The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[bhg469]

Official opening of Diagon Alley is July 8th.

My birthday is July 9th, who wants to send me to check it out?

 

[Figments Friend]

It's ( WDS Paris ) still a pig of a park, but Disney has certainly given it a nice bath and shades of lipstick. DHS is the pony that hasn't been groomed in nearly two decades.

Heh heh...nice way of wording it.

 

[Mickey_777]

I don't know about merch with the IOA logo, because as a general rule I don't go to parks to shop.

But when I was walking through the air-conditioned shop at the front of USF the other week, I noticed attraction-specific merchandise for the Mummy, ET, Despicable Me, and something else, I think.

And I know I've seen souvenirs at IOA for Seuss Landing, specifically.

The problem is a lot of that stuff is made for those properties and sold everywhere. They'll just find space to slap "Universal studios" over Spidey's head or under a DM minion. Many times its off center and done on the cheap. Great park, bad merch.

 

[bhg469]

Same here. DD5, DS4.5. I am laying the groundwork with the boy (and my hubs) for going to DLR next summer before the boy "outgrows" McQueen. And I've already told the kids when they are say 6 and 8, I'm going to start reading Harry Potter books to them. Thus laying the groundwork for a Universal trip maybe 2017 or 2018. My blasphemous DH told me last night he just doesn't get my HP/Uni glee as HP means nothing to him.

Just accuse him of being too scared to ride forbidden journey. It's no walk in the park. And if he doesnt like potter, moes tavern is in the other park. If he doesn't want to belly up to a bar and order an actual duff beer, rather than hang out in fantasy land, I would question his manhood ...

I have no love for potter but i was loving that section of the park, much more impressive than new fantasyland.

 

[Witchy Chick]

Just accuse him of being too scared to ride forbidden journey. It's no walk in the park. And if he doesnt like potter, moes tavern is in the other park. If he doesn't want to belly up to a bar and order an actual duff beer, rather than hang out in fantasy land, I would question his manhood ...

I have no love for potter but i was loving that section of the park, much more impressive than new fantasyland.

I know about FJ. I visited Uni last Sept when I came down to WDW for the Villians party. Loved loved loved Hogsmeade. And I'm not sure I can wait until 2017/2018 to visit Diagon Alley. There might be another solo trip to Orlando in my future. haha

He's also not a big Simpsons fan (truth be told, I have not been into the Simpsons in many years) so I don't know how much he would enjoy Moe's (aside from the beverages). He is however very much into Marvel and comics -- and I think he would enjoy Uni. I just need to persuade him to go.

 

[BrianLo]

I never got that impression on Ratatouille. To me it would seem the opposite and it would be all sets, and no screens, but I know better than that.

It's 50/50. It's essentially spiderman with more elaborate sets. The vehicles pull onto a motion bases for the screen based portions.

Spiderman is wildly considered one of Uni's best rides so I don't see why anyone but the extreme pixie dusters would even be remotely upset at this comparison.

But yes, there are LOTs of screens, just like Spidey.

 

[Kman101]

I love Spider-Man, so if Ratatouille is anything like it, it should be a great ride. Yet another reason to start visiting the other parks around the globe.

 

[Cesar R M]

Wow, hate Universal much? Believe it or not, Universal's food and beverage prices are actually lower than that of Disney's. I actually compared the cost of a fountain drink in both parks on a recent visit. Plus, Universal even offers a cup that gives you unlimited free refills for the rest of the day. Disney has nothing like that in the parks.

The majority of Disney's "standard form" coffee mugs are $14.95. Universal's comparable "standard form" coffee mugs are $12.95. It's total BS that you think they start at $16. Disney's and Universal's offerings are pretty competitively priced.

And as far as Vinylmation goes... aren't Disney's dollar-store-looking too? lol Universal has very little in the way of vinyl figurines. They prefer to sell lots of detailed collectable magic wands instead. (Granted, they're just resin, but still.)

To be fair, I'm not saying one company is better than the other here. I just think your reasoning is very flawed and you have no reason for hating on Universal.

hmm, dont disney give you a refillable mug with your dinning plan? I surely had one last year.

