How Universal Studios Orlando Can Dethrone Disney World

[@aidan2565]

Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s alone have made Universal a must-visit.

[@cuttinol]

it's definitely made IOA a must visit for sure! I think the other park however does need some additions

[@brandonrosen9266]

@@cuttinol its rumored that something will replace the kid area in the park, most likely pokemon

[@nerdgurl402]

Just went in December and these were my favorite coasters!

[@ENDINGWOKENESSNOW]

Velocicoaster is the best coaster I’ve ever been on. Awesome ride.

[@geneviekent396]

Once universal makes a few more rides of this quality and thrill, I think Disney is going to really start seeing some losses

[@charliemacsart]

Honestly, as someone who prefers Disney over Universal, I HOPE Universal takes over and becomes the Industry leader. Disney needs to be knocked down a peg and put in their place. They need to remember what made their parks successful- quality and innovative attractions, incredible and immersive theming, and accessibility. Disney right now has done nothing but pump out cheap and low quality rethemes and cloned attractions, and increase prices to try to limit the classes of people that can visit their parks. I can't tell you the last time Disney Parks did something exciting or innovative.

[@nerdgurl402]

This! Right! Here!

[@dwightk.schruteiii8454]

Limit the classes? Dont be weird.

[@charliemacsart]

@@dwightk.schruteiii8454 I mean, what else could increasing prices across the board be doing but pushing out lower income families?

[@solcarlosofficial]

This!!!! After what they did to the new Spider-Man ride I was shocked! The universal Spider-Man ride from 22 years ago is much better in every possible way!

[@solcarlosofficial]

The worst part is that many Disney fans praise whatever mediocre new experience Disney gives them. The new restaurant space 220. Seems so incomplete and lackluster, the new Spider-Man ride is so cheap! And so much more. But many Disney fans are ok with spending more money on those mediocre experiences. And that’s why Disney doesn’t care about changing. Because people will still pay for cheap things.

[@thecluckster3908]

The best part about this war is us. No matter what ends up happening, the consumer wins, we get better park experiences, better rides, (and hopefully better prices). The consumer always wins.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Love it!

[@vtorkev]

Not if their only tactic to step up is to Level up the prices u.u

[@mrlego2082]

I 100% agree

[@UnityBringer]

well uh not entirely true with how disney has been pricing people out lol

[@mrgoober8805]

Completely wrong because in their desire to be the best, they'll stomp on the people. I know Disney Policy and it's not friendly to consumers/guests.

[@DavidSeymourOfficial]

The good news with the existing resorts' land lock issue is that Universal is building all new corporate offices at epic universe, which should free up tons of space in previously backstage areas

[@WMFilms25]

Heard about that. I wonder how much space over will be freed up and what potential use they can be. I always thought a New York expansion was possible by tearing down the nearby soundstages while also keeping a few for special events like HHN and Grinchmas.

[@marionass593]

I heard rockit is going to be gone when epic opens they are going to make another coaster there

[@Tgod4reals]

Such fine taste in videos 👌👌glad to see you’re hear

[@theonetheonlyajc1794]

I think they are stuck with backstage because they use it for their most popular event that they have HHN that’s also why we are getting a minion walkthrough attraction because of hhn

[@happynessinthesmallthings]

Universal Studios Hollywood California USA Travel Video Clips kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKwdoSbdpKNaJI

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

Super Nintendo world is a MAJOR win for universal. I mean who DOESNT wanna meet Mario and go on a Mario Kart ride?

[@AttractionIdeas]

Absolutely. That's a property that can bring a lot of new visitors to the parks

[@sandiamountains123]

Now they have Pokémon too

[@asudevil316]

You mean the Mario Kart ride in Japan that is panned as being mediocre? Hahaha

[@zachraymond3376]

Pokémon is more than likely gonna replace kid zone in studios

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

@@zachraymond3376 I thought they defuncted that? Bc they want to put it near Super Nintendo world

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I believe a large component of why people continue to vacation at Disney, is because they see it as a more complete package as a resort destination. Whereas people right now are likely to spend a week on Disney property, going to all of the parks but also exploring the numerous other options like dining, boating, fishing and maybe even a water park or two, they likely don't perceive Universal as having an equivalent value because it's so much smaller. However, as Universal has continued to build more hotels, has introduced Volcano Bay and is now opening Epic Universe, I believe perceptions will begin to really change. Whereas before, Universal was seen as a one or two day side trip from a Disney stay, that may no longer be the case. With the third park, there's a strong chance that Universal parks will contain more attractions than Disney has in four. In addition to this, we already know Universal will be expanding their hotel offerings with at least one attached to the park, but the current property has room for quite a few more, as well as another version of shopping and dining like City Walk for more night time entertainment after the parks close. In addition, the close proximity, possibly even walking distance of I-Drive to this area of the resort will entice guests away from Disney and more towards this part of Orlando. If places like Icon Park can be seen as close enough that staying at a Universal hotel is within walking distance, it's another sell to stay on Universal property, furthering solidifying the loyalty of their audience. I imagine that once Epic is built, Volcano Bay will likely get a large expansion. It already outcompetes both of Disney's water parks, which are fine but stagnant. It simply needs more capacity, which Universal can deliver on, really stepping up the competition and allowing Universal to feel even larger and more encompassing than it currently does. Not only do I think Epic will be great, but it's going to do completely change public perception about the value of staying at Disney.

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

My n***a, we should do a podcast.

[@Pissgremlin5964]

💯 agree with you. Universal sees it's opening and they're going for it. They have been chipping away at Disney since they moved to Orlando as the underdog. Universal is way ahead already in social media marketing and customer service and they listen to their guests more than Disney does. I don't know who Disney thinks they're targeting but they sure aren't listening to their guests. Universal does and they deliver. I can't wait for Epic Universe to open. Disney has pushed me away and I don't see anything that would bring me back. In fact they're making it clear they don't want me back. Or anyone who doesn't have a million dollars in disposable income. Good luck finding 45 million people who will spend blindly at your parks Disney.

[@dane4073]

@@atribecalledjudah5436 what would be the podcast about. I'm always thought on doing a pop culture podcast theam park movies video games just eveything. Maybe toss in somthing old ones in a while for nostalgia

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

@@dane4073 Death of the WDC

[@SunderAT]

100% agree. When we did our first stand alone Universal trip, I was worried it wasn’t going to feel like enough a vacation destination. It ended up being not the case at all. The smaller foot print allowed us to, in some ways, enjoy the trip more. The area where Universal lagged significantly, in my opinion, was the number and quality of the in park dining options.

[@19kilo241]

Universal deserves to win the war at this point. Look at the past five years. They’ve opened two brand new roller coasters which are arguably the best in the business (Hagrid/velocicoaster) while Disney has spent that same amount of time building one cloned coaster.

[@blondy2061h]

Universal is fighting. Disney assumes they've won and is resting on their laurels

[@ComputerGeek1100]

In fairness to Disney, Pandora, Toy Story Land, and Galaxy’s Edge have all opened in the last 5 years. Yes, Tron is taking a while, but it’s not the only thing they’ve been doing.

[@JoaoGa210]

@@blondy2061h so Universal is a turtle, and Disney is a rabbit?

[@The_Original_Alex_Channel]

Disney has build star wars galaxies edge, toy story land, new tron coaster soon, new guardians of the galaxy coaster soon, they are on their 50th anniversary, pandora avatar land, new galactic star cruiser, space 220 restaurant and even more! at the end of the day disney has much more property and money to do whatever they want. they have put in a lot of effort as well. At the end of the day we the costumers win as we get better theme parks from bith companies!

