I stated in another thread I would post this, so here it is. The place to disagree over which is better, Universal or Disney! Please, let's try to keep this from getting out of hand.

To start things off, I believe that Citywalk is better than Downtown Disney. Citywalk is sleek and compact, while Downtown Disney is bulky and inefficent. Meaning, you have to walk all the way around Pleasure Island JUST to get from the Marketplace to West Side, or vice versa. Plus, bussing and parking is hectic. Citywalk is convenient and is located right next to the parks, plus right outside its border there are two huge parking structures with moving sidewalks that transport you right into the complex. Instead of hectic bussing, Citywalk provides a serene Water Taxi to and from parks, hotels, and Citywalk. I also think Universal has the better restaurants. Downtown Disney has ESPN Zone and Rainforest Cafe, but in my opinion Citywalk's selection is surperior featuring NBA Live, Hard Rock Cafe, Bob Marley's, and a Cheeseburger in Paradise (its exact name escapes me). They also both have a huge cineplex, but that's really a tie there. No real winner. The great thing about Downtown Disney, though, is Disney Quest, the virtual indoor theme park. BUT, they're closing that down and replacing it with a *gasp* unoriginal restaurant, ESPN Zone! Meanwhile, Universal is getting a brand new club and restaurant titled the Red Coconut.

Just my opinion. Argue all you wish.

-skippyskippy

I Totally Agree 100% Skippy

Wow. That's a first. LOL!

-skippyskippy

I Prefer How Universal Has It Settup lol

true, very true.

Universal Islands of Adventure has scarier and faster rides, but there are only a few rides there (and way shorter lines!). Disney has slower but fun rides. They both have story lines for their rides which is all it needs to make it a good ride to me. So they are pretty equal. But I live in California, Universal has a total of 5 rides, boring rides you only want to ride once (except the mummy, but thats only 30 seconds long), so Disney easily beats it in California.

Actually I Love Spider Man And Dudley Du rights Rip Saw Falls

I Always Find Something New On The ride Everytime i Go On It

I loved those, and the hulk, but Dueling Dragons is still the best ride there, Go Ice!!!

I somewhat prefer the Studios part of Universal more than MGM in certain aspects. I'll still always love MGM for RnR and Tower of Terror, but The Mummy, Jaws, ET, etc...They're actually based off of movies, and MGM's turned into a Music/Movies/TV park now. And yes, I like CityWalk much more than Downtown Disney because it's easier to navigate, and it's got one of my favorite restauraunts in the world (Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville)!

On the other hand, while I agree certain parks are better in some aspects, I'd say Disney is better in total for having 4 parks, great hotels (Although Universal has amazing hotels too... Hard Rock Hotel! :D), very friendly service, convenient transportation, some amazing rides like Mission: SPACE, Test Track, Space Mountain, RnR, TOT, etc...So, in all, I'd have to go with Disney, but Universal DOES beat Disney in my own opinion in certain aspects.

Universal is quite nicer than Disney, what with their transportations and Universal Express Passes. If you stay at a hotel on site, you get free Express Passes, which also act as your roomkey. It is more convient than Disney, since Disney's Parks are scattered throughout that area. I'll give Universal all that, but Disney has more rides, not exactly for the older children, but they have some rides. They are almost equal in my opinion, and I still love them both!

The great thing about Downtown Disney, though, is Disney Quest, the virtual indoor theme park. BUT, they're closing that down and replacing it with a *gasp* unoriginal restaurant, ESPN Zone!
-skippyskippy
They're getting rid of DisneyQuest?!?! That's like my favorite part of Downtown! I have to agree with you on the orgainization thing though :).

Omg, they Cannot get rid of disney quest, that would be such a horrible move.

Well, surprise surprise, Disney is getting worse, and they're removing it!

I completely agree with whoever said that Disneyland beats Universal Studios Hollywood. That park needs some serious help, but Universal Orlando is thriving.

Now, it looks like Universal is trying to home in on the smaller kids. In 5 days they are opening up a brand new kids attraction in Seuss Landing, entitled the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Ride. It combines a People-Mover type view (only you go up, around, and over the island, not just at sides of buildings) plus dark ride show scenes depicting classic seuss stories! The best part is there are two completely different tracks that visit different locations (i.e. Sneetch Beach, Circus McGurkus Cafe Stupendous) and each contains separate show scenes, meaning its like there are two dark rides in one! I've seen some pictures and the ride looks great. Too bad I won't be able to ride it for a while.

Now, Universal has also started the Kids Play and Eat and Stay Free program, which is surely going to attract thrifty tourists with younger kids. Universal actually DOES have some great stuff for the little ones, specifically an entire area devoted to them in each park (Woody Woodpecker's KidZone at the Studios and Seuss Landing at Islands). Plus, there are tons of kid-friendly attractons elsewhere in the parks (Sinbad, Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, Storm Force, The Flying Unicorn, etc.) plus all the huge play areas. I think Disney still has the edge on kid-oriented fun, but Universal is coming on strong and may someday cater to kids just as well as Disney.

Argue all you want...

-skippyskippy

Walt Disney World > (Put place here)

It's GREATER than any other place because Walt Disney World is MUCH MORE than just theme parks...

It means something more to people...

I didn't grow up going to Walt Disney World all my life... I grew up wanting to go to Walt Disney World...

Simply watching the Fireworks going off over Cinderella Castle beats Universal 100X over... It's the feeling you get watching them... It's the feeling that you know you're somewhere special, and that a dream might be coming true...

It's clear to me that you are a biased Disneyphile, Middie. You won't give any other park a chance. Whether it's Six Flags, Paramount, Universal, or whatever. Honestly, what's so great about it? Sure, there's a little magical feeling. But WDW is very corporate, and is continuing to go down the drain. (It's vice versa over in California. Disneyland's getting better and better.) Yeah, there are 4 parks. But it's QUALITY, not QUANTITY.

-skippyskippy

It's clear to me that you are a biased Disneyphile, Middie.

If you're saying that I wanted so badly to take a vacation down to Orlando just to go to Walt Disney World like so many other kids across the country/globe, then yea... You could say I'm biased...

I grew up wanting to see that Castle in real life... Heck, I wanted just to pass by the gates of Walt Disney World in real life... The first time I actually got to go to Walt Disney World is a day a dream came true...

Universal was just something just extra... something to fit in if we had time... But DEFINITELY not a place where I begged my parents to take me nor had any dreams about visiting...

Whether you actually like Walt Disney World, people still go just so they can tell their friends/family that they've actually been there... It's a "Right-of-Passage" for young kids and grown adults alike... And that's what's so special...

And I don't appreciate you judging me on what amusement parks I like and don't like... I grew up with "Six Flags, Playland, Dorney park, Great Escape" but while my family was there... We all just wished we could be at Walt Disney World... So I know what it's like to visit a Disney park, and I can tell the difference... ;)

BTW: And I can CLEARLY see you're a "Universalphile" Skippyskippy... So there, we're even...:Tongue:

I don't mind being called a Universalphile. In fact, I'm a Disneyphile as well. I'm just saying that you won't even give the darn park a chance. In many ways it's better than (or equal to) Walt Disney World. Okay!? It's not a bad park!

-skippyskippy

I don't mind being called a Universalphile. In fact, I'm a Disneyphile as well. I'm just saying that you won't even give the darn park a chance. In many ways it's better than (or equal to) Walt Disney World. Okay!? It's not a bad park!

-skippyskippy

I went to all seven theme parks in Orlando...

I felt like I was riding the same exact rides at Seaworld, Universal, and Walt Disney World...

ALL of the companies use the same basic "Special Effects" on their rides, and they get old and tiring after a while...

Nothing was really special at Seaworld and Universal to me... and that's why my "Dream" of going to Walt Disney World is so important to me and what truly set Walt Disney World apart... I would go to Walt Disney World just to stare at each of their park icons... However, I would not go to Universal to stare at their "Globe..."

Okay, then if you're THAT obsessed, there's no use arguing with you. It's all Disney this, Disney that. Disney's awesome, Universal and Seaworld are boring. Yadda yadda. There's no convincing you, as you are permanently convinced to believe that Disney is the only good theme park ever.

-skippyskippy

I was the one who said universal hollywood is bad, but islands of adventures is amazing! I saw the ppl mover like ride and thought it was an old attraction, but it was a new one that wasn't open yet! darn, dueling dragons is my all time favorite ride so I love the different rides. pay attention to the scenery and story and you'll see it's different everywhere you go.

Okay, then if you're THAT obsessed, there's no use arguing with you. It's all Disney this, Disney that. Disney's awesome, Universal and Seaworld are boring. Yadda yadda. There's no convincing you, as you are permanently convinced to believe that Disney is the only good theme park ever.

-skippyskippy

Yup...

And I came to that conclusion AFTER visiting all seven theme parks so I could form my own honest opinion...

And not because I'm a "Disneyphile...":Tongue:

Disney and Universal are both great! However if Universal built Rock N' Roll Roalercoaster, It would be a blue rollercoaster with some rocks around it. That would be UNEXEPTABLE in Disney. I would say Disney puts more work and time into their rides. Disney also keeps it at hight quality with cheap prices. Spider-Man the ride cost TWICE as much as Everest. Everest is an exelent ride and so is Spider-Man but Spider-Man gets old after a few times. I love Universal but if you gave me the choice I would go to Disney. Sea World is not that great. Not even close to Universal or Disney. I went on a feild trip there and I had NO FUN! It was just learning. A tip to Sea World, kids don't want to learn about the ocean in a theme park!!! (or at least I don't) Basicly Disney and Universal are the top dogs. Their at the same level. But I have to give disney props for being an old company and still near the top! Disney is just more classic. :D

You are right!! Disney Has that Magic Touch! And as far as the other Parks,
Well, I'm not Feeling them!

*Sigh*, more biased remarks...

Here's a new topic to discuss/disagree/blatantly post bias comments over:

Peter Pan's Flight vs. E.T. Adventure

Okay, I'm going to tell you right now that I LOVE Peter Pan's Flight. I rode it as a kid and continued to ride it up to the present. I also rode Peter Pan before E.T., so don't go saying that I just hate Disney. I love Disney just as much as most of you.

