[hiner]

We too have been to Sea World on our original Honeymoon in 89. It was nice, but probably would not waste the money to go again.
I looked at the ticket prices and Oh My Gosh have they increased. Zoos and Aquariums are much cheaper closer to home.

Also went to Gatorland on the way to the airport to go home. It was a small attraction at that time, but, my father-in-law said they have really built things up now. We are planning on going back this year.

Went to Universal on our 2nd Honeymoon in 99 (didn't do Islands of Adventure). All we did was compare it to WDW's MGM. It was so hard not to do. Twister was really cool, the Western Stunt show was good and no words can describe the Terminator attraction. The Mummy and Men in Black were still being built. Jaws and ET really needed to be refurbished. At that time, we said we would never go back.

Now this year, we are planning on taking our 8 yo to Universal for his first time. We'll probably on do Islands of Adventure though.

I guess we'll see how we react this year.

[sandanv1]

We do Universal because it offers something totally different than WDW. We actually prefer Universal Studios over MGM. *gasp* I think MGM is more kid friendly, and Universal has more adult directed things. Believe it or not MGM is a 1/2 day visit for us. The kid stuff doesn't interest us, I have never seen beauty and the beast, little mermaid or bear in the BB house *double gasp*

There are 3 major theme parks in a small area, they must meet the needs of the public, which differ greatly. Although there is only one WDW, other parks should be given a fair shake for what they offer.

iluvwdw said it best "THEY ARE NOT DISNEY. And if you expect them to be, you will be disappointed."

[BDavis932]

Originally posted by sandanv1
We do Universal because it offers something totally different than WDW. We actually prefer Universal Studios over MGM. *gasp* I think MGM is more kid friendly, and Universal has more adult directed things. Believe it or not MGM is a 1/2 day visit for us. The kid stuff doesn't interest us, I have never seen beauty and the beast, little mermaid or bear in the BB house *double gasp*

**gasp** is right....okay, if you don't have little ones, skipping Bear in the Big Blue house is permittable (although it is REALLY cute and very fun!!) But next time you go........PLEASE (I'm begging!!) go to Little Mermaid show....oh how you don't know what you are missing! It is awesome! Also, we had always skipped the Beauty and the Beast show until our last trip in May, and all I can say is WOW! It was fabulous. Give them both a try and I know you kick yourself for not seeing them sooner (I did!:laugh )

[GrumpyDad]

I have been to both IOA and US and while the coasters were awesome, the rest really underwhelmed me. We have a 6 flags near home, two great zoo's, a world class aquarium, and a we do go to Ceder Point about every two years so the reason for going to Orlando is the Disney experiance.

It is interesting to note that in the begining my DD was too young to ride the coasters and now I have lost a lot of interest in riding coaster any more intense then RnR so that may have something to do with it as well.

But I think the main reason is the total immersion into the world of Disney. As mentioned earlier, the details and the cast members make the experiance special. (Sorry to IOA employees but in my experiance they are not cast members in any sense of the word). It is all the little things, from the busses to the theming of the rooms, from the magic at the parks to the cheerfulness of the people, make it the place where I want to spend my money.

Regards,
-harry

[Storm59]

We went once, and the lines were outrageous. The day before at WDW the lines were almost walkon. The lines were so long, I felt, because they didn't have as much to do there.

I would like to visit there again sometime, but I can't get my kids on the rides at Disney yet. (Chickens!)

I would like to try the Jurassic Park ride. Do they have that one in Florida or is it only in Cal? Never mind, this the a Disney forum.

I found that Universal lines did not justify the rides. They were excellant as far as they went, but did 'nt go as far as they should. Too short, in other words.

[LAURENGOLD]

Storm-

They do have the Jurassic Park ride-It's great!!!

[geeman]

It's been about 4 years since I've been to Universal Florida, but I used to go to both parks all the time in my park hopping days of long ago.
There used to be great incentives to go because I was a movie fan, and enjoyed "Riding the movies", but mostly I would go whenever I visited Orlando with a new family member or friend. It was never specifically on my list of "musts". A teenage family member of mine worked as two of the characters (including Scooby Doo), so they got us in free a couple of times.