[@The_Original_Alex_Channel]

@@JoaoGa210 Disney is a cheeta

[@valeriam5330]

I think the best thing about Universal is it really does listen to their guests so far, so they know what they want and need and really serve most of the time.

[@dapperloser3025]

at yet it wasn't long ago when they just added simulator after simulator regardless of criticism, the reception of superchraged must have humbled them

[@redskeleton9204]

@@dapperloser3025 There's a difference between those who make mistakes but learn from them, and those who rarely make a mistake but never learn. Eventually the former will catch up, and then the one who doesn't learn, is the one making the mistakes. We've seen this with other companies, my favorite example was Xbox vs. PlayStation. While still the top dog of the console market, the Sony PlayStation slaughtered a console generation being an absolute killer console in the PS4 era, Microsoft after their blunder that was the Xbox one (or just Phil Spencer), started listening to the consumer and realized that they have a shit ton of money and you might've learned of the Activision Blizzard acquisition, they got their game up and caught Sony off guard. While some of the variables are switched around such as Disney being the larger money giant and land owner, I think something like Universal taking over Disney in the theme park industry is a possibility, one that would probably take decades, but one that can happen

[@solcarlosofficial]

Yeah! People were complaining we were getting too many screens and since then the have aadded a life of pets dark ride, velocioaster and hagrid! All rides without screens!

[@marcomotroni]

Ever since the opening of F&F that has definitely been the case

[@Joshua_MN_]

Epic Universe needs to have a strong start. Which brings up Nintendo Land, which could be the next Wizarding World in terms of popularity. But it’s my belief that they need the Donkey Kong Coaster at Park open to maximize the land. Despite how cool Mario Kart ride is, they need something with lots of speed that’s not screen based.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah I would imagine that Donkey Kong will be there. On top of this, based on the concept art there might even be some dueling steel coasters so that could also scratch that itch

[@dasoupsoup]

I get your point, but technically MK isn't screen based. While it still fills that simulation type role, it is actually more of a dark ride, and has outstanding set design. Just so happens that most of the action is in AR.

[@jeffburkholder8360]

I would also say, continuing to expand on the Nintendo IP by doing things like making kids zone a pokezone and lost continent be hyrule. They are going to explode in popularity.

[@remyd8767]

I wouldn't mind if they hold of on donkey Kong country. Keep in mind there are 3 other lands to explore. So it would be nice, but not required.

[@Blitzburgh17]

You can't underestimate the power of Nintendo. Young kids are spending more time playing and watching video games on youtube than Disney movies anymore. They'll steal a lot more families especially at a cheaper cost.

[@nerdgurl402]

I’ve always wondered why Disney has never tried to actually meet the demand instead of trying to reduce it through raising prices and taking away experiences?

[@AttractionIdeas]

You and me both

[@finned958]

Disney fans also asked for higher prices to decrease demand. You see it at many Disney fan forums.

[@AFoxGuy]

@@finned958 Even now, there are a lot of Disney fans that are getting close to breaking point. The high prices, Decreasing Quality (Yikes! Star Wars Hotel), and fewer and fewer perks for Hotels/Passholders.

[@largol33t1]

As PoseidonEntertainment puts it bluntly "Disney sincerely believes they are too big to fail."

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

Because it costs money to add more capacity to their parks to meet demand. The costs of construction of new rides, maintainence of those rides and staffing the rides. Disney hates spendong money and would rather just raise prices and charge more money inorder to lower demand to see their old outdated rides.

[@user-by7we5ol6v]

Universal Passholder here. It's also important to note the numbers post-Covid. Where Disney increased more and more restrictions from annual passes to the removal of fast passes. Universal's parks became the more practical option. The parks are now much busier on a regular basis where pre-covid you would see the parks dead in months like January.

[@jessicaclark4922]

You are so correct. I was blown away at the crowds, even the early park entry crowds!!! I planned our trip in January to prevent being in the crowds, yea, did not happen. Three weeks ago was PACKED.

[@autisticantonio]

Totally agree. And correct me if I'm wrong but I think I'm pretty sure still to this day universal doesn't have a reservation system but disney does. So I think that is a great win for universal.

[@AmusementLabs]

Nintendo is gonna be a big hit for Disney. I'm honestly surprised Nintendo is not getting its own full fledged park over just a land.

[@WMFilms25]

They have more than enough IP for its own park.

[@SvElAdKe]

Nintendoland would be incredible

[@AngelRoseFabelo]

It wouldn’t be smart to have all Nintendo lands in one park. They need to spread it over just how they did with HP. Mario in Epic, Zelda in IOA, Pikachu in Studios. This is how you get the consumer to get multiple day tickets or same day park hopper tickets ;)

[@therealventures]

I guess multiple reasons why, they would have to find land whether in Orlando or Japan, how to make the park possible, etc. With them teaming up with Universal its easier to make that land possible and convenient because land: no issue with that you got Epic Universe opening, you have Universal planing it so they know how to run the park what to put in it, rides, etc; but doing a park just nintendo I think would've been hard to do especially if they didn't team up with Universal.

[@vooswing]

That would eliminate casual gamers from the park though, similar to an all Star Wars park would eliminate casual Star Wars fans. I’m not a super fan of Nintendo or Star Wars so I wouldn’t spend $150 to visit either park but I’ll definitely visit them as part of a more diverse park. Better to offer a little of everything so your park appeals to everyone.

[@Linkbrawler9000]

I’ve been a Disney fan all my life, especially when it comes to theme parks, but even I’m hoping for Universal to win this. Disney’s gotten too comfortable, too greedy, and too reliant on people going to the parks based on the name alone, regardless of quality. They really need a big dose of humility.

[@matth3w2002]

Universal: Universal Studios Florida Disney: Lol cute….Hollywood Studios Universal:Okay, Okay, Islands of Adventure. Disney:Woah okay, Animal Kingdom. Universal:Another park? Aww…WIZARDING WORLD BABY! Disney:Uhhh….New Fantasy Land. Universal:DIAGON ALLEY! Disney: Shit…..uhhh….Galaxies edge! Avatar! That should finish you guys. Universal:hahaha Disney:What? Universal: HAGRIDS! VELOCICOASTER! BOURNE! EPIC f-king UNIVERSE!!!!! Disney: damn.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Knock-Out!

[@thatonenerd9252]

Universal: MARIO!!! Disney: STOP PLEASE

[@asudevil316]

Hahahahaha Bourne? God you people are delusional

[@JasmineDreams]

As someone who studied marketing and have worked in it for several years now, I have to say you’re wrong about the pricing thing. Universal would do well to stay away from Disney-style price hikes as it’s not doing anything good for Disney’s brand, and the internet has changed the notion that the consumer is too dumb to know if a product is good or not regardless of its price. On the contrary - we’re at a time in the world where the majority of people are looking for the best deal.

[@allysaber949]

I honestly wasn't going to go to universal because of the price so raising it would be a bad idea especially Orlando Florida isn't doing so great on quality except diagon alley. I spent three hours there and the rest at islands of adventure. Only reason we paid was for Harry Potter for which good job marketing on that one 😅

[@ronjohnson2333]

I think you are right. Ultimately I think the war of business is won by how you treat your customers. It was several years ago, but we were treated so much better at Universal that we don't even bother to go to the Evil Empire any more.

[@largol33t1]

With Bidenesque inflation everywhere, it's also possible many are cancelling their trips because they can't afford even the smallest price increase. Universal should NOT increase prices. Food prices are hitting an all-time high right now.