Now, the comparison:

Exterior
Peter Pan's Flight: Medieval Fair-Tent Style building with nice, detailed marquee of the characters.
E.T. Adventure: Soundstage with giant E.T. images.
Winner: Peter Pan's Flight

Fastpass/Express
Peter Pan's Flight: Offers Fastpass.
E.T. Adventure: Offers Universal Express.
Winner: Tie

Preshow
Peter Pan's Flight: No preshow
E.T. Adventure: Offers a 4 minute film starring Steven Spielburg and of course E.T. The short movie explains the plot.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Queue
Peter Pan's Flight: Open-air switchbacks; little theming.
E.T. Adventure: Begins like Peter Pan, but after the Preshow you are dumped into a huge, lifelike forest with the famous E.T. scent, realistic sound effects, and several audio-animatronics.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Ride Vehicles
Peter Pan's Flight: Suspended Pirate Ships. Hold an average of 2 people.
E.T. Adventure: Suspended Bikes. Holds a little over a dozen per vehicle. E.T.'s vehicles are slightly more fun and unique than Peter Pan's, but the problem is that the bikes are on an ugly platform.
Winner: Tie

Robotics
Peter Pan's Flight: Manequins that move their heads and certain body parts. Mouths do not move in sync with audio. Jerky movement.
E.T. Adventure: 15-year old Audio-Animatronic characters that (mostly) move in-sync with audio. These ol' robotics are starting to show their age.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Overhead View
Peter Pan's Flight: A beautiful and gorgeously detailed overhead view of nighttime London.
E.T. Adventure: A detailed, yet, somewhat boring overhead view of some town.
Winner: Peter Pan's Flight

Storyline
Peter Pan's Flight: Same as the movie. Sort of hard to follow during the ride.
E.T. Adventure: A simple storyline with its plotholes. Story is easy to follow during the ride.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Thrill
Peter Pan's Flight: No real thrill. The rider doesn't feel as if he/she is into the story itself. The vehicle remains at the same speed the entire time.
E.T. Adventure: Riders are part of the story. The ride features some dangerous and exciting scenes. Vehicle accelerates and slows down in sync with the action.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Innovation
Peter Pan's Flight: Cool little moving car "headlights" in the streets of London.
E.T. Adventure: A personal farewell from E.T.; he says goodbye to each rider by their first name.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

Gift Shop
Peter Pan's Flight: No Gift Shop?
E.T. Adventure: E.T.'s Toybox featuring Toys, Candy, and 3 E.T. Photo Ops.
Winner: E.T. Adventure

The Results:
Peter Pan's Flight: 2 Wins
E.T. Adventure: 7 Wins
Ties: 2

Winner: E.T. Adventure

Argue all you wish.

-skippyskippy

I have only been to DisneyWorld not Citywalk at Universal so I would have no idea what it is like, but the way you put it I will only have to agree so no argueing here.

Thanks for not being biased about Disney and actually giving Universal a chance. :)

-skippyskippy

I for the most part agree with everthing you said there, I want to do one too, this one though a battle between Jurassic Park and Splash Mountain.


1. Outside Theme Design
Splash Mountain: From several locations throughout fronteirland you can see the really neat looking mountain, with the showcase being the drop.
Jurassic Park: A kind of drab looking building with a bunch of trees.

Winner: Splash Mountain


2. Que Line
Splash Mountain: Depending on the wait, can either twist around in some open area for a long time, or can go straight through into through the mountain, not much intersting stuff there though.
Jurassic Park Similar to Killamanjaro Safari's que, some wrapping around in a closed area, but again not much intersting.

Winner: Tie

3. Story
Splash Mountain: A rabbit moves from his old place to a new place, but a bear and a fox are hot on his trail, until sending him (and you) down into this thorny bracket (can't remember what its called). Then Miracously, Brer Rabbit survives, and suddenly there's partying and Brer Fox and Bear somehow find themself in a pickle.
Jurassic Park: A simple Jungle Cruise that goes haywire when a Parasopholosaurus knocks your boat off course and into the predator area. Somehow there is a waterfall in this place.

Winner: Tie

4. Music
Splash Mountain A couple of catchy songs that can get quite annoying (especially Zip-a-dee-do-dah) and more so when they are played in ever disney commercial.
Jurassic Park: Featuring sparingly, but still wonderfully the two themes by John Williams, and I think the Predator Motif from the first Jurassic Park.

Winner: Joh... Jurassic Park


5. Build Up to Drop:
Splash Mountain: Some talking vultures, and a screaming Brer Rabbit.
Jurassic Park: Great animatronic Dinsaurs, that actually add to the suspense, and lots more terrifying things.

Winner: Jurassic Park

6. Drop
Splash Mountain: 50 ft
Jurassic Park: 80 ft

Winner: Jurassic Park

7. Animatronics
Spash Mountain: Some okay looking, outdated animal animatronics.
Jurassic Park: Great looking, and truly terryfing dinosaurs, some even rivaling their movie-counterparts.

Winner: Jurassic Park


Overall Winner: Jurassic Park (4/7)

true, very true.

Universal Islands of Adventure has scarier and faster rides, but there are only a few rides there (and way shorter lines!). Disney has slower but fun rides. They both have story lines for their rides which is all it needs to make it a good ride to me. So they are pretty equal. But I live in California, Universal has a total of 5 rides, boring rides you only want to ride once (except the mummy, but thats only 30 seconds long), so Disney easily beats it in California.


Hmm Islands of adenture is mostly all rides ...

Skippy, I would have to agree with you for most of you posts. I, like everyone else, absolutely love the Mouse, but Universal has always been better in my opinion. Even though I live absolutely know where near the parks, I am constantly reseaching for the next time I get a chance to visit. More often then not, I find myself looking at more Universal than Disney. Both parks seem to share some similar concepts (i.e.: The S.D.C. rides, or Skipper Driven Cruises [Note: This Acronym is not the actual time of ride. I just invented a name for it because I was sick of never knowing what to call it]. The Jungle Cruise has it's home in Disney, while Universal has Jaws, respectively), But both have taken of in different directions in theming.

Both parks also play a lot on theming, which can usually make or break a ride if it is not a coaster. But becuase of the similar rides, it all comes down to a matter of theming. For example, which ride to you would have a better theme? A Men in Black Sally darkride, in which you join the MIB ranks while saving New York City from an alien invasion, or helping Buzz Lightyear take down Emperor Zurg? If both of thost sounf as an interesting premise, then the onride theming should change your mind. Men in Black uses audio animotronics for Men in Black, which each go around performing different michevious acts throughout the ride. Buzz Lightyear, on the other hand, has you shooing cutouts of monsters, with a few amount of actual Audio Animitronics, with some pretty cheesy looking space sets. Bpth attractions are very interesting and well-done, but MIB takes the cake in theming.

I am sure that I will have some very big Disney fanactics call me out on not talking about attractions such as EVerest, and by all means, go ahead. I know that this post is mostly focused on the good aspects of Universal, so feel free to give me some examples of how I was wrong in the process.

Skippy, you are probably getting a lot of biased remarks because of the fact that this is a forum about a Disney run game. Most people discovered the game in Disneyland itself, therefore most of the VMK players who were big fans of Disney before are posting there opinion on how great Disney is. If Universal were to create VUS (Virtual Universal Studios), and in turn a forum was created and grew to the same popularity as this forums, and the exact same thread was posted, most would say that Universal Studios was the best, for the sole fact that most of the players would be long time Universal lovers.
-cave

I have given Universal Plenty of tries! Just the wait time for a Burger
tells me they just don't care! And Lack of new rides! It just Adds up!!
There's no magic! There's no thrill when you can see the parking lot
coming down the ride! ARHH!!

See yA!

Thanks for not being biased about Disney and actually giving Universal a chance. :)

-skippyskippy
Hey. I gave Universal so many chances their heads spinned and still I I'd rather go to Disney. I love them both but Disney is my favorite. And by the way, any comment against Universal is concidered biased to you.

I have given Universal Plenty of tries! Just the wait time for a Burger
tells me they just don't care! And Lack of new rides! It just Adds up!!
There's no magic! There's no thrill when you can see the parking lot
coming down the ride! ARHH!!

See yA!


well, the wait time in disney, is, IMO, much much worse. There was one time where I had to wait one and a half hours for the Pizzafari at AK.

And by the way, any comment against Universal is concidered biased to you.

LOL... I was thinking the same thing...

Hey Skippyskippy...

Why not post a ride at Walt Disney World that you feel is actually better than Universal's counter-ride...

That sounds fair...

Don't get me wrong ppl. I love Universal!!! Just nothing there exites me anymore. No new rides. Same stuff!!!! Disney's classic rides (pirates, splash mountain, tower of terror, ext.) for some reason don't get old... :D

Peter Pan's Flight vs. E.T. Adventure
Of course E.T. will be better. You're comparing a ride based off of 1950s technology to one off of 1990s technology (I would hope the 1990s technology would win). You can say the same with Star Tours vs. Back to the Future (in which Back to the Future is better) or shall I say Back to the Future vs. Soarin' or Mission SPACE (which are better than Back to the Future but newer technology). Comparisons between specific rides can go on and on and on.

Universal has its advantages and it targets a certain audience, but I have to say the attendance and revenue numbers clearly show Disney World as the runaway frontrunner overall. There isn't a theme park resort with its scale, name recognition, and experience you get out of it in the world.

There's no magic! There's no thrill when you can see the parking lot
coming down the ride! ARHH!!

See yA!

I hate that too!!!! But Disney has that on one part on Everest and Tower of Terror. Universal has tons of that too!!!!! You Universal and Disney fans know what I'm talking about. When you see the parking lot from on one of the rides! It's a turn down for any park including Disney. (I felt I had to say including Disney to show skippy I'm not making biased post)

YAY skippyskippy you finally made a new post. This might be a little long and i won't try to be too biasest and side with Disney 100%. Disney and Universal have been batteling since the dawn of time. Both have similar qualties and far different qualities. Lets start off with Universal

Universal Qualities: Universal has been a great park ever since it opened. The rides are all based off of Movies and comics that Universal pictures made. The first park of Orlando is based more off their most popular movies such as Jaws and their leading network Nickelodean. This park is ok the rides are decent and good for little kids. The additition of the Mummy sky rocketed the people who came to the park. It is a one of a kind coaster first one to have a switch track backwards. This made a great addition to the park. Now on to Islands of Adventure. Great park based on cartoons and comics. Some great coasters this was their way to attract the teen crowd good move on their part. Rides are themed more than the ones at their other park. Incredible Hulk and Jurrasic park have great theming. This is a great park for Thrill seekers. The shows are ok not 100% only shows i like are the Halloween Fright Fest shows.