*I* have always found a lot of it enjoyable, but lately I just haven't felt like going there. I'm not a coaster person, so other than it's exotic look, Islands of Adventure didn't have much to thrill me, save for maybe Jurassic Park and Spiderman.

I have plans to visit the Studios this Spring, as we are travelling with someone who's never been there. Yet in a way, I almost feel like I don't want to go to that one. I'd rather spend the day at the Magic Kingdom or something.

But don't let that deter you. Universal has some quality rides in it. Certainly better than anything at Six Flags, imho.

[Metalfan]

I love Islands of Adventure. I dont really do universal anymore. But usually if I go up there I head up for a quick day or 2. If Im at Disney I tend to just have my mind on being at Disney and not really leaving that area. The people who stayed in the room next to me last year were at the All-Star music resort and stayed in Orlando for 3 days and spent 2 at Universal. Made me scratch my head as to why they wouldnt stay over there. Oh well . I know this is an old topic, but I fugre bringing it back might help someone! :-)

[teresadisney]

We have never done Universal, but will do so this trip. We are staying offsite for a conference, so we are using that opportunity to "branch out". We have a sea world here in Texas, but are looking forward to Florida's version. I am enjoying all the info posted so far. Where do yall eat when you go to Universal??

[MKCustodial]

Well, I am a Disney fan. But I don't deny the other parks have their advantages and attractions. Disney is magical, the others are fun. A trip to the US is something expensive, and something that has to be carefully planned. So I always separate the necessary time at least for the Universal resort, Sea World and Busch Gardens. If we go in the Summer, we might squeeze in Wet n' Wild.

But it all depends on the trip. FOr example, my next trip will be my honeymoon and girlfriend's first time at WDW. She doesn't like coasters, so I'm not taking her to Busch. I'll leave that for when we go with our friends. This time, we're staying off-property to do Universal and Sea World and to take her around Orlando. Then we're going in property to soak in Disney.

Some people are too harsh... I really don't think just because I'm a Disney fan I can't enjoy what the others have to offer.

[MissLisa5730]

We are a family of Disney-holics .. we seem to find our way to WDW at least once every couple years (and this is no small feat - considering we live on the other side of the continent). This trip I have promised DH that we will stay clear of WDW and try the other things the area has to offer.

Wellll .. I am already "just peeking" at what it might cost to get a few park hopper passes "just in case". oh .. and here I am, checking out the WDW boards (grin). Crossing my fingers that Islands of Adventure is as good as it looks in the brochures.

Of course, if I get a good deal on some hopper passes..
:whistle:

[Paul S]

I am a snob. Disney made me this way. My last visit to US was disappointing. Take it for what it's worth as what I'm about to say is one of those "either you "get it" or you don't" statements- I felt that US was over-priced Six Flags- complete with the crowd that was there and the presence of a complex chemical substance I term "MUNG". You just don't experience much MUNG at Disney- but there was MUNG a plenty at US. Here's the high note: The US SHOWS RULE. I think Disney could take a page or two out of the US handbook on the shows- I think they did when they came up with Fantasmic.

[tiggerguy2000]

We go to Disney three times a year and stay anywhere from 7 to 15 days per trip.I have 2 dvc resort homes(Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club) and love being in Disney resorts but also like going over to Universal and staying at the Hard Rock.My teenagers think universal is great and have things for teenagers.Going to other places when visiting Disney does not make you any less of a Disney fan.
tiggerguy2000;pirate:

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by Paul S
I am a snob. Disney made me this way.

I think this is true of me too .. none of my friends want to go with me to amusement parks any more .. they are all tired of "WDW is better"

[MKCustodial]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
I think this is true of me too .. none of my friends want to go with me to amusement parks any more .. they are all tired of "WDW is better"

<--- Guilty. :whistle:

My friends are the same way. I even had to take my Disney MP3 CD out of the car for fear of retaliation. My girlfriend said she'd be sick of Disney before she ever knew the place. :D