DISNEY and UNIVERSAL

[TheLittles]

So, I have been to WDW 20+ times. I have never stepped foot into Universal. Everyone I meet usually has only either been to WDW or Universal but not both. People who have been to WDW love Disney and nothing compares. People who have been to Universal feel like Disney is not as good as Universal and it's all kiddie stuff. My boyfriend's company is renting out Universal for a night for their convention. This will be my first time. People who have been to both, what are the big differences? Did you like Universal? I am such a big WDW fan that I am scared I probably won't enjoy Universal but I don't really know what to expect.

 

[drp4video]

I have been to Disney over 30+ times and Universal 16+ times. They are different because the theme's are different ie. No Disney characters/themes at Universal. But I love them both. Universal has the two parks and they are different from each other. Islands of Adventure has more 'adult' rides than Studios but both have Harry Potter. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and enjoy Universal very much

 

[tstidm1]

So, I have been to WDW 20+ times. I have never stepped foot into Universal. Everyone I meet usually has only either been to WDW or Universal but not both. People who have been to WDW love Disney and nothing compares. People who have been to Universal feel like Disney is not as good as Universal and it's all kiddie stuff. My boyfriend's company is renting out Universal for a night for their convention. This will be my first time. People who have been to both, what are the big differences? Did you like Universal? I am such a big WDW fan that I am scared I probably won't enjoy Universal but I don't really know what to expect.

They are different because of what they offer (more thrills and different immersive experiences than WDW). Universal offers some very unique rides. Since there are two unique parks at UOR, which park or part of the park are they renting out? This would be a good way to give you more specific thoughts.

 

[TheLittles]

Islands of Adventure. I like rollercoasters but I like DISNEY rollercoasters. Not massive insane ones that rattle my head like the ones at 6 flags lol

 

[2Gma]

I compare them by saying Disney=Magical and Universal=Thrilling. Disney has their classic characters and Universal has their own brand of characters (Harry Potter, Transformers, Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo, Spiderman, Minions, etc.). While they are both theme parks they have a different feel to them. Definitely older crowd at Universal.

I thought the Harry Potter rides at IOA were thrilling but NOT extreme (I guess I would consider the green Hulk ride that!) Spiderman is fun and I even enjoyed the unique quirky rides in the Dr. Seuss area. IOA has quite a few water rides which are fun but be prepared to change clothes, I can't stand walking around wet!

Going with a company might be really nice not to have to deal with crowds and wait times!

 

[SirMickey]

I agree that Universal attractions are much more thrilling and they offer more "adult" oriented rides. I enjoyed that park, but since I'm definitely partial to Disney, I often feel like I "visit" Universal, but "belong" at Disney (if that makes any sense - lol). Regardless, I think you'll enjoy yourself!

 

[Lyricallie]

I love both and every trip Ive done to Orlando we do both. So been about 8 times. I'm actually doing my first universal resort stay (cabana bay). As much as I love Disney (I really do I was a ICP cast member) universal to me is actually on par. Especially with Harry Potter.

 

[bfost87]

Most people I talk to have been to both... But most will spend 70%+ of their time at Disney and the rest at Universal. Just because you love one doesn't mean you can't like the other.

 

[amytong]

I have done Disney once and Universal twice, but heading back to Disney this June. I really enjoy them both. My son loves thrill rides and Harry Potter, so he digs Universal. However, Disney has more of the "bubble" feel where you get lost in the magic. It has a refined and complete feel to it that much of Universal lacks. However, I do find Harry Potter to be completely immersive. The last time I went, I spent almost all of my time in HP rather than the rest of Universal. All that being said, I find both amazing and will probably alternate between the parks for each visit. Trying to do both in the same visit is difficult.

 

[Puffin]

First time in Orlando soon and we're doing both, because they both sound fun. No big difference in my opinion.

 

[jollygreen]

I've been to both. My first trip to Orlando was a Universal only trip. I'm going again for a week in 3 weeks and added on 2 days at Disney. I really love both, Universal definitely has more thrill rides but even if you don't like roller coasters, there's still plenty to do. If you're going to be at IOA, the only coasters there are the Hulk and Dragon Challenge, and right now Hulk is down for refurb. They also have a kiddie coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, you'd be fine on that. There's also a new King Kong ride opening up this summer (but again, not sure when you're going)! I hope you have a good time when you go, it really is a lot of fun.

 

[amok409]

Looking at your picture you won't have to worry but to others a word of warning. Universal does not cater to Pooh sized riders, or as they like to say at Universal Shrek sized. I can ride anything at Disney but I don't fit on most of the rides at Universal. That being said my teenagers prefer Universal since we stay on site which gives you unlimited FOTL on all the rides but the newest.

 

[nkereina]

We always do a split stay between WDW and Universal. We usually do Universal after WDW. We find it to be more easy going and relaxing since less planning is required. Since we stay on site, having unlimited express pass is an amazing perk that is a nice reprieve after the craziness of Fast Passes at WDW. We do find there to be a lack of evening things to do once the parks close at Universal - City Walk is much smaller than Disney Springs and unless you want to have drinks, there isn't much to do. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Raeven]

We prefer to split our time between both. Disney usually gets a day or two more just because it's bigger. But I'd have to say I like them equally their just two different types of park.

