Why is there this misconception that Disney is for young children?

[kathyjacks]

:sohappy:

They can also have a fantastic time at US and IOA...take my 60+ year old mother this past week. A great time at both parks...and she wasn't excluded at all.



Of course they are competing with Disney...



He is a shocker...most people who come to Orlando do not eat, sleep and drink Disney 24/7...they like to include other things in their trip. Sorry, but you folks are in the minority...every other year we hit WDW and always include other parks and attractions, becuase man can not live on bread alone.





wow don't get too wound up over this :lol: I have seen the commercials for both disney and univeral. we actually thoughtn about doing 7 days at disney instead of 10 and going to universal for a couple of days . then I wnet online and researched the attractions and I do have a 5 year old and I think going in 2 or 3 years she would enjoy universal much betther. they have great shows just like disney but she'll love space mt and won't be able to tolerate something like the hulk coaster.I leave the fighting over the ads to the pros if disney felt slandered you better believe there would be a law suit stirring
wave:


edited because the quote and the messange became mixed up for some odd reason and made no sense. sorry.

 

[Merlin]

So why then build the Hard Rock hotel if you're not expecting people to make your park/resort a destination?

Why NOT build a hotel? You're the one who said they NEED to make it a destination. I didn't. If you're going to debate with someone, you should do better to read the point they're making.

 

[shmmrname]

1. One MAJOR difference between the parks...
What the Universal parks offer isn't hard to come by. Most of us live by a theme park that can give us most of the thrills and experiences you can get at a Universal park.
What Disney parks offer is unique. It's engrossing, detailed, all-engaging experiences, in which not just one sense is touched.

2. Marketing...
First, it's advertising; it should be taken very, very lightly.
Universal's strategy is not supposed to appeal to the die-hard WDW fans, but only time and sales will help tell if it was effective in getting growing, less established WDW-goers to frequent their park.
Disney, well WDW at least, has been quite successfull in their 'family' approach, and it really doesn't need to reach out to an audience that ALREADY is visiting FL just to visit it's parks.

3. Attendance...
When looking at the ticket sales, I have a hard time seeing how those thinking that WDW is the ONLY destination for most families are wrong.

In general, I would think most people signed up and rapid-firing posts on a website called WDWMagic.com would definitely favor WDW. So, I can't see how anyone could be at odds to figure out why they would dislike the new Universal commercial.

Either way, I think the old commercial, with the lady screaming, is far better. As it actually tries to create an emotional tie with its audience.

 

[jmicro59]

Why NOT build a hotel? You're the one who said they NEED to make it a destination. I didn't. If you're going to debate with someone, you should do better to read the point they're making.

:lol:

 

[George]

1. One MAJOR difference between the parks...
What the Universal parks offer isn't hard to come by. Most of us live by a theme park that can give us most of the thrills and experiences you can get at a Universal park.
What Disney parks offer is unique. It's engrossing, detailed, all-engaging experiences, in which not just one sense is touched.
quote]
I agree with most of your points except the first one. What Universal offers is hard to come by. Six of the best theme parks on the planet are in Orlando and two of them happen to be owned by Universal. I believe the reasons for Universal's sagging attendance are due to lack of new attractions and this problem exists because the current ownership (I know the ownership structure of Universal has changed in the last several years, I'm too lazy to look it up) hasn't really thrown itself behind the idea of owning theme parks. That being said - Universal has some of the most unique attractions on the planet. I'm not so sure EE and MS would exist if it wasn't for the Spiderman ride and I still think the Spiderman ride is the best attraction in Orlando. I've been to many Six Flags parks, various Busch Gardens parks, roller coaster parks (like our local Holiday World here in Indiana) and the Universal parks are clearly better than those. Also, the Universal parks are both well themed.
Universal is clearly number two and as long as they are number two, they are going to take shots at number one. Maybe the advertising campaign will fail. I, for one, hope it succeeds. Competition is good for the theme park industry and great for the theme park fan. Believe me, I grew up in the Tampa/Orlando area in the 70's and 80's and the best way to insure that we get neat new E-ticket attractions and top of the line shows with less frequency is less competition.