Universal Downsides:The rides are semi ok rides should i say. Despite The roller coasters there it is an ok park. The shows are not as great as Disneys by far. Fear Factor Experience it? Come on you had to come up with something better than that. Rides are poor and without the major titles like Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc. Universal has nothing that will compete to Disney.

Now on to Disney

Disney Qualties: I am not going to say much because i want to skip to the point. The themeing is off the hook like crazy. Beautifuly done artwork, music sound, structure. Soarin' Amazing, Expedition Everest Mind boggoling, and Test track heart stopping. These rides are amazing even when they start to go down in awesomeness they refurb it for a few months and it is right back into the game. Disney has far more qualties than Universal. Shows 100% better. And now with the Year of a million dreams Disney should be off the hook.

Disney Downsides: TOOOOOOOOOOO MANNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYY PEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEE! Sorry for that. That is the only thing that gets me lots of people. People attract there from many places. Now that you can stay cheaper than before that is bringing the people in by truckloads. With the new Year of a Million Drams more people will come expected to be a lucky person and get a dream. Also i do not like the heat well at least in Florida it drives me crazy.


Conclusion: Both Disney and Universal has its ups and downs. I am giving Disney the overall hand because of one man. That is Walt Disney. The reason why? One reason. It is a Family oriented park designed for families to get together. There is nothing more important in this world then your family. So all i have to say is Thank you Walter Elias Disney. And "To all who come to this happy place welcome."

Okay, let's do two of my favorite rides. Star Tours vs. Back to the Future


Queue area decoration:
Star tours: An AT-AT walker, and alot of trees resembling Endor.
Back to the future: A big outdoor walkway with the train used in parth three and the car.
Winner: Star Tours.

Thrill factor:
ST: Kinda cool, but actually not that much thrill besides going through a comet.
BTTF: Dinosaurs.Lava.Crashing into a Texaco sign. What more to it?
Winner: Back to the Future.

Special effects: Kinda choppy screen animation on both of them.
Tie.

Design of ride Vehicles.
Say, A spaceship looks kinda cool, But a Delorean is alot better. Gullwing doors...
Winner: BTTF

Total: BTTF wins!

P.S has anyone heard about this new show at Universal called Universal 360? It's a 360-degree telivision screen, kinda like a snowglobe, playing all of your favorite scenes from movies.

Apples to oranges... cannot be compared... why do people do this.... each has it's advantages and disadvantages...

To start things off, I believe that Citywalk is better than Downtown Disney. Citywalk is sleek and compact, while Downtown Disney is bulky and inefficent. Meaning, you have to walk all the way around Pleasure Island JUST to get from the Marketplace to West Side, or vice versa.
-skippyskippy

walking is good!!

Anyways, I couldn't say because I've only been to universal once when I was very litte and all I did was see a Barny(sp?) show!! So I can't really say lol

yes yes BUT:
Universal Commercial: If I hug another princess I'm gonna hurl!
what did Disney do to hurt them?

I agree 100% with skippy

In my opinion i like disney much better bc i don't like fast rides. And i know unverisal has there fast pass but ( i think ) only ppl that stay at the hotels can use them. And disneys fast pass is much more orgnazied. I like City Walk but it has more of an Adult theme but then again so does Down Town Disney bc of Pleasure island wich i think is scary LOL! I wish universal had more slower things like slowery rides and more shows all they have is Fear Factor live! Wich is really good but not as good as Fantasmic so all in all i think Disney has the slight edge for us who are afraid of scary and fast things but Universal does have better things then disney. Just my opinion :)

Okay, let's do two of my favorite rides. Star Tours vs. Back to the FutureI could say Back to the Future vs. Mission SPACE or Back to the Future vs. Soarin'. The only purpose comparisons like those serve is to force one you personally like being better than another.

Even though Disney has thrills, Universal is the park to go to if you are a thrill seeker.

Actually NaviMap, when you put Back to the Future against Star Tours, I think Star Tours is better. It has some sort of an edge, I don't know. I come off of that ride thinking "Wow, that was fun!". I'm not going to post all the stats, but I honestly prefer STAR TOURS to BACK TO THE FUTURE.

Ta da! You happy, MiddieBear? ;)

Btw, maybe I wouldn't be so quick to say someone's biased if people would just stop saying Universal stinks because it isn't Disney... :rollseyes:

If you put Back to the Future up against Soarin, Soarin wins, that ride is spectacular. As for Mission: Space... that's just a little TOO jarring. And I thought Back to the Future was bad.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Fear Factor Live is awful. That thing has "temporary space filler" written all over it. Especially since the show has been canceled from the NBC fall lineup!

-skippyskippy

Btw, maybe I wouldn't be so quick to say someone's biased if people would just stop saying Universal stinks because it isn't Disney...

-skippyskippy

I said this for the millionth time now I like both but prefer Disney!!!

I didn't necessarily mean you... there are just a lot of OTHER PEOPLE (glares at MiddieBear, rofl) (jk Middie) who are just Disney, Disney, Disney. They won't give other parks like Universal a chance. And then they say that Universal is terrible because it isn't Disney. C'mon! Give the Woodpecker a chance!

The Universal Commercial thread was the main thing that ticked me off... that was like adding fuel to fire.

Also, I've seen that I've already gotten 4 reputation comments concerning this thread. What I got was very civil and well-done, so let's keep it that way. Please don't give me bad rep just because I think Universal is better than Disney in many ways. Thank you for the two people that gave me positive rep. :)

-skippyskippy

Ta da! You happy, MiddieBear? ;)


Yea... :)

BTW: I ironically would have to say that I found "Back to the Future" to be the best ride at Universal Studios theme park...

I was literally bored out of my mind the day I went to Universal Studios... Because that park is ironically just filled with kiddy dark rides...

I know...

Universal is "supposed" to be the thrill park...:Tongue:

BUT: when my family and I went on Back to the Future I was surprised at how good it was... The IMAX screen is amazing... It makes you feel like you're actually going "80 mph..."

While in "Star Tours" the screen is too small, and you also don't go very far...

I think Disney needs to update it...

Well, it was about a fraction win. The only problem I have with BTTF is that it's really rough. You can get a serious headache sitting in the back row. :@@:

And kiddie dark rides? There's only 1 kiddie dark ride at the Studios, 2 if you count Jimmy Neutron. The other is E.T. Adventure.

-skippyskippy

Skippy does have a point that the ride is rickety-rackety, but not as much as space mountain ;) Also Soarin' Over California was...The most breathtaking ride I've ever been on. That is probably my favorite non-thrill ride. Also, we have barely discussed the fireworks shows/ shows on any Universal vs. Disney thread. On july 29th I am going to Universal and I will see the new show "Universal 360." I saw the commercial for it and it looked pretty cool. I will post what the show is like, along with the new Dr. Seuss ride. ( I forgot the name. )

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Ride! You're going to get to ride it!? PLEASE ride it for me! Rofl, my next trip to Orlando is still TBA, so I doubt I'll get to try it for a while. If you guys are wondering why I'm going so insane over this one ride, it's because I have been waiting for this thing to open... for 6 and a half years... (it was supposed to open with the park, but... long story).

And yes, up until now Disney has always been the king concerning night shows. Universal did have this cool nightshow called the Dynamite Stuntacular, but it was canceled due to expense and I believe some dangor factors? I haven't seen the commercial for Universal 360 yet, but that looks great as well. Tell me how it was, Jurassic.

-skippyskippy

Well Universal 360 is literally IMAX or TV screens that are spheres, and they play scenes from different movies in 360 degrees. Click this link and look at the Universal 360 ad, the first result. http://www.universalorlando.com/hd_new.html

Hello all,

Guys, let's be realistic here. You can't say Universal is better than Disney without even trying Universal Studios/Islands of Adenture first. Universal has some GREAT, one-of-a-kind rides. Disney has some GREAT, one-of-a-kind-rides too. Both parks have their own pros and cons.

It all depends on what you like. The people who prefer less-thrilling experiences probably would prefer Disney, since they've got things for everyone to enjoy. If you don't like rides, visit Downtown Disney and go shop and eat or something. Universal has the same thing. If you don't like rides, visit CityWalk. In my opinion, it's better than Downtown Disney in a "night-life" sense.

In a nutshell, both parks are great. It is true that Universal is the #2 park compared to Disney, but that doesn't mean they're a dull park. Their coasters are amazing and their shows are spectacular. Disney World's got amazing coasters and spectacular shows too. If you've never been to either parks, you'd probably visit Disney World over Universal, but maybe after your visit you'll want to try something new.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure a great "try something new" parks. I got a little bored with the same attractions over and over at Disney, so I'll visit Busch Gardens or US/IoA just to try something new. That doesn't mean I don't like Disney. It just means I am trying new things. I bet if you gave Universal the chance, you'd probably figure out that it's a great park. You can like more than one amusement park, people. That's allowed. Disney doesn't have to be the sole park you enjoy. Broaden your horizens. Branch out of your tree. Try something different, and you may just find out that it's fun after all...

~fo

Next topic... this one will be close, I think. Perhaps even a tie.

Splash Mountain vs. Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls

Exterior
Splash Mountain: The big ol' classic mountain with tree stump. Quaint, serene, yet adventurous and exciting.
Ripsaw Falls: A huge dynamite shack structure. The ride structure itself is a little less exciting than Splash Mountain, but it's the extras that take the cake. There's a big Mt. Rushmore style mountain next to it featuring Horse, Nell, The General, and of course Dudley. There's also a giant tower boasting a huge Mounty Hat. Plus, unlike Splash Mountain, there are TWO lanes for dropping instead of one. Plus the abseloutley beautiful backdrop.
Winner: Tie

Queue
Splash Mountain: Some switchbacks and tunnels featuring some fun details. Brer Frog entertains guests.
Ripsaw Falls: Some switchbacks followed by some mostly indoor somewhat detailed rooms. Two talking animal heads crack jokes (some poking fun at Disney!)
Winner: Tie

Vehicles
Splash Mountain: Two laned logs. Look like giant tree trunks due to width. Lapbars and I believe seatbelts.
Ripsaw Falls: Mean and lean red logs. No seatbelts, no lapbars, nothing. Just the seat in front of you.
Winner: Tie

Robitics
Splash Mountain: Three-Dimensional Audio-Animatronics that have mouths that move in sync with audio. They dance, they hop, they attempt to capture rabbits.
Ripsaw Falls: Purposefully corny robotics, mostly robotic "dolls" (robotics that move, but their mouths don't move in-sync with audio). Meant to look like a cartoon, which, admittedly, works great, it just doesn't compare with the furry critters at Splash.
Winner: Splash Mountain

Sound
Splash Mountain: Several catchy songs from Song of the South, and some overly loud and obnoxious other sound effects.
Dudley Do Right: Some well done sound effects (i.e. Train) plus some herioc music from the cartoon.
Winner: Tie

Thrill
Splash Mountain: 3 Drops, 1 Small, 1 Dark, 1 Huge. Huge drop is 50 feet; lapbars and saftey belts prevent any feeling of "out of control-ness".
Ripsaw Falls: 3 Drops, 1 Small, 1 Dark, 1 Huge. Huge drop is 60 feet, plus an extra "bunny hop" at the base of the mountain for added thrill. No seatbelts or lapbars, so you truly feel out of control plummeting down the falls.
Winner: Ripsaw Falls

Results:
Splash Mountain: 1
Ripsaw Falls: 1
Ties: 4

Winner: Tie
I love both rides very dearly. Ripsaw Falls does have an edge with its thrill factor, but Splash Mountain counters with its well-done robotics. Both are excellent rides that are worth your time.

