Disney vs. Universal - The WDW News Today Podcast: Episode 16

[@michellee1190]

When I said that Universal has been doing things because of Disney doesn't since forever, I was responding to Jason's point about the refillable soda cups. I used to work as USH (in the late 90's), and in that park there's alcohol, gum, shelled nuts, and people could bring food into the theaters. And boy howdy, after it being my job to clean the Castle Theater between Beetlejuice shows, did I understand what Walt was on about.

[@SusanStypa]

Oh no….did I hear Eric say his brother Andy is in the hospital? Many prayers he gets better soon! 🙏

[@TheETicketReport]

Jason is 100% correct in his statement that Bourne is the best stunt show in Orlando. I haven't seen one better in the US.

[@SupaYoda]

As someone who has had APs for both and enjoys both, I feel like Universal is the laid back relaxing of the two. I don't feel like I have to go in with a strategy to enjoy myself. WDW, I can't imagine trying to just show up and do something I like without a huge amount of frustration. I love it, but there's definitely some strategy involved to loving Disney. And it's not what I'd consider to be a relaxing vacation. Universal's character meet and greets feel more organic to me, though I've noticed some unfortunate Disneyfication of that since covid and since a lot of Disney visitors started going. What used to be roaming characters you could just run into has now started to form huge lines. (The Grinch and his 5-hour wait being one example.) But I think the main difference between Tom and me here is that I like a lot of those rides and attractions that Tom doesn't. (I absolutely LOVE Villain Con, and I'm that person who goes on it multiple times and tries to collect different things.) Put it this way... I didn't renew my WDW AP when it expired. I've decided to wait a few years before going back, because I feel like a lot needs to be done and corrected. But I felt like I was waiting out that pass so that I could get back to Universal. WDW has been that place I like to go to, and I enjoy it well enough, but I do also get frustrated with things like needing a Touring Plans subscription to strategize line waits and restaurant reservations leading up to my trip. Universal, meanwhile, has been that place that I can't wait to get back to, and I don't stress over that at all. Overall, I have the better experience at Universal.

[@neko-chan6145]

Eric you are dedicated. Hope your family is ok. I am glad to see this discussion. I have seen people change from only going to disney and now splitting their vacation between both.

[@ptrspmpkin]

Yeah, the original Eric!! The other....

[@colelonergan4240]

I am honestly glad that Tom mentioned that Universal is doing many of the same things that Disney did in the 90s and early 2000s.

[@_AT41]

With a focus on the Florida parks, here’s why many people are saying Universal is “better than Disney” or “catching up to Disney” the past few years: 1. The new attractions at Universal, particularly at IOA, have been spectacular. Specifically, I’m talking about Hagrid’s and Velocicoaster (and that’s what everyone is talking about, not Villaincon which is a comparably tiny addition that was just meant to replace the shrek show that no one liked). Both Hagrid’s and Velocicoaster are excellent roller coasters that are smooth and a lot of fun. They both have great theming, particularly for the level of thrills they also offer. Tom, you seem to be singularly focused on the realism of the movements of the animatronics, and even there I think the “Fluffy” animatronic looks excellent and the Hagrid’s and blast-ended skroot animatronics are fine. Especially so when you consider that these animatronics are outdoors (exposed to weather, etc.). Ask 100 fans of Florida parks, a decent representative sample that have been to both Universal and Disney, and many of those people- maybe even a majority- will say that Hagrid’s is better than anything Disney has to offer. Disney’s best recent attraction according to most people is Guardians, and it’s the only recent addition that really stacks up to those 2 additions at IOA. Tron is a fun ride too but the reception hasn’t been nearly as positive. 2. Comparing the Harry Potter Lands to Galaxy’s Edge, Universal did a much better job bringing the Wizarding World to life than what Disney did with Star Wars. A lot of that came down to bad strategic decisions by Disney, in particular focusing on the divisive and largely unpopular sequel trilogy. Universal also had the creator of the IP heavily involved which helped with authenticity. There are also more and superior attractions in the WW compared to GE certainly in my opinion. I’ll take Hagrid’s and Forbidden Journey over Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run any day. It would have been closer when Rise actually worked (I loved the part with the canons), but that ride has been in B or C mode for so long many people have no idea how good it originally was. I also think Gringott’s is an excellent and underrated ride, particularly by theme park fanatics. The part where the dragon pulls you up out of the vaults is one of the coolest combinations of theming and thrills I’ve seen. I say this as someone who is a fan of both franchises and even prefers Star Wars over Harry Potter, but the latter was just adapted into a theme park land so much better. 3. I haven’t been on Mario Kart yet but it looks pretty disappointing. However it looks miles better than Spiderman’s Legoland Ninjago Adventure. The reason Universal is gaining on Disney (or surpassed them in the eyes of some) is because their recent additions have been far superior, especially the major ones. You’re comparing universal to classic Disney, and that’s missing the point. We can see where things are going and it’s only going to get more obvious with Epic Universe. It’s great to get your honest perspective and you make some good points, but you’re not even attempting to represent the opposing viewpoint that you know is out there, and is also valid.

[@adamp2384]

Extremely well said

[@_AT41]

@@adamp2384 Thank you!

[@cbs2468]

Your first point doesn't hold up, IMHO. Hagrid's is a definitely fun and i love the theming but Rise of the Resistance - which opened after it - blows it out of the water. Velocicoaster has a decent queue but the ride is just an outdoor coaster. Nothing innovative about that, I'd take Guardians over it every time.

