Reflections on my time away from WDW

[Notes from Neverland]

Even the Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs were coming out just slightly higher than Royal Pacific... motels... with no perks at the moment.

It's your money and your time. Do as you see fit with your vacation. But, to say Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are nothing more than motels is silly. Coronado has been fantastic following its changes and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, specifically.

 

[bryanfze55]

It's your money and your time. Do as you see fit with your vacation. But, to say Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are nothing more than motels is silly. Coronado has been fantastic following its changes and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, specifically.

I didn't mean to offend by insinuating they're JUST motels. But they are motel-style. I'm not against that, as I've stayed at Port Orleans and thought it was beautiful. But even as well-themed as they are, the prices are quite insane.

 

[UNCgolf]

It's your money and your time. Do as you see fit with your vacation. But, to say Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are nothing more than motels is silly. Coronado has been fantastic following its changes and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, specifically.

The Royal Pacific is MUCH nicer than Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs. It's not even close.

And I don't mean that they are bad resorts. It's just that the Royal Pacific is excellent.

 

[Notes from Neverland]

The Royal Pacific is MUCH nicer than Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs. It's not even close.

And I don't mean that they are bad resorts. It's just that the Royal Pacific is excellent.

Not saying there is a comparison necessarily, just that they're far better than motels even if they have rooms set up in "motel-style" layout.

 

[NelleBelle]

Just curious why you don’t rent dvc points to get the deluxe resorts at way less cost? Or stay at one of the off-property places. Either way, we gave WDW a big break and did Disney cruises for a while and started doing DLR as well. Then we went back in 2018 and did a 12-nt stay at Saratoga Springs, going to UO for 2 days (we had 3 day tickets but no one wanted to go back). We did a day at our resort where we slept in, hung at the pool and then hit the parks in the evening. Our teens had their WDW fix and are ok just doing DLR and waiting until everything is new is open at WDW before they go back. My DH would be fine with never going back there—is fine at DLR. Our issue is that it just doesn’t seem to have the upkeep that some of the other Disney parks have and definitely doesn’t have the old-school Disney CM customer service (we have only found that on the cruise line lately).

Wherever you go, I’m sure it will be fun regardless since you’re with you’re family.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

This forum loves to tout UOR as the "anti-WDW", the answer to your WDW woes, like its somehow everything you want out of WDW like you remember, and it just simply isn't true. For every thing that Universal does better, there's at least another thing they do far worse. If you've never been, it'll be a fresh experience, but adjust your expectations.

Uni is great, Sea is great. But not a true alternative. My heart is not there.

Without WDW I would likely never see Florida again for the rest of my life.

 

[threvester]

Hi all, I’ve been away for awhile. As I knew travel was impossible, or at least highly inconvenient, I lost my interest in keeping up with Disney news. With vaccines on the horizon, my wife and I began discussing the possibility of taking a trip October 2021. Normally, we are more fond of Disneyland and mixing it in with other SoCal attractions. Disneyland is just easier, cheaper, and (IMO only) better. However, even after vaccines are widespread, I’m hesitant to believe California will jump right back into normal life without capacity limits and such... so I’m reluctant to put my eggs in a “Disneyland vacation basket” as near as 10 months. Plus, we’ve gone to Disneyland the last three trips. As of 10/21, it’ll have been nearly 4 years since our last WDW trip. There are things about it that we miss, primarily Animal Kingdom, and thought it might be a good chance to go back. In the grand scheme of things, though, after time away from Disney parks, I’ve realized I miss them... but not as much as I thought I would. Being away from something or someone has a way of forcing you to look at things objectively rather than having your heartstrings pulled.

Now let me just say, I’ve stood up for Disney forever in terms of its pricing due to considering it a premium product with no equal on the market. I’m no longer convinced of that. The prices I was seeing for a start date of October 25th, 2021, were significantly more than they were last year (I planned a trip last year but didn’t execute). So that led me to do something I never thought I would do... look at Universal.

