, Harambe (which I love).

I'm taking a day out of my Disney trip in January to go back for a full day and night. I can see another "Universal-only" trip in my future as well.

You skipped proximity. The hotel as are all walking distance to the parks. This is a huge advantage. Some disney hotels are just as convenient so some of the disney parks (think contemporary, boardwalk, etc) but the surcharge for that proximity is huge.

Agree that there is not much cohesion in UO, but islands of adventure is just as cohesive as MK with each island essentially like a land in MK. You don't expect cohesion between lands (adventure land and tomorrow land for example at MK).

I tend to agree with many of your other pros and cons. They are different places and they succeed and fail in different areas as well.

 

[StageFrenzy]

I can't make a 100% fair argument as I have never been to Universal Studios, but I feel like one of Universal's main arguments going for it, its theming, is not a good one. Yes, Disney isn't always perfect at theming (just take a look at Hollywood Studios), but generally they are quite exceptional at it. Most people will say that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is superior to anything Disney has made in its Orlando Parks. I find this to be true for Diagon Alley but not for Hogsmeade/ Hogwarts (yet again, I have never been and am just basing this off of videos). Back to my main point though, Universal Studios has so much in its theme parks that isn't Diagon Alley and almost none of it is well themed. Disney at least attempts at finding a theme in something as mish-mashy as Fantasyland (which finds a way to mix together fairytales from different places and eras) while Universal seems to just throw things together. In a land called World Expo, one can find Fear Factor, Men in Black, and The Simpsons. That seems like a very big lack of effort. Within these poorly themed lands, giant buildings may be seen bare, further taking away from the level of immersion that is so vital to any theme park. I'm hoping Universal changes these lands so they are all on the same levels as Diagon Alley (which is jaw-dropping even through YouTube) but sadly, they haven't done so yet.

Isn't that nice.

 

[JT3000]

I can't make a 100% fair argument as I have never been to Universal Studios...

Oh, this should be good...

but I feel like one of Universal's main arguments going for it, its theming, is not a good one.

While the Wizarding World(s) are (imo) the best themed sections of any US theme park by a country mile, I don't believe most people use general theming as a pro-Universal arguing point except in cases where their theming quality has been slandered by ignorant Disney fans. Speaking of which...

Back to my main point though, Universal Studios has so much in its theme parks that isn't Diagon Alley and almost none of it is well themed.

So it's just Diagon Alley and a bunch of 2nd rate crap? I'll take your word for it. I know how illuminating those internetz videos can be.

In a land called World Expo, one can find Fear Factor, Men in Black, and The Simpsons. That seems like a very big lack of effort.

The Simpsons are in World Expo!? Woah! I guess Springfield was just a figment of my imagination then. Which is a shame, because those were some of the tastiest donuts I've never eaten.

Within these poorly themed lands, giant buildings may be seen bare, further taking away from the level of immersion that is so vital to any theme park.

I know how you feel.

I'm hoping Universal changes these lands so they are all on the same levels as Diagon Alley (which is jaw-dropping even through YouTube) but sadly, they haven't done so yet.

I also hope Disney changes all their lands so they're on the same level as Diagon Alley, but that probably isn't happening either.

 

[brb1006]

I just got back from a 3 night on-site stay at Universal for my first visit there ever. Universal isn't Disney and doesn't want to be. They cater to a completely different demographic and have completely different goals as a theme park (outside of the "get your money" goal, that is).

They both had advantages and disadvantages. While Im on a small rant- here is my take. Went with just myself and my 6 yr old daughter.

Hotel:
-Stayed at the royal pacific and stay at Deluxes at Disney (Typically Bay Lake, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, Saratoga Springs, and Grand Floridian)
I was originally in a non-refurb room at the royal- it was dingy and they moved me to a refurbed on the next day. Night and day. The hotel itself I didn't like as much as the Polynesian @ WDW.
Pro- It was quieter and the price are about the only pros I can come up with. However service and rooms were great, Emeril's was fantastic, etc. Good hotel overall.
Con- WDW soaps and towels are better (Towels in both rooms had a wierd chemical odor I didnt like), and at the Poly I get a balcony w/ standard views. The pool at the poly is much better as well for me. Also- I feel a little more "transported" at the poly (I go to Hawaii regularly, but feel more like I'm "there" at WDW).