[@_AT41]

@@cbs2468On Rise vs Hagrid’s, that’s your opinion but based on my anecdotal experience and what I’ve seen in discussions online, many people think Hagrid’s is the best attraction in the Orlando area. Most of the people I’ve talked to who don’t have Hagrid #1 would actually choose GotG Cosmic Rewind. There was a time when I would have said Rise was my favorite attraction, but with some of the best effects permanently disabled and half of the other ones being hit or miss, it’s not the same ride and can be pretty disappointing. I still appreciate the ambition of it and the fact that the pre-show is an actual ride. Also the queue section after the preshow is still amazing. As for Velocicoaster, it’s not just an outdoor coaster like you’d find at a six flags park plopped down in a parking lot. It is just as thrilling as one of those coasters though, which is something you can’t say about any of the Disney coasters. It’s a different kind of ride for a different audience. As far as theming, the raptor statues are OK as you’re going so fast through that section you’d have barely any time to see animatronics move. It would have been awesome if they were even basic animatronics, they obviously went this direction to save costs and it’s a fair point. In order to add animatronics there it would probably also have to be closed to save them from the rain and wind. Know that there are a lot of roller coaster enthusiasts who consider it the best roller coaster on the planet, so there’s no denying it’s a fantastic addition that’s improved the reputation of Universal.

[@SupaYoda]

I do like that Universal's wand choosing ceremony isn't paywalled, versus Disney where you have to pay for their version (lightsaber). And that's another thing that really grinds my gears about Disney is that so much of it is paywalled. I feel like I do get nickled and dimed on every little thing, whereas that's not quite as bad at Universal. I'm a little upset that Galaxy's Edge doesn't have the shows that Hollywood Studios had and essentially gave up just before it opened. Those were excellent. And I do feel like it has less of an interactive Star Wars atmosphere that it had before GE was added. Smuggler's Run always annoys me, but I do like ROTR. I think that's very well done.

[@joeruhaak2472]

I know Eric was on Zoom but it would have been nice to actually hear him speak, Jason just wouldn't quit talking.

[@Nonfiction79]

We need a Tom’s Greatest Hits video with all the unhinged things he’s ever said. It would probably have to be a multi-part video.

[@adamp2384]

The biggest thing universal does better over Disney is Universal listens to their passholders and treats them 100x better

[@WDWNT]

that's great, but what do I do in those parks after I'm appreciated lol

[@adamp2384]

@@WDWNTthat’s what I think Epic is going to change, I am not under the disillusion that this is Disney’s game to lose but they are quickly going down a path to lose unless they reverse course quickly which I think all current park leadership is still the problem (Iger and Damaro and Jeff Valle and the Board need to go), Blue Sky ideas are one thing but a discount on literally everything I buy or want at universal is something tangible right now that leaves me with a good feeling, you can’t tell me Disney couldn’t give all passholders a blanket discount tomorrow….they are just being incredibly greedy and don’t want to do it

[@santiago7129]

Dawg you can’t tell me that they are putting as much passion into epic universe as they did with magic kingdom Epcot animal kingdom even mgm studios has 1000000000x more thought put into to it when it opened like dam universal got the ugliest parks in the world you cannot tell me that epic universe will be more beautiful than any Disney park in wdw

[@adamp2384]

@@santiago7129 magic kingdom park is an icon but epic will be a whole lot better than Hollywood studios for sure

[@trentonfoster3629]

Do Disneyland in Northern California.

[@melvinlee9263]

Universal gives their Annual Passholders perks that are a lot better than Disney's magnets...

[@WDWNT]

But what do I do once I get there that is fun lol

[@DocDoccus]

For the love of Figment, let Eric speak!

[@rebeccastahl8614]

The cost and ease that comes with visiting Universal is what makes it *better* than Disney. Only exception imo is if you have kids under 5, Disney caters to family with very young kids with the no height requirements for 30+ attractions. I look at the premier hotels, Hardrock vs Contemporary- the value that comes with staying at a Universal hotel is light years ahead of what you get at a premier hotel at Disney. It’s also my opinion that listening to the opinions of Orlando theme park influencers about the Disney vs Universal debate is kind of pointless because they are so far removed from what most of us experience as theme park guests. They have annual passes, the daily admission/hotel costs are irrelevant to them.

[@danielspencer1923]

Agreed in that Universal is the value choice. That's why they price their hotels lower.

[@rebeccastahl8614]

@@danielspencer1923 getting express pass at premier resorts is a definite plus.

[@CarloRufinoSabusap]

The only thing for me that makes Universal better than Disney is the fact that I do not have to make any reservation at all or wait for good to go days to go to the parks. I can wake up in the morning and just decide to go and walk in without having to be on my damn phone making a reservation on their very wonky system that won't even let me make a reservation through the app, the app opens up a web browser which then I have to do more additional steps to make reservations. And then, Disney went ahead and removed a lot of the benefits that I had been paying for! Disney's discount system is also really dumb and convoluted. With universal, I know that I can get my discount at most restaurants and merchandise stores, and that very basically the only places I don't get discounts are on alcohol and vendors that are considered "carts". With Disney, I have to make sure I'm there on the 3rd Thursday of the month between 5:07 p.m. to 5:13 am on an odd numbered year when the moon is under waxing gibbon to use some of the discounts.

[@adamp2384]

Agreed Disney over complicates everything the time over when Covid happened seemed to melt Disney Execs Brains, before Covid you had everything mentioned above at Disney, apparently they got amnesia about how to run theme parks and make Annual Pass holders happy

[@Dr_Marsh]

"I don't think it's fair to compare Universal to the town dump." 😂 😂 😂

[@danielspencer1923]

Right?! It's not that bad. It's no Fun Spot 😅

[@TheKingfishDo]

I’ve really been enjoying this podcast. Jason should sit in more often.

[@jordanward2589]

Universal was also willing to pay their employees….they saw Disney being greedy and embarrassed them by offering their employees a raise and raising the starting pay.

[@EEvtg]

Eh Universal/Comcast were doing much better financially, so it's no surprise they were first to bump pay.

[@Chris-by1su]

Been a Disney park visitor my whole like but my wife gets free universal tickets now and we go for free once a year. Got to say I’m pretty happy with the product, Hagrids, Velocicoaster, and The Mummy we’re amongst the best rides I’ve ever been on!