-skippyskippy

In my opinion, I'd have to say I like Splash Mountain a bit better. I think their animatronics and their ride interior is amazing.

As for the seats, Splash Mountain has no lap bar and no seatbelt. There is a small handlebar that is carved into the front of the log if you want to hang on, but there's nothing that keeps you FIRMLY in your seat.

You should compare the Hulk Coaster to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. I think RnRC is better themed, but the Hulk Coaster may beat it out on excitement...

~fo

I'm not the thrill type of person so for me I would say Disney.Universal has too many thrill rides for me. I like ET though!

Well, that's just my opinion. They're both excellent rides. And I thought there WAS a saftey belt and lapbar? I know Disneyland's is like Ripsaw Falls, nothing but the seat in front of you. Hmm...

And yes, Hulk and RRC would be a good comparison. Telling you right now: I think Hulk is much better. ;)

Either way, I'll post a comparison later. Anyone else have some good comparing ideas?

-skippyskippy

Disney. is. the. best. Although yes, transportation to Downtown Disney is EXTREMELY hectic compared to Citywalk, Disney has four theme parks, two water parks, an entertainment complex(two if you count the boardwalk), 24 hotels, and a sports complex, while Universal has two theme parks, an entertainment complex, and what three hotels? im not sure about that stat. The staff is friendlier at Disney. The park is cleaner. Disney was the first to have most any of these types of attractions, the theme park, the water park (River Country in 1975 for those non-Disney history freaks like me), on-property entertainment complex in general, and on-property hotel. Disney also makes you feel, as Walt Disney wanted "to feel as if you've stepped into a movie", in other words, everything feels more natural in Disney. You don't think "theme park" like you do in Universal. Instead, you think "a dream" or something that is completely unimaginable lol. It's simply unable to be described the magical feeling that you get inside Disney. It's got a bigger mix of attractions for younger kids and older people, and some in between. The atmosphere, attraction diversity, and expansiveness of Disney simply blows Universal away.

Of course E.T. will be better. You're comparing a ride based off of 1950s technology to one off of 1990s technology (I would hope the 1990s technology would win). You can say the same with Star Tours vs. Back to the Future (in which Back to the Future is better) or shall I say Back to the Future vs. Soarin' or Mission SPACE (which are better than Back to the Future but newer technology). Comparisons between specific rides can go on and on and on.

Universal has its advantages and it targets a certain audience, but I have to say the attendance and revenue numbers clearly show Disney World as the runaway frontrunner overall. There isn't a theme park resort with its scale, name recognition, and experience you get out of it in the world.

preach on brother. I agree with everything you just said completely.

Yea... :)

BTW: I ironically would have to say that I found "Back to the Future" to be the best ride at Universal Studios theme park...

I was literally bored out of my mind the day I went to Universal Studios... Because that park is ironically just filled with kiddy dark rides...

I know...

Universal is "supposed" to be the thrill park...:Tongue:

BUT: when my family and I went on Back to the Future I was surprised at how good it was... The IMAX screen is amazing... It makes you feel like you're actually going "80 mph..."

While in "Star Tours" the screen is too small, and you also don't go very far...

I think Disney needs to update it...

See lol Skippyskippy, we would disagree on everything if i met you in real life. Back to the Future is one of the rides i can say matches up to Disney and surpasses some rides. Spider-Man as well. Everything else, i don't see why disney is even compared to universal sometimes.

Now, I am aware Walt Disney World is MUCH bigger than Universal Orlando. But, as the saying goes, Bigger isn't Better. WDW is a bit too chaotic for my tastes. It's HUGE! You get that feeling that you'll never be able to do everything, and you have to wait to get on a bus/monorail/ferry to go anywhere.

Second, have you even BEEN to Universal Orlando? I don't think "Theme Park" when I go into UO. I think Adventure... Excitement... Movie Magic. I think similar thoughts at WDW. Universal also technically has a water park, Wet'n'Wild, I believe the country's first water park, is right outside the property and is owned by Universal. Back to the Future, once again, is an amazing ride, but the roughness of it really puts it down a knotch. If it wasn't so rough, I'd prefer it to Star Tours. BUT, it definately beats Body Wars by a long shot.

Now, people have been complaining about comparing old technology to new technology. Well guess what guys. Universal seems to be more updated, eh? Seeing as it has the newer technology of COURSE it's most likely going to be better than Disney's older counterpart. Disney needs to update... so we could appreciate the classics. PLEASE get new robotics for Peter Pan... I've seen Mall Robotics that are better than those. Anyways, let's put it this way: Someone honestly tell me they think Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is better than Men in Black: Alien Attack.

Once again... people say Disney is better than Universal because it isn't Disney, or because Disney's "bigger". Bigger isn't always better, guys.

-skippyskippy

I've been to both parks and in my opinion Universal Studios&Island Of Adventure is more for BIG KIDS. Like 8 year olds and up. Disney World is still fror everyone except its a bit for younger kids such as 7 years and below although many adults still go to both places and have fun!:wave2:

Right on, LostSoulz. That's how I see it. Though it's not like young kids will be bored at UO... and vice versa at WDW. Older kids won't be bored at WDW, either.

Someone said that I consider a person "biased" if they say one thing against Universal. I only consider them biased if:

1. They have never even been to UO
2. They refuse to give other parks a chance (cough Middie cough ;))
3. They hate UO because it isn't Disney

I don't consider them biased if:

1. They just don't enjoy thrill rides
2. They gave the park a chance but prefers Disney
3. They had an unlucky visit/bad day
etc....

-skippyskippy

In my last post about Universal 360 I forgot to add the Link XD. Well it's on there now.

What is your point you're trying to prove here Skippyskippy???

"Go to Walt Disney World on your vacation down to Orlando, BUT Universal is worth checking out too..."

I think that if Disney changed Peter Pan, it would get even more criticism that Pirates is getting lol. And i don't like Star Tours.. another thing i disagree with on this forum. I think that the mere quality of Disney Parks is better than Universal parts. I guess that's my point in a sentence. Lol but don't listen to me, my very name is biased. But, Wet 'n' Wild i think is overrated. Sorry, but if it wasn't in the area that it was in, nobody would go to it. And yes, I have been to Universal Orlando twice, but never in Hollywood. However, i have never been to Disneyland either. And all the transportation, such as the monorails, ferryboats, even buses, "adds to the magic". For the most part, that is. It depends on what stop you are coming from. And, Wet 'n' Wild was in fact, not the first water park. River Country opened in 1975, Wet 'n' Wild in 1977.

I'm trying to prove to people that Universal doesn't stink, and it's every bit as good as WDW and in some ways even better. Clearly you can't grasp that.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Let's put it this way, disneyfreek... Wet'n'Wild was the first waterpark in the country that had more than 4 slides. :Tongue:

What is your point you're trying to prove here Skippyskippy???

"Go to Walt Disney World on your vacation down to Orlando, BUT Universal is worth checking out too..."

What's wrong with saying that? I've gone to WDW and Universal in a joint vacation multiple times.

Don't get me wrong, I still think WDW exceeds Universal in MANY, MANY things. Specifically theming, hotels, conveniency, friendliness of staff, the rides, etc. But I DO think Universal's got Disney in some comparisons, but the same way around as well. For example:

I think Jurassic Park is better than Splash Mountain.
I think Splash Mountain is better than Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls.
I think Philharmagic is better than Shrek 4D.
I think T2: 3D is better than Philharmagic.
I think RNR is better than The Hulk.
I think TOT is better than Dr. Doom (WAY better.)
I think Poseidon's Fury is better than Indiana Jones.
I think Fantasmic is better (WAY better.) than Poseidon's Fury.

I could go on and on. The fact is, I don't hate Universal (Nor would I ever) just because it's not Disney. I don't think anyone should without having gone to Universal. (That's just a general term. I think everyone should try Universal at one point, I think it's great!)

I understand where Skippyskippy is coming from...he's trying to start a friendly arguement and prove a point, and that he's done. He just needs to be careful. This is the LAST PLACE i would write something even speaking Universal's name. You might cause a Disney fanboy riot. hehe.

And yes poseidon, theming. That's the word i was looking for all along.

LOL Poseidon, the way I describe Dr. Doom to be people: "It's a poor man's Tower of Terror." ToT kicks DDFF's metallic butt.

And I haven't seen Philharmagic yet, so I can't comment on that.

I agree with you about Fantasmic as well.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Eek, I missed a few points. The staff at WDW are often more friendly, but it's not like Universal has mean staff.

Disney has more variety when it comes to lodging, but do you get all day free unlimited express when you stay there? Plus, the problem with WDW's hotels is that there are TOO MANY of them. I hear they're having problems filling all of the hotel rooms.

Convenience actually goes to Universal in my book. Everything's compact and easy to navigate. You can either walk to the parks or take the water taxi. At Disney, you have to wait 15 minutes to get on a bus and wait another 15 minutes to get to a park. See what I'm saying?

And I'd say they're pretty much tied for theming. Have you taken a look at the Universal Parks? Specifically in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, New York, San Fransisco/Amity, and Hollywood, the theming is spectacular. They even have a little hidden basketball court in an alleyway of New York. Though I'm not saying Disney has bad theming. Their theming's great! I love the lush gorgeous detail of Adventureland or the futuristic newspapers in Tomorrowland.

-skippyskippy

LOL Poseidon, the way I describe Dr. Doom to be people: "It's a poor man's Tower of Terror." ToT kicks DDFF's metallic butt.