Updated Room

Food:
-Ate at Emerils @ Royal Pacific, Mythos, Finnegans, and Bob Marlys. Bob marlys was not good. Really enjoyed the other 3.
Pro- WAY more affordable $33 for app/entree/dessert at emerils. Are you kidding?. $2.99 for a banana split @ mythos. Really? Loved it. Food was very good- service was great as well. No planning/reservations- just go in and eat- very different change of pace.
Con- The quick service at the parks is awful- same menu everywhere outside of HP- and it looked bad. So nowhere near the variety of Disney- which is fine.

Appetizer


Entree


Dessert
$33 for all 3

Rides:
-Rode everything multiple times except Rip Ride/Doom/Dueling Dragons
Pro- Rides were way more intense. Really, really enjoyed them. Nothing bad to say really. And I got off Harry Potter and said "thats the best ride I think ive ever done". Impressive- and holy heck do you get wet on Popeyes.
Con- A couple rides were in terrible shape- Namely Dudley Do Rights, and the Seuss Trolley. Dirty, bad paint- night and day difference between top end rides and low-end rides. Dudley was fun- but filthy. No reason for this.

Parade:
Not even close

Shows or entertainment:
Also not even close. Although Horror Makeup was fantastic!

Meet and Greets:
Not even close. It was great there was no lines at all- but there is a reason there are no lines (who cares about woody woodpecker?)


The Lorax

Overall:
I really enjoyed Universal. It doesn't transport you like Disney does, and I don't think the parks are as "cohesive" as say- Magic or Animal Kingdom. But what they focus on- they do really well. Saying to my daughter "Did you want to ride xyz now or later" and having express passes was a great change of pace and allowed for spontaneity (although I still plan almost everything).
They have a niche- and they have their place for sure. Everyone owes it to themselves to spend a day or 2 there vs Disney for a full week if your kids are tall enough (Id say 42" minimum- 48" preferred)

Diagon Alley

Quick Notes:
-Blue Man group was hilarious
-I walked way more than @ Disney (9.5 miles/day vs ~6.5-7 miles/day)
-My 6 yr old was def. one of the youngest there & my 2 yr old wouldnt have enjoyed it nearly as much as Disney.
-Lots more smoking and smoking areas. Even saw 2 people just walking mid-park smoking (not even in an assigned area).
-Didn't see a single ECV
-There were maybe 5 strollers max at any stroller parking at any time.
-When will DAK and Universal drop the dumb carnival attractions already- hate them
-No area is as cool as Harry Potter. Not even you, Harambe (which I love).


Stroller Parking (Hah)

I'm taking a day out of my Disney trip in January to go back for a full day and night. I can see another "Universal-only" trip in my future as well.

The Woody Woodpecker kid's area has been very empty these days.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

I think Competition is going to get bigger with Star Wars land at Disney, and Nintendo at Universal.

 

[JoeCamel]

Con- WDW soaps and towels are better (Towels in both rooms had a wierd chemical odor I didnt like), and at the Poly I get a balcony w/ standard views.



I'm taking a day out of my Disney trip in January to go back for a full day and night. I can see another "Universal-only" trip in my future as well.

That "odor" is vinegar, Lowes uses it rather than chemicals to clean the towels.

 

[Jwhee]

I can't make a 100% fair argument as I have never been to Universal Studios, but I feel like one of Universal's main arguments going for it, its theming, is not a good one.

I'd like you to show me the bad theming at the Studios, excluding Kidzone (because that's leaving next year). I can't really find anything. You have production central, which is what it is, sound stages in an actual production studio. Then New York, Hollywood, Springfield, London, and so on. Only one that doesn't really make much sense anymore is world expo since BTTF closed, but the whole worlds fair theme still fits with Men in Black.

 

[captainmoch]

I know you're talking USF, but the toon area was pretty bad. And the marvel area looked cheaply done. Those could use some reworking for sure.

Marvel is getting reworked soon, presumably to be based off the MCU.