 

[sgmco]

. I believe the reasons for Universal's sagging attendance are due to lack of new attractions and this problem exists because the current ownership (I know the ownership structure of Universal has changed in the last several years, I'm too lazy to look it up)

Since the early 90's, Universal has been owned by Matsua Electronics (Japan), Seagrams (Canada), Vivendi (France), and currently GE (US). Prior to that, they were owned by MCA, which started out as a talent agency.

GE is known to be a very "thrifty" company (and I use that term loosely), so wheter or not Universal theme parks will be able to build another "E-ticket" style attraction in the near future, is questionable. Also, there have been rumors that GE wants to unload their theme park ownership to another company (perhaps the Blackstone Group, which owns approximately 50% of Universal Orlando).

As far as the new Universal advertising campaing, I love it. If I walk into another shop and see row upon row of "Disney Princess" merchandise, I too may well hurl. Give me row upon row of "Disney Villain" merchandise, then we'll talk! (and don't even bother mentioning "Villains in Vogue", which has lately turned into a POTC/Nightmare Before Christmas store).:fork:

 

[lebeau]

One of the most common themes on this board is "Why don't people get Disney?"

This is another variation on that theme. Why do people think Disney is for kids? Well, Disney is mostly to blame for that. Most of their advertising promotes the "princesses and fairy dust" aspects of the park. Your average Joe who doesn't know the difference between WDW and the Magic Kingdom can't be blamed for thinking Disney is for kids. Disney is telling them they are for kids.

Once upon a time, Disney ran ads showing how the parks were fun for adults - even those without kids. I guess those ads must not have been as effective as the ones showing kids hugging Mickey, becuase they just don't run them very much any more.

Those of us here on these boards obviously know what Disney isn't telling people. There's a lot more to WDW than the castle and the characters. But if you don't already care about Disney, why would you spend the time and effort figuring out what else they have to offer?

Most adults I know dread going to Disney World. If they go, it's because they feel an obligation to take their children at least once. When they go, they are overwhelmed by the crowds and the heat and the lines. They are shocked by the prices. And generally most of them are glad to be home and vow never to go again.

I have long believed that Disney needs to do more to inform prospective guests about what to expect when they come to WDW. The new planning materials are infinitely better than the ones I got when I booked my first trip. But I still feel they need to emphasize how important planning is to a successful trip to WDW.

 

[Aprilnjosh]

Universal didn't create this perception. Disney did (either on purpose or unintentionally). Universal is just capitalizing on it. You can't blame them for that. I think the commercials are pretty funny!

Universal Sucks comapred to Disney!:goodnevil

 

[jmicro59]

I'm sorry, but Universal is much better than what you give it credit for. Yes Universal's attendance was down last year, much of that can be blamed on Disney's huge push of its 50th anniversary, and their new attractions.

Disney added Soarin, Lights Motors Action, and Cinderellabration last year, while Universal added the show Fear Factor Live. If you were a repeat customer for both companies, which parks would you choose to go to this year? I would probably choose Disney, because Universal hasn't come out with anything major since Revenge of the Mummy. Many people chose Disney this year because of the 50th and everything that came with it. Universal's attendance will boost back up when it delivers another major attraction.

Now IOA is not just a coaster park, it also has very good shows and water rides. IMO, the structural theming of the IOA islands beats any of the scenery at the Disney Parks. Instead of having themed buildings here and there, Islands of Adventure competely transformes everying to fit the islands story and theme. Just walk down the streets of Lost Continent or Suess Landing and you will see what I mean.

Jmicro59, you also stated that there was nothing special with Universal's rides. Have you never experienced Spiderman? Spiderman is without a doubt my(and many other people's) favorite attraction in Orlando. I prefer it over Mission:Space, Tower of Terror, and Expedition Everest. Theme Park Insider has rated Spiderman #1 ride in the world for four years in a row. http://www.themeparkinsider.com/columns/robert/237.cfm

Also, I think most people would agree that:

IOA's Popeye river rapids ride is much better than DAKs Kali River Rapids.