I prefer Disney rides as I'm not really a thrill ride person, I like their ADR system because I enjoy planning, I like that there's many different hotels to eat at and stay at, I like that there's so much to do and see there as well.

On the other hand I loved our stay at Cabana Bay at Universal, and I can't wait to see the other hotels, there were many rides I could still ride, I love Harry Potter, we did enjoy that it was more adult oriented, Halloween Horror Nights was a blast, and the buses got to the parks very fast.

I did not find Universal disappointing after WDW and would continue to do both.

The only big differences at Universal are how the planning works (not so far out), there's only 5 hotels, more adult entertainment and activities, only 2 parks and a waterpark, and more thrill rides.

 

[Parker Clan]

I am obsessed with Disney, we go every year...but we also go to Universal every year which I love just as much. They have more thrill rides at USO and the Harry Potter lands are absolutely magical!!! I can't imagine a trip to FL without visiting both US and Dis!

 

[johde]

I think you will find a large group of people who enjoy both for different reasons. I grew up going to Disney and didn't start going to Universal until 2004 (in my 30's). Now, it's tough to imagine a vacation to FL without at least some time at each park family. Assuming you're only going to IOA. A quick rundown of the major Attractions.

Cat In The Hat - Classic Dark Ride with Spinning Cars

High in the Sky Suess Trolly - Similar to people Movers but build by a coaster company so there's lap bars.

Hogwarts Express - Interactive "train" that takes passangers between the 2 parks. They have been known to run it in 1 park mode on occasion so it might be open.

Dragon Challenge. - Inverted Coaster Highly themed Queue. Would be considered on the small side for a 6 Flags but bigger than anything Disney. Fits comfortably between the 2.

Forbidden Journey - Mix 1 part Soarin, 1 part Mission Space, 1 part Haunted Mansion and 1 part I've never done that before in my life. Shake well, add a queue that's almost an attraction unto itself.

Flight of the Hippogriph. A Big Barnstormer, but gives you a nice view of Hogsmead from the top of the hill.

Jurassic Park River Adventure- Large Boat Drop ride. Probably the driest of the bunch especially if you sit in the middle. Only has the 1 big hill at the end.

Dudley Doright Ripsaw Falls. - a Bigger Version of Splash Mountain. Big Hill is bigger and steeper. Themeing is more tongue in cheek and "missing" in spots. You will probably get soaked.

Popeye and Bluto - A 10x better version of Kali River Rapids. You will get drenched but it's a laugh riot. Like I said, puts Kali to shame.

Spiderman - Star Tours on a moving car. It's a motion simulator similar to Star Tours but your open air car travels on a track past multiple screen and real practical effects.

Hulk - 6 Flags Style launched Coaster. Is currently being completely rebuild with a new launch system.

 

[phillymummer]

I have been to both and I like Universal better. I feel more relaxed there- no need to "plan out the day" between ADRs and FPs ( you don't need to made a reservation months in advance and you only get the equivalent of FP if you are staying onsite or if you pay for it. Plus, the Harry Potter areas are amazing- much better themeing than anything currently at Disney IMO. Disney and US offer two totally different experiences. You should visit the Universal forum, too.
http://www.disboards.com/forums/universal-studios-islands-of-adventure-forums.30/

 

[bumbershoot]

My boyfriend's company is renting out Universal for a night for their convention.

You are going to have an AMAZING time. I promise. Is it just one section, or all of a park? My sis in law's sister's company did that, and invited my SIL, and they had a terrific time.

I can ride anything at Disney but I don't fit on most of the rides at Universal.

*Most* rides? DH doesn't fit on the thrill rides at Uni (including Gringott's, FJ, and Mummy), but he still fits on *most* rides at Uni. (and he actually doesn't fit on everything at Disney...one former ride at Disneyland and one current ride there have continued to flummox him)

 

[littlbugmom]

We love Disney and never want to stop going! We tried Universal this last trip and with the exception of Harry Potter's world, we were disappointed. We are used to Cedar Point and Kings Island and expected something even better. The commercials and website look great but we felt it was a sad version of what it could be.

Loved Harry Potter, though. WOW! Great theming!

 

[Hootch]

We have done Universal and Disney the last couple of trips staying at both. Disney was the longer of the two stays.

Universal has made some great strides the few years. True, many of the rides are more thrilling. The three main coasters are more thrilling than any of the Disney coasters - maybe not by much. The work they did with the Harry Potter attractions is top notch. One of my biggest complaints is that so many of the newer rides are simulator based. I learned to mix up the rides to prevent being overstimulated.

We spent five days in Disney last year and felt we did not do everything. We stayed at The Royal Pacific two nights at Universal with the Express Pass and left the parks for dinner and did not go back.