Can't argue with Toon Lagoon, though. It's always been the weakest area in IoA by far IMO. I have a feeling it and Lost Continent are next on the chopping block at IoA.

In fact, the two worst themed areas at UOR currently are KidZone and Toon Lagoon, and KidZone is leaving fairly soon. Can Toon Lagoon be next?

 

[JT3000]

I've never had a problem with Toon Lagoon, other than Ripsaw's interior being underthemed (it was a victim of budget cuts) and the northern section going to waste with an empty theater and carnival games. The rest of the land is fine imo. It's unorthodox but still interesting to look at.

People like to complain about the flat panel character representations in both Toon and Marvel, but I think it was a legitimate design choice used to emphasize the comic theme, and not them being cheap. In the case of Toon, I'm really not sure what else they could have done to bring all of these different characters together in a single, less stylized setting. Marvel could easily be more realistic and less stylized, but how badly did the resort need a second New York area?

Of course, I have plenty of nostalgia for the entire park, so I would question just about any large-scale change, even if it ends up being for the better.

 

[TalkingHead]

I just got back from a 3 night on-site stay at Universal for my first visit there ever. Universal isn't Disney and doesn't want to be. They cater to a completely different demographic and have completely different goals as a theme park (outside of the "get your money" goal, that is).

They both had advantages and disadvantages. While Im on a small rant- here is my take. Went with just myself and my 6 yr old daughter.

Hotel:
-Stayed at the royal pacific and stay at Deluxes at Disney (Typically Bay Lake, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, Saratoga Springs, and Grand Floridian)
I was originally in a non-refurb room at the royal- it was dingy and they moved me to a refurbed on the next day. Night and day. The hotel itself I didn't like as much as the Polynesian @ WDW.
Pro- It was quieter and the price are about the only pros I can come up with. However service and rooms were great, Emeril's was fantastic, etc. Good hotel overall.
Con- WDW soaps and towels are better (Towels in both rooms had a wierd chemical odor I didnt like), and at the Poly I get a balcony w/ standard views. The pool at the poly is much better as well for me. Also- I feel a little more "transported" at the poly (I go to Hawaii regularly, but feel more like I'm "there" at WDW).

Updated Room

Food:
-Ate at Emerils @ Royal Pacific, Mythos, Finnegans, and Bob Marlys. Bob marlys was not good. Really enjoyed the other 3.
Pro- WAY more affordable $33 for app/entree/dessert at emerils. Are you kidding?. $2.99 for a banana split @ mythos. Really? Loved it. Food was very good- service was great as well. No planning/reservations- just go in and eat- very different change of pace.
Con- The quick service at the parks is awful- same menu everywhere outside of HP- and it looked bad. So nowhere near the variety of Disney- which is fine.

Appetizer


Entree


Dessert
$33 for all 3

Rides:
-Rode everything multiple times except Rip Ride/Doom/Dueling Dragons
Pro- Rides were way more intense. Really, really enjoyed them. Nothing bad to say really. And I got off Harry Potter and said "thats the best ride I think ive ever done". Impressive- and holy heck do you get wet on Popeyes.
Con- A couple rides were in terrible shape- Namely Dudley Do Rights, and the Seuss Trolley. Dirty, bad paint- night and day difference between top end rides and low-end rides. Dudley was fun- but filthy. No reason for this.

Parade:
Not even close

Shows or entertainment:
Also not even close. Although Horror Makeup was fantastic!

Meet and Greets:
Not even close. It was great there was no lines at all- but there is a reason there are no lines (who cares about woody woodpecker?)


The Lorax

Overall:
I really enjoyed Universal. It doesn't transport you like Disney does, and I don't think the parks are as "cohesive" as say- Magic or Animal Kingdom. But what they focus on- they do really well. Saying to my daughter "Did you want to ride xyz now or later" and having express passes was a great change of pace and allowed for spontaneity (although I still plan almost everything).
They have a niche- and they have their place for sure. Everyone owes it to themselves to spend a day or 2 there vs Disney for a full week if your kids are tall enough (Id say 42" minimum- 48" preferred)

Diagon Alley

Quick Notes:
-Blue Man group was hilarious
-I walked way more than @ Disney (9.5 miles/day vs ~6.5-7 miles/day)
-My 6 yr old was def. one of the youngest there & my 2 yr old wouldnt have enjoyed it nearly as much as Disney.
-Lots more smoking and smoking areas. Even saw 2 people just walking mid-park smoking (not even in an assigned area).
-Didn't see a single ECV
-There were maybe 5 strollers max at any stroller parking at any time.
-When will DAK and Universal drop the dumb carnival attractions already- hate them
-No area is as cool as Harry Potter. Not even you, Harambe (which I love).