[@Diget314]

to Jason's Comment at about, 1:22:50 they DID come out with a new Shooter Ride in the same Park as Toy Story Mania at DCA, and still have no intention of updating it from what I have heard

[@Momcircus]

I think part of what Tom fundamentally (and cynically) misunderstands about Universal is the emotional connection so many of us have to Harry Potter, and sharing that with our kids etc. Watching my son experience his first wand ceremony, I cried like a baby 😭 . Maybe without WWOHP, Universal would be second tier, but now it will always have my heart ❤️

[@danielspencer1923]

This is why people at MCO ask how to get to "the Harry Potter park." It really is the best part. Especially at the Studios park since most of the other riders there are screens. But the Harry Potter areas are masterpieces

[@weatheredseeker]

In HP terms, Universal Wizarding World is Krum and Disney World is the Irish. Disney wins but Wizarding World gets the snitch

[@michellee1190]

Bonus points for the Mitch Hedberg reference.

[@pennyeggers]

My biggest complaint with Universal is the lack of rides for under 36 inches. We are currently planing a day at Universal for an upcoming trip with my daughter and grandson and there is very little he will be able to ride. I know that’s not their demographic, but it leaves one of the adults waiting (be it at nice playgrounds) while everyone else rides.

[@jakeballentine]

I have not experienced food being cheaper at Universal than Disney. I went to Universal to experience Harry Potter stuff, and I was shocked that I ended up spending far more on my day at Universal than I did at Disney.

[@thatdisneyfan5759]

2 hours?!?! I can’t wait for this discussion!

[@davyannajones]

I really can’t understand people skipping Animal Kingdom. We had a better time at Animal Kingdom than Epcot.

[@micycles1200]

I knew Eric Gross looked familiar. Then I remembered his last job...

[@joshrinker1514]

Dis Unplugged?

[@pixiedustcrafter]

Cannot wait for the podcast on moving to Orlando!!

[@elishanahir]

Here are my unsolicited opinions regarding WDW vs USF. 1. I spent the holidays at USF after not having visited their parks in over 5 years. I felt the holiday spirit throughout the park and believe they do Christmas better than Disney. All of their holiday offerings aren’t hidden behind a paywall and were fantastic. 2. Cabana Bay is the BEST value resort in Orlando. The rooms, level of service, amenities, convenience to the parks, and price cannot be beat. 3. They should re-theme marvel island to Kaiju island. They already have Kong and should consider adding Godzilla. 4. Minions Cafe is the best quick service offering at USF. 🍌 5. Villain Con is so much fun that we did it 6 times. We almost didn’t ride it after hearing the negative reviews and now it’s on our must do list. They should consider expanding minions land to the simpsons area. 6. Refillable cups are a game changer for a passholder. No need to pack a heavy tumbler full of ice and water. Refillable Pilsner glasses are also a great value. Loving the podcast. WDWNT is my go to for all things Disney.

[@ronmartin2277]

I agree that Universal does Christmas better. Everything at Disney is behind a paywall and they haven't changed anything excpet for different types of snacks in literal decades. Christmas at Disney in 2024 will be the exact same as Christmas at Disney my first trip in 2008

[@Nettles1]

Tom you forgot to show love to the Back to the Future escape room. You said you only love butterbeer and Spider-Man??

[@UmmYeahOk]

I honestly hate the Gringotts dragon because the five minutes leading up to him breathing fire, the alleyway clogs with people and no one is moving! You can’t get anywhere unless youre lucky, and go around the back way,

[@adamp2384]

True but I feel the same way at magic kingdom 2 hours before fireworks start trying to move around anywhere near the castle

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@adamp2384 what’s sad is remembering that the hub area used to have a moat. So even with the expansion, it’s like that. At least up until that one time of night the space is usable. At Diagon Alley it’s all freaking day long it feels like. If I wanted to stand around and smell gasoline, I’d do that at home.

[@SBOutrich]

Epic universe is going to be a step in the right direction for universal to get more serious with competing against Disney. I bet universal will beef up there old parks in the dead areas to fully compete against Disney. And in turn hopefully this makes the Disney parks a little less busy and also forces there hand in expanding other areas of the there parks as well

[@rodakscreens]

I firmly believe that Jason is the only person on the planet that derives genuine enjoyment from SeaWorld Orlando

[@_AT41]

SeaWorld Orlando is an excellent park for rollercoasters. Even on busy days you can marathon their world-class hypercoaster Mako with a minimal wait. All the other coasters are really excellent as well, and most of them have minimal waits.

[@Jas0n3o2]

I have had a Disney pass for a very long time. But my pass is up this year I’m not gonna renew for a couple years. I want Disney to get back to the way it used to be quality wise investment parks. In the meantime I want to the other parks in the area. Also to your point about villain con. Universal had a limited space. What does Disney do when they have a ride with limited space just close it up. Example stitch.

[@christinerexroad5860]

Yes, bring back Magical Express. Getting rid of it was just the meanest thing Disney did to its guests. Better yet, build a monorail line from Disney to the airport.

[@bbizzle82]

eric gross the dude pete ran off the disunplugged lol

[@Jas0n3o2]

I think the biggest argument is new Disney versus old Disney old Disney was great innovative cared about people new Disney does none of that. Let’s do a story on that.

[@CaraOleary]

Great discussion. I really enjoyed this one.

[@KforFreedom]

I think the more interesting thing to watch will be hotel occupancy. I think some people just stayed at WDW & made a day trip.... but I think Universal has a better chance of getting some of those nights when Epic opense

[@adamp2384]

They do….ALOT of DVC Members actually stay at their DVC and go to Universal, there are DVC KZbin shows that talk about this more and more because the people that own DVC are fed up with everything going on at Disney in the Parks and this is from people that own a real estate interest at disney property lol

[@danielspencer1923]

The people who stay at DVC and go to only Universal are a tiny, tiny minority. The world is a lot bigger than a few KZbinrs.

