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Shrek 4D better than Philhar magic?
- Thread starter Mikejakester
- Start date
Mr. Tom Morrow
New Member
Some Thoughts!
Thought I would toss my two cents into the discussion, sticking big toe in water hesitantly!
On the original topic, I have not yet experienced Shrek but will probably do so some time in the future when I feel the need to revisit Universal. We are planning a trip to WDW for New Years Eve and look forward to experiencing Mickey’s Philharmagic. Having not experienced either attraction I can only comment on what I’ve heard and read on both, and based on that information, Philharmagic sounds like it will be the better of the two, but I reserve final judgment until I experience both!
On the tread drift topic of which is better WDW or Universal, this comparison really isn’t fair to either company. The comparison isn’t fair to Universal because the volume of activities available at WDW is far greater than those offered at Universal, including a “theme” park, an “education” park and an “animal” park. On the flip side, WDW does not have a “thrill” park and as a result isn’t really in “direct” competition with Islands of Adventure. So to make a general comparison of WDW and Universal just doesn’t work, which is becoming painfully clear in this thread. However, both have a “studios” park, deluxe hotels, entertainment districts and transportation systems that can be directly compared. You can also take “like” attractions for comparison, like the actual thread topic for example. However in just about every case the comparison will be subject to individual tastes, opinions that are neither right nor wrong!
There has been some discussion about one being better than the other based on facts such as attendance. Let me offer a different slant on this one. What are the possible reasons for WDW having higher attendance than Universal and attendance levels going down at WDW while Universals goes up? It has been presented on this thread that such ‘facts” suggest that one is better or more popular than the other, or that one is gaining or the other falling in popularity. I submit that while this might be a possible reason, that there is a completely different reason. We need to take a look at what each of these two entertainment options really are. To do this, let’s look at the two from the prospective of the non-local traveler vs. the average local Orlando person.
I myself fall into the non-local category as I have to travel from Canada. I’m in my early 30’s, married, no children, a huge Disney fan and a thrill seeker. Having a choice of visiting both destinations I always try to make an annual trip to WDW and fit Universal in if time allows every few years or so when there are a few new things to see. I would never plan a trip to Universal on its own, nor would I if it were the only option available. The simple reason is WDW offers me experiences that I can’t get anywhere else in the world, including Universal. Almost everything offered at Universal Studios (not IOA) can be found someplace in WDW and it’s almost always done better (MIB being the exception) (in my opinion). Almost everything offered at Islands of Adventure can be found someplace in WDW or at my local “thrill” park and it’s almost always done better (Spiderman, Dudley and Hulk being the exceptions)(in my opinion). For me, there simply aren’t enough unique experiences at Universal for me to pick it over WDW if I have to choose between the two, advantage WDW and the local ‘thrill’ park. Also, kids of all ages go specifically to WDW to see their favorite characters such as Mickey and the gang, Ariel, Cindy, Buzz, Tink, and so on, people (for the most part) don’t visit Universal to see Woody Wood , The Grinch or the X-men, advantage WDW. This answers the question of why does WDW have higher attendance. There are more things of interest, a wider variety of things for the average non-local guest to experience in a location that has a larger capacity. Now as for the attendance drop at WDW, well as I’ve explained WDW is the more international destination of the two and when you take into consideration the current economy, health issues (SARS) and continued terror threat you can see why people are staying closer to home and not traveling great distances which will affect WDW.
Now for the average local Orlando person, I admit I must make some assumptions here because I’m not in this category. I’m sure if I’m incorrect in something, one of the locals will correct me anyways! The first assumption I’m going to make is that by living in WDW’s back yard, some of the magic wares off when you have an opportunity to visit any day you like. It’s like that toy you got when you were a kid that you couldn’t put down, then one day it just wasn’t interesting to you any more. I can relate to this problem with my local ‘thrill’ park, which happens to be Cedar Point. I’ve visited the park so much the last few years that only two of the parks sixteen roller coasters continues to interest me, I’ve gone from about four visits a year down to one! As I mentioned earlier most of Universals attractions can be found at WDW, but in WDW they are spread over four parks, two entertainment areas and numerous resorts. However, at Universal you have the luxury of convenience. Universal’s two parks, three resorts and entertainment area are pretty much all within walking distance of each other, advantage Universal. This lends into the next point of having the convenience of many thrill rides in one park, Islands of Adventure, something that WDW does not offer, advantage Universal. If you want to have a good debate on ‘thrill’ parks, let’s compare Island of Adventure with its real competition, Busch Gardens (local) or any of the 50 or so major ‘thrill’ parks across the country (non-local), but on a new thread, please! Finally, Universal delivers ‘thrills’ with some story, but at WDW you have to experience the story to get to the ‘thrill’, Universal offers a good alternative, advantage Universal. I think you can see my point, the local ‘thrill’ seekers will make their way to Universal because they do a better job of providing pure thrills, conveniently located in one park. This would explain why Universal’s attendance is going up as the locals grown board with WDW’s offerings. Also don’t forget, Orlando is still in population growth!