[@shannonsambitiousadventure8530]

I grew up Disney..literally every year, that was our vacation. Disney has lost tons of respect for me since chapek took over and let’s face it universal is killing the game. Rides, prices, growth, amenities at hotels, everything!! I now have a trip booked for June for universal only. I would prefer staying at a universal resort for their express pass options than at Disney (30 minute early park entry lol) and not to mention even UOR’s budget hotels are cheaper AND bigger!! No more shin splitting on the Murphy beds for me!! Epic is going to boost the competition like crazy!!!! It’s a no brainer for my family anymore..Disney just needs help or a new ceo. Rides are even ran down and the crowds are ridiculous. Disney was just exhausting, stressful, and not fun at ALL last year when we went. Crowds were awful and you couldn’t walk anywhere without people on top of people! And how long does it take to build a couple of rides (tron, remy, and guardians) while universal is pumping out a whole nother park while also building velocicoaster and all the renovations to the current rides at the existing parks!! Go universal!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@largol33t1]

Whacking your shin on the edge of a bed while trying to prepare for a day in the parks? Ouch, not my idea of fun... PS: Universal is now back at NORMAL construction speed as they work on the largest parks expansion in Florida's history. Epic Universal will be so massive that the Magic Kingdom will fit inside with pleeenty of room to spare. Since they have so much room, they're going to put an onsite hotel as well as corporate offices. I'm praying that Donkey Kong Country and the Ministry of Magic become reality. There's enough room for them with the alleged TWO roller coasters yet to be built...

[@shannonsambitiousadventure8530]

@@largol33t1 yep the shin whacking sucks lol. I’m going back to universal next month and planning another trip when the oi dates go on sale. Love universal now and cannot WAIT for EU!!! So excited!!!!

[@annphan9471]

as someone whose family regularly visit disney world since 2015, i wholeheartedly agree with the overall guest experience at disney going down. being florida born and raised, we had annual passes to the slurry of parks from tampa to orlando. we started with universal first in 2013 and made the switch to disney in 2015. AT THE TIME we had felt that the experience was well worth the price even if the rides weren't as thrilling as universals. growing up with disney, I could see the quality of the experience tank as prices hike and the experience was low. I was someone who defended disney with my life because I valued that "disney magic" so much. obviously times have changed, we recently decided to not renew our passes indefinitely and potentially go back to universal. in our most recent disney trip, we felt very alienated as locals coming to visit. reservations makes it difficult to get into parks we want and the new genie plus was a whole mess. it's really sad to see something you loved so much go bad, but in recent times we've had better experiences at universal.

[@TheCoffeeCreative]

I grew up going to universal. Now I’m a horror nights fan so this makes universal 100 times better than Disney

[@wrestlingandamusementparkl7789]

Well Disney Halloween is family based while universal is adult. But it depends what type of entertainment u like

[@minecrafter4623]

I would chose Universal over Disney in a heartbeat, I would rather pay less and not have to deal with the mass crowds at Disney along with the prices. Yeah both are expensive but Disney is MORE expensive. I have been to neither but hope to go to universal Hollywood.

[@asudevil316]

They are about the same price and the crowds at Disney are better

[@skygge1006]

@@asudevil316 about the same price? Are you crazy? Or have you just never checked and are making it up? Also, universal has better lines and the crowding is not as bad at universal. I assume you don’t live anywhere near these parks?

[@asudevil316]

@@skygge1006 you are dumb as hell...check the price of a 1 day ticket for Universal and a 1 day ticket for WDW. Near identical pricing. Oh an the queues at Universal is trash. But pathetic attempt little troll

[@asudevil316]

@@skygge1006 since you are stupid...both parks 1 day ticket start at 109 a person. Delete your account

[@SvElAdKe]

I GREATLY DISAGREE WITH RAISING THE PRICES ON UNIVERSAL TICKETS. I've never been to Disney. I can't afford it. I don't think anyone thinks Universal is a worse park because it's cheaper. It's not like it's Six Flags level cheap. I look at Disney and go "I'm not paying that I can go to Universal for half the price and probably have more fun" I've NEVER had a bad time there. The staff is ALWAYS so nice and accommodating. (Obviously there's a few grumpy rouges but it's rare at least the times I've gone) The rides are fun. The hotels are fun. City Walk is great. Universal is affordable. HHN is a blast. I'm trying to make it an effort to visit Universal at least every two years if I can afford it. I think the one thing Universal needs to do to beat Disney is have more kids things, revamp the kids zone and I think with Epic Universe and all the IPs they'll have will cover it. Universal is too adult and people want family friendly. As much as I don't want more kids in the park. I love that it's more an adult land. That's what they need Either way... I can't wait to see how Universal progresses.

[@largol33t1]

One thing I like about the Diagon Alley staff is if you are among the first crowd to enter in the morning, they all line up along the center to greet you. It just makes the trip feel more special.

[@seanflynn6688]

Me and my family would only go to Disney since I was born and my dad loved disney parks we went to universal in the summer for the first time. We have gone to universal like 4 times since all separate trips we love universal way more!

[@JowlOfFruit]

I’m a SoCal local who visits disney and universal, I love both here, tho it sucks for both being unable to expand their parks. I’ve visited orlando for the first time last summer and DANG I actually enjoyed the Universal Parks WAY more than Disney’s!!! As long as Universal doesn’t get rid of the ET ride and Men in Black, I’M GOING BACK!!! Plus Epic universe is gonna be great!!!

[@maiqtheliar7187]

ET will never be removed due to contract with Stephen Spielberg.

[@wolftitan]

Disney: "We have a cool new really over priced weird Star Wars hotel. We know it cost 6K but it's worth it right?" Universal: "We have a whole new theme park in the works and it contains Super Mario."

[@NocturneFexy]

Which even then, Space Trucker Bruce (a low budget movie) looks much more like Star Wars than that 6K a night dumpster fire.

[@jerikitaxr21]

Everything you said is exactly how it went for my family. Last year we planned a Disney vacation and us not being hardcore Disney fans had no idea we needed to book a reservation months in advance to go to Hollywood studios so we couldn't get in despite having flights and hotels booked. Hesitantly we got tickets for universal even though we were nervous because my son was 5 and guess what? WE HAD A BLAST AT UNIVERSAL. My son was actually tall enough to ride most non roller coaster rides and fell in love witj harry potter and actually got more into it. Our next trip coming up is to a universal premier hotel and cost a fraction of what we would spend at Disney

[@bryancurdi451]

Definitely, that's why I kinda disagree when people say Universal is for teens and adults because there is definitely a lot for kids to do. I remember being 4-5 and doing rides like Spiderman, Popeye's and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Rip Saw Falls (which now thinking about it I'm kind of surprised I wasn't more scared when doing it). Also in Studios with Transformers, the Simpsons Ride and Men in Black Alien Attack. I bet kids now can also have fun on Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (replaced Twister), Fast & Furious (which uses the same/similar ride system that Disaster/Earthquake used, which I also was able to ride and had no problem riding) and Skull Island Reign of Kong (which uses the same/similar ride system as Fast and Furious). The rides I mentioned above are the rides that don't appear when you put only kids on the Universal app, so that's a lot of rides. These are rides that probably appeal more to teens and adults but kids can still have fun on those rides and some might even be appealing to them.