-skippyskippy
Yeah, the only thing exciting about Dr. Doom is the launch. Then it's pretty much nothing. I'd rather go skydiving at get that feeling for about a minute. ;)

Well, the view is nice. :)
Especially if you get the view of the park. You can see so much!...

Here's a tip: Do NOT go to Richter's Burger Co. for lunch and then go ride Doctor Doom. I puked. Poor janitors. :(

-skippyskkippy

What's wrong with saying that?

Nothing is wrong with saying that... It was only a curious question...

EDIT: I'll leave this part out... FOR NOW... ;)

And all the transportation, such as the monorails, ferryboats, even buses, "adds to the magic".

I agree...

You have to look at it from a "Tourist" point of view...

A bus is no longer a bus... If you're in Walt Disney World and it has the classic "Disney" logo on it...

Tourists LOVE it and eat it all up...

You have to look at it from a "Tourist" point of view...

A bus is no longer a bus... If you're in Walt Disney World and it has the classic "Disney" logo on it...

Tourists LOVE it and eat it all up...
Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. I love the boat ride from the Boardwalk to MGM, I love the Monorail flying silently through the Contemporary all night long, and I love the Bus Rides from the Boardwalk to DAK...so yes, I agree, they've definately got Universal beat (Although, I did get to take a truck limo from The Hard Rock Hotel to the Airport coming back, so Universal's got Disney beat there. :Tongue: )

I also think that Disney has an advantage over pretty much any theme park, as there are MANY classic Family-oriented disney movies. What does universal have? ET, Back to the Future, Terminator, Jaws, Twister,Shrek, Marvel Comics, and Dr.Seuss. ET is about the closest thing you can compare to Disney. Many people have seen it, young and old. Back to the Future is for all audiences, and don't get me wrong, is an instant classic, but some of the younger audiences still have not gotten a chance to see it. Terminator, Jaws, and Twister are all older, adult-oriented movies which 1: Have not been seen by as many people from this era and 2: Are not seen by younger audiences. Shrek is a modern classic, whether it stays with us through the years, we'll see. Marvel is classic, but not the type of classic that "stays in our hearts". Some older people, with the exception of fanboys, think that it is kiddish, and the younger audiences, girls will say EWWWWWW! Dr. Seuss i loved by all, but the land that is devoted to it is incredibly devoted to kids. Which leads me to another point. This entire thread has been mentioning "Disney is focused towards younger audiences but Universal is focused more on older audiences and thrill rides". One reason that Disney is praised more is because Universal, for the MOST PART, either has entirely kid-based rides, such as Seuss Landing, or it has entirely adult-based rides, such as the Hulk. Disney for the MOST PART meshes the two and creates, as Walt Disney said "a place where children and parents can have fun- together". And back to my above point, i believe that i guess what i was trying to say is, Disney just has more of an advantage just because Disney movies leave more "touching memories in our hearts" as they say, where Universal movies just naturally don't do that.

Terminator, Jaws, etc. have all been seen by this generation. They're instant classics and will probably never be forgotten.

The whole transportation is issue is just time-consuming... you just want to get to the parks. And Universal meshes Kids and Adults pretty well... there are kid oriented attractions conveniently located right by the more adult attractions (Storm Force by Hulk and Doom, Flying Unicorn by Dueling Dragons).

-skippyskippy

I also think that Disney has an advantage over pretty much any theme park, as there are MANY classic Family-oriented disney movies. What does universal have? ET, Back to the Future, Terminator, Jaws, Twister,Shrek, Marvel Comics, and Dr.Seuss. ET is about the closest thing you can compare to Disney.

I agree with you once again... :)

I born in the late 80's and grew up during the early 90's when Disney was going through its "Golden Renaissance" in animation...

I grew up with hits like "The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King..." I grew up listening and remembering EVERY word of the movies' soundtracks... I grew up watching them on my VCR... I grew up playing with their toys...

Walt Disney World has TONS of places where I can sit back and get all nostalgic and make me go straight back to my childhood...

**Especially during their Fireworks...

Universal likes to proud themselves on "Staying Clear" of making people feeling nostalgic about their childhood... I guess that would be too "Corny..." But it's also something MANY people look for and expect when going to Orlando...

I agree with you once again... :)

I born in the late 80's and grew up during the early 90's when Disney was going through its "Golden Renaissance" in animation...

I grew up with hits like "The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King..." I grew up listening and remembering EVERY word of the movies' soundtracks... I grew up watching them on my VCR... I grew up playing with their toys...

Walt Disney World has TONS of places where I can sit back and get all nostalgic and make me go straight back to my childhood...

**Especially during their Fireworks...

Universal likes to proud themselves on "Staying Clear" of making people feeling nostalgic about their childhood... I guess that would be too "Corny..." But it's also something MANY people look for and expect when going to Orlando...

my point exactly

Oh ho, that brings me to another good point! Disney World is going down the drain. They clearly can't come up with classic, great attractions anymore (with the acception of Everest). Have you seen the attraction lineup for WDW? Finding Nemo: Live, Finding Nemo's The Living Seas, Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor... what do these parks all have in common? They're Pixar movies! Disney is pixarizing everything. Buzz Lightyear and Bugs Life were great, but now it's getting overly excessive. Plus Tomorrowland is becoming Future Fantasyland. Don't get me started on Stitch's Great Mistake... er, Escape...

-skippyskippy

Oh ho, that brings me to another good point! Disney World is going down the drain. They clearly can't come up with classic, great attractions anymore (with the acception of Everest). Have you seen the attraction lineup for WDW? Finding Nemo: Live, Finding Nemo's The Living Seas, Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor... what do these parks all have in common? They're Pixar movies! Disney is pixarizing everything. Buzz Lightyear and Bugs Life were great, but now it's getting overly excessive. Plus Tomorrowland is becoming Future Fantasyland. Don't get me started on Stitch's Great Mistake... er, Escape...

-skippyskippy

I'll have to agree and disagree with you there. While I DO NOT think Disney's going down the drain, I do think they're, as you say, "pixarizing" everything. It's getting a bit ridiculous, but that does NOT mean they're going down the drain.

Oh ho, that brings me to another good point! Disney World is going down the drain. They clearly can't come up with classic, great attractions anymore (with the acception of Everest). Have you seen the attraction lineup for WDW? Finding Nemo: Live, Finding Nemo's The Living Seas, Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor... what do these parks all have in common? They're Pixar movies! Disney is pixarizing everything. Buzz Lightyear and Bugs Life were great, but now it's getting overly excessive. Plus Tomorrowland is becoming Future Fantasyland. Don't get me started on Stitch's Great Mistake... er, Escape...

-skippyskippy

That is something that i WILL agree with you on. I think that Disney should not make any more movie based attractions. Pirates? Haunted Mansion? Small World? Space Mountain? Soarin'? Everest? Big Thunder? Kilamanjaro (sp?) Safaris? All classics that are NOT based on movies. But this also gives me another chance to smash Universal :) . When does Universal make attractions that aren't based on a show, movie, etc.? It's all taken over by the media and the temporary effects it has on society.

I don't mean financially. WDW is as vibrant in terms of sales as ever. I mean quality-wise. I.e.: Ripping out all of the Epcot classics and replacing them with cheap thrill rides. There's this great site out there (not going to say due to advertising) that has articles on what's going wrong at Disney and what needs to be done about it. There's also a section called "Bad Show" where the site finds bad show, takes a photograph of it, and posts it and discusses it. It's all about preserving the magic of Disney, and I'm all for 'em.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Aha! But I can counter that, disneyfreek! Ever heard of Poseidon's Fury, The 8th Voyage of Sinbad, or Dueling Dragons? Any of those ring a bell? But for the most part, Universal is the type of park that does base their stuff off of movies, shows, comics, and books. They often influence many things. Where would we be without the charming wackiness of Dr. Seuss? Or where would the movie industry be without the awesome Marvel comic books to base their films on? Or what about the Nicktoons and Cartoon Network, which would probably not even exist if it weren't for Popeye, Dudley Do Right, and other classic cartoon and comic strip characters.

-skippyskippy

It's better than being stagnant and not opening a single attraction in over a year...

I think even Universal fans would have to agree... They need to get their act together and open more rides... Or else Universal is going to lose even more than they already are...

But the truth is... NBC doesn't care about the theme park business... and Universal Orlando simply doesn't have the size to expand and create more attractions...

BTW: It REALLY "irks" me when people consider Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando is some sort of "Attendance Battle..." Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom park ALONE gets about 5 million MORE visitors a year... Count ALL FOUR parks and you've got around 43 million people a year (Walt Disney World), compared to 11 million people a year (Universal Orlando)...

How is that a "Dead heat Attendance Competition" like so many people make it out to be????

I think people need to realize that Walt Disney World is MORE worried about FAMILY tourist destinations like Hawaii or Las Vegas... THAN two theme parks across the street that don't even receive half the visitors Walt Disney World gets...

I'm not saying it's a heated Attendance war. And excuse me, did you just ignore the fact that Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, Shrek 4D, Revenge of the Mummy, and Fear Factor Live have all opened in the past few years? And are you forgetting that the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Ride opens in a mere 4 days? Or the new Universal 360 show? Universal indeed has room to expand, they have several HUGE lots by Jurassic Park, the Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, and World Expo. Now, I do agree with you about NBC. I kind of wish we still had Vivendi owning the parks.

-skippyskippy

I don't mean financially. WDW is as vibrant in terms of sales as ever. I mean quality-wise. I.e.: Ripping out all of the Epcot classics and replacing them with cheap thrill rides.

It's what the TOURISTS wanted...

And are you complaining about Disney ADDING thrill rides???

Actually, yes, I am. The only good move Disney has made with Epcot is gutting Food Rocks and replacing it with Soarin (though it was cheap of them to not make a new unique film). I've never been on Mission: Space, but as for Test Track, it's a fun ride, but it should have gone somewhere else. They had to kill of the classic rides such as World of Motion, Horizons, and the original Living Seas. Ugh.

This is basically what you're telling me: if tourists wanted Disney to kill off it's a small world and replace it with an open air lay-down coaster, they would do it. But would it actually happen? I highly doubt it.

-skippyskippy

I'm not saying it's a heated Attendance war. And excuse me, did you just ignore the fact that Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, Shrek 4D, Revenge of the Mummy, and Fear Factor Live have all opened in the past few years? And are you forgetting that the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Ride opens in a mere 4 days? Or the new Universal 360 show? Universal indeed has room to expand, they have several HUGE lots by Jurassic Park, the Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, and World Expo. Now, I do agree with you about NBC. I kind of wish we still had Vivendi owning the parks.

