I disagree. I feel that Universal was so much better than Disney. I am and adult with no children, but really enjoy the special effects and emersion into the themes of the rides. I have went 2 times in the last 5 years. I can’t wait to go back again!!
I absolutely agree with you! My wife and I both felt that Universal was way better and she is a Disney freak! We are universal pass holders and we will be returning very soon!
We have AP to both and I agree with you. To me Universal is an average run of the mill theme park. The food is awful , the snacks , churros , pretzels are usually stale and bottlenecks everywhere with small spaces. I do like the Studios side more than Islands. I’m the end though Disney World is still my happy place. I feel the magic there ….
Litirely just got back home today from Florida right now, Universal hands down over Magic Kingdom, Disney seemed like a cheap cookie cut version of Disneyland which bummed us out. Except for Rise of the Resistance which just by sheer dumb luck we got a boarding pass. They need to come up with a better system as the virtual que filled up in 5 seconds each time. However it was Disney who kept social distancing in check more so than Universal which I’m sure is due to their reservation system vs Universal just throwing the gates open and watching people scatter across the park then reaching shoulder to shoulder max capacity by 2pm. Overall good trip but be prepared for the unpredictable weather in Florida which was miserable within itself, Disney World got flooded out 1 hour after we left then back to unbearable muggy hot weather again within hours.
I also disagree. After my mid August trip, my wife and I visited both Universal and two Disney parks. We had a blast at all three parks at Universal, the cast members were very friendly, welcoming, and thankful, even at the resort’s. Our experience at Disney (Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) We found their cast members seemed less friendly and enthusiastic about being there. Both are handling the “pandemic” about the same with have hand sanitizer available before and after the rides including gift shops as well as restaurants. Both are good about enforcing their mask policies as well as social distancing measures. I say of you have an issue with crowds, go to the parks on week days. For those of us that believe this “pandemic” is a giant political stunt the crowds aren’t a big deal.
Last February, I was at Universal Hollywood. My father had an emergency and was hospitalized. The park was much too loud to be able to use my phone. I repeatedly asked employees if they could help me find a space that was quiet, and not one single person would help. I ended up having to leave the park and return to my hotel room to talk to the hospital. Seriously, a lack of compassion going on there.
Totally disagree with this article.
Universal goes way above and beyond to make things feel normal in an completely non normal life. You can park hop, drink a drink when you are actually thirsty, sit down anywhere there is a seat (or raised edge) and take your mask down to breathe.
They ask you to put your mask on correctly but they are respectful and kind unlike Disney that screams at you if they feel you have too much skin on your face showing.
If it’s pouring rain suddenly, Universal helps you by getting you under cover… at Disney Cast Members actually Yell at you to move, you are not 6 feet away. In fact witnessed a mom w a tiny baby and toddler trying to run under the exit of small world and a cast member actually pushed her back into the rain and said loudly “ you are not allowed to step inside here because of covid guidelines”.
Really?! Thats NOT Disney style nor magic.
There is no energy at Disney parks. There are people Trying to get on rides they normally could not. They have masks and shields and are miserable, passing it on to the guests. Universal and sea world actually care about your experience while safety is important.
We are local and premium Passholder. Wanted to give them up but realized this may be the last year we do Disney anyway, so kept them. But much rather go to universal or sea world for employees that actually treat you human, and dont have anxiety walking to the next place.
It comes down to respect, and self control. Disney is disrespectful and controlling. The other parks do their job, and expect adults to be adults and follow guidelines and will speak up as needed, instead of a buch of “police” walking around Disney parks throwing their “control” around.
I agree. Universal has handled the pandemic poorly. Even in normal times, people are just lying to themselves if they think Universal is better than Disney World.
I was a first-timmer to both parks. Honestly, I preferred Universal Studios, hands down. Even my kids (5 & 9) preferred it to DW Magic Kingdom. The rides at Magic Kingdom are old and outdated, the food was not that great and way overpriced, and the lines to the rides were completely unorganized. I’m not a mask or social distance warrior, personally, but I felt that Universal was way better at maintaining guidelines. And facilities were much cleaner. The food was also 100 times better. We paid $50+ for 2 cheeseburgers, a small cup of mac n cheese, & 2 chicken fingers w/applesauce pack and a cutie.
There are certain things I like better in each park. I like the overall ambience and the theming better at Disney, but I like the intense sanitation and rides at Universal. And I’d choose a butterbeer over a dole whip any day!