[@jerikitaxr21]

@@bryancurdi451 you are completely correct, he absolutely loved those rides. Since i wrote this comment we've had two universal vacations and have one more coming up in three months because he's finally 49 inc tall so he gets to do everything he couldn't do before including Hagrid's. Now when they complete DreamWorks land there'll be more stuff for the little ones to do (which i now have a 9 month old baby too)

[@xcoasterenthusiast]

When it comes to the next big franchise, I would say that Lotr would make perfect sense as one as even though it is more appealing to older audiences than Potter and Nintendo, it has clearly made a massive cultural impact and it has just as much staying power as HP and Nintendo. The idea of Universal creating a movie or TV franchise with the level of lore as Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings is something they should do but if it’s going to get a land it wouldn’t be until a very long time as it would first need to make its cultural impact and gain a fan base big enough to justify a super immersive theme park land in the level of the Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World. With Middle Earth though, sure, it may be notoriously difficult to acquire the theme park rights, but having it alongside Nintendo and Potter would be enough to end Disney’s reign

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Note to Disney, don’t raise prices and just expand to include more rides and attractions and there’s plots of land to work with for expansion!

[@jamesmarshall6619]

Harry Potter in Universal is by far the best themed land in either parks and Disney's response looks like that, a response. Star Wars and Pandora, while having some great theming themselves, just doesn't carry the same immersive feel as Harry Potter in Universal. Not only that Universal is more bang for your buck as while Disney World offers a great experience it's incredibly expensive in so many ways Universal isn't not to mention Universal just feels a lot less stressful.

[@Grime251]

I think once Epic Universe opens and they move all of their back lot offices and HR department to that land, it will open up the entire area behind San Francisco and London to expand into on the Universal Side.

[@lukesams3349]

Overcrowding in the Disney parks is a classic example of the “seven chairs ten kids” conundrum. Instead of adding three more chairs (expanding the resort), Disney has opted to remove three kids (pricing out regular park-goers)

[@cal1896]

I think Pokémon could be that brand to get close to Disney. Not only is it super popular with children, it’s popular with adults. Probably would be hard to build a picturesque land around the IP like HP but I think it’ll bring in a similar sized crowd.

[@largol33t1]

I think Universal will close the gap now that they talked Nintendo into the theme park. I think the creation of Nintendo Land at Epic Universe will REALLY ramp up the heat on Disney. Chapek AND Iger will lose a lot of sleep. LOL... PS: forgot to add that insiders strongly believe there will be a land themed around How to train your dragon. They should build it anyway. The two films easily raked in over $1.1 BILLION! It is not an unpopular franchise.

[@landenbradley3811]

As an Orlando local the one season where locals are insanely important is Halloween. And universal obviously dominate. Sure a lot of people go to Disney's Halloween thing but HHN gets large amounts of horror fans and teenagers in the area every night.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah HHN has been absolutely massive for Universal and I see no signs of it slowing down

[@nathanp5033]

The overcrowding at Disney is so true, I was there in December and it was absolutely insane

[@NocturneFexy]

If Epic Universe is as good as the stuff Universal's been doing as of late (we've seen Nintendo World which was fantastic), then they're going to wipe Disney's face on the floor!

[@blainejohnson8775]

They will. It’s just a matter of time. I’ve loved Disney and been a Disney fan for years but it is clear that Universal cares more about guest experience than Disney and will come out on top as the most enjoyable experience to vacation.

[@TanmanC]

Great video man!!! Two things I think Universal has two do to catch up 1). KEEP CLASSIC RIDES!!! I can’t stress this enough, don’t get rid of the classics like E.T. And Men and Black! People love these rides so keep them please! 2). I think Super Nintendo World can be the next Harry Potter land to be honest, rides look great, people love Nintendo and if they add new IP’s like Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Kirby, etc. it will continue to grow. Also as a side note I’d love to see more ride pitch ideas, as always keep up the awesome work!!

[@WhirlOmar]

It doesn’t matter who’s on top. It’s always going to change back and forth. What’s great about it, though, is that it gives us more opportunities for enjoyment

[@CHLOCHLOLP]

I dont think universal will become as complacent as Dinsey because they dont have the same kind of fanbase. I loveeee going to universal and have had many annual passes but if the quality of experience started to dip as bad as it has at Disney right now I would stop going and probably buy a busch gardens pass lol, and i think many people would do something similar. They have to maintain quality to keep people coming because they dont have the same brand loyalty. honestly I think Universals success is a lot to do with luck in gaining the rights to Harry Potter and how they handled it. Disney wont ever be able to create that kind of fandom on purpose, it has to happen organically, they could have really had something with star wars but completely fumbled the ball by not doing anything with the originals.

[@aleruz31]

i used to be one of those “tourists” that came to Orlando ONLY to visit the parks, we always had Disney and Universal both in our radars but for the first time ever going, Disney was the one we were rooting for, and is because our family had children, therefore a better experience. However, after trying both parks we only kept visiting Universal literally almost every year and i have not set foot on a Disney park in a WHILE. I think that in these past 10 years, Universal has been the most innovative and creative park out of the two AND I believe that with Epic Universe and Super Mario/DK lands as well as the rest lands, Universal will definitely take over.

[@djnfbrhkelkondwvb6853]

Regardless of how well Epic universe does Disney will not be dead. They are the market leader and the elder statesmen of the industry. They have so many IPs and such a following, they are top of the heap in the entertainment industry. This does not mean they can’t be overtaken however they can be passed and they must take some risks in the next decade or so if they want to stay ahead

[@Jose04537]

What Universal Studios needs it's a fireworks show or any other night time show like World of Color.

[@Jaheartsjonas]

I'm a big disney fan who semi regularly went prior to the pandemic as a FL resident but with all the crap they've pulled recently I'm thinking of making my next park trip be to Universal... Which I haven't even been to since I was 4 in 2001 (same time as my first visit to disney)

[@AttractionIdeas]

I can tell you right now, it is a very different park now then when you last went. It is at the very least worth giving it a shot

[@Jaheartsjonas]

@@AttractionIdeas yeah I'm definitely excited to go and see how it's changed! I remember being on/seeing some of the legacy attractions (mostly bc some of them weren't age appropriate and scarred me for life lol) like ET, Jaws, Twister, the Alfred Hitchcock experience, the Hanna Barbera ride and even Barney so I'm interested to see how it is without most of those

[@AngelRoseFabelo]

I work for Loews Hotels and Epic is supposed to open with 3 resorts and more to come after that!!! Also the Epic plot is so big they still have a ton of space left over after they’re done. If they really wanted too they can build a parking garage (again!) and have even more space for a possible 4th park right next to Epic. I just hope they keep investing!!!!

[@InfinitePlaylist909]

I just got back from a 4-day trip to Universal, and the first thing every single person asks when they find out I went to Orlando is "Did you go to Disney?" And I laugh because I never even considered it!

[@ButterFlyGardenBlossom]

I got a guidebook for Universal once, and the person who was at the checkout asked if I was going to Disney. Like, what? Isn't it obvious it's a Universal book?

[@noelvaldez96]

I love both Disney and Universal, but my experiences for the parks has changed a lot. When I was a kid Disney was king, I loved Universal but Disney was IT. But over the years my experience at Disney has gotten worse while Universal was getting better and better. While I still love Disney. There’s an energy about Universal that’s new and exciting and I totally think if Disney doesn’t step up their not going to be kings for long.

[@wt7553]

Universal isn’t THAT landlocked. There is plenty of space currently in the parks that they could use like The Lost Continent, the area between Marvel Island and Toon Lagoon, and Woody Woodpecker. They’re always starting some construction at Fear Factor Live. There is plenty of room for expansions and immersive new lands. In addition, they’re moving offices and such to north of Epic Universe. That will create some room between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The Epic Universe land is almost as big as the current property so they’re almost doubling the land.