-skippyskippy

It may have been a "soft opening" like Everest had, but yesterday High-In-The-Sky Trolley was open with people on it...

I think the "ripping out" of Epcot attractions was to keep things new and fresh, not the same things over and over. Even Disney has to keep contemporary or there's really no reason to visit once you've been before.

I think rides have to be sincere classics for them to stay, rides that multitudes of people enjoy (i.e.- Splash, Space, and Big Thunder Mountains). I enjoyed Horizons when it was at Epcot, but they were a little out of date and they have to keep up and give crowds something new.

~fo

PS - Thrill rides aren't cheap...Expedition Everest was along the lines of $100 million ;) teehee

As for "it's a small world", I'd love to see it go as much as the next person, because frankly, I never ride it anyway. However, would a lay-down roller coaster really be that appropriate for Fantasyland? Unless you called (and themed it) along the lines of "Peter Pan's High-Flying Adventure" or something, I do not see it as a fitting addition.

Heh, Everest was a great addition to WDW, but unfortunately I can't say the exact same for Test Track. Disney has the space, so why did they gut the popular World of Motion attraction for a mediocre driving ride? Same deal with Mission: Space. That was just STUPID, what they did was tear down the Horizons building and replace it with a building SMALLER than the original building. What the heck are they thinking!? And here's one of those "Bad Show" examples I mentioned earlier... while waiting in line for Mission: Space, look up.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Aha! But I can counter that, disneyfreek! Ever heard of Poseidon's Fury, The 8th Voyage of Sinbad, or Dueling Dragons? Any of those ring a bell? But for the most part, Universal is the type of park that does base their stuff off of movies, shows, comics, and books. They often influence many things. Where would we be without the charming wackiness of Dr. Seuss? Or where would the movie industry be without the awesome Marvel comic books to base their films on? Or what about the Nicktoons and Cartoon Network, which would probably not even exist if it weren't for Popeye, Dudley Do Right, and other classic cartoon and comic strip characters.

-skippyskippy

I really did not enjoy my trip to Universal. It was just not fun to me ay all. Not just because it was not Disney, it was just, I do not even know why so many people go to that park (hides from bad rep for that) . That is my opinion. Now, as we know, Disey is starting to "pixarize" everything. Since Universal bases most of their attractions on movies, and disney is starting to, Does that mean that Disney is starting to become more like universal? I would not like it at all if this happened.

Heh, Everest was a great addition to WDW, but unfortunately I can't say the exact same for Test Track. Disney has the space, so why did they gut the popular World of Motion attraction for a mediocre driving ride? Same deal with Mission: Space. That was just STUPID, what they did was tear down the Horizons building and replace it with a building SMALLER than the original building. What the heck are they thinking!? And here's one of those "Bad Show" examples I mentioned earlier... while waiting in line for Mission: Space, look up.

-skippyskippy

I respectfully disagree, but that's what this thread is all about, LOL. :D

As I said before, Horizons was beginning to go out of date, and I trust they needed something new. Mission: SPACE, in my opinion, was the perfect addition to Epcot. After all, Epcot's Future World is about the future and exploration. Despite the problems with it, Mission: SPACE is a fun and exciting attraction that's contemporary, stylish, and unique.

As for Test Track, I think it's perfect for the park. Communication is one of Epcot's fortés, and one way of communication is via cars. Plus, the Test Track building looks pretty futuristic to me. And, so does the interior.

~fo

off topic:quick question ( if it has already been answered let me know)


is disney quest still open? because soon im staying at a hotel and going to disney theme parks for 2 days then on the third im going to disney quest.bc first post said " they are closing it down." im just concerned bc i havent been there yet.


EDIT:thx so much Middiebear for the info!

BUT, they're closing that down and replacing it with a *gasp* unoriginal restaurant, ESPN Zone! Meanwhile, Universal is getting a brand new club and restaurant titled the Red Coconut.

That's because Disney is partners with ESPN, so they would want to do something related to it. I'd rather go there then to some place with bloody coconuts!

Honestly, Disney is better and universal knows it.

This is basically what you're telling me: if tourists wanted Disney to kill off it's a small world and replace it with an open air lay-down coaster, they would do it. But would it actually happen? I highly doubt it.

Now that's a good idea...

Maybe not a "Air lay-down Coaster..." But a new thrill ride I'm always up for...

I HATE dark rides in ANY PARK... Universal or Disney... They're mad boring...

I don't care for the "Disney classic Dark Rides..." So I LOVE "Test Track" and "Mission: Space..." And I think the other tourists would agree with me...

BTW: YES... DISNEY QUEST is OPEN... Have fun!!! :)

Disney Quest will be open most likely for the remainder of the year, and then ESPN Zone'll be moving in.

Here's another topic to discuss: Food. Everyone has to eat on their vacation. The Unofficial Guide series unanimously agreed that Universal generally has the surperior dining, not just at Citywalk (which has everything from Starbucks to Emeril's to Jimmy Buffet's Margarativille) to the parks themselves, with a few notable acceptions. (These acceptions are Mel's Diner and the Richter Burger Co.) There's plenty of variety; Lombard's Landing boasts sea food while Finnegan's Bar and Grille boasts more irish and american fare. Then there's Louie's for Italian, International Food Fair for variety, Fire Eater's Grill for some healthier options, Mythos for some upscale dining, Cafe 4 for Pizza, Blondie's for huge sandwhiches and shakes, Moose Juice Goose Juice for delicious smoothies, Green Eggs and Ham Cafe for some more interesting selections, and of course the Burger Digs, arguably the best burger joint in all of Orlando. Disney does have several great food options (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Victoria and Albert's, and the California Grill to name a few), but generally Universal has the surperior dining.

Discuss, argue, etc...

-skippyskippy

Disney Quest will be open most likely for the remainder of the year, and then ESPN Zone'll be moving in.

Here's another topic to discuss: Food. Everyone has to eat on their vacation. The Unofficial Guide series unanimously agreed that Universal generally has the surperior dining, not just at Citywalk (which has everything from Starbucks to Emeril's to Jimmy Buffet's Margarativille) to the parks themselves, with a few notable acceptions. (These acceptions are Mel's Diner and the Richter Burger Co.) There's plenty of variety; Lombard's Landing boasts sea food while Finnegan's Bar and Grille boasts more irish and american fare. Then there's Louie's for Italian, International Food Fair for variety, Fire Eater's Grill for some healthier options, Mythos for some upscale dining, Cafe 4 for Pizza, Blondie's for huge sandwhiches and shakes, Moose Juice Goose Juice for delicious smoothies, Green Eggs and Ham Cafe for some more interesting selections, and of course the Burger Digs, arguably the best burger joint in all of Orlando. Disney does have several great food options (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Victoria and Albert's, and the California Grill to name a few), but generally Universal has the surperior dining.

Discuss, argue, etc...

-skippyskippy

Both Disney and Universal have their own good restaurants and bad restaurants. CityWalk's Margaritaville was delicious. I had the biggest "Cheeseburger in Paradise" I've ever had, LOL.

Disney has their fair share of superior dining, too. They've got the Liberty Tree Tavern (which is delicious), Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue (with TO-DIE-FOR barbeque foods), and if you want to go casual, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe has great food at a great price. However, I did find Universal's food to be a little cheaper.

I won't pick favorites. They both are great parks with great food and great service.

~fo

Well did you consider the other advantages to DLR or WDW or any Disney parks. Got to think Disney probably has way more to look at while you walk and talk then any other park in the world:)

Here's another topic to discuss: Food.

I don't think "Food" is that big of an argument when it comes to the tourists...

It COSTS A LOT of money to take your family to Orlando... I know our family doesn't have enough money to spend on a 4-star restaurant in ANY theme park resort property...

PLUS, after you're exhausted walking around ALL DAY in the park... Our family really doesn't feel like waiting on a long line to eat in a theme park... Or travel out of our way to get to the hotel where the restaurant is located...

I would say the average tourist will simply take advantage of their "Hotel/Motel Cafeteria" and "Counter-Service Restaurants" in the parks...

Which I think is EQUAL in QUALITY...

BUT: If you live near Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando... You may have more opportunities when it comes to dining...

Disney Quest will be open most likely for the remainder of the year, and then ESPN Zone'll be moving in.

-skippyskippy

Now this is off-topic, but are you sure this information is accurate? If so, where did you recive this info? Hope you can reply. I just do not want to see one of my favorite disney attractions go. Why would they need to take it down, if disney already has a ESPN place on the boardwalk?

They are thinking about taking Disney Quest out just to burst your bubble.

It may have been a "soft opening" like Everest had, but yesterday High-In-The-Sky Trolley was open with people on it...

I think the "ripping out" of Epcot attractions was to keep things new and fresh, not the same things over and over. Even Disney has to keep contemporary or there's really no reason to visit once you've been before.

I think rides have to be sincere classics for them to stay, rides that multitudes of people enjoy (i.e.- Splash, Space, and Big Thunder Mountains). I enjoyed Horizons when it was at Epcot, but they were a little out of date and they have to keep up and give crowds something new.

~fo

PS - Thrill rides aren't cheap...Expedition Everest was along the lines of $100 million ;) teehee

As for "it's a small world", I'd love to see it go as much as the next person, because frankly, I never ride it anyway. However, would a lay-down roller coaster really be that appropriate for Fantasyland? Unless you called (and themed it) along the lines of "Peter Pan's High-Flying Adventure" or something, I do not see it as a fitting addition.

completely agree with the first part

Jaws Vs. Pirates Of The Caribbean

Exterior

Pirates:
A Spanish Style Building Looking Very Realistic With An Animatronic Parrot Outside.
Jaws:
A small fishing shack with the Great White Shark Jaws Outside hanging by it's back fin.
Winner:
TIE!

Line

Pirates:
You go inside the spooky Spanish style building where you can whatch two skeliton pirates play chess and look around the Pirate hide out until you reach a small dock where you take off.
JAWS:
You go inside a small fishing shack that wraps around a few times. The T.V. plays a not so funny video which ruins the feel of the line.
Winner:
Pirates!

Ride Vehicals

Pirates:
just a normal boat that shows no originality.
Jaws
a boat similar to the jungle cruise with a roof and a skipper.
Winner:
JAWS!

Robotics

Pirates:
Slightly old animatronic pirates and animals. Although old they synch with the adio and in my opinion are great for the time they came out!!! Plus there where TONS of robotics in Pirates giving Pirates an upper hand.
JAWS:
A robotic shark scares the pee out of you in JAWS! He glides smoothly throught the water but is newer and less impressing because of the expectations of the time that came out.
Winner: Pirates!