I totally agree with you! When I went to Universal, the crowds were insane and there was absolutely no enforcement of mask/social distancing rules. You want to know why it’s so busy? Because they are offering embarrassingly cheap deals to get people back in the parks. I am an AP, but I definitely won’t be back until there’s a vaccine due to their poor enforcement of rules. They truly don’t care about safety, and we ended up leaving after only about 2 hours in the park. Disney on the other hand really went the extra mile with their safety precautions, and I felt very comfortable visiting all 4 of their parks.
My family and I felt safe this past holiday weekend at WDW. Universal Orlando was overcrowded and uncomfortable. You can clearly see that Universal is just about the money now.
Thank you for this article. I have been wondering if it’s a good idea to go to a theme park right now. Specifically these two parks. Now we will be staying away from Universal for the foreseeable future. We love Disney and how they immerse us in the world we are supposed be in.
to everyone saying universal does a better job is not seeing it from my prospective! Us team members are scared and some have already been sick we are not doing as much as wdw! And i saw that when i finally had time to go over… they even have a prerecorded announcement there and people remind about masks the disney happy way! There is not enough we could be doing disney has it down to a science i feel sick just coming into wrk (i have to park in the regular lot i want to go home bc all i see is people waiting in globs! That glob now moves to our non 6ft zones and are everywhere! Disney is almost empty due to their capacity % hold and its smart saying anyone could come in is something we need to rethink but i am a team member N should just do my job and not complain but gheez was there a huge differences! Beyond the crowds! I wanted to yell please go home to many! Disney doesnt seem to have that issue! Btw i love my job i just do not want to die from people whom want to own the joint and not follow rules!
Want a true honest truth… nothing is as bad as gardens or seaworld! I went to seaworld and omg no temp taking though they claim they do must be at random…. no social distancing just signs reminding you! Not tape nothing even publix does better! I work at hershey on season and we did better and we barely thought we had space for it! No excuses here! I barely lasted 15 mins and they wouldnt refund me… i was like i do not feel safe what would you like to do to change that!? At the same time my kid is being yelled at for a mask bc of her breathing issues she needs an oxygen mask so she can not wear one… but didnt go after anyone else around us or the 100 other people we past wearing one at all it was a huge free for all but my daughter whom has a medical condition can die if she wears one they yelled at me!! I was like okay i am done! Went right over to dak and had an amazing time not one person yelled at my kid they actually helped me to better acomidate her enjoyment! except nothing less of wdw!
My honest review, as someone who was a Disney cast member and whose family lives for all things DISNEY:
Universal was way better. We went Sept. 3rd to Universal with our 5 kids- 13, 13, 7, 5, and 2. Universal’s wait times were walk on, 10 minutes tops for everything and they didn’t make my little bit wear a mask for which we were grateful.
Team members were friendly and engaged with the kids while still maintaining distance. The rides WERE wiped down and they made you get hand sanitizer before boarding.
Kids had a blast and stupidly instead of doing a second day, I chose to take the kids to Magic Kingdom the following day so the littles could ride more.
They DID NOT enforce hand sanitizing, I did NOT see them wipe down any rides and the cast members were very rude. At one point they made my 5 year old cry because we were sitting off to the side and he was drinking water. The cast member screamed at him to put his mask on and he started crying. It was horribly disappointing. Another point of the visit we were buying more water at a side cart. A pop up parade occurred and while I was mid paying a cast member snapped at me to get off the “road” for the parade. I obliged and the cast member running the cart rolled his eyes, waited for his fellow cast member to move on and then motioned for me to come back over to finish paying muttering about the dude having a “stick up his rear” and apologizing.
I guess they are really overworked at Disney having lost all their college interns but it was so bad I went and bought Universal AP for my fanily instead of going with our Disney ones. Probably will be awhile before we return to Disney.
disney is cleaning things down like they are hosing off bugs and cycling out rides i rather wait for that then on top of people and wait to see if universal sanitizes! But i rather be safe!
Please, if you feel the need for your ride to be sanitized every 15 minutes to feel safe…stay the hell home alone in your basement, with your sanitizer! ?
I was sold on Disney world until you mentioned the enforcement of masks and social distancing. If you’re that scared of Covid you wouldn’t be at a theme park. It’s just optics at this point and I’d rather do without. Universal it is! Thanks for the heads up!
Comments for Honest Review: Disney World or Universal Studios?
BRENDA S LABENZ
I disagree. I feel that Universal was so much better than Disney. I am and adult with no children, but really enjoy the special effects and emersion into the themes of the rides. I have went 2 times in the last 5 years. I can’t wait to go back again!!