[@ottot3221]

In Universal I can have a vacation, at Disney I have a ton of homework before I get there and a ton of stress when I'm there. As long as Universal guaranties to be a VACATION destination it's the only reason for me to travel to the US.

[@LifeformChris]

But that isn’t Disneys problem.

[@ottot3221]

@@LifeformChris And Disney isn't my problem as I stopped going to the mouse.

[@amanor409]

I worked at Disney from 2000 to 2007 and Universal from 2014 to 2018. I saw most of this first hand. Universal offers a better experience. Even when I didn’t work at the parks from 2007 to 2014 I would go to Universal more than Disney. The main reason was because Universal was more enjoyable.

[@boomchildrensministries9959]

I think that the possibility of bringing Pokémon to Universal will make a huge difference. Picture an immersive world on the same scale as Harry Potter but instead you can catch and even battle Pokémon! I mean, I’m a Disney die hard, but I’d forego my Disney vacation for that!

[@Esraem]

Went to Magic Kingdom and Universal Last year. Universal by far was the best deal and the most fun. Looking to go back at the end of this year.

[@jonrussell1690]

I hope Universal overtakes WDW. The current CEO @ WDW is so pro stockholders, anti performers and spend, spend, spend. I see Universal actually catching up to WDW by 2023/2024 when EPIC Universe opens. As long as Universal treats their FL residents and APs correctly, you’ll see that Universal will overtake Disney. I don’t understand how Disney has allowed this to occur, they have so much land and resources but they act like they’re landlocked. Universal went out, purchased a variety of properties and poof!!! They are building a 3rd theme park. I think Disney was happy that Universal stopped on the 3rd theme park when the pandemic hit but I think Universal caught Disney off guard with how fast they got back to it and now has a momentum that is seeing things coming together faster. I think Disney is hoping for Guardians of the Galaxy & Tron to help offset the amount of people going to Universal. Disney doesn’t understand that people wants another theme park there but they want to add these little lands vs a 5th gate. I left WDW AP when I saw how Disney was going during the pandemic. I became a Universal AP last year and haven’t looked back.

[@lolomundo5226]

While I do think Epic Universe will be amazing and am super impressed by everything that universal is doing, I do think it's a bit overzealous to think that Universal would top attendance against Disney because of Epic Universe or In any other Universal location for that matter. People tend to leave out 2 key factors that keep Disney on top. 1. It's a family destination now and forever. Families with little girls are not planning trips to Universal, they are planning trips to see the princesses. Universal is amazing for thrill seekers but not necessarily family friendly (personally I like it that way, Magic Kingdom is unbearable for me lol). 2. Disney is very fat friendly. Now this is where a huge chunk of their die hard fan base comes from. Universal is notorious for being very restrictive in the constraints and overweight guests are unable to ride the most popular attractions (prior to my weightless I use to be one of those people). Disney was the only place I could go without worry or fear of being kicked off a ride. And as we Americans continue to grow around the waist Disney is the only option. Personally after Epic Universe opens my desire will lean more towards Universal, however I still don't think that it will be enough to eclipse Disney in Orlando. I do hope it leads to more innovation on Disney's end because Universal is doing an absolutely amazing job.

[@leohendrix7696]

Well my friend. That’s What Nintendo world is for

[@StrawberryChaiLatte]

Well times are changing as far as “little girls” go. The recent indication of desire for the muscular Luisa over the typical girly girl Isabel. I think you’re underestimating just how popular Pokémon is in its own but the absolute powerhouse Nintendo is. Take a walk around the kid’s clothes sections of Target alone and you’d be surprised just how much Nintendo themed clothes are available now. My daughter is the perfect example of this. While she absolutely adores the princesses she’s still thrilled by those franchises I’ve mentioned that are less “girly”. The idea of meeting Princess Peach or Princess Zelda makes her go nuts lol

[@leohendrix7696]

@@StrawberryChaiLatte Nintendo characters over Disney characters all day. Besides stich and Sora

[@skygge1006]

As a person from Florida, universal becomes better between 10-13.

[@leohendrix7696]

@@skygge1006 for me, it’s been since 8 years old. I went to Disney land and it was Ight 😐

[@Mike__B]

Lets be clear about one thing, Disney raised prices to make more money, they didn't do squat about overcrowding. If they really cared about overcrowding they could simply lower the park capacity by a bunch. That said, I'm glad my last trip to Disney World was back when staying on site offered a decent benefit, magical mornings (and evenings) were substantial, they didn't charge you to park your vehicle if you were staying on site, hell they still offered complementary bus service as a big thank you for staying on their property for letting them know "Hey I'm going to spend all my vacation dollars here". Oh yeah, and when off season actually meant the crowds were super chill. Man those were the days.

[@RamdomVidsInc]

I also think one thing that's help Universal is their increased theming over the years. I think if they can keep up that sort of immersive theming, it will continue to draw people who enjoy that away from the Disney parks. Disney always claims they have immersive theming, but Universal is getting much better at meeting (and beating them) in their additions. Nintendo World is one great example, and I can't wait to see what they do with the rest of Epic Universe.

[@Gmaninator10]

My entire life I've preferred Disney to Universal. But in the last 5 years or so, all my trips have been centered around Universal with maybe one or 2 days left for Disney. I think that's in big part due to just how easy and relatively cheaper it is to book a Universal stay as opposed to Disney with their reservation system and overpriced tickets and hotels. Hopefully with the way Universal has been doing lately, it'll kick Disney into shape again.

[@jasmine-rose18]

I think the fast pass at universal is better than Disney. I don’t understand Disney genie and don’t want to deal with all that 😭

[@UndeadNerdT800]

14:43 fun fact about universal. If you want to go to one park for one day the price is 109$.

[@perception7331]

if ur a fl resident it can be as low as $79

[@obsidianromance34]

I can’t wait to see this war at its height when Epic Universe is finished. Another tip for Universal would be to make something kid related. Most of their attractions are to teens and adults but Disney is for everyone. They have Barney land but thats very dated. The minions ride is a good start. I heard they’re building a Dreamworks land in Epic Universe which will be great but that’s only one park.

[@lodestarinitiative4628]

I’ve always loved Disney,but honestly,Disney Really needs to BUCK UP!They need to add more land and more major stuff.

[@IngenuousSoprano]

The Nintendo stuff is coming. Mario's section of Nintendo Land already has a pretty awesome model in Osaka. I wish the second one would be Legend of Zelda, but Donkey Kong does make sense with his old arcade game with Mario.

[@zacharybowman3702]

I think a Star Trek land would be a good competitor against Galaxy's Edge.

[@largol33t1]

That would hit Disney HARD. Remember how they tried to fight off Harry Potter with GE and failed miserably? Universal needs to take note: make sure you have ACTUAL rides if you build a Star Trek land. If you remove Rise of the Resistance, there aren't any actual rides in GE! It's like paying to go into a shopping mall!

[@WMFilms25]

If Nintendo is gonna be a huge blow to Disney, then I can’t help but dream about the possibility of Comcast buying out Warner Bros. Discovery and increasing their IP ten fold and dominate theme parks for the foreseeable future. They’d have all the IP necessary to topple the mouse and be #1 (they’d officially own HP, DC, LOTR, Looney Tunes, etc.). But Disney’s biggest response that I can think of: a new theme park themed to Dark Kingdom (villains, monsters, and beasts). So either way, both titans I believe will be pumping out the very best they can offer or buy in the years to come.