Universal's Men In Black Alien Attack is far superior to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

WDW and UO are both great places to visit, each offering their own unique product. Disney is more widely known, and Universal is using that fact in a new marketing campaign to try to get noticed by more visitors. This isn't the first time that Universal has talked trash about Disney, if you don't believe me just go to Shrek 4-D and check out all the signs about the "Happiest Dictatorship on Earth (well the 2nd happiest)" and the "Enchanted Tick Room."

While I love WDW like most of you, I also love Universal Orlando, and I feel like it is a much better place than an un-maintained park with non-unique rides.

I agree with you for the most part, we both differ on what rides we like or dislike. I've ridden all of the coasters and rides at IOA and Universal, all great rides but to me they’re nothing special and Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point and Millennium Force are more my coaster style, both blow Spiderman out of the water IMHO. Keep in mind though my point has always been Universal is not capitalizing on Disney business wise. And it’s got nothing to do with having more ticket sale than Disney; it’s got to do with Universal’s own ticket sales and competing against themselves from previous years. The last two years their ticket sale have declined, granted 2005’s numbers a skewed due to the happiest celebration on earth but they still declined.

 

[Merlin]

This is another variation on that theme. Why do people think Disney is for kids? Well, Disney is mostly to blame for that. Most of their advertising promotes the "princesses and fairy dust" aspects of the park. Your average Joe who doesn't know the difference between WDW and the Magic Kingdom can't be blamed for thinking Disney is for kids. Disney is telling them they are for kids.

My point exactly! Disney is focusing on what they're best known for, which is entertainment for kids. Obviously, there are going to be people who want no part of that, and there's where Universal has an opportunity to take advantage and glean those guests. Clever marketing on their part.

Once upon a time, Disney ran ads showing how the parks were fun for adults - even those without kids. I guess those ads must not have been as effective as the ones showing kids hugging Mickey, becuase they just don't run them very much any more.

This is very similar (though the exact opposite) of the problem Las Vegas was having several years back. They looked at the population of potential visitors who had kids and decided they needed to market to families and make Vegas a "family friendly" destination. That marketing plan failed. Now they are trying to re-identify themselves as an "adult" destination once again. Hence the commercials that are a littly racy and end with the tagline, "Vegas, what happens here stays here."

Those of us here on these boards obviously know what Disney isn't telling people. There's a lot more to WDW than the castle and the characters. But if you don't already care about Disney, why would you spend the time and effort figuring out what else they have to offer?

That's why I've always maintained that if Disney fans get annoyed with guests for getting the names of attractions, etc wrong, then blame Disney, not the guests themselves.

 

[Merlin]

:lol:

Good to see you've expanded your vocabulary beyond :hammer:

 

[Ralphlaw]

Universal is no Disney

A nice problem to have, to the tune of some 40+ million visitors combined at the 4 parks. :brick:

There's your answer. Universal is pushing the thrill rides which many people do not care for. For that, I'll go to the local six flags, and wonder what I'm going to do with my 1st grader while my wife and I are screaming on the super coasters, and wonder where I can find something unique to eat and if they're having a truly great night-time show somewhere.

As I recall, Disney's marketing in the last few years has focused on Magical Gatherings for the whole family, thrill shows, musical & fireworks spectaculars, and rides like Mission Space and Soarin'. There's also been that nostalgia theme for a few years, but that also attracts families.

Overall, Disney no longer has to market for young children because the Disney name automatically conjures up images of Mickey, Goofy and Princesses. This is extremely valuable. Universal is spending millions to get an identity, which happens to be more along the image of a thrill ride concept. Disney, in the meantime, can take the children theme for granted and expand on it by focusing on entire families, new attractions, one-stop vacations, and great service. Guess what? It works. For the last 3 years my family and I have spent a week at Disney each year, and we only left the property for one day, to see NASA. Otherwise, we stay 100% onsite. That's 20 days out of 21.