Yea I know your thinking that was more like ten cents worth, but don’t forget I’m Canadian so it works out to be about the same thing! :animwink:
Thought I would toss my two cents into the discussion, sticking big toe in water hesitantly!
On the original topic, I have not yet experienced Shrek but will probably do so some time in the future when I feel the need to revisit Universal. We are planning a trip to WDW for New Years Eve and look forward to experiencing Mickey’s Philharmagic. Having not experienced either attraction I can only comment on what I’ve heard and read on both, and based on that information, Philharmagic sounds like it will be the better of the two, but I reserve final judgment until I experience both!
On the tread drift topic of which is better WDW or Universal, this comparison really isn’t fair to either company. The comparison isn’t fair to Universal because the volume of activities available at WDW is far greater than those offered at Universal, including a “theme” park, an “education” park and an “animal” park. On the flip side, WDW does not have a “thrill” park and as a result isn’t really in “direct” competition with Islands of Adventure. So to make a general comparison of WDW and Universal just doesn’t work, which is becoming painfully clear in this thread. However, both have a “studios” park, deluxe hotels, entertainment districts and transportation systems that can be directly compared. You can also take “like” attractions for comparison, like the actual thread topic for example. However in just about every case the comparison will be subject to individual tastes, opinions that are neither right nor wrong!
There has been some discussion about one being better than the other based on facts such as attendance. Let me offer a different slant on this one. What are the possible reasons for WDW having higher attendance than Universal and attendance levels going down at WDW while Universals goes up? It has been presented on this thread that such ‘facts” suggest that one is better or more popular than the other, or that one is gaining or the other falling in popularity. I submit that while this might be a possible reason, that there is a completely different reason. We need to take a look at what each of these two entertainment options really are. To do this, let’s look at the two from the prospective of the non-local traveler vs. the average local Orlando person.
I myself fall into the non-local category as I have to travel from Canada. I’m in my early 30’s, married, no children, a huge Disney fan and a thrill seeker. Having a choice of visiting both destinations I always try to make an annual trip to WDW and fit Universal in if time allows every few years or so when there are a few new things to see. I would never plan a trip to Universal on its own, nor would I if it were the only option available. The simple reason is WDW offers me experiences that I can’t get anywhere else in the world, including Universal. Almost everything offered at Universal Studios (not IOA) can be found someplace in WDW and it’s almost always done better (MIB being the exception) (in my opinion). Almost everything offered at Islands of Adventure can be found someplace in WDW or at my local “thrill” park and it’s almost always done better (Spiderman, Dudley and Hulk being the exceptions)(in my opinion). For me, there simply aren’t enough unique experiences at Universal for me to pick it over WDW if I have to choose between the two, advantage WDW and the local ‘thrill’ park. Also, kids of all ages go specifically to WDW to see their favorite characters such as Mickey and the gang, Ariel, Cindy, Buzz, Tink, and so on, people (for the most part) don’t visit Universal to see Woody Wood , The Grinch or the X-men, advantage WDW. This answers the question of why does WDW have higher attendance. There are more things of interest, a wider variety of things for the average non-local guest to experience in a location that has a larger capacity. Now as for the attendance drop at WDW, well as I’ve explained WDW is the more international destination of the two and when you take into consideration the current economy, health issues (SARS) and continued terror threat you can see why people are staying closer to home and not traveling great distances which will affect WDW.
Now for the average local Orlando person, I admit I must make some assumptions here because I’m not in this category. I’m sure if I’m incorrect in something, one of the locals will correct me anyways! The first assumption I’m going to make is that by living in WDW’s back yard, some of the magic wares off when you have an opportunity to visit any day you like. It’s like that toy you got when you were a kid that you couldn’t put down, then one day it just wasn’t interesting to you any more. I can relate to this problem with my local ‘thrill’ park, which happens to be Cedar Point. I’ve visited the park so much the last few years that only two of the parks sixteen roller coasters continues to interest me, I’ve gone from about four visits a year down to one! As I mentioned earlier most of Universals attractions can be found at WDW, but in WDW they are spread over four parks, two entertainment areas and numerous resorts. However, at Universal you have the luxury of convenience. Universal’s two parks, three resorts and entertainment area are pretty much all within walking distance of each other, advantage Universal. This lends into the next point of having the convenience of many thrill rides in one park, Islands of Adventure, something that WDW does not offer, advantage Universal. If you want to have a good debate on ‘thrill’ parks, let’s compare Island of Adventure with its real competition, Busch Gardens (local) or any of the 50 or so major ‘thrill’ parks across the country (non-local), but on a new thread, please! Finally, Universal delivers ‘thrills’ with some story, but at WDW you have to experience the story to get to the ‘thrill’, Universal offers a good alternative, advantage Universal. I think you can see my point, the local ‘thrill’ seekers will make their way to Universal because they do a better job of providing pure thrills, conveniently located in one park. This would explain why Universal’s attendance is going up as the locals grown board with WDW’s offerings. Also don’t forget, Orlando is still in population growth!