[@beckstar78]

wicked kingdom

[@marcusblackwell2372]

I have an insane idea, but if done well, it could work: Universal Studios should make a videogame in the same vein as Disneyland Adventures, but without the Kinect feature. It can basically be the ultimate version of the park, where both rides, lands, and experiences old and new (not counting lands that were conceptualized but then put on the chopping block), can all be featured, and while not exactly being a direct copy of Disneyland Adventures, it can draw very heavily from it, with characters, quests, a quirky little companion to help us with such things as getting used to the controls and reminding us what we have to do, attractions that do MUCH more than take us through the attractions as they are in the parks, you know, the whole shebang. Well, maybe being a knockoff of Disneyland Adventures but improved COULD be a good thing if they still maintain their originality. Here are some general properties and parts of the park (try saying that five times fast) that I think might just work: All the Islands Of Adventure islands, Springfield with the Simpsons Ride, The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, with Harry, Ron, Hermoine, Hagrid, maybe Dumbledore if they decide it doesn't take place during The Deathly Hollows Part 2 & any other characters or creatures in the parks, themselves, the new Super Nintendo World (I would like to think that they could find a way for both Islands Of Adventure and Nintendo World to coexist), Amity Harbor (which might mean the game has to be made for teens, because we all know how bloody Jaws gets), maybe the KidZone, Nickelodeon Hotel because of just how immersive it tried to be, and you might can guess the rest. For characters aside from who I mentioned, I'm thinking--amomg other ones--Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, Agents K and Jay from Men & Black, with their corresponding attraction, as well as the aliens from the immigration office, since they can be met up close, if asked, as I learned, all six Simpsons (Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, Maggie & Grandpa) as well as Krusty The Clown in Springfield, The Mystery Inc. Gang, Shrek, Fionna & Donkey, Beetlejuice and all his friends from all iterations of his Graveyard Revue (though for Frankenstein's Bride, Frankenstein's Monster, Phantasia, Dracula, Cleopatra and Wolfman, use the revamped version that ran from 2014 to when the attraction closed for good), the Dr. Seuss characters that appear in Seuss Landing, the characters from the Mummy when it was about the archaeological team, The Terminator for a series of quests corresponding to his ride, and Gru, his daughters & a few of the Minions to name a few. For attractions: E.T. Adventure, The Cat In The Hat, Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey & Escape From Gringotts, Shrek 4D, The Simpsons Ride, Men In Black: Alien Attack, Jaws: The Ride, Jurassic World: The Ride, Terminator 4D, Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man, The Blues Brothers show (they're also characters in the game), Poseidon's Fury and Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue. I'm not thinking about it being online in the traditional sense, but they can have updates based on particular seasons if appropriate, and update every time there's a new attraction so that players always have something new to look forward to. What do you all think? Does that sound like an interesting concept? If most of those make no sense, I picked them all together because I want the game to basically be a love letter to all things Universal Studios, past, present, and future, so that it can both attract old fans who want to experience, say, extinct attractions, and new fans, to help them see just how awesome the park is. Also, for the bad rides, we can find some way to make them much better

[@razormc954]

One big problem: LICENSING

[@marcusblackwell2372]

@@razormc954 Fair, since maybe of those things were from Columbia and Warner Bros (that's especially gonna be a beast)

[@dwightk.schruteiii8454]

Yea thats the major disadvantage of Universal. Being landlocked. Another move is buy out the surrounding properties. The surrounding property is kind of rundown anyway, so it maybe smart to do so.

[@joshuarexrode8533]

Disney needs to be served a big slice of humble pie.

[@TrashBulldogProductions]

Chapek is the one who could use of an entire humble pie.

[@josephligart4944]

Universal listens to what people want. And don’t rip people off. And they’re knocking Disney out of the water. And it’s fantastic.

[@laceegomel8207]

They don't listen to families with small kids, there is almost nothing they can do there.

[@gamr5055]

Disney getting rid of magical express means many more people are going to go to Universal, which could very well be the end of Disney as the King of Orlando Theme Parks

[@melissac6835]

I recently visited both parks with my family and we all had a far better experience at universal/ islands of adventure than we did at magic kingdom. The lines at Disney were insufferable and there were a lot of problems with the rides shutting down. We have little kids and babies in the family and the baby switch/ passes were so much dynamic and easy to get at universal parks.

[@texaspoontappa9653]

Lets not forget about Pokemon aka the biggest media franschise in the world. Universal just started a partnership with them and that could be huge for their parks! I known I would line up 7 hours for a Pikachu popcorn bucket

[@BlueSky-i2u8i]

I think Nintendo World is gonna be a big deal, that'll be the next major theme park land that boosts universal's attendance and popularity

[@bluegold1026]

A thought provoking vid indeed. Especially the final minute, where you list everything Disney needs to do to combat Universals rise. You pretty much said everything Disney fans are thinking right now!

[@lexilondono2493]

I think Universal keeping prices lower is the best for them. Personally my family went to universal because we had the budget to do WDW and UO. If universal was the same price I would have never gone. And now we all favor universal and are annual pass holders!

[@kylefukumoto5811]

I would add a few things; #1 interactivity, you see this in Nintendo Land, small animatronic mascots, Avatar Land has just light up floors, it should be more fun, I guess Winnie the Pooh has some interactivity, but it should be the whole theme park(s). The Disney map quests are ok, but it should be a part of the park, not just a paid experience for a few. The Disney mobile games are not fun, they may be themed, but no interaction with ride or land. Harry Potter Land is the best with animatronics going at random times so you have to spend a significant time taking it in. More of this. #2 shade, I see this as a fault in videos on Toy Story Land, it's an afterthought since they put up patio umbrellas, the best was Bug's Land, but that's gone. Star Wars Land is brutal in the sunlight. The same with DCA. Make rocky overhangs, benches, etc. Splash pads for kids. I like Universal's misters. #3 put in entertainment like live actors similar to Renaissance Faires, playing characters, Knott's does this best. They have stories, you can spend all day at Knott's Ghost Town Alive. The Walking Dead attraction was great at Universal Hollywood, there was a Castle Dracula all year long, that closed. Their new franchise is the classic horror rebooted with the latest Invisible Man, there should be a land devoted to it. They have Flash Gordon if that could somehow be turned into a franchise that could make a great land, Mongo World. Also, Battlestar Galactica, I went on the tram ride to a Cylon base star, this could be more intense. Universal has Pacific Rim that would be awesome to have as a land and attractions. A superhero comic book franchise is really needed and there are a number of them out there.

[@GrumpyGolf4]

Universal doesn’t need to do anything. DIS is on a self destruct trajectory. As a long time Disney fan, after the Magical Express being taken away, Lightning Lane and Genie+ Implementation, price increases across the board, no extra magic hours, no night time parade etc…I’m done with Disney.

[@RichardSmith-dl2dk]

No on price increases, but yes on “synergy”! With Peacock, NBC Universal should do some original shows that promote the parks like Disney+! BTS of rides, spotlights on Team Members, etc. Also, NBC broadcasts the Macy Parade, so why not use it like Disney does it’s parade to promote upcoming rides, ticket deals, and holiday festivities!

[@ryuzakithecrux9652]

I disagree strongly with the pricing point. If anything Universal being cheaper is more likely to draw in crowds especially when comparing to Disney. Another thing that wasnt touched upon was the whole fast pass and Genie+ stuff, it makes what should be a vacation away from home and stress where you can just relax into a hectic nightmare as you try to ride all the rides you want. Legit I dispise the fact you have to wake up by 7 am just to have a CHANCE of getting a reservation for Rise of the Resistance. Compared to Universal where you can just get an early hour ticket and basically walk right onto Hagrids and Velocicoaster.