[@danielspencer1923]

I think what I'll do (and I think many others) is stay one night at the beginning of a trip at the EU hotel, then the rest of the week at WDW.

[@adamp2384]

@@danielspencer1923 I don’t believe it is as tiny as you think, I have been on their message boards and seen the enragement when Disney screwed them over and took their annual passes away for such a long time till recently when they could only get the Sorcerer pass and nothing else if they live out of state unless you get the stupidly expensive incredible pass they searched elsewhere and a lot of people tried Universal and liked it

[@adamp2384]

@@danielspencer1923 too much work no one is going to stay one night even right now people spend 2-3 nights at universal and I think that will expand to 4-5 nights atleast

[@breezywithkids]

What is Eric doing? Reading an ebook? 😂

[@OliverH_ATL]

lol traffic in Orlando is nothing like Atlanta

[@jordangarrett7343]

I just visited Universal Hollywood for my first time in December along with my first visit to disneyland. I haven't been to Universal orlando since 2015. But I go to Disney world very often. So it was nice to see Mario land and I thought Universal did a great job on the secret life of pets ride. Disneyland was a lot of fun but I have to agree with you and think the spider man ride in Florida is much more fun then whatever happened in that ride in dca haha I want a marvel ride with a real Villain. But overall I do enjoy a disney vacation much more then going to Universal. But with Epic coming soon I will have to go and see what going on there. With going on the studio tour in Universal hollywood it definitely made me miss the jaws ride even more so I definitely wish there was a way for them to bring back that ride but your idea for replacing the Simpsons with back to the future is a great idea.

[@acooldog4959]

i respect jasons fashion choices as an individual who owns 7 different sonic the hedgehog shirts

[@matthewnelson5699]

Price point on passes does affect families. I am for high prices but Disney straight pricing out families is very poor idea. They absorb content and eventually bring their children. Single adults are a market but they aren't long term customers like families can be.

[@oltorf520]

ET is was and will always be one of the best rides and queues in the world forever and ever

[@JTS-u3l]

We went last year and multiple effects did not work. It needs a refresh and update. Would love for them to keep the ride.

[@adamp2384]

This is Truth, the smell of ET will forever be ingrained in me lol

[@adamp2384]

@@JTS-u3lthat has all been fixed now rode it last week and everything was working

[@brandonbergeron4668]

Jason is way more dynamic and comfortable in this kind of setting vs reading the news or doing a food review. Wow

[@nyckhenderson]

Universal Orlando and SeaWorld used to have the flex pass to park hop

[@Emily-lb7rf]

I still think both of the Harry Potter lands are THE MOST immersive lands I've stepped foot in (granted I've only been to the theme parks in the states). That being said, USF is probably the ugliest major theme park in Florida but Harry Potter's theming and immersion is what I look for in a land and my expectation still hasn't been met (in terms of immerion) elsewhere. In the video, Tom held Pandora to the same standard but I have to disagree there. In the following example, I'll compare Hogsmeade to Pandora. Everything that Pandora puts into the spectacle that is its land area and food, it lacks in the rides. On that note, I believe Disney has been relying too hard on screened simulators like Soarin and Smugglers Run. Ultimately, Flight of Passage falls into that category. Despite people loving these rides, I still can't help but wonder why Disney keeps placing us in stationary simulators with no dark ride elements. Forbidden Journey and Spiderman feel a lot more alive with their combination of dark ride and screen moments and the fact that the ride vehicle is ACTUALLY exploring a space and not moving around in one place. The other ride on Pandora''s roster is the river boat. While the animatronic is the best animatronic I've seen, every time I've ridden riverboat, I can't help but notice that Disney put 0 effort into hiding the light sources for the LEDs. It's distracting and ruins the immersion. Riding riverboat feels like I need to trick myself to feel immersed. My friends and I jokingly called it the "rave boat" because of it. Despite the jokes, I'm saddened by this because the ride COULD be so good. The music and the idea behind this ride is beautiful. But it's execution (besides the animatronic) fell short all because they couldn't hide their light sources. Don't get me wrong, I love Pandora and the existence of its rides, but when comparing Flight of Passage and Riverboat to Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's, I think there is a clear winner (I don't even think I need to write about why Hagrid's is an insanely incredible and unique ride). Frankly, Pandora's rides feel familiar but Harry Potter's rides feel one of a kind and worth repeating because you can't get those ride experiences elsewhere. Additionally, I don't think the view of VelociCoaster ruins the immersion for Hogsmeade. It's a neutral color scheme which doesn't clash with that of Potter's and it adds some kinetic energy to the view. The same argument can be made when you can see Matterhorn from several places in DL. DL makes the view of Matterhorn work with each area you can see it from in the same way I believe Velosicoaster works in relation to Hogsmeade. Also, I find USF and Islands comparable to DCA and DL. DCA and USF: confused, show-building-ridden parks, with ONE good land, and some nice E tickets hiding in the chaos. DL and IOA: Incredible Parks. I think Universal is doing a very smart thing for themselves with Epic Universe. I think the plan should be: Open Epic and renovate the heck out of USF. I don't think they would survive renovating USF if they only had 2 land parks. Plus, now if USF has too much construction, they can move Horror Nights to one of the other 2 parks for however long they need. This would have been an issue (if it weren't for Epic) considering they have to renovate Simpsons soon as well. I don't think the long term goal of Universal having 3 land parks are for the families that have one week in Florida to visit all their parks. While it is A goal, I think its not THE ULTIMATE goal. I think the target is passholders, and people who frequent the FL Theme parks yearly or biyearly. I live in Miami and most people alternate between going Universal and Disney constantly and I think more passholders would be inclined to renewing their passes by alternating between the two companies when Universal will have more offerings. There is a reason why Universal has been treating their passholders better. They understand that their product isn't as good as their neighbor's... yet. There simply isn't enough to do. I think the end of Universal treating passholders better will come when the quantity and/or quality of offerings finally rival that of their neighbor's.

