I have a family of four and we are dedicated Disney lovers. We go at least once a year. The rest of our year is spent wondering how we can get back!
Question is...I got to looking at prices. There are some AMAZING deals if going to Universal, and my eight year old wants so badly to stay in the NickHotel.
Thing is, we have a two year old as well. I am wondering if there is anything that could appeal to her for six or seven days there.
The most important thing I want to know is, does Universal have any of the "magic" we are used to at Disney? My worst fear is getting there and spending a week regretting not going to WDW.
The only reason we are considering it is the amazing deals and the fact that we are doing a Disney cruise next year.
I would love to hear from people who have been to both, especially with young children. Were you disappointed?
2007-06-27 05:51:32 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
eek, noticed a few miswordings, please forgive!
2007-06-27 05:52:24 · update #1
What is up with all the thumbs down on these answers? Really, people are offering their input and it is helpful. Why thumbs down them? ~sighs~
2007-06-28 06:48:32 · update #2
SO MANY WONDERFUL ANSWERS!! You guys are great, you have helped me tremendously! However, I can't choose a best answer since there are so many good ones! I am going to put it up to vote.
THANK YOU!
2007-07-02 01:13:34 · update #3
I live in Orlando and I have been to Universal a few times, normally when someone offers me free tickets.. I ALWAY have a Disney annual pass though. Trust me, the magic isn't at Universal... most people who prefer it aren't looking for a "family" experience if you know what I mean. Its like comparing your favorite movie in the world to a current block buster that just came out.. you have seen your favorite movie a hundred times and know the words by heart, it comforts you to watch it. The latest blockbuster might thrill you for a minute but you will forget about it 15 minutes after its over. Choose DISNEY!
http://www.orlandofloridasucks.com
2007-06-27 13:55:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm the same way! We have not been in a couple of years, and I'm going through Disney withdrawal! We were also in a pattern of going every year.
I have gone to Universal and will go again. Do I think you can spend 6 or 7 days there? No. Really and truly, if you get there when they open you can do both parks in a day. Take it easier and go at a busy time, you can do both parks in 2 or possibly 3 days. I don't think the "repeat" factor is as high. I could a week at Disney... actually, I think I could spend a week going just to Magic Kingdom, because I can do those rides over and over again. Universal is just not the same.
For a toddler, the best thing I can think of is Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. It's very cute. And there's kid-oriented shows and rides at Universal Studios.
If I were you, I would plan on spending 3 days tops at Universal, and then go to Disney. Maybe plan on only going to one or two parks, though.
2007-06-27 07:22:24 · answer #2 · answered by Lilli 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you should do both. Especially if you stay at the Nick Hotel, it is located much closer to Disney then Universal. It is actually right on the edge of Disney property, but you have to get on the freeway and drive a bit to get to Universal. So you can stay at the Nick Hotel, and easily visit Disney a few days, then make the drive over to Universal.
Universal does have things for all ages, so don't worry too much about the little one. But they only have 2 parks, so I'm not sure you will be entertained for all 7 days. Disney of course has more Magic, but Universal has some decent themeing.
Either way I think you'll have a great time!
2007-06-29 09:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by CutieGirl 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am a huge disney fan and even moved down here to work there for many years. I would recommend staying there because you will have fun but as someone who has been to disney you will notice that universal tends to be a bit "dirty". paint peeling, garbage spilling over. Unfortunately I have been there many times and have always noticed those things right off and it's probably because it's so extreme as far as cleaniness standards that Disney has. I can't say anything bad about the castmembers that work at Universal or their rides and they do have characters that your baby may recognize. And don't forget, if you need a dose of "magic" you can always book a character meal at one of the disney resorts while you're in town!
2007-07-01 05:53:36 · answer #4 · answered by ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First thing- Universal isnt magical like Disney, so dont be surprised if you don't get that feeling when you walk in the gates. personally, I love universal, my boyfriend and i love it because it has GREAT thrill rides. However, young children and universal aren't a great mix. I only say that because 99.9% of the rides have a hieght limit and there are not a lot of "family" rides, except in SuessLand. Try both parks out. Universal is NOT disney, very differnt.
2007-06-27 08:39:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
My family is also die hard Disney, but we usually do Universal/Islands of Adventure as well. While there are more rides and shows aimed at adults at Universal there is still quite a bit for kids to do. Nickelodeon Studios, Seuss Landing, there is a ride with Nicktoon characters, Barney, a Curious George water area, there are things there for younger children. However, I don't recommend spending an entire week there.
Why not do both theme parks? You could spend five days at Disney World and two days at Universal - one day at Universal Studios and one day at Islands of Adventure. I do think you would regret giving Universal an entire week, but certainly not just a couple of days.
2007-06-28 04:46:06 · answer #6 · answered by gcgurl1188 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No I'm never disappointed with Universal. It doesn't have all the magic that Disney has but it does have some and there is a lot of stuff that the younger ones can enjoy like barney and the woody woodpecker playground. I don't think you are going to regret not going to Disney world plus you have the Disney cruise to look forward to.
2007-06-27 07:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by The Doctor 46 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I used to live in Florida, and when my family, friends, and I drove to Orlando to go to a theme park, 9 times out of 10 it was for the Universals. Your older kids will love it, and for the toddler, there is Seussland which is plenty enjoyable, plus lots of open space and calmer rides in even the more grown-up areas to enjoy. (Although, six or seven days of Disney would drive me insane, personally.)
I have not, however, been to the Universals with little children. But an 8-year-old will love it, especially Islands of Adventure.
2007-06-27 05:58:46 · answer #8 · answered by agentdenim 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My wife and I love both the Disney theme park and Universal Studios. Check out the web site and see what you think.
www.universalorlando.com
2007-06-27 05:56:57 · answer #9 · answered by Aaron 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i ♥♥♥love♥♥♥ disney so much too and it is my most faveorite place in the entire world!! i go at least once a year, and my family wanted to go to universal, but i said no because i wanted to spend all my time at disney, and waste no time at all, but if you like the thing s they have then go right ahead...have fun!!
2007-06-27 08:34:10 · answer #10 · answered by <3 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