 

[NearTheEars]

Apparently, most APers don't like MAGIC Bands and Disney is working on another place for them to carry their tracking device according to a friend. What a shock that folks don't want plastic crap on their wrists. Who could have seen that one coming?

I guess I wasn't asked in a survey, but As an AP I don't mind them either way. What is convenient, though, is not having to get my wallet out every time I need my card.

I'm not a watch guy, so I thought I'd find it annoying, but it's actually pretty comfortable. That surprised me. Even in the humidity.

Now if only our CC and discounts would be linked, then I'd be much happier.

 

[Kman101]

I guess I wasn't asked in a survey, but As an AP I don't mind them either way. What is convenient, though, is not having to get my wallet out every time I need my card.

I'm not a watch guy, so I thought I'd find it annoying, but it's actually pretty comfortable. That surprised me. Even in the humidity.

Now if only our CC and discounts would be linked, then I'd be much happier.

I feel the exact same way as a passholder. I don't see why we couldn't link an account, or have discounts show up on the band. I'm personally OK not having a credit/debit card on the band, though I would likely just buy gift cards and put it on the band that way (if ever possible). I usually pay cash IF I happen to buy anything. And it was usually some food, no merchandise. Only merch was a shirt on the 24 hour day and that was with a gifted gift card. Their merchandise leaves a lot to be desired and it's mostly overpriced, unfortunately. They really, to me, miss the boat in that regards. I think they lose a lot of potential money that way and don't even realize it (or care, because I'm sure one-off guests buy a ton).

Only survey I've completed is one they sent me after I had just activated my new pass in May and visited the parks for a day. It asked a BUNCH of questions, most I don't even remember now, it was tedious and many questions were plays on earlier questions. They ask you first to rate the experience, or the parks, between 1 and 10 and if you rate it anything below a 10, I presume, they ask you why, lol. I let them know a few things. Haven't gotten a survey since.

 

[lebeau]

hmm, dont disney give you a refillable mug with your dinning plan? I surely had one last year.

Disney has never given me anything. A refillable mug is included in the price of the expensive dining plan. Whether you want it or not. Personally, I do not.

 

[Omnispace]

I just don't get Disney's bloated construction prices. Has anyone thrown the word embezzlement out there yet, and if not, can I be the first to wave that flag? I understand WDI is like the bully of building, but come on, it's like they're holding themselves and their parent company hostage. There's absolutely no reason why NFL ran over the 500m mark. Are they paying the construction crews extremely well? Solid overtime pay? I highly doubt they are using the best of the best construction materials.

Does anyone know the breakdown of that 500m dollars? How much WDI got, what the total construction materials were, the crews? I'd be very interested in seeing this divvied up.

Maybe I've been watching too much Orange is the New Black but something just isn't sitting right with that total cost.

Just for comparison, read some of Bob Gurr's insights into designing efficiently. A lot depends on how well the designer understands their craft.

 

[crispy]

hmm, dont disney give you a refillable mug with your dinning plan? I surely had one last year.

Those can only be used at your resort, not the parks so not quite the same thing.

 

[mahnamahna101]

I know about FJ. I visited Uni last Sept when I came down to WDW for the Villians party. Loved loved loved Hogsmeade. And I'm not sure I can wait until 2017/2018 to visit Diagon Alley. There might be another solo trip to Orlando in my future. haha

He's also not a big Simpsons fan (truth be told, I have not been into the Simpsons in many years) so I don't know how much he would enjoy Moe's (aside from the beverages). He is however very much into Marvel and comics -- and I think he would enjoy Uni. I just need to persuade him to go.

Tell him Kong is coming back next year Transformers, Jurassic Park, MIB, E.T, great coasters, Greek mythology, the old-school comic strips (don't know if you meant those type!). Lots of fun shows. Universal Orlando has more going for it than Disney World at the moment... in fact, once Diagon and Kong open, both will basically be full day parks if you do everything from open to close. Can't say the same about DHS or AK - once you've seen all of the shows once at HS, you've got 5 rides with maybe a rewatch of a show you really liked. AK has 5 or 6 rides/shows with a few nice exhibits to look at... but at $94, I'm not paying for just a really nice zoo. Pandora will help, but it'll still be 5-7 attractions away from being full-day for me.