I didn’t care much for Universal the one time I went, but to be fair I didn’t go to Islands of Adventure. I was looking for an immersive theming to rival Disney, and I didn’t find it - but the comparison may have been unfair. I was comparing it to flagship Disney parks rather than Hollywood Studios or California Adventure. While the theming may be better in certain areas of those parks, I can’t deny that USO had the better ride line-up. And now that my older daughter is just shy of 48 inches (assuming she’ll reach that by 10/21) and loves thrill rides, I think Universal may be the right thing for us. And certainly the right thing for my wallet. Prices I quoted per Undercover Tourist, for two adults and one child ticket:

Universal
5-Day Base - $853
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,032
Add Volcano Bay: + $73

Disney
5-Day Base - $1,567
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,786
Add Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon: +$71

Now hotel rates for 10/24-10/30:
Royal Pacific - $305/night if including tax
Old Key West (a “reasonable” deluxe) - $513/night if including taxes

And let’s not forget, a stay at the Royal Pacific comes with free Express Pass... which, when traveling with young ones, is worth its weight in gold.

Even the Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs were coming out just slightly higher than Royal Pacific... motels... with no perks at the moment.

For the same price my family could go to Disney World for five days, we could do:

-Universal (w/Express Pass)
-Discovery Cove
-SeaWorld
-Busch Gardens
-Kennedy Space Center

And still probably save money due to cheaper lodging.

I really don’t want to burst anyone’s spirit. I am just kind of seeing this all really clearly for the first time. Quite the enlightenment. I love Disney. Love it. But it’s not as much of a premium product that it was. It’s been diluted. It’s a headache to get anywhere. Wait times are obscene. The classic stuff still pulls at the heartstrings, but the newer stuff is just on par with Universal - fun, good tech, but no charm. I’d argue Disney has a hard time competing with Universal on the first two and always did well relying on the latter. But they’ve largely abandoned that.

Resort prices are obscene. Now, I believe resorts are important. But I think WDW has long passed its sweet spot. When you have half as many resorts as you do total rides in all your theme parks, there’s a problem.

I can’t drink the Kool-Aid anymore. Not at those prices... not when comparing them to the competition rather than viewing them in isolation. I love the classic Disney stuff, and I will likely return to Disneyland many times in the future to breathe in what Walt Disney himself built. As for the new stuff? Again, I feel like Disney and Universal are building the same things just different IP. Sometimes Disney wins (RotR), sometimes Universal wins (WWoHP). But it’s all the same to me. It’s fun. It’s not emotive. And at this point, I honestly don’t care if I’m lining the pockets of Bob Chapek or Brian Roberts (Comcast CEO). My Disney loyalty has largely given way to indifference. At this point, I can’t see myself returning to WDW. We’re going to Universal next year and will gladly return if it’s a good trip.

*sorry for the novel.

premier 2 park annual pass at universal is half the price of that 5 day hopper

 

[bryanfze55]

premier 2 park annual pass at universal is half the price of that 5 day hopper

The prices I quoted reflects a park hopper ticket for 3 people.

 

[bryanfze55]

Just curious why you don’t rent dvc points to get the deluxe resorts at way less cost? Or stay at one of the off-property places. Either way, we gave WDW a big break and did Disney cruises for a while and started doing DLR as well. Then we went back in 2018 and did a 12-nt stay at Saratoga Springs, going to UO for 2 days (we had 3 day tickets but no one wanted to go back). We did a day at our resort where we slept in, hung at the pool and then hit the parks in the evening. Our teens had their WDW fix and are ok just doing DLR and waiting until everything is new is open at WDW before they go back. My DH would be fine with never going back there—is fine at DLR. Our issue is that it just doesn’t seem to have the upkeep that some of the other Disney parks have and definitely doesn’t have the old-school Disney CM customer service (we have only found that on the cruise line lately).

Wherever you go, I’m sure it will be fun regardless since you’re with you’re family.

DVC is definitely the cheaper way to do it. We were thinking about doing it this year for the first time but then COVID. But I wanted to do an apples-to-apples comparison between what each company is asking their customers to pay for “deluxe” resorts. I would venture to guess most average WDW visitors don’t know about DVC.