Yea I know your thinking that was more like ten cents worth, but don’t forget I’m Canadian so it works out to be about the same thing! :animwink:
Legacy
Well-Known Member
Tom Morrow... good points. I really enjoyed reading your post.
Tomman... I heard a rumor that Disney is planning a 'really scarey' event to take place in MGM as a way to try and get guest away from Universal on October nights.
(Never been to Mickey's party, not really interested... but Uni has the advantage on guest during the 'comparible' (losely used) events.
wdwfan... Watch it. You may not pay for me to 'dog Disney' (even though I am in the military I still have freedom of speech), but you do pay me to protect your butt so you can insult and think less of me because I happen to enjoy Universal more than Disney. Oh, and thanks for coming to Orlando because your tourist dollar covers my State Tax too...
(Oh, and I am in training status... so I get a break every hour. The military ain't all Rambo and Iraq.)
EDIT- Tomman... I didn't mean that to start anything... just playin (although the rumor is true
)
I'm not playing with you, fan.
Tomman... I heard a rumor that Disney is planning a 'really scarey' event to take place in MGM as a way to try and get guest away from Universal on October nights.
(Never been to Mickey's party, not really interested... but Uni has the advantage on guest during the 'comparible' (losely used) events.
wdwfan... Watch it. You may not pay for me to 'dog Disney' (even though I am in the military I still have freedom of speech), but you do pay me to protect your butt so you can insult and think less of me because I happen to enjoy Universal more than Disney. Oh, and thanks for coming to Orlando because your tourist dollar covers my State Tax too...
(Oh, and I am in training status... so I get a break every hour. The military ain't all Rambo and Iraq.)
EDIT- Tomman... I didn't mean that to start anything... just playin (although the rumor is true
)I'm not playing with you, fan.
I love choice
I'm glad they make more than one brand of car
I love the UK because I speak the language. I love Mexico because when I try to speak the language, no matter how poorly I do at that ,the people are great. (Less fog than the UK too :lol: ).
I love Disney but I'd don't like everything there. I like Universal but there are some things there that I love.
No need to fight. :lookaroun Enjoy what you like but every once in a while it might not hurt to try something different
I'm glad they make more than one brand of car
I love the UK because I speak the language. I love Mexico because when I try to speak the language, no matter how poorly I do at that ,the people are great. (Less fog than the UK too :lol: ).
I love Disney but I'd don't like everything there. I like Universal but there are some things there that I love.
No need to fight. :lookaroun Enjoy what you like but every once in a while it might not hurt to try something different
tomman710
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Kicker
EDIT- Tomman... I didn't mean that to start anything... just playin (although the rumor is true
I know, don't worry. Last time I check I wasn't retarded/Universal fan, same thing right?
Kidding, I'm done ...
Yea Tom Morrow had a nice post. I think he summed up pretty much what both of us were trying to say but a little more eloquently, although I wouldn't be as unbiased towards Universal but that's just me, and I disagree that Dudley is a good ride, but I'll stop so we don't get into it again. I just wanted to commend Tom for posting what I think both of us were trying to get out although we were doing it more abrasive and with more bias.
Mr. Tom Morrow
New Member
Tomman710, I included Dudley in that list because (in my opinion!) it’s the best ‘water log’ ride that I know of. In fact Universal would win this ride comparison with WDW because WDW does not currently have a water log ride! And thanks for the complement, you two Kicker. Glad to hear you two are getting along now!
Legacy
Well-Known Member
Dudley, I feel, as a 'ride' (that being the effectiveness of the drops and, especially the final one), is better than Splash. The theming though is somewhat lacking in comparison. It still fits the feel of Dudley and his world, but I personally think that too much of it takes place outside with signs (although the signs are hilarious most of the time). I wish that the animatronics were a little more lively and that the world was a great deal more vibrant. The feeling on that final drop though makes up for its thematical short-comings.
Viva La Vivendi!
Viva La Vivendi!