[@228-n6f]

There should be an anime and manga based attractions and theme area at the Orlando parks cause there are so many of them with big potential. They could go with other video game IP’s from other companies. I’d be down for a Halo attraction with a Dinosaur-like ride system as you shoot the enemies from the series. Speaking of Microsoft, Banjo Kazooie would fit Epic Universe perfectly next to Super Nintendo World.

[@yotsubafanfan]

That'd be amazing, I mean anime is getting a lot of audience reception now. If it weren't for COVID I could have seen a temporary Demon Slayer attraction getting a lot of love by Americans, or something Sailor Moon themed. For now though I am good with Nintendo World making my childhood dreams come true.

[@ssss-fe1uv]

What a day it is when attraction ideas uploads

[@BubbleCatFTW]

If you think about it, Universal was able to make Harry Potter iconic in their theme parks and immersive, but Disney was not able to make iconic IPs such as Avengers/Marvel & Star Wars into good lands…

[@adrianaarcomone]

Honestly, with some space moving over to Epic. Uni may move all of their backstage and corporate offices to the Epic backstage area to expand on Studios and IOA, which may ease possible overcrowding concerns. I've been a UO Passholder since 2015 and Universal has only disappointed me a handful of times. While Disney makes me sigh on the daily.

[@mattrost2574]

Excellent video with outstanding comparisons! We "fired" Disney from our itineraries years ago after decades of annual visits. Here's OUR reasons for going to Universal instead of Disney (Florida): 1: There are smoking areas in Universal Parks. No need to leave the parks and re-queue through security after every break like at all Disney Parks. 2: We don't like bus transportation. Universal is compact. Everything is close by. 3: We don't like being phone-dependent. At Universal, you can leave your portable devises in your rooms. Disney has "phone-zombies" that walk around blindly staring at their screens. 4: Fewer small children and strollers. 5: HUGE price differences between Disney & Universal (Rooms, tickets, Express Passes, food). 6: More coasters and thrill rides. 7: Many more restaurants and bars that serve adult beverages within the parks. 8: No princesses. 9: The best water park in the country! 10: Less walking between attractions (we're seniors). 11: Velocicoaster, Hagrid's, Forbidden Journey, The Hulk, Gringotts's, et al. 12: Rental cars are not necessary, and tram rides not required (stay on-site). 13: Deluxe amenities sent to our room because we're regulars. NEVER at Disney.

[@asudevil316]

Wow...yeah Universal is better because they let people smoke cancer sticks...cant wait to see your face when Epic Universe opens and you have to take a bus to it....

[@laceegomel8207]

You must not have small kids with you (or any health problems, back issues, etc) Good for you!

[@kaiserwilhelmthesecond4144]

Interesting choice to have the eu4 soundtrack as background music, love it

[@AttractionIdeas]

It seemed appropriate given all the talk about war lol

[@remyd8767]

Universal needs more smaller rides and more of them in different sections of parks. Disney is still seen as more family friendly. Islands is fine, but Studios literally has all their young kids rides in one section of the park that is hard to find. I hope in their search for marquee rides that they also include the lighter hitters and disperse throughout epic Universe. To win this battle, universe needs to be seen just as family friendly. Families are the ones who pay the bills

[@AttractionIdeas]

I totally agree. Universal needs more family-friendly attractions. Hopefully the Nintendo properties fill this need

[@laceegomel8207]

@@AttractionIdeas that is my biggest issue with Universal, they have like 1 dark, family friendly ride. I have severe motion sickness, there is almost nothing I can do at US/IOA. We raised 4 kids and took them to Disney all the time, what can a pregnant mom, babies and toddlers, or people with health issues do at the Universal parks besides sit on a bench? That being said, I agree that competition is great for Disney, they definitely have room to improve. But the idea that families with multiple ages and abilities would ever prefer Universal is nuts.

[@AshTreigh]

Letting you know that as a Florida resident who is 1:30 away, universal is way more appealing to anyone aged 14+ The roller coasters are an incredible advantage

[@wcsearcy]

We are DVC members, and we had two vacations with Disney last year, 2021. Both were so stressful we gave up, and this year we are going to Universal instead. There's no magic at Disney anymore.

[@ganymedehedgehog371]

The day universal gets anime content like their japan park is the day Disney is 100% beat. Anime fans already go to conventions for buying merch and they’d do it for theme parks.

[@DarkCrystalSage]

We already have some anime merch in the parks, If I heard a fifth park made that goes hard with a Mugen Train rollercoaster? You know I'm camping outside for opening day. What about a MHA area? Pokemon. Pokemon would DESTROY disney along with Yugioh [CARD GAMES ON MOTORCYCLE RIDE!]

[@harrylogozar]

Another thing universal needs is probably more advertising When I watch tv I get ads for Disney world Disneyland Disney cruise line. I’ve seen almost no ads for universal besides a velocicoaster ad here and there. If universal maybe took some money to invest in more advertising. They have reached a point of no longer being unknown but clearly Disney still has a larger pull on the consumer. Universal has a deal right now where if you buy 3 days get 2 days free or something like that and that’s great. Now advertise it. An ad here, a banner ad on websites there and more people may invest in a trip to universal because they know of the said deal. It’s not a huge pull but it definitely can hit the penny pincher demographic which is a good chunk of tourists because vacations are expensive anything to make it cheaper is a good argument to do it in their books

[@AttractionIdeas]

Absolutely. I didn't mention that in the video cause I kind of took it for granted that they were advertising as much as Disney. But maybe I only felt that way since I really pay attention whenever a Universal ad pops up. Either way, your point stands true, they need to be matching Disney's advertising efforts.

[@kyogresfunchannel]

I am not joking but I took a vacation to San Fran Last Year and saw an advertisement for Velocicoaster, nothing Disney. I think Universal has Velocicoaster and HHN for advertisement heroes.

[@harrylogozar]

@@kyogresfunchannel I’ve seen very few ads for universal yet I get 50th anniversary, Disney cruise, Disneyland ads universal seems to be lacking in the ad department

[@kyogresfunchannel]

@@harrylogozar True

[@brycevo]

I really hope they update the older parts of the parks. Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, World Fair. All of them need updates and upgrades. And honestly, I'd suggest rebranding Velocicoaster to Jurassic Park, and build a Jurassic World area at epic Universe so we can get the Beijing attractions.

[@lukecavic]

Me and my family have the same opinions about the war between universal and Disney. Universal is, overall, much better at rides, expansion, and guest experience. Disney is okay at best in those categories. Also, Disney has become such a toxic environment if you aren’t spending all the money that you possibly can. For instance, whenever you don’t get Genie+ and the Lightning Lane rides, you feel pressured to buy because you see everyone else already jabbing and using it. Universal is also much better at perks. At universal hotels, you get an hour early entry to IOA, and deluxe resort guest get free Express Pass.

[@sonimatic]

They already have. Going to disney is a stressful and exhausting experience but universal is just fun.

[@thechoiboi5727]

Disney World still has its legacy. The classic attractions at Disney outperform the "classic" in Universal. What's classic there? E.T. Adventure? Cat in The Hat? Yeah but chapek will probs prove me wrong in abt a year

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

The answer to overcrowding to expand is to the take down or use those studio soundstages next to rip ride rocket!

[@AttractionIdeas]

Actually yeah, that's probably exactly where they'll expand first. Good point!