Like your husband, I guess I just feel like I can get the fix out West now. Honestly, the upkeep and maintenance are far better there. Surprised that you think otherwise. Rides are regularly refurbished and updated... rides that never get touched at WDW. Customer service, you’re right that it’s not any better at DL. Unfortunately that’s hit or miss most places these days. I’ve had good and mediocre at both Disney resorts. I’ve just gotten to the point where, all else being equal, I would rather do the easier, less draining vacation option. I don’t really feel the draw of WDW anymore. What am I missing that I can’t get out West? The bubble is it.

 

[NelleBelle]

DVC is definitely the cheaper way to do it. We were thinking about doing it this year for the first time but then COVID. But I wanted to do an apples-to-apples comparison between what each company is asking their customers to pay for “deluxe” resorts. I would venture to guess most average WDW visitors don’t know about DVC.

Like your husband, I guess I just feel like I can get the fix out West now. Honestly, the upkeep and maintenance are far better there. Surprised that you think otherwise. Rides are regularly refurbished and updated... rides that never get touched at WDW. Customer service, you’re right that it’s not any better at DL. Unfortunately that’s hit or miss most places these days. I’ve had good and mediocre at both Disney resorts. I’ve just gotten to the point where, all else being equal, I would rather do the easier, less draining vacation option. I don’t really feel the draw of WDW anymore. What am I missing that I can’t get out West? The bubble is it.

I’m actually good with the majority of our trips at DLR now (we live in the west coast so it’s a 2 hr direct flight for us)! I grew up going to DL (my parent told me that they took me all the time as an infant and at 6-weeks old, the CM for SM would hold me while they ride —talk about growing up in the 70s)!!
Every so many years I like to go back and do a big 10-12 day stay and go to both UOR and WDW (my teen boys now like bigger thrill rides and are big Potter heads as well as Disney fans). We were supposed to have done a graduation trip last summer for my son’s 8th grade grad. at DLR but Covid. And who knows about this summer—supposed to meet family there to celebrate a birthday. The only reason I’m going in April is my mom wants to go for a girls-only trip for her retirement gift.

 

[TTLUTS]

Hi all, I’ve been away for awhile. As I knew travel was impossible, or at least highly inconvenient, I lost my interest in keeping up with Disney news. With vaccines on the horizon, my wife and I began discussing the possibility of taking a trip October 2021. Normally, we are more fond of Disneyland and mixing it in with other SoCal attractions. Disneyland is just easier, cheaper, and (IMO only) better. However, even after vaccines are widespread, I’m hesitant to believe California will jump right back into normal life without capacity limits and such... so I’m reluctant to put my eggs in a “Disneyland vacation basket” as near as 10 months. Plus, we’ve gone to Disneyland the last three trips. As of 10/21, it’ll have been nearly 4 years since our last WDW trip. There are things about it that we miss, primarily Animal Kingdom, and thought it might be a good chance to go back. In the grand scheme of things, though, after time away from Disney parks, I’ve realized I miss them... but not as much as I thought I would. Being away from something or someone has a way of forcing you to look at things objectively rather than having your heartstrings pulled.

Now let me just say, I’ve stood up for Disney forever in terms of its pricing due to considering it a premium product with no equal on the market. I’m no longer convinced of that. The prices I was seeing for a start date of October 25th, 2021, were significantly more than they were last year (I planned a trip last year but didn’t execute). So that led me to do something I never thought I would do... look at Universal.

I didn’t care much for Universal the one time I went, but to be fair I didn’t go to Islands of Adventure. I was looking for an immersive theming to rival Disney, and I didn’t find it - but the comparison may have been unfair. I was comparing it to flagship Disney parks rather than Hollywood Studios or California Adventure. While the theming may be better in certain areas of those parks, I can’t deny that USO had the better ride line-up. And now that my older daughter is just shy of 48 inches (assuming she’ll reach that by 10/21) and loves thrill rides, I think Universal may be the right thing for us. And certainly the right thing for my wallet. Prices I quoted per Undercover Tourist, for two adults and one child ticket:

Universal
5-Day Base - $853
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,032
Add Volcano Bay: + $73

Disney
5-Day Base - $1,567
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,786
Add Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon: +$71

Now hotel rates for 10/24-10/30:
Royal Pacific - $305/night if including tax
Old Key West (a “reasonable” deluxe) - $513/night if including taxes

And let’s not forget, a stay at the Royal Pacific comes with free Express Pass... which, when traveling with young ones, is worth its weight in gold.

