Is it really that bad, and is it really that good?

[Ginzuishou]

Disney World = Awesome
Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure = Awesome

If you decide not to visit either of these parks due to some kind of grudge, you will miss many truly great experiences.

 

[flyerjab]

Disney World = Awesome
Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure = Awesome

If you decide not to visit either of these parks due to some kind of grudge, you will miss many truly great experiences.

I agree with this opinion. Each park has something for everyone but it is all dependent upon opinion. For me, Disney is just better, especially MK. I certainly enjoy parts of the Comcast Parks, but MK as a whole is still the best overall experience. Can't compare/contrast resorts because I haven't stayed on property at Comcast and probably won't now that I am DVC at VGF. But who knows. Maybe after HP 2.0, we might have to give the Comcast resorts a try.

 

[luv]

I agree with this opinion. Each park has something for everyone but it is all dependent upon opinion. For me, Disney is just better, especially MK. I certainly enjoy parts of the Comcast Parks, but MK as a whole is still the best overall experience. Can't compare/contrast resorts because I haven't stayed on property at Comcast and probably won't now that I am DVC at VGF. But who knows. Maybe after HP 2.0, we might have to give the Comcast resorts a try.

They aren't Comcast resorts. The Uni resorts are Lowe's. If, for whatever reason, you don't want to type "Universal" or "Uni", that's cool. But you might want to look into who owns what, KWIM?

The MK, Tomorrowland especially, is showing it's age. Old, run down...it needs work. They need to get the litter out of the queues, too...especially Buzz and Space.

 

[flyerjab]

They aren't Comcast resorts. The Uni resorts are Lowe's. If, for whatever reason, you don't want to type "Universal" or "Uni", that's cool. But you might want to look into who owns what, KWIM?

The MK, Tomorrowland especially, is showing it's age. Old, run down...it needs work. They need to get the litter out of the queues, too...especially Buzz and Space.

I prefer to use Comcast since that is where the half a billion dollars per year is coming from to improve the parks.

Also, they own my hockey team in Philly. Every time I go to see them at the arena there is this huge banner that reads "You Are In Comcast Country". The funny thing, though, is that people all around where we live have Comcast as their cable provider. We lucked out though because we are in this one pocket that does not get it. And that is good because our cable bills are way less than our friends that have Comcast.

 

[luv]

I prefer to use Comcast since that is where the half a billion dollars per year is coming from to improve the parks.

Also, they own my hockey team in Philly. Every time I go to see them at the arena there is this huge banner that reads "You Are In Comcast Country". The funny thing, though, is that people all around where we live have Comcast as their cable provider. We lucked out though because we are in this one pocket that does not get it. And that is good because our cable bills are way less than our friends that have Comcast.

You can call them Comcast hotels, ABC hotels or Pac-Man hotels. It's cool.

But they are not Comcast hotels.

 

[flyerjab]

You can call them Comcast hotels, ABC hotels or Pac-Man hotels. It's cool.

But they are not Comcast hotels.

Understood.

On reference to your other point, I am relatively new to Disney. My first trip was in 2009. I never went as a kid and was in my very late 30's when I first went. I have to tell you that it completely blew me and my family away. We have since been back several times over the last few years and continue to be amazed. Simultaneously, I have been visiting this site regularly for the past 2 years. I notice that most regular posters, that have obviously frequented WDW throughout their lives, regularly post about the more negative, or depressing aspects of the parks. Because my WDW experiences are relatively more recent by comparison, am I more fortunate that I don't have the frame of reference that others have? If I think that WDW is great now, I can't imagine what it must have been like years ago. I wish I could see some old photographs or footage of some kind to give me an idea. On the other hand, maybe it's better that I remain naive about that time in WDWs history so that it doesn't ruin my current opinions.

 

[draybook]

Understood.

On reference to your other point, I am relatively new to Disney. My first trip was in 2009. I never went as a kid and was in my very late 30's when I first went. I have to tell you that it completely blew me and my family away. We have since been back several times over the last few years and continue to be amazed. Simultaneously, I have been visiting this site regularly for the past 2 years. I notice that most regular posters, that have obviously frequented WDW throughout their lives, regularly post about the more negative, or depressing aspects of the parks. Because my WDW experiences are relatively more recent by comparison, am I more fortunate that I don't have the frame of reference that others have? If I think that WDW is great now, I can't imagine what it must have been like years ago. I wish I could see some old photographs or footage of some kind to give me an idea. On the other hand, maybe it's better that I remain naive about that time in WDWs history so that it doesn't ruin my current opinions.

Good question. We've only been going since 2008 (7 trips now) but even we are starting to see a major decline in the personnel at WDW along with the reduction of services rendered in comparison with the annual price increases. I, too, wonder what Disney was like back in the 80's and 90's.

 

[luv]

Understood.

On reference to your other point, I am relatively new to Disney. My first trip was in 2009. I never went as a kid and was in my very late 30's when I first went. I have to tell you that it completely blew me and my family away. We have since been back several times over the last few years and continue to be amazed. Simultaneously, I have been visiting this site regularly for the past 2 years. I notice that most regular posters, that have obviously frequented WDW throughout their lives, regularly post about the more negative, or depressing aspects of the parks. Because my WDW experiences are relatively more recent by comparison, am I more fortunate that I don't have the frame of reference that others have? If I think that WDW is great now, I can't imagine what it must have been like years ago. I wish I could see some old photographs or footage of some kind to give me an idea. On the other hand, maybe it's better that I remain naive about that time in WDWs history so that it doesn't ruin my current opinions.