[@Emily-lb7rf]

btw Islands is a STRONG park and definitely holds a candle to possibly being the best park in FL. It's AT LEAST in the top 3 imo. To be THE BEST park however, I think they need to market that Howarts light show better and maybe make the actual show grander by adding fireworks or something along those lines. There's just something religious about everyone in a park coming together for one shared moment like that.

[@adamp2384]

@@Emily-lb7rfunfortunately Univeral is handcuffed by what they can do and I don’t think that honestly was mentioned at all in the podcast and is very relevent , Reddy Creek gave Disney an edge that no one can compete with, Disney can shoot off fireworks and do whatever they want, Universal has to answer to the city of Orlando for everything, even demolishing old attractions and building new ones takes so much more time and effort than Disney and that is worth mentioning

[@robswan4170]

Universal has a better marketing team

[@lisaguidi728]

Disney sells AP’s because it’s guaranteed $$. That’s where it stops. I don’t feel valued or appreciated. So many perks are gone. For example, so many restaurants on property don’t offer passholder discounts anymore.

[@LARKXHIN]

Me seeing all these people who were on another Disney video podcast show up here:

[@vespista1971]

Re: APs - My aunt and uncle live in Oviedo, and used to have an annual pass that may have only been for FL residents (?), but it was only for like weekdays after 5pm or something I think? Basically, they’re foodies, and the only reason they wanted it was to get into Epcot for dining. So they definitely always spent $$ when they went, and they would often give us family members a heads-up that they were going, in case anybody wanted any parks-exclusive merchandise. So yeah, they were spending money. They don’t have that pass anymore, (not sure it even exists now?), and so they hardly ever go to the parks, let alone even make the drive to WDW property to spend at Springs, etc.

[@cybersecDad]

in 2016 we did a 2 days at Universal - before going on a Disney Cruise. We enjoyed the Harry Potter sections and I really have no memories of all the other rides (and we spend a fortune for 2 days of tickets and line skip for 4 people). We did it, we feel no need to go back.

[@danielspencer1923]

This is how it's often been for us. We go to Universal for a couple of days and feel like we don't need to go back for several years. The Harry Potter lands are the best parts, except for the Gringots ride. But then that's it. I'm hoping they will add a lot more (and not screened based) good rides after Epic opens, otherwise we'll keep just going to the original parks only once a decade or so.

[@jgkidd82]

Interesting that you discuss Orlando traffic. I live just to the north of Atlanta and I try to steer clear of rush hours there.

[@himynameiscorey]

No monorail for Animal Kingdom, instead they should do another Skyliner, going from AK Lodge on the corner of Osceola Parkway by the bus stop to the front right entrance of Animal Kingdom to Coronado Springs Southwest Convention Center side to Blizzard Beach entrance near buses to the All Star Sports Resorts, right between Sports and Music parking lots. I measured it to be a little less than 3.4 miles which isn’t crazy, the Epcot - Hollywood Studios skyliner track in total is a little less than 3 miles. This would be great and revitalize the area as a strong hub on it’s own, much like the other skyliner area is, and brings value to their All star resorts like they did Pop Century and Art of Animation, and provides Animal Kingdom Lodge and Coronado Springs their own priority travel access unique to them as they would both be one stop away from the Animal Kingdom park. The skyliner is also quiet compared to a monorail which accounts to the animal life in the Animal Kingdom area. The skyliner is a smash hit! A west side one would be incredibly popular, and with it passing by the southeast end of Animal Kingdom, when that land is updated from Dinoland, it could be an awesome sight to see as you pass by, as well as views of Expedition Everest!

[@michellee1190]

For the moving show, could you... kinda, also talk about weather patterns at different points of the year? I have NO IDEA what to pack. Also, the last time I moved (not to Orlando) I was ill prepared for the weather in my new home.

[@adamp2384]

We all need to reserve judgement till after Epic Universe opens and see what attendance numbers are and what the “people” want, I am an adult that likes universal, and there are tons of kids that like minions and Dr Seuss, arguably people say once you reach the age of 10 Disney is boring, so honestly the numbers are going to be the truth….Also where is Annie we have a panel of die hard Disney fans but there isn’t anyone on this podcast as a die hard universal fan it is very one sided sounding

[@murderofcrows7738]

I went to Disney for the first time at age 18. If people say Disney is boring after age 10 then they are missing a lot of the magic.

[@adamp2384]

@@murderofcrows7738 agreed I like Disney as an adult too that’s why I didn’t agree with the statement about needing to be a certain age to enjoy Univeral or Disney, I see plenty of kids that love Universal too

[@thatdisneyfan5759]

I would also like to think that universal isn’t trying to be the Disney standard. They are making their own things and experiences.

[@MrKelvin2230]

Doesn't Universal exist because it copied Disney's parks and experiences... who was first?

[@maribug81]

My partner has a prosthetic leg and Universal is just not accommodating to folks with a disability the way that Disney is able to do. The majority of rides, my partner cannot ride at Universal so it just doesn't make sense for us to go there. We are both Harry Potter fans and tried to go once. Unfortunately we had a very bad experience where it had rained that day and most of the rides had closed. We were hoping to get on Hagrid's, still have not had a chance to ride, however, the ride was at capacity and it was only midday. During the rain, areas indoors became more crowded and many team members started yelling at guests to move, however, there was no where for people to go. We ended up leaving the day early and on our way out, we were stopped by someone with an ipad who wished to ask us about our experience that day. We explained to the team member that we had a not so great experience and would like to share. Before we were able to share, the team member stated that we were not in their age group and did not want to hear about our experience for that day but smiled and tried to give us a fist bump on the way out. We were both pretty drenched from the rain and just went back to our Disney Hotel. Also, the same trip, we were having some minor issues with our magic bands scanning at Disney. We politely spoke with a cast member who went above and beyond to fix the situation. We never complained or asked for anything extra and certainly didn't expect anything, but I genuinely felt that Disney cared about my experience and really wanted me to be there, versus my experience at Universal where we were ushered into the rain, couldn't ride anything because it was either full, closed, or did not accommodate my partner's leg, and was told from team members that they didn't want to hear about our concerns at all. We are the kind of people to take things in stride but we definitely walked away from that day feeling like Disney really cared about us and Universal did not. I think if you are a young, able bodied person then Universal is something that could be for you. But not us unfortunately.