Even the Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs were coming out just slightly higher than Royal Pacific... motels... with no perks at the moment.

For the same price my family could go to Disney World for five days, we could do:

-Universal (w/Express Pass)
-Discovery Cove
-SeaWorld
-Busch Gardens
-Kennedy Space Center

And still probably save money due to cheaper lodging.

I really don’t want to burst anyone’s spirit. I am just kind of seeing this all really clearly for the first time. Quite the enlightenment. I love Disney. Love it. But it’s not as much of a premium product that it was. It’s been diluted. It’s a headache to get anywhere. Wait times are obscene. The classic stuff still pulls at the heartstrings, but the newer stuff is just on par with Universal - fun, good tech, but no charm. I’d argue Disney has a hard time competing with Universal on the first two and always did well relying on the latter. But they’ve largely abandoned that.

Resort prices are obscene. Now, I believe resorts are important. But I think WDW has long passed its sweet spot. When you have half as many resorts as you do total rides in all your theme parks, there’s a problem.

I can’t drink the Kool-Aid anymore. Not at those prices... not when comparing them to the competition rather than viewing them in isolation. I love the classic Disney stuff, and I will likely return to Disneyland many times in the future to breathe in what Walt Disney himself built. As for the new stuff? Again, I feel like Disney and Universal are building the same things just different IP. Sometimes Disney wins (RotR), sometimes Universal wins (WWoHP). But it’s all the same to me. It’s fun. It’s not emotive. And at this point, I honestly don’t care if I’m lining the pockets of Bob Chapek or Brian Roberts (Comcast CEO). My Disney loyalty has largely given way to indifference. At this point, I can’t see myself returning to WDW. We’re going to Universal next year and will gladly return if it’s a good trip.

*sorry for the novel.

With no on site hotel incentives at WDW (no FP+, no EMH, no dining) along with no fireworks, no shows there is zero incentive to book at WDW vs Universal, especially when you factor in the pricing

 

[bjebberger]

Then dont go? I don’t understand the need for everyones diatribes, where they need to explain why they are doing something besides Disney. Its your time and your money, do whatever you want

Do you understand how blogs work? It’s a forum to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and even criticisms. If you don’t understand that concept you may want to visit other sites.

 

[BASS]

We're each entitled to our own opinion about the subjective value of each park, but I found Universal/Islands of Adventure more of an "amusement park" than an experience. It's just far less immersive (save for Harry Potter-very cool). I live in Florida and can go whenever I'd like but I'm content going to Universal once every 5 years or so, whereas I find Disney something I aim to do 2-3 times yearly. I don't know, it's difficult to explain, but I felt that Universal is a checkbox in terms of been-there-done-that you can check off and put away for several years.

That said, in terms of the pricing, it sounds about right in terms of what I perceive to get from each.

 

[ppete1975]

Do you understand how blogs work? It’s a forum to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and even criticisms. If you don’t understand that concept you may want to visit other sites.

This isnt a blog smartguy. Its a message board or a forum. Its also a fan site.
Blogs only allow the owner to post messages and content. Visitors can view, but not post messages and replies.
If i offend you, feel free to Ignore me, this "blog" allows that...

 

[rreading]

Then dont go? I don’t understand the need for everyones diatribes, where they need to explain why they are doing something besides Disney. Its your time and your money, do whatever you want

I took this original post at face value as legit, but in the subsequent conversation which followed, I'm not sure that the OP isn't trolling.

He prices the 5d Universal tickets and with comparing it to Disney says that they can do Universal, Busch Gardens (which isn't cheap either) and Sea World for the same price as Disney. Why would he want a 5d Universal ticket if he's planning to do Busch Gardens and Sea World and and Kennedy Space Center over the same time?

 

[bjebberger]

This isnt a blog smartguy. Its a message board or a forum. Its also a fan site.
Blogs only allow the owner to post messages and content. Visitors can view, but not post messages and replies.
If i offend you, feel free to Ignore me, this "blog" allows that...