Rj
I absolutely agree with you! My wife and I both felt that Universal was way better and she is a Disney freak! We are universal pass holders and we will be returning very soon!
michelle collier
We have AP to both and I agree with you. To me Universal is an average run of the mill theme park. The food is awful , the snacks , churros , pretzels are usually stale and bottlenecks everywhere with small spaces. I do like the Studios side more than Islands. I’m the end though Disney World is still my happy place. I feel the magic there ….
Rahat Mahmud
Disney world first
I like then others
Charlie
Litirely just got back home today from Florida right now, Universal hands down over Magic Kingdom, Disney seemed like a cheap cookie cut version of Disneyland which bummed us out. Except for Rise of the Resistance which just by sheer dumb luck we got a boarding pass. They need to come up with a better system as the virtual que filled up in 5 seconds each time. However it was Disney who kept social distancing in check more so than Universal which I’m sure is due to their reservation system vs Universal just throwing the gates open and watching people scatter across the park then reaching shoulder to shoulder max capacity by 2pm. Overall good trip but be prepared for the unpredictable weather in Florida which was miserable within itself, Disney World got flooded out 1 hour after we left then back to unbearable muggy hot weather again within hours.
Eric M
Yeah the author is nuts, I was just at both places too and Universal was a great time and Disney is a shell of itself right now.
Rj
I also disagree. After my mid August trip, my wife and I visited both Universal and two Disney parks. We had a blast at all three parks at Universal, the cast members were very friendly, welcoming, and thankful, even at the resort’s. Our experience at Disney (Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) We found their cast members seemed less friendly and enthusiastic about being there. Both are handling the “pandemic” about the same with have hand sanitizer available before and after the rides including gift shops as well as restaurants. Both are good about enforcing their mask policies as well as social distancing measures. I say of you have an issue with crowds, go to the parks on week days. For those of us that believe this “pandemic” is a giant political stunt the crowds aren’t a big deal.
Michelle
I agree 100%. Universal is a free for all with (in my opinion) mediocre quantity over quality.
Theresa
Last February, I was at Universal Hollywood. My father had an emergency and was hospitalized. The park was much too loud to be able to use my phone. I repeatedly asked employees if they could help me find a space that was quiet, and not one single person would help. I ended up having to leave the park and return to my hotel room to talk to the hospital. Seriously, a lack of compassion going on there.
Donna
Totally disagree with this article.
Universal goes way above and beyond to make things feel normal in an completely non normal life. You can park hop, drink a drink when you are actually thirsty, sit down anywhere there is a seat (or raised edge) and take your mask down to breathe.
They ask you to put your mask on correctly but they are respectful and kind unlike Disney that screams at you if they feel you have too much skin on your face showing.
If it’s pouring rain suddenly, Universal helps you by getting you under cover… at Disney Cast Members actually Yell at you to move, you are not 6 feet away. In fact witnessed a mom w a tiny baby and toddler trying to run under the exit of small world and a cast member actually pushed her back into the rain and said loudly “ you are not allowed to step inside here because of covid guidelines”.
Really?! Thats NOT Disney style nor magic.
There is no energy at Disney parks. There are people Trying to get on rides they normally could not. They have masks and shields and are miserable, passing it on to the guests. Universal and sea world actually care about your experience while safety is important.
We are local and premium Passholder. Wanted to give them up but realized this may be the last year we do Disney anyway, so kept them. But much rather go to universal or sea world for employees that actually treat you human, and dont have anxiety walking to the next place.
It comes down to respect, and self control. Disney is disrespectful and controlling. The other parks do their job, and expect adults to be adults and follow guidelines and will speak up as needed, instead of a buch of “police” walking around Disney parks throwing their “control” around.
Daryl-Rhys Taylor
I agree. Universal has handled the pandemic poorly. Even in normal times, people are just lying to themselves if they think Universal is better than Disney World.
K. C.
I was a first-timmer to both parks. Honestly, I preferred Universal Studios, hands down. Even my kids (5 & 9) preferred it to DW Magic Kingdom. The rides at Magic Kingdom are old and outdated, the food was not that great and way overpriced, and the lines to the rides were completely unorganized. I’m not a mask or social distance warrior, personally, but I felt that Universal was way better at maintaining guidelines. And facilities were much cleaner. The food was also 100 times better. We paid $50+ for 2 cheeseburgers, a small cup of mac n cheese, & 2 chicken fingers w/applesauce pack and a cutie.
Storm
There are certain things I like better in each park. I like the overall ambience and the theming better at Disney, but I like the intense sanitation and rides at Universal. And I’d choose a butterbeer over a dole whip any day!