[@adamp2384]

Very understandable about some of the disability concerns however I do know it is for safety reason on some rides with prosthetics, however the other comparisons are a little unfair universal can’t help the rain and to be honest there are only a handful of rides that close due to adverse weather, also people can’t stay crowded just because of the rain due to safety blocking emergency exits, I get yelled at all the time at Disney to move if people are gathered there as well in the rain in entry ways, also if you have feedback guest services is the place to go for Disney and Universal not someone at exit of park doing specific age demographic surveys, I am sorry your experience at Universal was bad in your opinion but a little advanced planning and going on a non raining day might have made it different

[@weatheredseeker]

​@@adamp2384 lol do you work for universal?

[@adamp2384]

@@weatheredseeker no I am not, just a fan of both parks and I am in Universal or Disney once every week or two

[@maribug81]

@@adamp2384 thank you for your response. I apologize if it seems that I am blaming universal for the rain. I completely understand that the weather is no ones fault. I am someone who only goes to disney but 1 time per year, if that, so please take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I am sure you are more knowledgeable than I am and I am sure that there are things that I did not think of when planning my trip, which is more difficult to do as someone who needs to plan much in advance. I definitely tried my best such as going in january which is considered less crowded and the dryer season. As far as rides go, there really wasn't anything that my partner could ride which was unfortunate, while I understand that is for safety reasons, it is still a choice to have rides that are not accommodating versus disney where my partner can ride every ride. There were also other issues that I didn't fully discuss, however the main issue that I had taken away from our experience, which is anecdotal, was that overall the customer service was way better at disney than Universal. I'm sure there are people who have other experiences different than mine, however, the experience we had was enough for us to decide that universal was just not for us. Maybe one day we wlll give it another try but it is difficult for us to justify the price and time and energy for a park experience that didn't match what we had experienced consistently at disney. Im sorry that folks yelled at you at Disney. I have never experienced that myself and have always had folks be really kind and helpful. I am sure it happens sometimes as people are people. Thank you again and I hope you have a nice day.

[@jgkidd82]

BTW, how Jake feels about Stitch, I feel the same about Yoshi. Anything with Yoshi in I can't hate.

[@kencotton4645]

We took a trip to Disney World and Universal, back to back, early in 2023. Universal was much easier to navigate, but it was much harder to find rides and attractions that interested us in Universal. We allocated three days to Universal and had a hard time finding something we wanted to do on the third day. Also, Universal seems to be more likely to close off some parks for special groups. In the three days we were there, one of the parks closed very early in the day for a special event.

[@ronmartin2277]

That not unique to Universal. Was at Disneyland resort of literally two days, and both days DCA was closed early due to a special event.

[@zachculp5742]

Tom, you've been tremendous in past videos, that's why I subbed. But in this video, you seem to be blindly throwing hate at Universal. Other than your compliments to Gringotts and Hagrid's, you seem to be cutting them entirely short. They've built themselves up as a massive competitor to Disney, and it's certainly an opportunity for them to overtake Disney in attendance in the coming years. I completely disagree that you think opening Epic will cannibalize Universal's current attendance. With all the people who've become disgruntled over Diseny lately? Without Disney building anything major after Tiana? If Universal opens a new park, I think it opens the door for far more families to visit UO for a week, hitting all 3 parks and Volcano, and just dropping Disney all together. hardcore Disney fans will still stick to Disney and say "Ill check this Epic thing out maybe", but most rational people will say, "Disney has been a nightmare lately. We're going to just get a hotel package and stay at Universal for the week and go to Epic"

[@adamp2384]

Extremely true I think their Disney Fandom and being in the “bubble” has made them forget what the “real people” coming to theme parks care about, look at reviews online Galaxy edge attractions don’t rank anywhere near the top but Rockin Rollercoaster was rated #1 in Hollywood studios they need to be more in touch with what everyday joes on vacation want and not Superfans

[@joshrinker1514]

Didn't another Disney World KZbin channel do this a couple of years ago? Have Eric come on and do the moving to Orlando thing.

[@coreyjunk4392]

Your memory serves you well. It was Moving to the Magic w/ a certain former proprietor of The DIS.

[@MrMda5]

I'm team SeaWorld all the way even though I have passes to all. Every month I get free soda, free $10, $20 for SW and Busch gifts cards, free guest tickets, preferred parking, ornaments, magnets, animal experiences, reserved seating, special entrance, discounts for food tasting cards. The perks are insane at SW.

[@stevee8260]

Can't we all just get along? 😁 Seriously, I've never been to Universal but I have no reason to think it's not a great park. Disney parks are certainly great, otherwise why all this banter? Prefer one or both. BFD.

[@DcBjørnson]

Disney has owned the theme park business for years; however, I think Universal will take over in the coming years starting with Epic Universe. Disney is losing fans with their political agenda and wasting their money on movies and TV shows when that money should be infused into the parks.

[@MrKelvin2230]

hahahaha I don't think so. Btw what's Disney's Political agenda??

[@fredhuebener8102]

You vastly underestimate the number of families that go to Universal versus Disney, or spend more time at Universal over Disney. Once your kids reach 12 or 13 they start leaning Universal. This isn’t just my own household but every other member of my larger family and friends with kids network. Plus, our adult only trips have regularly involved Universal only tickets with a visit to Disney Springs. We routinely watched the fireworks for free from the Contemporary rooftop restaurant, having bought no Disney tickets while we went to Universal parks. We love Disney, but we love Universal too. And Universal is so much cheaper overall nowadays and so much easier to do. Disney asks far too much of its guests with getting up early to book virtual cues and lightning lanes and months in advance dining reservations and so forth. I don’t think being on my phone constantly in the park is enjoyable or relaxing. At Universal we stay at a deluxe resort and get the unlimited express pass included. No booking anything, just walk up and scan, so easy.

[@adamp2384]

Agreed I think they are too stuck in the Disney Superfan Bubble to realize what other people want, everyday people don’t care what color outfit figment wore on a Tuesday in 1989. I am a Disney fan but just like you said they underestimate the other side greatly

[@alfie_8914]

Agreed I’m from the UK and I know quite a few people that went on holiday in Orlando and associated Disney as a ‘kids park’ and went to universal most of the time and only spent 1 or 2 days at Disney.

[@weatheredseeker]

U just wanted to hear yourself talk lol

[@lyndakorner2383]

While "The Twilight Zone" is a license Disney has, The Walt Disney Company produced and distributed "Alien," "The X-Files," "Signs," "Predator," "The Fly," "Arachnophobia," "Ready or Not," "The Cure for Wellness," "The Walking Dead," "28 Days Later," "Victor Frankenstein," "Young Frankenstein," "Scream," "The Omen," "The Boogeyman," "Tales from the Crypt," and a whole host of other horror-related properties that could work well as part of an after-hours Hallowe'en event at Walt Disney World.

[@lyndakorner2383]

Even "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has theme-park potential.

[@DrakesDomain]

I just renewed my Universal AP in December. It's gone up (literally) a couple of bucks since 2021, but I just got 15 months for the price of 12. Disney used to do that too. Used to.

[@danielspencer1923]

Supply and demand

[@jarb674]

Disney 1st universal 2nd, cant deny that, the gap between them is shrinking. We can talk about universal ip compared to disney. Disneys catalog is better but nothing of recent note has hit. Besides frozen, disney has no movie coming out that will come close to 1 billion in box office. Last year wasnt Guardians the only ip that broke even? Also disney does not own avatar. That is owned by Cameron and his company, disney only holds the distribution rights. They still make money on it but not the scale most people think. Disney needs to get back to being creative, imaginative storytellers. What helps universal is disney stuck in mediocrity. The fact that this is now even a discussion says something. Prepandemic such a discussion would have been laughable

[@adamp2384]

Very true because of Disneys bad financial decisions right before Covid with the Fox and ESPN acquisition and then how they have done stuff since Covid has everyone really scratching their heads, Iger and then Chapek and then Iger again have just imploded internally the company

[@seanstein8313]

I am a low tier passholder and I only care to go on less busy days. And you're dang right I spend all the money I save at the best restaurants around the resort. If its a busy park day I will come and spend money at my favorite resorts...

[@Floridapanthers2020]

Great Job guys!! You should go on a road trip to seaworld

[@UmmYeahOk]

I’ve never seen snow in FL, but I have definitely seen 29 at the Orlando parks!

[@JTS-u3l]

Blizzard Beach has snow. 😉

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@JTS-u3lif you count that, then you may as well count the snoap they spray in various places during the holidays, as well as the Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT.

[@davyannajones]

God bless you people that live & work in that area. I couldn’t do it.

[@frankcarney4882]

Magical express swings because they also took the bags from the original airport to your Disney room

[@TyrantkingX9]

I think the main thing to take away is that while Disney is still number 1. Universal is catching up. I think Epic Universe will be a game changer if done well. They are on their way. Given a decade or two...who knows what will happen.

[@gothamfamily4]

great podcast, and hopefully in about 5 years we will be able to start thinking about moving to Orlando, or at lease becoming snow birds and staying through the winter months.

[@michellee1190]

Looking forward to that Aquatica video.

[@lyndakorner2383]

I don't think Disney does a good job with its Web sites, in general. Universal Studios Hollywood, at least, has a very slick Web site that tries to make the place seem appealing, while The Walt Disney Company treats the Disneyland Web site almost like an afterthought. Universal Studios Hollywood is an overpriced half-day attraction that is really just a tourist trap with a handful of worthwhile things, but the Web site makes the place seem like it is much more than it actually is.

[@Nuggtendo]

I love universal but their size restrictions are way too strict

[@cdpa4d]

Anyone remember when the Spiderman attraction opened in 1999 at IOA ? The first 3-D simulator attraction to move through space ever. That was groundbreaking. Also at IOA. The first time music seamlessly transitioned between themed lands. And now - Facial Recognition is being implemented (not just tested). Give Universal more credit for blazing a trail.

[@adamp2384]

Agreed it felt like giving Universal any kind of praise during this podcast was like getting a root canal by anyone on the Panel, for this to really have been a fair conversation someone needed to be on there that’s a Universal Park fan

[@murderofcrows7738]

@@adamp2384I think they praised Universal when it was due just fine. One could just as easily say that your own personal bias is why you feel Universal wasn’t fairly represented 🤷‍♀️ Universal has got its due for the extra consideration they have given to passholders, but for those who travel to the parks as a vacation destination, Universal is still just a theme park you go to as part of a larger vacation, whereas the Disney Parks are a vacation destination on their own. Universal hasn’t cracked the market on creating that immersive vibe just yet that people long for as an escape.

[@cdpa4d]

Yes. Would agree. Just ensuring Universal gets its credit for breaking the technology barriers.

[@adamp2384]

@@murderofcrows7738 I agree partly with that, there are many families that come to Universal just for Universal, is it a place you can stay at for 2 weeks no but I also don’t think WDW is a place I could stay for two weeks either, I do believe Epic will give families more to do so the amount of time spent between all Universal Parks will be greater, and I say that as an annual pass holder to both parks that visits each park a time or two a month

[@dalehardin7276]

Euro Disney’s tower of terror merch is AMAZING! The new ears are chefs kiss! I had to order stuff from eBay to get good tower of terror merch!

[@dryakk]

I think it's often overlooked how much landscaping affects the atmosphere. Disney landscaping is unmatched and the top reason I go.

[@NorthernLightsSouthernComfort]

Great podcast as always, thanks for putting it together. Agree it is weird, but my kids ages 4-9 LOVE universal and can barely name any Disney movies. Minions, trolls, Mario, puss n boots, etc all great hits from universal that kids love and Disney…. Basically just Encanto. Kids are growing up with universal studios characters being their version of 90s Disney.

[@Jesse.Carlock]

Good show. I think Disney is like Tom's best friend - he'll knock and rib the company but doesn't take Disney criticism from others well.

[@Jesse.Carlock]

I was a scorned out of state Disney pass holder till Covid. That gave us an opportunity to try UO and we were extremely surprised. Stayed at the Hard Rock, which really was a deal maker for park enjoyment.

[@WDWNT]

I don't think people's criticism comes from critical thinking, it's purely emotions.

[@adamp2384]

@@WDWNTtrue but all theme parks are just an emotional play it is the emotions that matter the most not critical thinking, I mean you don’t see people walking around in everyday life with Mickey ears on or dressed in Harry Potter robes or spending ungodly amounts of money to stay in a generic hotel with little theming and astronomical food prices, when you start making theme parks critical thinking places that’s when they die it is only about the emotions that’s what makes it great and the people who like them great and why we are so passionate and why there is a podcast with Universal vs Disney lol

[@nickkrol]

Cedar Point Fanboy here… Steel Vengeance, Maverick, Valravn, and Gatekeeper all have their own stores with a wide selection of merch themed to the coasters (especially Steel Vengeance and Maverick). It is admittedly not as many items as the Haunted Mansion store Tom referenced, but more than just one or two items per coaster.

[@ellepowers89]

I’m a low level ap even if I go two three times a week, I’m spending $100 min, plus two or more staycations a year. I’ve estimated that I spend around 20k a year at Disney

[@MichaelBrown-cb7bh]

I have vowed not to go back to WDW until Magical Express and free fastpass come back. Until then I may go to universal, but mostly taking family to national parks, Europe and Asia. And its cheaper!!

[@PalisadesParketeer]

Hello Tom. I went on vacation to Florida in December 2023. And did not go to Disney at all. So yes, you can go to FL and not go to the Magic Kingdom. I went to IOA and Sea World. I do wish Universal would invest into Universal Studios park. I hear they are investing into IOA with maybe Zelda.

[@adamp2384]

There are expansions planned at IOA and USF after Epic is complete

[@FionaStriker]

Glad to hear you love Star Tours too! Makes me feel better knowing you won't vote to get rid of it 😛

[@ThemeparkNThings]

Transformers meet and greet and jurassic meet and greets but we talking droids running around with rc car technology yea ok Tom

[@adamp2384]

Also Epic is going to implement drone technology in the HTTYD land, and very true Transformers and Jurassic meet and Greet is honestly the best meet and greet of any theme park

[@ThemeparkNThings]

@adamp2384 sometimes Tom needs to remember that he isn't the casual park person we all know fast and furious super charged isn't as great but when I go to universal hollywood people cheer after that part of the studio tour is over I'm not a universal Stan not at all but he doesn't give universal some credit sometimes they now have some of the people disney layed off work for them now I see good things in universal future

[@thatdisneyfan5759]

I don’t this it that universal is beating Disney. Disney just went down a peg. Universal is definitely getting better. Examples be harry potter land and Super Mario world. But Disney is still on top.

[@carollhoyt]

I miss WDW Villain nights

[@carollhoyt]

MK Villain Nights

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

I'm in my late 20's with 2 kids. If i'm with my kids I go to Disney, If i'm with my friends or just my partner there's no way in hell I'd go to Disney. Universal offers far more for adults.

[@mikestoast]

Why does universal not build a monorail/elevated LRT system to connect their parks now that they are so far apart? With that, why does Disney not go in with Universal and SeaWorld(yeah i know no one cares, but it is kind of on the way) and build an elevated LRT that goes from the airport to all the parks? It can move vastly more people than a bus system. It has always dumbfounded me as to why the parks and Orlando does not do this. Move the traffic right off the roads and get people to and from the parks with ease.

[@adamp2384]

It was made to seem like Epic was very far away in this podcast, it isn’t at all, it is about as far away as magic kingdom is to Epcot or Hollywood studios, it is only a couple miles away and they will have dedicated bus lanes between epic and USF, this isn’t like the bus service at WDW that takes 1-2 hours to get anywhere Universal bus transportation is leaps and bounds better than Disney so this really is a non issue in regards to going back and forth and park hopping, I will probably be able to get between Epic and USF as fast or faster than between the parks at WDW.

[@davyannajones]

The only reason I go to Universal is for Harry Potter. We always enjoy our time there but that’s what brings us in.

[@bbizzle82]

do you have any room for wyno on the channel? lmao

[@Tolendrassa]

I think that only Epic can serve as a correct comparison to Disney Parks. At least you the parks before the empire... sry Chapek.

[@achannell362]

I haven't seen Super Nintendo Land, but they seem similar in the sense that the theming is excellent, especially the ride queues, but the rides are meh (Mario Kart and Smuggler's Run). I can hardly factor Rise into this statement as 2 of the last 3 times I've been in Hollywood Studios it's been down essentially the entire day.

[@FreakingBellis]

What is WIGS?

[@WDWNT]

The WDWNT Inner Globe Society, Patreon.com/WDWNT

[@TheDeloutre]

If they gave a 20 percent discount on dining that would be awsome, they used to give you a discount on quick service too!!