Mr. Tom Morrow
New Member
Kicker I completely understand where you’re coming from, and it made me think some more! When I said that WDW does not currently have a water flume ride, it was because I was considering Splash to be more of a water coaster / big boat ride which would compare with the Jurassic Falls ride better. However after further thought, Splash is part water coaster (smaller boats like Dudley) with a big final drop (like Jurassic). I agree with you in respect to Dudley’s final plunge, you definitely get wet like no other flume ride anywhere which is what it’s designed to do. Splash is definitely a better and more completely themed attraction. Themeing is one area where I feel Universal generally falls short when compared to Disney. Dudley for example as you point out is very simple in its themeing which is fine since it meant to give you the feeling that you’re in a Dudley cartoon. The part they fell short on with Dudley is they didn’t complete the themeing through the entire experience. There are many areas where you feel like your looking at the back side of the attraction. One example that I remember is the house at the top of the hill, the inside of the house is just blank. Compare this to Splash where the story is carried through everywhere that a guest can see. So, in this comparison if your want to get soaked, Dudley is your ride, but for a complete entertainment experience that gets you wet then head for Splash!
While were talking water rides we could compare Popeye & the River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, both are big tube water raft rides. In this case Popeye wins hands down (in my opinion). You get wetter, the themeing is better and the ride is just plain more exciting then River Rapids. The only improvement I would make to Popeye is the same as with Dudley; finish the themeing in all areas that the guest will see. Now you may be wondering why I didn’t list Popeye in my earlier post then? Well, there are better big tube water raft rides out there that get you wetter and there is at least one that is better themed, it’s located at California Adventure!
While were talking water rides we could compare Popeye & the River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, both are big tube water raft rides. In this case Popeye wins hands down (in my opinion). You get wetter, the themeing is better and the ride is just plain more exciting then River Rapids. The only improvement I would make to Popeye is the same as with Dudley; finish the themeing in all areas that the guest will see. Now you may be wondering why I didn’t list Popeye in my earlier post then? Well, there are better big tube water raft rides out there that get you wetter and there is at least one that is better themed, it’s located at California Adventure!
About time this thing settles down... :hammer:
Thanks for the novel Mr. Tom Morrow! hahahaha :lol: j/k
Thanks for the novel Mr. Tom Morrow! hahahaha :lol: j/k
daniam2188
Member
ok i think that everoyne here needs to take a CHILL PILL people seem to be arguing about wether one thing is better than another. everiyne has their own oppinion just like some people like burger king, some people like mcdonalds, and some people like wendys. its surprising to me that people are arguing about such a dumb issue and it seems that people are forgetting that uni and wdw are not the only theme parks out there and they both have good points. i think that people need to think about what makes a theme park today... IMHO there is no difference to me to be going to Bush gardens Williumsburg, uni, or lake compounce. theese are all theme parks which i believe disney has an advantage over. for example... i went to uni in feburary with my schools music department. the justification for going there instead of wdw was that it would be "better for teenagers" and in some parts i dont debate that. i believe that uni has some great attractions (sinbad, PF, dudly do right) and that it is good for teenagers to have fun with their friends. the largest difference between the two is that when i go to disney i ALWAYS learn something in all of the parks and that even if ive been on a ride 20 times id allways see soemthing new. theese things i could not find at universal and i was dissapointed at that. i was also disapointed in the guest services when i wanted to complain that all of the restruants closed at 5:30 and i had to go to citywalk to eat. overall i think everoyne needs to think about what they are saying and realize that it is posible to have a good time at any place and need to find ways to do that wether youre at disney, universal, busch gardens, six flags, or lake compounce. and realize that we are all very priviliged people to be able to go to any of theese parks because there are many people on this planet that are not able to have these experiences and oupertunities.
wdwfanatic17
Member
This whole thread is stupid let us compare
ToT--------- IOA has Dr. Doom free fall
IOA opened--------RnRC opened at MGM
Buzz opened-----------MIB opened
Spider-man(Huge attraction)-----M:S opened in response
Shrek 4d opned----- MPH is goiong to open
Mummy annonced-------EE annonced
Competition is something businesses have been doing for a long time, before Universal OR Disney
I have a feeling that if only one park was in florida, Universal or Disney, that the attractions would not be as good, because they would have no competition. I think universal and disney help each othr in that aspect, if they did not have the other, the attractions would suffer because there would be no competition.
I will be the first person to say disney is doing something wrong when they do, and the first to give other parks there props if they do something right.
ToT--------- IOA has Dr. Doom free fall
IOA opened--------RnRC opened at MGM
Buzz opened-----------MIB opened
Spider-man(Huge attraction)-----M:S opened in response
Shrek 4d opned----- MPH is goiong to open
Mummy annonced-------EE annonced
Competition is something businesses have been doing for a long time, before Universal OR Disney
I have a feeling that if only one park was in florida, Universal or Disney, that the attractions would not be as good, because they would have no competition. I think universal and disney help each othr in that aspect, if they did not have the other, the attractions would suffer because there would be no competition.
I will be the first person to say disney is doing something wrong when they do, and the first to give other parks there props if they do something right.
Enderikari
Well-Known Member
My feelings have always been that IOA is a great amusement park..... However, every Disney park is a much better Theme Park, so go to which ever is more important to you.