Brooke
I totally agree with you! When I went to Universal, the crowds were insane and there was absolutely no enforcement of mask/social distancing rules. You want to know why it’s so busy? Because they are offering embarrassingly cheap deals to get people back in the parks. I am an AP, but I definitely won’t be back until there’s a vaccine due to their poor enforcement of rules. They truly don’t care about safety, and we ended up leaving after only about 2 hours in the park. Disney on the other hand really went the extra mile with their safety precautions, and I felt very comfortable visiting all 4 of their parks.
Ted
My family and I felt safe this past holiday weekend at WDW. Universal Orlando was overcrowded and uncomfortable. You can clearly see that Universal is just about the money now.
Theresa Hobbs
Thank you for this article. I have been wondering if it’s a good idea to go to a theme park right now. Specifically these two parks. Now we will be staying away from Universal for the foreseeable future. We love Disney and how they immerse us in the world we are supposed be in.
Cindy caine
to everyone saying universal does a better job is not seeing it from my prospective! Us team members are scared and some have already been sick we are not doing as much as wdw! And i saw that when i finally had time to go over… they even have a prerecorded announcement there and people remind about masks the disney happy way! There is not enough we could be doing disney has it down to a science i feel sick just coming into wrk (i have to park in the regular lot i want to go home bc all i see is people waiting in globs! That glob now moves to our non 6ft zones and are everywhere! Disney is almost empty due to their capacity % hold and its smart saying anyone could come in is something we need to rethink but i am a team member N should just do my job and not complain but gheez was there a huge differences! Beyond the crowds! I wanted to yell please go home to many! Disney doesnt seem to have that issue! Btw i love my job i just do not want to die from people whom want to own the joint and not follow rules!
Mark
Want a true honest truth… nothing is as bad as gardens or seaworld! I went to seaworld and omg no temp taking though they claim they do must be at random…. no social distancing just signs reminding you! Not tape nothing even publix does better! I work at hershey on season and we did better and we barely thought we had space for it! No excuses here! I barely lasted 15 mins and they wouldnt refund me… i was like i do not feel safe what would you like to do to change that!? At the same time my kid is being yelled at for a mask bc of her breathing issues she needs an oxygen mask so she can not wear one… but didnt go after anyone else around us or the 100 other people we past wearing one at all it was a huge free for all but my daughter whom has a medical condition can die if she wears one they yelled at me!! I was like okay i am done! Went right over to dak and had an amazing time not one person yelled at my kid they actually helped me to better acomidate her enjoyment! except nothing less of wdw!
Lauren
My honest review, as someone who was a Disney cast member and whose family lives for all things DISNEY:
Universal was way better. We went Sept. 3rd to Universal with our 5 kids- 13, 13, 7, 5, and 2. Universal’s wait times were walk on, 10 minutes tops for everything and they didn’t make my little bit wear a mask for which we were grateful.
Team members were friendly and engaged with the kids while still maintaining distance. The rides WERE wiped down and they made you get hand sanitizer before boarding.
Kids had a blast and stupidly instead of doing a second day, I chose to take the kids to Magic Kingdom the following day so the littles could ride more.
They DID NOT enforce hand sanitizing, I did NOT see them wipe down any rides and the cast members were very rude. At one point they made my 5 year old cry because we were sitting off to the side and he was drinking water. The cast member screamed at him to put his mask on and he started crying. It was horribly disappointing. Another point of the visit we were buying more water at a side cart. A pop up parade occurred and while I was mid paying a cast member snapped at me to get off the “road” for the parade. I obliged and the cast member running the cart rolled his eyes, waited for his fellow cast member to move on and then motioned for me to come back over to finish paying muttering about the dude having a “stick up his rear” and apologizing.
I guess they are really overworked at Disney having lost all their college interns but it was so bad I went and bought Universal AP for my fanily instead of going with our Disney ones. Probably will be awhile before we return to Disney.
lydia
disney is cleaning things down like they are hosing off bugs and cycling out rides i rather wait for that then on top of people and wait to see if universal sanitizes! But i rather be safe!
SG
Great article, well said! Disney cast members are extraordinary. And I felt safe at Disney, always have.
Joe
Please, if you feel the need for your ride to be sanitized every 15 minutes to feel safe…stay the hell home alone in your basement, with your sanitizer! ?
Joe
I was sold on Disney world until you mentioned the enforcement of masks and social distancing. If you’re that scared of Covid you wouldn’t be at a theme park. It’s just optics at this point and I’d rather do without. Universal it is! Thanks for the heads up!
Comments are closed.