[@fredleggett923]

@@AttractionIdeas Problem is those soundstages are home to at least two Horror Night houses. HHN brings in ginormous revenue, so I doubt Universal would do anything to jeopardize the houses.

[@RealMadrid1472]

the stage can't be removed, its used for concerts in Mardi Gras

[@SpectreJordan]

I think delving more into video games would be a good idea for Universal. Continue with the Nintendo partnerships through Zelda & Pokemon. Maybe partner up with Microsoft for Minecraft, Call of Duty & Halo as well.

[@rapunzel1701]

When I was a kid, we're talking the '70's & '80s, a 40 minute wait at Magic Kingdom was _the longest wait time like in forever!_ Now, 40 minues is _oh, only 40 minutes!_

[@AmusementLabs]

With the rate of Disney construction I can't wait for the 5th gate to open in 2045...

[@NocturneFexy]

I can't wait to go to the 5th gate when I'm in retirement!

[@TheEquus92]

Universal should have How To Train Your Dragon Land with rides. Imagine Flight of Passage, but you're riding a dragon around Berk.

[@NocturneFexy]

There's a How to Train Your Dragon land rumored for Epic Universe with a coaster that is similar to Hagrid's.

[@nonetillman8005]

Good video but there are some things you may have missed (I mean this with no disrespect) or just left out: 1. WDW would have a hard time achieving (and maintaining) a 50 % jump (an increase of 25M) Their attendance is almost tapped out whereas Universal was at the near bottom with only an opportunity for growth. 2. If you look at the bottom line Universal is still 27M in attendance behind, that is more than their total attendance (by 6M). The percentages needed to equal or top WDW is insurmountable and not possible. Epic will see a boost but at what cost? WDW will still maintain their attendance with little or no improvement to their parks. Disney realizes that adding a fifth gate isn't necessary whereas Universal almost has to (due to limited acreage). 3. Disney is legacy. Legacy isn't built over a few decades but over 5-6-7 decades. The fan base of Disney is generational. Grandmothers bring their grand kids because they took their own kids. Yes, Disney fans will leave but there is always a replacement. Universal is and will most likely be a pit stop in the race to visit Disney. In all fairness, I am a Disney guy (47 y/o). We are out of state AP holders. We visit Universal every 5-6 years and when we are there...it's fun. That's all though. I travel to Disney probably 50-60 days a year and each time, I can see and do something new or interesting due to the sheer size of WDW. I don't dislike Universal but I don't love it either. Zero disrespect to your content, just giving a different view. Good content as always.

[@asudevil316]

Probably the best comment on here so of course he is going to ignore it. The fact that he thinks opening up Epic Universe will bring in 20 million visitors is hilarious...he also wants Disney to build another park yet "stop charging high prices"

[@AttractionIdeas]

Fair points. I certainly wasn't expecting a 50% jump in attendance for Disney, nor should anybody have expected that. But, what did catch me off guard was how little they grew over that 10 year period and how concerning that is given all their new additions. I certainly don't expect Disney to capitulate, but I do think Universal can eventually overtake them. This is not something that would happen overnight and would certainly take years, if not decades to achieve. Your point about Disney's legacy is a good one, the problem is that for a lot of these kids once they reach a certain age, many of them will turn to and prefer Universal's more thrilling and intense attraction offerings that Disney simply does not provide (at least not in large quantity). Thus, creating the start of Universal's own legacy families. Sure, those families may not be able to point to a ride and say "Hey I rode that when I was a kid!" But I think that's okay and will be accepted among those people. Universal has already built up a culture of constant change and improvement. It will be understood that your favorite ride will not be around forever. I think to a certain extent Disney's own nostalgia has kind of kept them trapped. They can't touch rides like Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, etc without a mob of people losing it. They are literally stuck in the past. Anyways... That's a long-winded way of saying I think Universal can over time counteract Disney's legacy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts champ. Very insightful.

[@asudevil316]

@@AttractionIdeas "how little they grew"...this is simple statistics. When you have the numbers they have it is not realistic to see them grow a big amount. Hell just growing alone is good and means that Universal did nothing to hurt them.

[@pitt24fan]

@@AttractionIdeas Let me add to the changing/not changing here....Universal by constantly changing/upgrading (though I think 20 years is the perfect time to get rid of something) is telling it's customers, HEY! Don't miss this ride before it's gone! while Disney being stuck in the past they can just say oh, we'll go next year, it's not going anywhere. That to me is a huge plus for Universal as you don't want to find out your favorite attraction is gone or going to be gone and you didn't get to experience it enough. The other thing to look at here on attendance figures is Disney has 4 parks to Universals 2 parks....that there in itself shows why the attendance has such a huge gap. Lets say Universal averages the same attendance per park when the 3rd one opens, that cuts it the deficit to 15 million behind which again, is not that far apart when 1. Disney has been around for 50 years and has A LOT MORE PARKS (but truthfully offer A LOT LESS) while Universal has only been around for 32 years and being land locked. Plus you can actually say Disney has been around for over 80 years and already had a HUGE following when the parks opened in 1971. There are many things people don't think of and that is one of them. I've never been a huge fan of ANYTHING Disney, even as a kid. I can name less than 10 Disney movies I've ever seen fully and I never enjoyed watching them again. I'll take Universal or Busch Garden over Disney any day.

[@skygge1006]

Also take into account that in that decade Florida’s population rapidly increased and Disney was barely affected by this increase because these people are choosing universal instead.

[@CarterKench]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE THANK UUUU

[@chubbs2067]

While I enjoyed this video and topic, the thing I think you are missing on why it will be much harder then you think is IP. To make such headway and increase attendance, not only do they have to spend to build, but they have to spend to lock in that outside brand. They did it for Harry Potter, they did it for the Simpsons, they are doing it for Nintendo, and will have to continue to do it. Universal doesn’t own anything by way of brands that are that widely known (beyond ones in the park already like Jurassic Park). Whereas Disney already has such a massive IP catalog and continuously makes in house productions that blow others away. I do agree with a majority of your points in the video, it’s just worth considering how much investment it will take to actually draw enough people over as they pretty much have to buy the brand image in order to compete.

[@AttractionIdeas]

I agree and that's why in the video I made sure to point out that they should really collaborate more heavily with the TV and movie studio brands. I know its not easy to make the next "big thing," but at the very least working together on something that could make for both a great franchise as well as great theme park land/attraction would benefit both brands and would prevent/lessen license spending.

[@Uchi_Soto]

Went to the food and wine festival in 2020 for my birthday and it was incredibly lackluster. While I understand COVID affected a lot of things, the entire experience just felt like constantly shelling out money to exist in Epcot park. I essentially paid the entrance fee to walk around and spend more money buying food. The attractions are outdated and there isn't much to do that doesn't require spending more money within the parks. In contrast, Universal is a blast and It feels worth paying for the fast pass as it makes a difference in the experience.

[@hayley3021]

Bro. Just the quality (merch, events, and food) for the price has been such a driving factor in my favoritism for UO recently. Like DW just hasn’t been it. A lot of the changes have made things more difficult for guests while they cash in. And I am so excited for Universal Monsters in EPIC Universe.

[@largol33t1]

I have this to say: yes, the food in Universal can be a bit pricey but at least it isn't bad. At worst, it was average carnival level quality but I liked the corn dogs served in Springfield and Duff beer is a decent brand. Yes, I'm talking about Homer Simpson's favorite drink.

[@Patmoorejr]

Remember, Disney has emotional and well put together fireworks.