Touch a nerve? Blog, forum whatever. The point is still valid. We’re not in the 3rd grade so you resorting to name calling is more than slightly immature

 

[bjebberger]

This isnt a blog smartguy. Its a message board or a forum. Its also a fan site.
Blogs only allow the owner to post messages and content. Visitors can view, but not post messages and replies.
If i offend you, feel free to Ignore me, this "blog" allows that...

Btw here is the definition of blog:

• a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

 

[bryanfze55]

I took this original post at face value as legit, but in the subsequent conversation which followed, I'm not sure that the OP isn't trolling.

He prices the 5d Universal tickets and with comparing it to Disney says that they can do Universal, Busch Gardens (which isn't cheap either) and Sea World for the same price as Disney. Why would he want a 5d Universal ticket if he's planning to do Busch Gardens and Sea World and and Kennedy Space Center over the same time?

Definitely not trolling lol... I’m a fairly long time poster who’s engaged in many meaningful conversations here. I will admit I had sticker shock about the increase in prices I’ve seen at WDW since the last time I saw their prices. Please note, I frequent Disneyland more often than WDW.

Yes, Busch and SeaWorld are way overpriced for one day tickets. I believe I mentioned Discovery Cove in my initial post. If you do Discovery Cove (which is pricy, no doubt), you can add Aquatica, Busch, and SeaWorld for next to nothing. Forget I mentioned anything about those parks if you’d like, as maybe it’s way off base. My bad. Just doing an apples-to-apples comparison of WDW for 5 days vs Universal for 5 days, though, I’m not sure how that could be perceived as trolling. I totally understand that there is a general quality gap between Universal and Disney - but that gap has narrowed in recent years while the price gap has widened - and both favor Universal... not to mention convenience, ease of transportation, quality of hotel for the money... let’s not pretend Disney is winning any of these. I stand by my notion that WDW has gotten too fat for its own good. Too many people, too many resorts, too many logistics, too few rides... this isn’t about not loving Disney... this is specific to WDW, no other Disney resort.

 

[rreading]

Definitely not trolling lol... I’m a fairly long time poster who’s engaged in many meaningful conversations here. I will admit I had sticker shock about the increase in prices I’ve seen at WDW since the last time I saw their prices. Please note, I frequent Disneyland more often than WDW.

Yes, Busch and SeaWorld are way overpriced for one day tickets. I believe I mentioned Discovery Cove in my initial post. If you do Discovery Cove (which is pricy, no doubt), you can add Aquatica, Busch, and SeaWorld for next to nothing. Forget I mentioned anything about those parks if you’d like, as maybe it’s way off base. My bad. Just doing an apples-to-apples comparison of WDW for 5 days vs Universal for 5 days, though, I’m not sure how that could be perceived as trolling. I totally understand that there is a general quality gap between Universal and Disney - but that gap has narrowed in recent years while the price gap has widened - and both favor Universal... not to mention convenience, ease of transportation, quality of hotel for the money... let’s not pretend Disney is winning any of these. I stand by my notion that WDW has gotten too fat for its own good. Too many people, too many resorts, too many logistics, too few rides... this isn’t about not loving Disney... this is specific to WDW, no other Disney resort.

Fair enough. But that price gap only exists because Disney doesn't seem to give as much as a discount for extended days until you get to the 5th day. Universal charges more for the first day because that's all they've got. Once you've done the first day, it's likely repeating itself - with much less ROI. Then you take an expensive day at Busch as well and then it's really adding up. I didn't price SeaWorld and Aquatica when we did Busch Gardens but I'll take your word for it and I do think that there's a benefit in variety.

Renting DVC points makes a stay at a nice resort more reasonable. The prices Disney charges for their Deluxe rooms is absurd. Were we not DVC members, we would probably stay at Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans quite a bit as well.

I just can't see spending the money for 5 very expensive nights at Universal to do 5d at their parks. Even if it could be cheaper, it's still not inexpensive and I'd probably rather be somewhere else than Central Florida for that duration were I not at WDW.