Mixed bag. Back in the day, Disney was fantastic. Everywhere you went, amazing (really) things were going on. Loads of extra entertainment...and it was great! Everything was clean. Those bathrooms were SO CLEAN. They had running water, too. Everything was well maintained - you'd never have people in the back area of Space, waiting in a dirty, ugly, chipped-paint, litter-strewn area, waiting for a ride. it just would not have happened. The staff was so nice, friendly, efficient - they cared. You'd never see three people standing around talking and laughing with each other while ignoring customers. Now, I witnessed this at DTD Guest Services, of all places. You routinely see the staff chatting with each other and ignoring customers now. That just NEVER happened,, back in the day.

It was great.

I'm glad I was able to visit Disney when it was on top. But it does make seeing it now a little upsetting. Mixed bag.

I'm glad I've been able to watch Uni get better and better. That's fun.

But Disney - when it was on top - has yet to be topped.

 

[Wikkler]

Maybe a nice National Park vacation would be an option.

 

[ChevisMickey]

Yeah, my Father-in-law works for the Park Service. It would be nice if they do give them the pay they are losing, yet at the same time I think they would rather be out there working for it if they are going to get it. Non-essential...

So, who should run the National Park Service in the event of a shutdown, Disney or Uni?

 

[Mark In KY]

Well you have fun at wdw for me. Are you going to the halloween party? If you go with your cheeks out you have got to get a picture. Im sure thats a site to see on a man.

No halloween party this trip, planning on spending a ridiculous amount of time eating and drinking my way around the food and wine festival at Epcot.

Here's a start on the butt cheeks:
(_l_) (_i_) (_*_)

 

[LucyK]

I don't take a Disney Vacation or a Universal Vacation. I take an Orlando Vacation and divide my days there between Universal and Disney. Each have their strong points and I love to visit all parks equally.

Next trip will be my first time staying onsite at Universal and I can't wait. I'm sure it'll as thrilling as staying onsite at Disney. And hey I'll be staying Deluxe for the same price Disney is charging for a moderate. I can't wait!

 

[BryceM]

I don't get the attitude that one has to be better than the other. I just don't.

But if you don't think that Universal can design a park with details that you thought were only reserved for Disney, then you haven't walked through Islands of Adventure's mystical Port of Entry, and then seen the reveal of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Hogwarts, Hulk, and Mythos, which all circle the park's central lagoon.

Or sat down on the sidewalk in the Universal Studios' New York set, with a drink in one hand and your eyes being diverted to the Blues Brothers playing a couple feet away from you. Then when your done, you can cross the street to the Museum of Antiquities, and take a ride on the Golden Ticket's winner for the best themed coaster; Revenge of the Mummy.

 

[luv]

They're all really good parks. If you skip Uni because you believe lies about it not being well-themed or being all thrill rides, you're missing out on parks that are every bit as good as Disney's (and in some ways, better.)

 

[ThemeParkJunkee]

Understood.

On reference to your other point, I am relatively new to Disney. My first trip was in 2009. I never went as a kid and was in my very late 30's when I first went. I have to tell you that it completely blew me and my family away. We have since been back several times over the last few years and continue to be amazed. Simultaneously, I have been visiting this site regularly for the past 2 years. I notice that most regular posters, that have obviously frequented WDW throughout their lives, regularly post about the more negative, or depressing aspects of the parks. Because my WDW experiences are relatively more recent by comparison, am I more fortunate that I don't have the frame of reference that others have? If I think that WDW is great now, I can't imagine what it must have been like years ago. I wish I could see some old photographs or footage of some kind to give me an idea. On the other hand, maybe it's better that I remain naive about that time in WDWs history so that it doesn't ruin my current opinions.

My first trip was 15 years ago with my then 9 and 11 year old kids and we did Disney only. Epcot was in its heyday and the kids favorite park. Cast members were fantastic and engaged the kids in conversation at every turn. Five years later, I took the then teens to a Universal only vacation (pre-Potter) and they loved it. Didn't even miss Disney. In 2010, I went to Orlando (adults only) and split my stay between the two resorts. Epcot FutureWorld was a shadow of its former self. The CMs at most parks (except AK) seemed less happy and the overall hospitality was lacking at my resort (BC). The Universal part was awe-inspiring. The addition of Harry Potter really enhanced the experience and the dining opportunities were impressive ...no ADRs required.

I miss the Disney of 15 years ago. It just seemed more like being transported to a different world than it does now.

 

[flyerjab]

When we first went in 2009, our first day there was January 1st, and we arrived at the TTC right around sundown. We ha no idea that WDW was designed the way it was with the different choices to approach the Magic Kingdom. We chose he ferry across the water. I still remember looking at the main entrance area, still decorated for Christmas, wih the steam train pulling in to be station. It truly was awe-inspiring. After we walked in, we just stood in Main Street with our mouths open. A character show was just ending at the castle and fireworks were going off. That memory will never fade.

 

[Mark In KY]

In exactly 1 week I will be landing in Orlando, climbing on that Magical Express and starting my Fall WDW vaca.

 

[Wikkler]

Conglaturations.

 

[BryceM]

In exactly 1 week I will be landing in Orlando, climbing on that Magical Express and starting my Fall WDW vaca.

I'm jealous! Even though I live in Florida, I love going on a little vacation to WDW with the family. Always a great time.

 

[Mark In KY]

I'm jealous! Even though I live in Florida, I love going on a little vacation to WDW with the family. Always a great time.

Here's my sked for the week: Get up, drink coffee, head to Epcot, hit Soarin' and Test Track, head to WS and eat/drink. Move to next marketplace, eat/drink. Repeat until my belly looks like SE.