We got back last Saturday after 2 days at Universal (Hard Rock) followed by 5 days at WDW (Wilderness). Haven't been to WDW since 2009, first time at Universal.
Observations:
-Fast Pass+ is better than Universal's Express Pass. With FP, you can reserve all major attractions. Yes, you're limited to 3, but with EP the Harry Potter rides are not included. So the 2 main attractions in each park (Gringott's/Forbidden Journey/Hogwart's Express) are not included. Even with early entry (which was supposed to be 9:00, but was actually 8:30), we had to wait 60-90 for the majors. This would be like no FP+ on Space & Splash at MK, ToT & Toy Story at DS, Soarin' & Test Track at EPCOT, and Everest at AK. Express still was a bonus, but...
-Everything at Universal that is not part of the HP world seemed derivative of a Disney attraction. Shrek was like Tough to be a Bug, Men in Black was Buzz, Mummy was Indiana Jones. Even the best part about Forbidden Journey was just a sped up Soarin'. Having said that, Diagon Alley and the other one are awesome. Definitely pull you into a different place. I am not a HP fan, but I was awe-struck by the theming.
-Mine Train is basically Big Thunder.
-Memory Maker is a steal. 500 professional pictures linked to 8 people for $169. Yes, please.
-WDW isn't WDW without Splash. I don't care what the temperature is.
-Maybe I could have saved a few bucks by not going with the dining plan, but if I had been paying out of pocket, it would have been a less "magical" experience. It's nice not to stress about the money once there.
-Christmas season at Wilderness Lodge ends precisely at 11:00pm on January 8th. It was at that time that over 30 cast members came in with carts and a crane to make everything disappear. It was pretty cool, I kept an eye on the procedure for a few hours, got some cool pix, and in the morning there wasn't a wreath to be found.
Observations:
-Fast Pass+ is better than Universal's Express Pass. With FP, you can reserve all major attractions. Yes, you're limited to 3, but with EP the Harry Potter rides are not included. So the 2 main attractions in each park (Gringott's/Forbidden Journey/Hogwart's Express) are not included. Even with early entry (which was supposed to be 9:00, but was actually 8:30), we had to wait 60-90 for the majors. This would be like no FP+ on Space & Splash at MK, ToT & Toy Story at DS, Soarin' & Test Track at EPCOT, and Everest at AK. Express still was a bonus, but...
-Everything at Universal that is not part of the HP world seemed derivative of a Disney attraction. Shrek was like Tough to be a Bug, Men in Black was Buzz, Mummy was Indiana Jones. Even the best part about Forbidden Journey was just a sped up Soarin'. Having said that, Diagon Alley and the other one are awesome. Definitely pull you into a different place. I am not a HP fan, but I was awe-struck by the theming.
-Mine Train is basically Big Thunder.
-Memory Maker is a steal. 500 professional pictures linked to 8 people for $169. Yes, please.
-WDW isn't WDW without Splash. I don't care what the temperature is.
-Maybe I could have saved a few bucks by not going with the dining plan, but if I had been paying out of pocket, it would have been a less "magical" experience. It's nice not to stress about the money once there.
-Christmas season at Wilderness Lodge ends precisely at 11:00pm on January 8th. It was at that time that over 30 cast members came in with carts and a crane to make everything disappear. It was pretty cool, I kept an eye on the procedure for a few hours, got some cool pix, and in the morning there wasn't a wreath to be found.