 

[arko]

I guess I wasn't asked in a survey, but As an AP I don't mind them either way. What is convenient, though, is not having to get my wallet out every time I need my card.

I'm not a watch guy, so I thought I'd find it annoying, but it's actually pretty comfortable. That surprised me. Even in the humidity.

Now if only our CC and discounts would be linked, then I'd be much happier.

As an AP holder I have no issues with my magicband, and neither does the rest of my family. But I see no reason why there couldn't be more than one format. As to the discount card, its should just be an RFID card to use as an alternate entrance media as well as parking and discounts.

 

[Kman101]

The problem with AK and DHS is the lack of a variety of things to do. I love the shows, but how many times over the last 10 years (just for a timeframe) can I watch them (and granted, as a passholder, I go more than just once a year so that helps make them less appealing). That leaves the Safari, Dinosaur and Everest at AK (I personally don't ride Kali). And it's pretty much the same for DHS. Tower of Terror, Star Tours and sometimes RnRc (though I'm not it's biggest fan ... sorry). So, seriously, they need more rides. Funny how I have little problem finding things to do and re-ride numerous times at MK. The other parks just sort of lack the re-ridability factor. Epcot I have to admit, for me, is in that same boat (World Showcase saves it and puts it a level above the others). Of course it's all subjective and based on likes and dislikes. The parks desperately need more things to do and a variety of things to do.

 

[lebeau]

The problem with AK and DHS is the lack of a variety of things to do. I love the shows, but how many times over the last 10 years (just for a timeframe) can I watch them (and granted, as a passholder, I go more than just once a year so that helps make them less appealing). That leaves the Safari, Dinosaur and Everest at AK (I personally don't ride Kali). And it's pretty much the same for DHS. Tower of Terror, Star Tours and sometimes RnRc (though I'm not it's biggest fan ... sorry). So, seriously, they need more rides. Funny how I have little problem finding things to do and re-ride numerous times at MK. The other parks just sort of lack the re-ridability factor. Epcot I have to admit, for me, is in that same boat (World Showcase saves it and puts it a level above the others). Of course it's all subjective and based on likes and dislikes. The parks desperately need more things to do and a variety of things to do.

Factor in height restrictions, etc and the problem gets even worse.

We almost always skip DAK. There is almost nothing for our kids to do there. We can make a day out of DHS if we take an afternoon break. World Showcase really saves Epcot.

 

[doctornick]

I feel the exact same way as a passholder. I don't see why we couldn't link an account, or have discounts show up on the band.

I think that's fair, but you would have to also carry a photo ID to confirm your identity. Otherwise, people could "share" bands with friends for the discounts.

 

[Nemo14]

I think that's fair, but you would have to also carry a photo ID to confirm your identity. Otherwise, people could "share" bands with friends for the discounts.

Isn't that where the electric shock comes into play?

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

I was at IOA cause I like it there. Whether you like Vinylmation or not, they're manufactured at a pretty high standard if you have an eye for that sort of thing. I do cause I collect lots of stuff. Every mug I saw started at $16. And I don't know why you brought up food and beverage when I'm talking merch specifically. It is possible to like Uni and think think the merch situation is "sub par" to say it nicely. Potter scarves and magic wands aren't my bag. I'd also like to see more ride specific stuff for Marvel Island that you won't find at your local comic book shop (99% of their offerings).

Where are you finding vinylmation of pretty high standard? Because every single one I've ever seen has paint blotches, smears, misplaced, or they appear dirty despite being unopened in its box. If that's what a "high standard" is I'd hate to see the low standard.

There have been plenty of vinylmation figures that I wanted to buy until I looked at them and realized that Kermit's eye is smeared, or that cute pink my little pony has a dirty tummy, or the Minnie has blotch paint on her pink dress. Every wile one ended up back on the shelf.

But hey, if quality doesn't matter and you're cool with blowing $8-15 each on them, by all means.