Isn't Unviersal's latest offer that young kids stay and get admitted for free? To me, that sounds a bit desparate. Disney is healthy enough to avoid such giveaways. That's the power of a defined corporate identity.

 

[DisneyDellsDude]

!!!

Universal just doesn't go up against Disney on their commercials, but on their website too!...

http://www.universalorlando.com/disney_comparision.html :zipit:

 

[MouseMadness]

A nice problem to have, to the tune of some 40+ million visitors combined at the 4 parks. :brick:

Poor poor Disney :lol:

 

[jmicro59]

There's your answer. Universal is pushing the thrill rides which many people do not care for. For that, I'll go to the local six flags, and wonder what I'm going to do with my 1st grader while my wife and I are screaming on the super coasters, and wonder where I can find something unique to eat and if they're having a truly great night-time show somewhere.

As I recall, Disney's marketing in the last few years has focused on Magical Gatherings for the whole family, thrill shows, musical & fireworks spectaculars, and rides like Mission Space and Soarin'. There's also been that nostalgia theme for a few years, but that also attracts families.

Overall, Disney no longer has to market for young children because the Disney name automatically conjures up images of Mickey, Goofy and Princesses. This is extremely valuable. Universal is spending millions to get an identity, which happens to be more along the image of a thrill ride concept. Disney, in the meantime, can take the children theme for granted and expand on it by focusing on entire families, new attractions, one-stop vacations, and great service. Guess what? It works. For the last 3 years my family and I have spent a week at Disney each year, and we only left the property for one day, to see NASA. Otherwise, we stay 100% onsite. That's 20 days out of 21.

Isn't Unviersal's latest offer that young kids stay and get admitted for free? To me, that sounds a bit desparate. Disney is healthy enough to avoid such giveaways. That's the power of a defined corporate identity.

Weather you and I agree is now moot I guess as it seems you and I were stuck on semantics. But we appear to be stating the same thing. Well worded post and I agree with practically the whole post. And just for the record, I earned my MBA in business economics and business law from the University of Alberta and work at Global Wealth Builders Ltd.

 

[NemoRocks78]

Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point and Millennium Force are more my coaster style, both blow Spiderman out of the water IMHO.

What the heck does TTD and MF have to do with Spidey? You can't compare them....

The last two years their ticket sale have declined

IOA went up 13% and USF went up 14% in '04.

 

[jmicro59]

What the heck does TTD and MF have to do with Spidey? You can't compare them.... .

You missed the IMHO, and why can't you compare them?? I like the thrill of TTD, MF and find Spiderman to be not as thrilling.

IOA went up 13% and USF went up 14% in '04..

Yep you're right, had my numbers crossed.:hammer:
Universal Studios at Universal Orlando, 6.7 million, up 14%.
Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, 6.3 million, up 13%.

 

[disneylands]

Anyone who has been to both disney and universal can agree that there is no comparison between the expierance both resorts give. Universal trys to make themselves appear better than disney by the little things like the names of their rides sound cooler or something idk...

 

[d'Isigny]

If anybody's seen the new commercial for Universal Orlando, it shows young children (around 8 or 9 years old) talking about how they liked fairy tales, etc when they were younger (obviously targeting Disney) . Now, I can obviously tell that this commercial was only trying to compete (even though there is no question who the winner will obviously and always be) , but I have noticed that many people who haven't been to disney or haven't gone in a long while, have the misconception that WDW is targeted only at very young chidren. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't bring a 5 year old to a lot of rides at WDW, such as Mission Space, Rock'n'Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, etc., even though I'm sure some could handle it, they aren't geared towards them. Has anybody else noticed this odd misconception??

They truly don't understand Disney and what he accomplished...

just throwing stones at the Giant and falling short...

 

[Legacy]

Universal Sucks comapred to Disney!:goodnevil

Thanks for your input.

:wave: