Disney & Universal's Theme Park War: The Rise of the Immersive Lands

Disney & Universal's Theme Park War has been ongoing since the 1980s. Competition is great for business but in the 2010s theme parks saw the ride of the immersive lands with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios & Cars Land at Disneyland. It was pretty much the immersive land renaissance that set a trend in the theme park industry. So this is the story of how these immersive lands came to be. DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!*** ►bit.ly/2mfriBD ◄
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TPMvids is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or NBC Universal in any way. Any opinions expressed are those of TPMvids and do not reflect any other companies or individuals. This video is put together in compliance with fair use under the classification of education and commentary to begin an open conversation. Any opinions expressed are those of TPMvids and do not reflect any other companies or individuals.

[@simtanic8]

When I first stepped into Hogsmeade in 2010, I cried. When I FINALLY got to see Ornament Valley in Cars Land, I shed a tear as well. Both lands are incredibly detailed and can easily spend hours in exploring.

[@TPMvids]

There is so much to explore! All of these lands are practically mini theme parks on their own!

[@harrisonneves6007]

I give Cars Land @ Disneyland's California Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter @ Universal Studios - Hollywood a solid 10

[@Jasonrovira456]

Team Universal!

[@harrisonneves6007]

@@Jasonrovira456 I'm both

[@CommanderCalico]

I treat both Universal and Disney equally. I love Universal for its immense amount of Pop Culture Characters (Harry Potter, Minions, ETC.) And I love disney because of nostalgia and its Themed lands. I really can't pick one over the other.

[@godsmadz]

Sameee❤

[@lancemorgan1832]

I'm with you ✌️but the pricing difference gives universal the edge

[@SlipperySoap]

I understand!

[@theuniversalguy]

Too me they're just parks but I love Universal more because I grew up going to that park

[@Drew-de2rc]

Finally someone with a brain.

[@Wiiguy1606]

Universal Studios theme parks are the only theme parks I consider worthy adversary to the Disney theme parks. Any other amusement parks just don't do it for me

[@007JmomeyHimself]

Fax

[@BombBird11]

Absolutely true! Although, while I've never been to any Disney theme park, and is kinda unfair for me to compare, Universal Studios is just a lot more immersive and nostalgic for me! Not only that, but Universal is where more of the darker toned movies is set at, while Disney is more child-friendly, and too kiddish for me.

[@Lexi-rt6zb]

Seaworld really shocked me with seasme street. I feel like in the years coming they have a small possibility of catching up at least in orlando.

[@monkranger]

@@Lexi-rt6zbyea and in terms of thrills sea world crushes Disney

[@Lexi-rt6zb]

@@monkranger I personally cannot ride rides anymore due to a spinal defect but I would say yes by the looks. Sometimes they look a bit unkept though. In terms of friendly areas and theming they are starting to catch up as they were lackluster years prior

[@brenley101]

I remember going to Orlando with my family when wizarding world first opened. We stayed at Disney with a plan to go to universal for a day or two. I so vividly remember when we went to the hotel front desk to get advice on how to get there and the disney staff WHISPERING to us as if it was the most taboo things haha

[@TPMvids]

When you’re staying on mouse property you only talk about the mouse😂

[@warriorseamonkey1693]

in like 2015 we went to Universal but stayed at Coronado Springs because my Grandma was staying there and going to Disney, even though we didnt it was just a Universal trip for us. I mentioned Harry Potter to the front desk people too and we had a full converstation about it. I guess some cms are different lol

[@lifekeepsflowing]

Considering how amazing the world of Pandora is at animal kingdom it’s almost embarrassing to know the same company made Avengers campus. Disney had the resources to make Avengers as good as Harry Potter at Universal but they didn’t. I’m excited for the future of Universal, I hope they listen to their fans and do more rides like Forbidden Journey and less of King Kong/ Fast and Furious

[@imsocool5932]

Fast and furious deserves a good ride, and its finally receiving the ride it deserved before supercharged.

[@deathskids]

The King Kong ride and Fast and furious are soooo bad. Waste of space/money. You know it's bad when the line is better then the ride.

[@imsocool5932]

@@deathskids Hollywood is receiving a good fast n furious coaster tho🥳

[@deathskids]

@@imsocool5932 idc about Hollywood I live in Fl

[@imsocool5932]

@@deathskids Idc abt Florida I live in La

[@phillinsogood]

Disney & Universal are both top tier theme parks. I can’t wait for them to continue to grow and add more

[@newhappiness4410]

The fact that the ET ride is still at Universal to this day says how popular and nostalgic the ride still is. So glad HP went to Universal. We can thank Igor for that

[@windhamwood9030]

I rode it for the first time this summer and it was a great ride but honestly I was more impressed by the indoor que. The forest is just so well made

[@itsadrivibes]

​@@windhamwood9030 The forest part of e.t is amazing, Its my favorite part of the queue!

[@jordanp.davidson5977]

It may be at Orlando still, but I don’t know for how long, for there’s a rumor that it’s going to go as well.

[@williamranieri9020]

Universal definitely has the upper hand when it comes to thrill rides

[@jackdr20roblox29]

But for family rides and the magic Disney comes on top

[@liamparish4813]

I love this new format with video essay/storytelling and not just countdowns and POVs, love what you’re doing, keep it up!

[@toastysadie]

i think both disney and universal have had their ups and downs but both really know how to make a come back for the better!

[@lateramae]

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is unbelievable!!! 'Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure' is one of the best rides I've ever experienced. Cars Land is unbelievable too. 'Radiator Springs Racers' is Disney's best ride, in my opinion.

[@danielramsey1959]

Disney is turning into a self checkout cashier that still asks for a tip while overcharging your card.

[@totaldramasomething_]

omg when I was watching the universal first advert , the current disney advert just interrupted it , im dying 😂 💀

[@simplesimon9093]

Can't wait for Epic Universe

[@ThemeParkPassion]

Fun fact! At 9:17 you can see Scott Trowbridge! After his time at Universal Creative designing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, he moved to Walt Disney Imagineering and designed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser! He really is an incredible man!

[@daa589]

You know there's a man called Vince Russo who wrote for the World Wrestling Federation. He made the company alot of money. He eventually left the company to the competition World Championship Westling and WCW was out of business in a few years. 🤔

[@averyeml]

I’ve never looked at their competition as a true “competition” with me taking one side over the other. I personally prefer Disney for many reasons but I love a LOT of what Universal has to offer. I enjoy their competition as a sort of theme park arms race that forces both to constantly get better. Cars Land is, without a doubt, my favorite place to be in any theme park in America. I’ve done road trips through the areas that inspired Radiator Springs, so stepping into Cars Land makes me relive all kinds of happy memories on top of the gorgeous detail. It’s tiny, but it’s incredible.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Competition is GOOD! It made each company step their GAME up. Their work is is no considered the STANDARD! Walt Disney was about immersion. It's why there is a berm surrounding the park. No churros or popcorn in Adventureland.

[@DexterMoregan]

Nothing can't beat The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the immersive land. When I'm in there, I feel I'm in the different world like Harry just enter to Diagon Alley but for Avatar and Car land, I don't feel that. I feel "Oh! This is a new section of the park" only.

[@JordiLA]

I agree!

[@User-sb6er]

That's ur opinion

[@DexterMoregan]

@@User-sb6er Don't be so whiny, kiddo.

[@mindyschocolate]

The theming is great, but the rides suck. Seriously. The broomstick ride I can’t understand why we’re moving sideways on a broom, and the Hagrid moterbike ride is super tame. Haven’t been to the ride at the bank though.

[@JulioTMaker]

@@mindyschocolateit was never suppose to be a broomstick you’re on.

[@ChrisandToryTVandYoshiitoo]

My favorite immersive land is going to have to be Super Nintendo World, the inclusion of donkey kong will add an extra point of view of my favorite game. I cannot wait to explore the world of Donkey Kong and Mario when it comes to Orlando in 2025!!!

[@mrsfitzherbert]

I'm glad Universal took over with Harry Potter cause Disney's plans with it just seemed like a piece of crap

[@dustyhughes1049]

Universal studios in florida are making a new theme park called “epic universe” another harry potter land with Fantastic Beasts theme, Super Mario world and that’s similar to Japan one, How to train your dragon land, Classic Monsters land, Duel Rollercoaster Race ride

[@joncarlos716]

It’s funny how the tables have turned 😅

[@imsocool5932]

In just a DECADE

[@JumpingInLinesWithJayL]

Harry Potter never would’ve fit to Disney World. The IPs that you talked about that were in the Disney parks Lucas Films and The Jim Henson Company, Disney eventually bought and owned the companies and rights. They never could have bought Warner Bros. to have sole rights to Harry Potter, even tho JKR had the rights to books and theme parks Warner Bros. still had the movie rights which at the end of the day never would’ve worked with Disney

[@pathetically_dimwitted]

Another amazing vid TPM! You have always been my favorite disney youtube channel, keep up the good work :)

[@DisneyParksMusic.]

I love how back then the Disney Theme Parks really cared about immersion, theming, and guest experience but it seems like now they’re shying away from any sort of big budget spending and putting a damper on imagineering creativity bc I have a friend who works at WDI and said there have been so many cool projects that would’ve overshadowed new lands, rides, and projects that Universal Studios had but Chapek declined any ideas which was fine for first couple years after the pandemic but still declined any sort of projects as of late 2022 and when Iger stepped in people were hoping he would do better but needless to say he’s not doing any better and unfortunately I feel like that’s going to lead to Iger’s undoing of Disney CEO! As of now IMO Universal Studios is reigning supreme bc they still are innovating, immersing guests in not only just their lands but also stand alone attractions such as Hagrid’s MBA & JW Velocicoaster, and also really taking notice of the guest experience so they know u’ll come back while Disney is just relying on nostalgia hoping u’ll come back bc it’s “Disney” which may work for now but not forever! If Disney really wants to reign supreme in my eyes they need to go back to Walt Disney’s mission statement he’s made for Disneyland and other theme parks and know who the hell they’re trying to appeal to bc maybe that might help their movies that r sinking at the box office!

[@patriciaserio9966]

I love both Universal Studios and Disney!! If I had to choose between both of them I would choose Universal Studios!!

[@KylertheDisneyandUniversalFan]

Same

[@Unified_youtube]

Disagreed

[@Weatherexpert13]

Disney better

[@1ronEntertainment]

Agree

[@Thechannelsubscribetoday]

I feel so happy when Tpm posts a new video

[@ashernunes7261]

Love watching your videos TPM, keep up the good work!

[@MakerMrDoge]

Universal parks are the only theme parks I find to be similar in quality to Disney parks. That's why im a big fan of both parks.

[@Athena_Cabin13]

Hi TPM Vids! I have been watching you for a long time! I was telling my mom about your channel and then she took my family to Disneyland! Love your channel! I will be a forever subscriber!

[@-V3LLO-]

You are a person that got me into Disney so thank you! ♥

[@plato363]

Up until a few years ago the no one needed to ask the question. Now, it feels like disney is fast losing its footing.

[@natemunhoz]

Carslans was/is great, but this is nothing comparable to Potter. Potter brought the “theme park industry” to the worldwide spotlight (including for non-theme park fans or even for non-Potter fans). The buzz cannot be comparable. Everyone was/is eager to go visit the Wizarding World (and I just don’t see that same general commotion over Carsland - or even Avatar - although all credits deserved)

[@user-nu5gc6gt5k]

universal orlando is mainly thrilling, and Disney mainly has rides to make you feel like yoou are part of the story (eg rise of the resistance, mikey's runaway railway, slinky dog dash)

[@imsocool5932]

Because disney targets younger audiences

[@KingKaosUnkgedOfficial]

Welcome back TPMVids for another great Theme Parks Video! 👍

[@plato363]

And why is Iger considered a good CEO again? Seems like his legacy equals long-term failure papered over with acquisitions

[@morrisfamily5387]

What a great video! Really enjoyed it!!

[@Daegger]

I always come to your channel for info and background information about the parks So a full 21 minute video was an absolute delight

[@TPMvids]

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video😁

[@sallymanka5425]

Universal is better by a million miles it’s got every type of ride, 3d, upside down roller coasters, thrilling rides but no upside downs, and so much more. I don’t even know why this is considered a battle

[@Lauencaffy_290]

Wrong!!! Disney is better by a million miles. It's got even types of rides Compared to trash universal

[@pr0xi_zura.]

I love these deep-depth higher-edited video essays of yours. Is it alright if you can compile these type of videos into a playlist?

[@AlexWiranatha]

such an amazing video ! keep up the good work !

[@allisonstark193]

This video was so captivating! I loved it! ❤️

[@TPMvids]

Thank you so much! It’s by far one of my favorite videos to put together!

[@goat9643]

I’m really liking this new style of content.

[@davidlederman9713]

Congrats for the content. Keep on this track. Wow!❤

[@kevinstacy7827]

Well once Epic universe opens Disney will have a hard time getting those vacation dollars,they also might reconsider the hill they decided to stand on

[@mmh290]

This is an awesome video. Thanks for doing the research and putting your heart and soul into your work.😊

[@emiliano_dleon]

(Unpopular opinion) , I think that, at least in Disney, I prefer the "normal" lands like tomorrowland or fantasyland (although Pandora, or Galaxy's Edge are good), I prefer the normal ones because it feels more Disney, I like to see movie characters interacting with others from different movies, for example in fantasyland in DLR it feels very magical to see pinocchio passing in front of wendy or also to see the princesses in the same place and therefore it feels more full and dynamic, just like with the rides, and also you can see more characters and rides from more films

[@graysoncanova4319]

Love you Tpm!!!!

[@KnowahVibe]

Currently I’d say Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, however I’ll be going to Nintendo World in Hollywood so that might change.

[@phillinsogood]

We need more history lesson videos like this 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@crxscentmxxn]

My favorite theme park immersive land would have to be Star Wars land at Disneyland. Hands down 100%. I’m not a huge Star Wars fan however I was really excited to see this land for the first time.

[@Cheeseistasty1114]

Which one is better!

[@WrestlingFigurecollection]

Love your videos

[@cheshires_top_cat]

Great video!

[@someoneout-there2165]

A big problem with Disney is that if you don't have small children you will have no interest in most of their attractions but Universal has made tech to make rides that people of all ages can enjoy.

[@Unified_youtube]

All ages go to Disney there’s Disney adults and our grandparents grew up with Disney a lot

[@cameronisom2721]

​@@Unified_youtubeThose "Disney Adults" are people who haven't grew up yet. They crave nostalgia and eat up everything that Disney throws their way. This guy definitely isn't wrong. Disney is boring as an adult. Unless you have small children, it's not really worth it. I went back with my little cousins and only found Animal kingdoms "Everest" and "Dinosaur" ride fun. Everything else was pretty boring. Meanwhile, Universal has tons of rides that are fun for everyone. And some great thrill rides. And a lot less expensive too.

[@Unified_youtube]

@@cameronisom2721 ok but I feel the magic a disney

[@cameronisom2721]

@@Unified_youtube All I feel is large crowds, loud annoying families, expensive, and boring rides. But that's just me.

[@Unified_youtube]

@@cameronisom2721 optimistic? I think not

[@BallerinaSisters1014]

My grandma lives in Florida

[@Galaxyfox_6713]

Cool

[@theanalqueen]

I can't choose they're both amazing parks! I love them both!

[@Ms.TrinaASL]

Bob Iger stopping that deal with JK Rowling wasn't a mistake it was destiny...Thank goodness we have our Universal.

[@Parkhopper1985]

Another great video and an emotional question to answer. I'm old school on classic rides but I also accept change too. I would my say my favorite older land is Tomorrowland and newer land is Cars Land

[@coolperson9470]

it was incredible. i first entered the train station and went onto it thinking it was a regular ride, only to get off in the world of harry potter. it was an acctual train.

[@nepatrul6075]

Everyone has their preference, and neither check every box, but it I think it’s essentially objectively true that Disney checks more boxes.

[@jchandlersabeast]

Universal has been outdoing disney in recent months

[@imsocool5932]

YEARS

[@Mega18G]

I do both. But mostly for Cars Land cause it was so amazing immersive land. And I enjoyed 😂. And thank you for sharing history.

[@Priya_kulkarni]

Cool video!!!

[@dusty-gurl]

I dont like what i see…..I LOVE WHAT I SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣i love your vids sooo much💗💗💗

[@markthomas6236]

I love what you do

[@charizards2009]

Releasing velocicoawter around the time hagrids coaster came out was a good idea because both Harry Potter land and Jurassic Park land had a bridge that lead to one another.

[@stephenkostiak3929]

The ET Adventure is still in operation at Universal Studios Florida since the attraction opened in 1990. The only attraction that is based on a 1980s film entitled ET The Extraterrestrial.

[@plato363]

Just think that wizardry world cost $500m and Disney’s idea of generic sci-fi with little aspects of star wars cost $2b

[@imsocool5932]

But harry potter still has a better land in general.

[@1ronEntertainment]

I think it’s due to inflation that Star Wars costs more.

[@plato363]

@@1ronEntertainment good point. Inflation adjusted the WW cost approaches $700m

[@hass0074]

Disney Animal Kingdom “Na’vi Pandora” & Universal “Harry Potter Diagon alley & Hogsmeade” are on a different level 🔥

[@bentleyreade9971]

The war begins

[@Acermani456]

Do you think you guys can do a jaws ride history video?

[@stephenkostiak3929]

You have shown a piece of concept art for Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park at the end of this video.

[@christinedaae7323]

Oh! Disney is going down! Universal Orlando Resort’s newest Theme Park, Epic Universe, opening in The Summer of 2025, is going to be a Disney Killer! And, really mean that! Take that, Disney!

[@star_wars_stuffgeorge]

Next Year to Universal and Disney parks! here we go!

[@Afineaddition]

This is what I love to see: Healthy competition

[@DisneyDude85]

this is the best video ever only because of shrek at 0:24 ;)

[@arielperez3613]

After epic universe is built, I’m sure universal will be the better park

[@Obeboothrills]

World war 3 in theme parks

[@elizabrookespams]

Universal outdid themselves with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’ve been there before and it is amazing. It’s more immersive than Disney to me. Before they added Harry Potter to the park, I would have to say that Disney was better than Universal. Now that they have The Wizarding World, they give Disney a real run for their money. It is the main aspect of the park that makes Universal better than Disney.

[@TPMvids]

Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands are fantastic! Can’t wait for Epic Universe

[@itsadrivibes]

Yeah, it feels like you are in a different world when you step in it !

[@brittanydonnelly2208]

All this competition just means bigger and better things for us guests.

[@robertporter6641]

Competition is great for the consumer. Yes, it creates tribalism at times, but for those willing to enjoy what is good about both parks in this case, everyone wins. That said, Disney will need to fix some of their customer satisfaction issues if they intend to compete with Universal going forward. It’s no longer enough for Disney to simply exist, Universal is a contender now.

[@Oneguy123]

I remember the Jurassic Park ride in universal. Some dinosaurs were fighting over a Disneyland hat.

[@viprthered]

I’ve been to both and I can’t decide what one I like more

[@joshuaoviedo3191]

It's safe to say... no matter how poor Eisner was... both Bobs desperately tried to outdo him... at being shit

[@NJ_Studios1]

You should talk about Dismaland and also Rainbow Magicland

[@LillysUnicorn]

Honestly I never thought I’d say this but I like both of the parks the same, they are both as magical and quite different, but something about Disney..

[@FreeSpiritPaulette]

It’s so refreshing to see a comment section that isn’t mindlessly jumping on the Disney hate bandwagon and that are treating them both equally

[@Kraken_Seahawk-Mariner_Fan]

I can’t imagine Harry Potter as a Disney movie

[@stephenkostiak3929]

I can’t believe Disney never built a Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida because of the sour relationship between Disney and Amblin Entertainment in the early 1990s over Roger Rabbit.

[@mindyschocolate]

Universal Orlando is good vs WDW, sort of. The Hollywood one is no match for Disneyland in LA however.

[@imsocool5932]

It will soon.

[@imsocool5932]

Opening 2 hotels, 2+ new lands, plenty of new rides. They’re gonna keep expanding with the space they have from the studio lot.

[@o11iepdragoon32]

Hi it’s me again

[@SORAUchiha9]

It is good there is competition because at the end is beneficial for us. I have never gone to Disneyland and Universal Studios. When I was a kid I wanted to go to Disneyland but watching what Universal Studios has it's the first on my list. I like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and Nintendo. As Universal is constructing Epic Universe there will be more fun for me

[@1ronEntertainment]

The wizarding world is incredible. I’ve never been in a more immersive land in my life.

[@TREVINparty]

cant really pick one over the other, both are immersive and fun places to be

[@flamingphoenix1425]

Universal: Hogsmead Disney: hold my beer (galaxy's edge) Nintendo: laughs

[@harrisonneves6007]

I NEVER would've know Universal Studios - Hollywood: The Entertainment Capital of LA & Disneyland - Resort: The Happiest Place on Earth went into WAR!

[@TD-Onslaught]

I have only ever been to Universal once and I was very little so I do not remember it, but I have been to Disney a multitude of times. Typically I would say I prefer Disney World here but I just love all the new additions made to Universal and I honestly would love to visit it again one day to revisit my old memories and earn new ones. Honestly I don’t think I’d be able to decide because they both seems amazing. Thank you if you read this comment.

[@robertclark8546]

Competition is great

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

too bad this ends with carsland, and doesn't continue into daigon alley and batuu, because those both should be part of this conversation, since they are clearly the next version of these ideas.

[@1ronEntertainment]

And Nintendo