Stroller Parking (Hah)

I'm taking a day out of my Disney trip in January to go back for a full day and night. I can see another "Universal-only" trip in my future as well.

I agree with a lot of this.

Sit-down eating at Universal is a big plus in terms of pricing.

Walking around it, I think Royal Pacific feels like a convention hotel, but the grounds and horticulture have a nice feel to them. And Tchoup Chop is a great spot.

I also love the water taxis, especially at night.

I like the Seuss Trolley and consider it IOA's Peoplemover (albeit with a line, usually). Never noticed it's run down. Dudley could use some love, and those awful carnival games between Marvel and Toon Lagoon should've disappeared five years ago. They're an eyesore, no question.

For me, the AP pricing is where Universal comes out ahead in a big way. I just find the WDW AP pricing to be obscene, especially since I don't want to "earn" the value by spending every weekend in the parks. For Florida residents, the Universal AP pricing is hard to resist.

And after spending enough time in the Universal parks, I feel that they have a charm of their own. The WDW "feel" that fans harp on is mainly the feel of familiarity.

 

[TubaGeek]

Parade:
Not even close
...
Meet and Greets:
Not even close. It was great there was no lines at all- but there is a reason there are no lines (who cares about woody woodpecker?)

Some great points, but these are two I'd definitely argue against.
I think, until Festival of Fantasy opened, Universal's parade was the best in town since Block Party Bash. Disney's parades have been major letdowns for a while now. Though they definitely need to market it differently; emphasize the show stops and not the "parade" aspect. It's too short to enjoy if you don't catch a show.
As for M&Gs, I'd say Universal has the lead in innovation, even if they don't have as strong of IPs. The Shrunken Head, the Mystic Fountain, the raptors, the Transformers, and Donkey are all worlds beyond silly things like Mickey's prerecorded conversations.
My 2¢.

 

[brb1006]

Some great points, but these are two I'd definitely argue against.
I think, until Festival of Fantasy opened, Universal's parade was the best in town since Block Party Bash. Disney's parades have been major letdowns for a while now. Though they definitely need to market it differently; emphasize the show stops and not the "parade" aspect. It's too short to enjoy if you don't catch a show.
As for M&Gs, I'd say Universal has the lead in innovation, even if they don't have as strong of IPs. The Shrunken Head, the Mystic Fountain, the raptors, the Transformers, and Donkey are all worlds beyond silly things like Mickey's prerecorded conversations.
My 2¢.

When I seen the parade at Universal Studios Orlando. I went "meh", I did like the Hop,Spongebob, and Despicable Me floats. I wish guests got a chance to meet the Pink Berets or any of the characters from Hop.

 

[brb1006]

The parades at universal were interesting for sure. The fact they did "mini" ones throughout the day was neat, but hardly anyone cared or noticed. I'm not sure if it was the demographic universal caters to or what- but the proof is in the interest. And quite simply, people care about the Disney parades (even the spare frozen one at DHS). Even my 6 yr old- who should be the demographic when the bunnies from hop or the minions are there- just wanted to go to the next ride. Whereas at Disney, if tinker bell were to wave at her during MSEP- she would totally light up and scream "she waved at me!"

Transformers I think was funny (bumblebee)- but the fact you can't interact with them or even touch them is a let down. Particularly in pics where it just looks like you're standing in front of a statue. Raptor too.

Mystic fountain was my favorite. SO funny and loved it when he'd squirt a smart mouthed tween. Hilarious.

But yes, the interactive ones (we did them all) were pretty neat. But where you have the "non face" characters at Disney who just make movements and aren't as interactive- It's the IP that sells it. But where Disney has the massive, and I mean MASSIVE advantage is the face characters. IP makes a massive difference in both interest, and interaction. And still- no one Is better than Gaston. Or can spit like him, or hits like him, or...