California is a whole different discussion

 

[bjebberger]

Hi all, I’ve been away for awhile. As I knew travel was impossible, or at least highly inconvenient, I lost my interest in keeping up with Disney news. With vaccines on the horizon, my wife and I began discussing the possibility of taking a trip October 2021. Normally, we are more fond of Disneyland and mixing it in with other SoCal attractions. Disneyland is just easier, cheaper, and (IMO only) better. However, even after vaccines are widespread, I’m hesitant to believe California will jump right back into normal life without capacity limits and such... so I’m reluctant to put my eggs in a “Disneyland vacation basket” as near as 10 months. Plus, we’ve gone to Disneyland the last three trips. As of 10/21, it’ll have been nearly 4 years since our last WDW trip. There are things about it that we miss, primarily Animal Kingdom, and thought it might be a good chance to go back. In the grand scheme of things, though, after time away from Disney parks, I’ve realized I miss them... but not as much as I thought I would. Being away from something or someone has a way of forcing you to look at things objectively rather than having your heartstrings pulled.

Now let me just say, I’ve stood up for Disney forever in terms of its pricing due to considering it a premium product with no equal on the market. I’m no longer convinced of that. The prices I was seeing for a start date of October 25th, 2021, were significantly more than they were last year (I planned a trip last year but didn’t execute). So that led me to do something I never thought I would do... look at Universal.

I didn’t care much for Universal the one time I went, but to be fair I didn’t go to Islands of Adventure. I was looking for an immersive theming to rival Disney, and I didn’t find it - but the comparison may have been unfair. I was comparing it to flagship Disney parks rather than Hollywood Studios or California Adventure. While the theming may be better in certain areas of those parks, I can’t deny that USO had the better ride line-up. And now that my older daughter is just shy of 48 inches (assuming she’ll reach that by 10/21) and loves thrill rides, I think Universal may be the right thing for us. And certainly the right thing for my wallet. Prices I quoted per Undercover Tourist, for two adults and one child ticket:

Universal
5-Day Base - $853
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,032
Add Volcano Bay: + $73

Disney
5-Day Base - $1,567
5-Day Park Hopper - $1,786
Add Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon: +$71

Now hotel rates for 10/24-10/30:
Royal Pacific - $305/night if including tax
Old Key West (a “reasonable” deluxe) - $513/night if including taxes

And let’s not forget, a stay at the Royal Pacific comes with free Express Pass... which, when traveling with young ones, is worth its weight in gold.

Even the Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs were coming out just slightly higher than Royal Pacific... motels... with no perks at the moment.

For the same price my family could go to Disney World for five days, we could do:

-Universal (w/Express Pass)
-Discovery Cove
-SeaWorld
-Busch Gardens
-Kennedy Space Center

And still probably save money due to cheaper lodging.

I really don’t want to burst anyone’s spirit. I am just kind of seeing this all really clearly for the first time. Quite the enlightenment. I love Disney. Love it. But it’s not as much of a premium product that it was. It’s been diluted. It’s a headache to get anywhere. Wait times are obscene. The classic stuff still pulls at the heartstrings, but the newer stuff is just on par with Universal - fun, good tech, but no charm. I’d argue Disney has a hard time competing with Universal on the first two and always did well relying on the latter. But they’ve largely abandoned that.

Resort prices are obscene. Now, I believe resorts are important. But I think WDW has long passed its sweet spot. When you have half as many resorts as you do total rides in all your theme parks, there’s a problem.

I can’t drink the Kool-Aid anymore. Not at those prices... not when comparing them to the competition rather than viewing them in isolation. I love the classic Disney stuff, and I will likely return to Disneyland many times in the future to breathe in what Walt Disney himself built. As for the new stuff? Again, I feel like Disney and Universal are building the same things just different IP. Sometimes Disney wins (RotR), sometimes Universal wins (WWoHP). But it’s all the same to me. It’s fun. It’s not emotive. And at this point, I honestly don’t care if I’m lining the pockets of Bob Chapek or Brian Roberts (Comcast CEO). My Disney loyalty has largely given way to indifference. At this point, I can’t see myself returning to WDW. We’re going to Universal next year and will gladly return if it’s a good trip.

*sorry for the novel.

Well thought out and a nice comparison. Thanks for taking the time to express yourself.