[gregc]

Hi Folks,

As I read these threads, I see signatures where people list many repeat stays at WDW, real WDW fans.

I've stayed at WDW 4 times and I'm 9 days away from stay #5.

I know there's an area on this forum for other Orlando attractions but I don't have a question about Universal itself. My question is about Disney repeat visitors.

My question to you 'regulars' is, do you ever visit Universal Orlando and/or stay at their resorts? Does brand loyalty extend to the exclusion of Universal and Sea World?

[BuzzLightyear]

We went to Sea World once. Really have no desire to do Universal since there are so many things we haven't done in Disney yet.

[MickeyMamma]

I think alot of people may do Universal or Sea World as a break from the Disney parks.

For us, Universal is geared more towards the roller coaster crowd so we don't really go there. We went once about 10 years ago, but with a 2yo now, I don't think there is enough for him to do.

JMO

[rlander]

I have been to WDW 10 times. We tried Universal once in 2000. We found that there was just no comparison to WDW, so we have no plans to visit Universal or any other local parks around Orlando. For us, considering the cost to get to and stay at WDW, we don't want to waste our money on non-disney activities.

[tinkerbell]

we have never been any where but WDW. Except for one time we never leave WDW property once we are there until we have to go home.
several years ago I went with a group of friends to Universal in cal. I wasnt impressed and drove my friends nuts with "it aint disney"
We have a sea world in texas and we went there a couple of times years ago but .. its not Disney

I agree with rlander .. we dont waste our money on non-disney :)

[MickeyRon]

We love Disney, however, we did go to Universal this past visit... however, we were very disappointed! In comparison to their park in Hollywood, Orlando has nothing to offer our family...we won't be going back.

We would like to try Sea World, however, the more I discover about Disney the less I want to go visit other parks!

[gcbdad]

Originally posted by MickeyMamma
I think alot of people may do Universal or Sea World as a break from the Disney parks.

For us, Universal is geared more towards the roller coaster crowd so we don't really go there. We went once about 10 years ago, but with a 2yo now, I don't think there is enough for him to do.

JMO

I have friends who have been who have told me that there really isn't much to offer youngsters at Universal. At least not for a whole day. When my children get older we might try it but that is down the road. We have been to Sea World which is nice but I do not think it is a park that you need to see that often. Also, when you compare Anheiser Busch parks to WDW for service, cleanliness, eyc., well, there is no comparison.

[disneydana]

So far, we pretty much stick to Disney. DH and I went to Universal 12 or 13 years ago. He really wants to go back (I'm the one who struggles to do nondisney parks). Part of the reason we haven't done Universal is I don't think there is as much to do for little kids like their is at Disney. So, having little kids we stick to Disney. We have talked about just the two of us going down for a few days to do Universal (so we can do all the roller coasters!), and I'm sure we will before too long. I'd love to go to Sea World though. I think we'll probably try to spend a day or two there next trip. I can say that Disney has that *magic* for us and there is nowhere else like it!

[Cheryl]

We went to Sea World on our last trip & it was a total bust. The kids hated it, there was no "magic" to speak of - we had an awful time & spent a lot of money for being there for maybe 1/2 a day. I'd love to try Universal either without the kids or when they are all three much older. I love rides so I'm sure I'd have fun!

[llama]

I see that I am in the vast minority here.We absolutely go to Universal and to Sea World. And we enjoy both of them. No, they're not Disney, but they don't pretend to be either. And I don't agree that there isn't a lot for little kids to do. My daughters favourite ride is still "ET". They adored the Pet Show and quite frankly, I think that they're Wild West Stunt show is much better than Indiana Jones. If you can stand it, it's where you'll find Barney. The Islands of Adventure have Dr. Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon. Yes, there are a lot of coasters, but if you're a family with kids of all ages, this keeps everyone happy. I guess I'm trying to say, don't close your mind to it because it's not Disney. If you don't like it on its own merits, fine. But to not like it because it's not Disney could mean that you might be missing out on something new and enjoyable. Now I'll get off my soapbox.

[LRTJS]

I have been to Sea World once and don't plan to go back but I really enjoyed Universal. I have not been to Islands of Adventure. I thought Universal was beautiful and very well kept. Back to the Future, Jaws, Twister, and Terminator are awesome to behold. There are no roller coasters at Universal except for a kids one. My DGD was 6 and loved Barney, Men in Black (sorry, but this is better than Buzz) Flintstones even the departed King Kong. KIds love all the Nickelodeon stuff there. Even though I love DW and think it is the BEST place in the world I think Universal is fun and plan to go back so I can see Shrek!!

[teatah14]

We try to both Universal & Sea World when we go on longer trips, but in 2004 it will be All Disney All Day.

Our last trip we enjoyed Universal, Islands of Adventure, & Sea World. They were all entertaining.

[Leigh]

I am with you llama. I love WDW but.... We love Universal. My children have a blast there.

I love ET , Men in black, Jaws & Back to the future. My most favorite thing Twister. not a ride you just get to experiment how it feels to be in a tornado. The Blues Brothers band plays on a side street (great lunch break). We also love Dr. Seuss land. My DH had a blast here. Wild West stunt show (wow the lead cowboy in this one WOW). Animal planet show is great. And don't forget ther terminator movie. Its great.

Now don't get me wrong I love WDW we just like to spread our love everywhere while we are in florida.

[gregc]

It seems like there are two kinds of replies, especially about Islands of Adventure: those who've not been there and have no interest and those who have and liked it. Maybe that's overstating it.

I definitely fall into the second group. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel and visited both Universal parks last year and found their 'Eticket headliners' to be 100% on par with Disney's best. There are many wonderful child-focused attractions at Universal.

At WL's Whispering Canyon the CMs do a routine where they have the kids take the pledge, "...and I promise... not to... go to... Universal..." at we all laugh and cheer like the home team.

I know that the Disney company would like to be every family's sole vacation source and only Disney is Disney, but to be loyal to Disney to the exclusion of other quality products doesn't make sense.

[jonesee3]

My $.02:

I guess I am with the minority. I love Islands of Adventure and I'm not a coaster rider. They have great rides there. Like someone else mentioned, there is something for everyone there. Ripsaw Falls is the bestest log flume ride ever.....much more thrilling than SM. And, you can't beat the ride "Spider Man", it is a great 4-D effect motion ride.

I also enjoy Sea World very much. I love marine mammals. But, it isn't somewhere I HAVE to go EVERYTIME we are in Orlando. But, I do think it is very entertaining and educational.

NOW-Universal....we have been to both Hollywood & Orlando-didn't care much for either one. Rides are OK, but nothing to write home about. Ok for every once-in-a-while.

Okie Dokie...I'm done.

Check out the ole ticker :D :D :D

Heather

:) :) :) :)