Didn't Spongebob had their own show half parade during the afternoon at random years ago? Because when I visited Universal Orlando earlier this spring, I seen Dora,Diago, and Baby Jagur passing the streets around 3 or 2 pm that day.

 

[brb1006]

I just got back from a 3 night on-site stay at Universal for my first visit there ever. Universal isn't Disney and doesn't want to be. They cater to a completely different demographic and have completely different goals as a theme park (outside of the "get your money" goal, that is).

They both had advantages and disadvantages. While Im on a small rant- here is my take. Went with just myself and my 6 yr old daughter.

Hotel:
-Stayed at the royal pacific and stay at Deluxes at Disney (Typically Bay Lake, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, Saratoga Springs, and Grand Floridian)
I was originally in a non-refurb room at the royal- it was dingy and they moved me to a refurbed on the next day. Night and day. The hotel itself I didn't like as much as the Polynesian @ WDW.
Pro- It was quieter and the price are about the only pros I can come up with. However service and rooms were great, Emeril's was fantastic, etc. Good hotel overall.
Con- WDW soaps and towels are better (Towels in both rooms had a wierd chemical odor I didnt like), and at the Poly I get a balcony w/ standard views. The pool at the poly is much better as well for me. Also- I feel a little more "transported" at the poly (I go to Hawaii regularly, but feel more like I'm "there" at WDW).

Updated Room

Food:
-Ate at Emerils @ Royal Pacific, Mythos, Finnegans, and Bob Marlys. Bob marlys was not good. Really enjoyed the other 3.
Pro- WAY more affordable $33 for app/entree/dessert at emerils. Are you kidding?. $2.99 for a banana split @ mythos. Really? Loved it. Food was very good- service was great as well. No planning/reservations- just go in and eat- very different change of pace.
Con- The quick service at the parks is awful- same menu everywhere outside of HP- and it looked bad. So nowhere near the variety of Disney- which is fine.

Appetizer


Entree


Dessert
$33 for all 3

Rides:
-Rode everything multiple times except Rip Ride/Doom/Dueling Dragons
Pro- Rides were way more intense. Really, really enjoyed them. Nothing bad to say really. And I got off Harry Potter and said "thats the best ride I think ive ever done". Impressive- and holy heck do you get wet on Popeyes.
Con- A couple rides were in terrible shape- Namely Dudley Do Rights, and the Seuss Trolley. Dirty, bad paint- night and day difference between top end rides and low-end rides. Dudley was fun- but filthy. No reason for this.

Parade:
Not even close

Shows or entertainment:
Also not even close. Although Horror Makeup was fantastic!

Meet and Greets:
Not even close. It was great there was no lines at all- but there is a reason there are no lines (who cares about woody woodpecker?)


The Lorax

Overall:
I really enjoyed Universal. It doesn't transport you like Disney does, and I don't think the parks are as "cohesive" as say- Magic or Animal Kingdom. But what they focus on- they do really well. Saying to my daughter "Did you want to ride xyz now or later" and having express passes was a great change of pace and allowed for spontaneity (although I still plan almost everything).
They have a niche- and they have their place for sure. Everyone owes it to themselves to spend a day or 2 there vs Disney for a full week if your kids are tall enough (Id say 42" minimum- 48" preferred)

Diagon Alley

Quick Notes:
-Blue Man group was hilarious
-I walked way more than @ Disney (9.5 miles/day vs ~6.5-7 miles/day)
-My 6 yr old was def. one of the youngest there & my 2 yr old wouldnt have enjoyed it nearly as much as Disney.
-Lots more smoking and smoking areas. Even saw 2 people just walking mid-park smoking (not even in an assigned area).
-Didn't see a single ECV
-There were maybe 5 strollers max at any stroller parking at any time.
-When will DAK and Universal drop the dumb carnival attractions already- hate them
-No area is as cool as Harry Potter. Not even you, Harambe (which I love).


Stroller Parking (Hah)

I'm taking a day out of my Disney trip in January to go back for a full day and night. I can see another "Universal-only" trip in my future as well.