Story Line

Pirates:
Although there is no true story to the original Pirates, the new refurbished one is about Barbossa and Jack Sparrow racing to the gold in the town. Barbossa is found torturing towns people while looking for Jack.
JAWS:
same as movie
Winner
Pirates (more original)

Thrill

Pirates:
no real thrill to the ride exept in one scene where cannons wiz by above and splash into the water next to the boat.
JAWS:
The Shark goes under water pops out everything! It scare the pee out of me!!!!!
Winner
JAWS

Innovation

Pirates:
Pirates has a detailed night sky above used by filming coluds and projecting them into a black backround giving it an almost chilling feel
JAWS:
Lots of little Nick Nacks here and there. Lots of detail.
Winner
PIRATES!

Results...

Pirate Wins:4
JAWS Wins:2
Ties: 1

Pirates Of The Caribbean Wins
(JAWS Rocks Still!!!)

My source is Jim Hill Media, who is often accurate when he comes to these things. Apparently the employees knew this was coming... why would they build another ESPN Zone when they have one in Boardwalk? I don't know, but my guess is Disney Management is stupid and thought the more the merrier. It's a shame, I love Disney Quest.

And MiddieBear, Food IS an important aspect of any Theme Park. One of the reasons Walt Disney himself was disgruntled by the average amusement park of his day was the food... it was greasy and unhealthy, and probably didn't taste that great. And I'll bet the reason you don't want to bring Food up is because you know that Universal is surperior concerning it... :Tongue:

-skippyskippy

EDIT: Pinpoint, I agree with nearly everything you posted above. Pirates is probably (by a small bit) surperior to Jaws. Though I think Jaws should've won for robotics... Now, if we were comparing the ORIGINAL 1990 Opening Day Jaws vs. Pirates, Jaws would win.

-skippyskippy

And MiddieBear, Food IS an important aspect of any Theme Park. One of the reasons Walt Disney himself was disgruntled by the average amusement park of his day was the food... it was greasy and unhealthy, and probably didn't taste that great. And I'll bet the reason you don't want to bring Food up is because you know that Universal is surperior concerning it... :Tongue:

I want to ask you one thing...

Are you a TOURIST or a LOCAL...

I know what it's like to stay in Walt Disney World for a couple of days...

And I know how the average tourist mind works...

GREAT FOOD is not their main concern... I will bet 90% of tourists that visit Orlando NEVER eat at a theme park restaurant *leisurely* while in Orlando...

I'm a tourist. Sue me.

We have made 100 posts in this thread!

-skippyskippy

I'm a tourist. Sue me.

100th post in this thread!

-skippyskippy

Really!!!...

I'm SHOCKED...:eek:

Was that sarcasm? Because I REALLY can't tell... (no, that wasn't sarcasm either, LOL)

-skippyskippy

I have also seen commercials about Universal Studios and there was a thread about a boy that didnt like the commercial when the girl said "If i hug one more princess i think i'll puke (or throw up didnt pay much attention) and i dont know if anyone had said this (sorry if i repeated):wave2:

Yes, there was another whole thread about it. Bunch of whiners, I say. It was a joke, and it was amusing. Then all these people started saying that Universal is a bad park, a terrible place, "mean", etc. so then I just HAD to jump in, and here we are today in this thread.

Now Middie, were you being sarcastic or not? LOL

-skippyskippy

Was that sarcasm? Because I REALLY can't tell... (no, that wasn't sarcasm either, LOL)

-skippyskippy

No, I really am SHOCKED!!! :eek:

I don't want to offend anyone here...

BUT:

Usually the people who are so quick to BASH Walt Disney World when it comes to Universal Orlando are Floridians...

**There are exceptions of course...

BTW: Why are you so passionate about sticking up for Universal Orlando???

Usually the people who are so quick to BASH Walt Disney World when it comes to Universal Orlando are Floridians...

That's really funny, because I was JUST going to stand up for Universal, and I'm a former Floridian. Maybe it's because I like thrill rides more, but I like Universal for the rides. :)

I know my theme park junk! I live near orlando! It's sweet! :)
Tourist make me sick! :sick8: JK!

Because it's an excellent park that is just as great as WDW. I'm tired of seeing people say "Universal is dumb" just because it's not Disney, as stated earlier. But if you want to go deeper, there's something... SOMETHING... in the Universal parks that a lot of people don't see. But it's there... just there somehow... it's hard to explain.

-skippyskippy

And MiddieBear, Food IS an important aspect of any Theme Park. One of the reasons Walt Disney himself was disgruntled by the average amusement park of his day was the food... it was greasy and unhealthy, and probably didn't taste that great. And I'll bet the reason you don't want to bring Food up is because you know that Universal is surperior concerning it... :Tongue:



Have you ever heard of Victoria and Albert's? how about Artist Point? California Grill? Tony's Town Square? L'Originale Alfredo di Roma? Citrico's? Narcoosees? Bistro de Paris?

Those are just the restaurants with incredible food...i could go on and on about them...or the ones with incredible experiences, themes,and atmosphere..not to mention the character meals...let me know if you want me to name more..i'd be happy too ;)

I'm a floridian. Anyway, Disney DOES need to update some of their rides. Universal updates and even gives their buildings a fresh coat of paint when the park closes. Now, in my opinion, NASCAR cafe and Hard Rock Cafe are tied as the best resturants there at CityWalk.

Ahem... look in my post before that. I did mention several of those restaurants as great dining. It's just sort of unanimous under most Universal AND Disney lovers that Universal has the better food. And it kinda does; it's cheaper, too.

-skippyskippy

EDIT: I've never been to Nascar. How is that? My personal Citywalk faves are Hardrock Cafe and Pastromone (or something like that, its exact title escapes me). I do love Citywalk's shopping selection. Glow and Endangered Species in particular pose some fun shopping experiences.

Because it's an excellent park that is just as great as WDW. I'm tired of seeing people say "Universal is dumb" just because it's not Disney, as stated earlier. But if you want to go deeper, there's something... SOMETHING... in the Universal parks that a lot of people don't see. But it's there... just there somehow... it's hard to explain.

-skippyskippy
Now that's what I call a loyal costomer! :)
P.S. I feel the same thing at the Apple store! lol)

Usually the people who are so quick to BASH Walt Disney World when it comes to Universal Orlando are Floridians...


Hey man, I LOVE Walt Disney World. I always have, even when I didn't live in Florida. I like Universal. I like Busch Gardens. I like SeaWorld. I liked just about every park I've been to.

Anyways, backtrack to food. I think it's very important to the vacationer. They have to eat, and they don't want to eat low-quality food. Of course parks need to have appeasing Counter Service or Full Service restaurants. You've already spent a fortune to get here, so what's a few more dollars?
On the contrary, I go to Disney World just about every week and a half are so, and the theme park restaurants are always PACKED. You wouldn't be able to find a table for HOURS. There's been times where people eat on the floor.

Trust me, tourists definitely look for good places to eat...trust me.

~fo

PS - The NASCAR Cafe is a mixture of an arcade and a restaurant, but it's been completely transformed into a Racing Stadium. There's two dining halls. One is for casual, quick-service type food, while the main Dining Hall is a full-blown restaurant. Now, I've never ate there, but we did shop in the store. By the looks of their menu, they serve finger foods, such as burgers and chicken and sandwiches. It looks good, if you ask me.

^ I rest my case concerning food. I NEVER had a problem getting a table at UO. :)

And PinPoint, thanks for the comment!

-skippyskippy

Because it's an excellent park that is just as great as WDW. I'm tired of seeing people say "Universal is dumb" just because it's not Disney, as stated earlier. But if you want to go deeper, there's something... SOMETHING... in the Universal parks that a lot of people don't see. But it's there... just there somehow... it's hard to explain.

-skippyskippy

I just don't feel that. I fully respect thoes who do, but I just don't. No matter how hard I try, I can't figure out what is so great about universal. Also, I don't really enjoy universal, but it's not just because it is not disney, I just feel the owners are not trying hard enough.

Here are my thoughts...

I've been to Downtown Disney a few times, never to Citywalk, so I can't compare these. But I can compare the parks. I will say they are both amazing amusement parks, but WDW will always be my favorite. The atmosphere of WDW makes you feel like you're "in the magic" Walt Disney created. Islands of Adventure doesn't feel the same. Yeah, the rides at Islands of Adventure are FANTASTIC, but Disney is pretty close. Islands of Adventure rides give you a good energy rush and get you "pumped". Disney's rides are slower but they are getting a lot better, Expedition Everest could be an example of this. Not to mention all the on site, hotels Disney has... Disney will always be my favorite ^_^

Now im not from florida but my mom's family is. They dont bash about disney and Universal. Now Disney has the rate of being the park that basically all tourists want to go to out of all parks now if i had a list of them Universal would be 2nd only because Disney was around longer and is ledgendary and much larger. I know skippy talked about all the resorts Disney provides for OUR pleasure. They have all kinds of rides im sick of people talking about Disney is old and poopy and Universal is mean and doesnt want Disney to be a hot-spot anymore. No matter what both parks will be hot-spots where everyone would want to go to both parks ONCE in their lifetimes.:wave2:

Here are my thoughts...

I've been to Downtown Disney a few times, never to Citywalk, so I can't compare these. But I can compare the parks. I will say they are both amazing amusement parks, but WDW will always be my favorite. The atmosphere of WDW makes you feel like you're "in the magic" Walt Disney created. Islands of Adventure doesn't feel the same. Yeah, the rides at Islands of Adventure are FANTASTIC, but Disney is pretty close. Islands of Adventure rides give you a good energy rush and get you "pumped". Disney's rides are slower but they are getting a lot better, Expedition Everest could be an example of this. Not to mention all the on site, hotels Disney has... Disney will always be my favorite ^_^

I do not like these thrill rides taking over disney, it is meant to be a place where familys can have fun together. What if The younger brother is to young for Expedition Everest, Then the family would have to split up. If I was that little boy, I would cry. I would want to be with my family on vacation.

Some people prefer Universal because of it's more extreme rides. UO mostly atracts teens right? Well Disneys competing with them on the teen croud. They are rumored to make a villains them park here in Florida with more IOA like ride for the older crouds. And to compete with UO Halloween Horror Nights Disney's thinking on making an event like HHN at MGM. (NOT Mickey's not so scary Holloween) UO better have some tricks up their sleeve. Disney works fast!