I don't know why, but some of the characters guests meet sometimes look bored and not as energetic. Especially Woody Woodpecker knowing his mischievous and nutty personality. I guess this was Woody after "The Woody Woodpecker Show" came out where he's giving a more calm and nice personality also to the level of Mickeys. Also wasn't Fievel from American Tale at Orlando years ago? Because I heard he still showed up in Universal Studios Hollywood.

 

[TubaGeek]

I wish guests got a chance to meet the Pink Berets or any of the characters from Hop...
...Didn't Spongebob had their own show half parade during the afternoon at random years ago?

Yeah, each of the parade units has three additional shows other than the parade throughout the day. So Hop and Spongebob will all be out each day... just at different times.

I don't know why, but some of the characters guests meet sometimes look bored and not as energetic. Especially Woody Woodpecker knowing his mischievous and nutty personality. I guess this was Woody after "The Woody Woodpecker Show" came out where he's giving a more calm and nice personality also to the level of Mickeys. Also wasn't Fievel from American Tale at Orlando years ago? Because I heard he still showed up in Universal Studios Hollywood.

That's one of my pet peeves of Mickey, Woody, and even Tinkerbell. They're all boring, polite, neutered versions of their original, feisty selves. Mickey used to be more like Donald and Tink used to be more like Vidia.
As for Feivel, he used to be around, but it's been a LONG while.

 

[brb1006]

Yeah, each of the parade units has three additional shows other than the parade throughout the day. So Hop and Spongebob will all be out each day... just at different times.

That's one of my pet peeves of Mickey, Woody, and even Tinkerbell. They're all boring, polite, neutered versions of their original, feisty selves. Mickey used to be more like Donald and Tink used to be more like Vidia.
As for Feivel, he used to be around, but it's been a LONG while.

This is why I love the new Mickey Mouse shorts that started in 2013. Since they are going back to Mickey's original mischievous personality. I never laughed so hard at anything featuring Mickey than the cartoon "Wish Upon A Dime".

 

[surfsupdon]

Universal is doing something right! And I am a Disney purist. In the past two years, we have not only visited Universal's parks, but we cut our Disney vacations SHORTER so we could get a one night/ two day stay at Universal Resorts/ Parks. And it was great.

 

[thomas998]

On our recent and first visit to the Harry potter park within Universal we were all very impressed with the quality of imagineering shown in both the rides and park . Not impressed with the rest of Universal though .

As Disney fans do you think Disney needs to step up to this new level ? We thought that they have set a new standard .

We did both parks this fall and the one thing we liked more at Universal was the imagineering inside the rides especially the Harry Potter ones... what we also noticed though was that they weren't as good as Disney when in the outside... Not sure if it was because Disney is older and they have more old trees and more real weathering or what but the outside Universal stuff often looked kind of cheap.

Biggest problem at Universal though was they seemed to have a lot more smoking areas, only once or twice did we wander into the wrong place at Disney were we were accosted by cigarette smoke, but at Universal it seemed to happen every time we turned around.

Now if you are talking hotels, then Universal wins hands down. Fact is next time we do Orlando I expect we will stay 100% at Universal for the hotels even if we spend more time in the Disney parks... At Disney we noticed the hotel was a bit run down, we saw a rat as big as a small cat running about and when we compared prices, the Disney charged us more for a smaller room.. For less than the price of the moderate resort at Disney we got a suite at Universal where all the pools were open instead of having the Disney hotel that had the pool closed in our area forcing us to walk half a mile to the other functioning pool.

 

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I just returned from a Universal/WDW vacation. Harry Potter was themed really good then rides not so much. EFG I didn't like at all, Although the sister ride FJ was much more enjoyable. By the end of the day I got tired of putting on 3D glasses which seems to dominate most of their rides. If you ride Spiderman you don't need to ride Transformers. They are pretty much the same thing. I went to a stunt show. The set was huge and really done well. The show itself was so bad we walked out. The "stunts" were so simple a 10 year old could have done them. The next day we went to Animal Kingdom's Festival of the Lion King. THAT was a well produced and executed show. Surpassed Disney? Not even close.