I do not like these thrill rides taking over disney, it is meant to be a place where familys can have fun together. What if The younger brother is to young for Expedition Everest, Then the family would have to split up. If I was that little boy, I would cry. I would want to be with my family on vacation.

Yes, that is one disadvantage to pretty much ALL theme parks. But that's why Disney has Fastpasses. To reduce the amount of waiting for the person who can't ride. You don't always have to split up also. One could wait out side the ride, and there are plenty of food places around, they could have a snack while waiting.

*Fastpasses, another good idea by Disney*

Well Disneys competing with them on the teen croud. They are rumored to make a villains them park here in Florida with more IOA like ride for the older crouds.

Yes... Walt Disney World HAS TONS of Thrill Rides and will keep on building more...

BUT:

An entire park to appease the "Teens..." Not going to happen for 2 reasons...

1. Teens DO NOT have a lot of disposable income... No money, equals no money going to the park...

2. Islands Of Adventure doesn't even get more visitors than the theme park next door, Universal Studios...

Universal Studios is HARDLY A THRILL PARK...

Hmm... There has to be more tourists like than just thrill rides...

Sometimes TOO fast. Okay, who here likes MGM Studios? All of us? That's what I thought. Well, if it weren't for Universal Orlando, MGM Studios never would've happened, guys.

Here's a cliffs notes version of what happened:
-Universal announces they are building a theme park similar to their successful park in California.
-Disney "copies" Universal and announces they will be building a studio park, too.
-A construction race begins. Disney works "too fast"... MGM Studios opens about a year ahead of Universal Studios
-About a year after MGM's opening Universal opens their park to great success.

Now, it sounds as if MGM had the upper hand, correct? Wrong! When MGM opened... it had TWO attractions. The Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour. You've GOT to be kidding me. Meanwhile, Universal opens their park with state-of-the-art rides and plenty of them such as KONGfrontation, Jaws, Ghostbusters, E.T., Back to the Future, and many others.

So, I think Universtal deserves a little more respect. Without it MGM Studios would not exist.

-skippyskippy

Sometimes TOO fast. Okay, who here likes MGM Studios? All of us? That's what I thought. Well, if it weren't for Universal Orlando, MGM Studios never would've happened, guys.

Here's a cliffs notes version of what happened:
-Universal announces they are building a theme park similar to their successful park in California.
-Disney "copies" Universal and announces they will be building a studio park, too.
-A construction race begins. Disney works "too fast"... MGM Studios opens about a year ahead of Universal Studios
-About a year after MGM's opening Universal opens their park to great success.

Now, it sounds as if MGM had the upper hand, correct? Wrong! When MGM opened... it had TWO attractions. The Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour. You've GOT to be kidding me. Meanwhile, Universal opens their park with state-of-the-art rides and plenty of them such as KONGfrontation, Jaws, Ghostbusters, E.T., Back to the Future, and many others.

So, I think Universtal deserves a little more respect. Without it MGM Studios would not exist.

-skippyskippy
Agreed Universal did have the upperhand at that point. Now my friend the tides have turned. I do agree that Universal has some pretty amazing rides. But with the adittion of the Lights Motors Action Stunt Show, Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror MGM has the upper hand. I am not saying Unviersal has bad rides. Universal as a whole beats MGM up. But park wise MGM has the upper hand.

Sometimes TOO fast. Okay, who here likes MGM Studios? All of us? That's what I thought. Well, if it weren't for Universal Orlando, MGM Studios never would've happened, guys.

Here's a cliffs notes version of what happened:
-Universal announces they are building a theme park similar to their successful park in California.
-Disney "copies" Universal and announces they will be building a studio park, too.
-A construction race begins. Disney works "too fast"... MGM Studios opens about a year ahead of Universal Studios
-About a year after MGM's opening Universal opens their park to great success.

-skippyskippy

That's a misconception.

Just because they announced it didn't mean they copied. The Disney/MGM Studios was already in the making even before Universal announced their opening. People thought Disney was "copying" Universal, but in reality, they had a movie studios in production already. When Universal announced THEIR opening, the two parks went on a race to open first. MGM opened first, but with little in the park. I believe they only had Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride at the time.

So, I think Universtal deserves a little more respect. Without it MGM Studios would not exist.

Ok, this is a good point. Although MGM started small as Ace mentioned, it is now much bigger. They've added on a lot to MGM to make it a great amusement park for the whole family. Now i'm not that familiar with Universal and Islands of Adventure, but Disney has great food also. If you go to any of the restaraunts, especials in EPCOT you'll feel like you're in that country. Now I don't think Universal has any restaraunts like that (Correct me if i'm wrong). Did you know that Disney hires somebody from Japan just to work there? After a year of working there they then go back to Japan so they won't become to used to America. Also, Disney kept on growing bigger, while Universal Studies just remained as two parks. Just some more reasons I like WDW.

And BOTH don't even take advantage of the "Studio" part of their parks...

That's true, AwesomeCute. Good point. Universal did have the Lockheed Martin Expansion site for a time, but for some odd reason they sold it. Hopefully someday they'll get more land like Disneyland did and expand further...

-skippyskippy

Sometimes TOO fast. Okay, who here likes MGM Studios? All of us? That's what I thought. Well, if it weren't for Universal Orlando, MGM Studios never would've happened, guys.It never happened that way. Both already had plans to build a studio themed park and then it turned into a race in who could open first. It takes more than a few years to concieve, design, develop, then construct a theme park. Neither "copied" the other, that is clearly gossip.

Sorry everyone I have to disagree with you, the lay out might be better, but Universal City Walk after park closing is a really scary place, not at all Family oriented at all. I will take Pleasure Island any day. Especially the House of Blues. And the Pleasure Island AMC 24. Disney all the way!

Sorry everyone I have to disagree with you, the lay out might be better, but Universal City Walk after park closing is a really scary place, not at all Family oriented at all. I will take Pleasure Island any day. Especially the House of Blues. And the Pleasure Island AMC 24. Disney all the way!

Could you please elaborate on how Citywalk is not family oriented? It's always had tight security and lots of fun night shows (i.e. Bringing Down the Night).

Also, wasn't the whole "Fastpass" concept originally tried out at Universal Hollywood?

-skippyskippy

I loved Citywalk at night. I felt really secure, especially since it was within walking distance of my hotel. I could get there in about 3 minutes. I don't think I've ever worried about getting into a scuffle with anyone at Citywalk. The only places I've heard of things happening is Downtown Disney, unfortunately.

Plus, during the holiday season, universal had snowmakers! It really was snowing a bit althought not cold, it's pretty cool.

I've still got my flashing Yankees hat I got there. :D

I will take Pleasure Island any day. Especially the House of Blues. And the Pleasure Island AMC 24. Disney all the way!

You can't forget about Cirque Du Soleil: La Nouba...

Now that's a world class attraction that's a Walt Disney World Downtown Disney exclusive...

I keep thinking Universal needs some sort of Broadway Theater to have traveling shows or something that’s exclusive...

But as I said.. They are similar yet different... They cannot be compared and contrasted fairly... because people favor one over the other.

My User page has a video of the new (7 years in the making) High in the Sky, Seuss Trolley Train Ride / Mc Bean's Very unusual Driving Machines... Track purple.

I think Universal is better for teenagers and Disney is better for kids :)

Figment! You are officially one of the greatest members on here! Watching video now!... :)

-skippyskippy

EDIT: The ride looked great! Should be a big hit with the younger crowd. There are two tracks, and I hear there are 2 possible narrarations for each. You got the Seuss ABC narration.

Just watched the video. It looks cool, I'll also film Universal 360 When I go there...

Sweet! Be sure to show me the video. So I know there are these narrations-

Seuss ABC's
The Sneetches

What could the other two be? Hmm...

-skippyskippy

Sorry everyone I have to disagree with you, the lay out might be better, but Universal City Walk after park closing is a really scary place, not at all Family oriented at all. I will take Pleasure Island any day. Especially the House of Blues. And the Pleasure Island AMC 24. Disney all the way!

Nightlife in CityWalk is fun yes, but some guests take the "fun" a little too far. They do serve alcohol in CityWalk after all, and alcohol can make people (let me put it this way) "not themselves". I could understand why families wouldn't want to be around after park-closing.

~fo

Nightlife in CityWalk is fun yes, but some guests take the "fun" a little too far. They do serve alcohol in CityWalk after all, and alcohol can make people (let me put it this way) "not themselves". I could understand why families wouldn't want to be around after park-closing.

~fo

Since when are CityWalk and Downtown Disney supposed to be family oriented? Even Disney's advertisements say Pleasure Island is for adults! For once, I am going with Universal here. CityWalk has better nightlife, better selection of restaurants, and better transportation compared to Pleasure Island. btw, Pleasure Island also serves alcohol.

Since when are CityWalk and Downtown Disney supposed to be family oriented? Even Disney's advertisements say Pleasure Island is for adults! For once, I am going with Universal here. CityWalk has better nightlife, better selection of restaurants, and better transportation compared to Pleasure Island. btw, Pleasure Island also serves alcohol.

I know that Pleasure Island serves alcohol. We weren't talking about PI, and if we were, I would have posted that they serve alcohol too.

Even Disney's advertisements say Pleasure Island is for adults!

Not true.

Pleasure Island Nightclubs are directed to adults. There are some special places throughout PI that families can go in. They have shops and restaurants that even small children can go in. It's the nightclubs that are adults-only.

CityWalk can be family-oriented too, depending on the times that you go. Sometimes a lot of people go out after park closing. There's restaurants and shops and other things that families can go in too, but some of the people who go in CityWalk have a little too much fun. Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney is no different.

I forgot; don't you need to PAY for Pleasure Island? Citywalk's free! The clubs are even free until I think... 7? Or maybe 9...

-skippyskippy

I forgot; don't you need to PAY for Pleasure Island? Citywalk's free! The clubs are even free until I think... 7? Or maybe 9...

-skippyskippy

It depends on the type of pass you buy. If you have the (insert type of pass here) PLUS ticket, Pleasure Island admission comes with it. Otherwise, yes you have to pay extra. West Side and Marketplace are free though. That also gets annoying. If you want to get from West Side to Marketplace or vise versa, you have to cut AROUND the perimeter of Pleasure Island if you aren't planning to go to Pleasure Island and don't want to pay extra.

I forgot; don't you need to PAY for Pleasure Island? Citywalk's free! The clubs are even free until I think... 7? Or maybe 9...

-skippyskippy

No you don't...