I don’t think that quotation from Christine McCarthy means what you think it does. When she’s talking about per cap spending increasing, she’s talking about consumer spending — not Disney’s corporate investment. She’s effectively saying, “we don’t need to invest more in the parks division because our strategy of up-charging for everything is already bringing in more money” (hence the reference to Genie). This may have been good news for shareholders but it is not at all an indication that Disney plans to “answer Universal Studios in new and unique ways.”
Exactly. “we expect that per cap spending at our domestic parks in fiscal 2022 will continue to significantly exceed pre-pandemic levels, and we are particularly encouraged by the early response we are seeing to Genie at Walt Disney World…” Disney is talking about spending to pay for Genie+. Per capita spending refers to customer’s. Disney’s Park investments wouldn’t be calculated as “per capita,” that wouldn’t make sense. Disney is saying that now that they are slapping on more and more charges, their profits are going to go through the roof. In other words, not only are they going to raise prices in a hundred ways, they are “encouraged” by seeing how people suck it up and fight each other to give Disney money.
Disney needs to go back to basics . 1 put the Disney express back in . There original idea of keeping guest on property the whole visit was smart . Charging to park at resorts has people driving , and splitting their va ca with universal. If universal comes out with an express it may make all the difference. People don’t want too spend va ca money on ubers . I was at Disney in November, the express was so bad the line was the entire length of the airport . Either wait hours or Uber 35.00 for 2 people . I may never go back
Universal has express by the way. If you stay at certain hotels it is complimentary! It is all rides except 2 and it is unlimited. Even without riding Hogwarts Express, getting to the next park is a breeze!
I’d say the first park to offer an express bus that would take you from Universal to Disney or vice-versa would be the next big winner in the battle of the parks. I’ve never understood why one of them hasn’t done this yet..
This could be a huge winner, and moreso for Universal considering their different resort hotels are quite a bit cheaper. This is especially true when you compare similar amenities of like resorts. I understand that not having done this in the past keeps you a somewhat captive audience. I just think whichever, or both resorts offered this, they would open their parks etc. up to a lot more business/$$$. Tst would really only take a single dropoff/pickup location, then you take the resorts transportation to get to your final desired destination.
I’ll take just a small royalty payment each year for the use of my intellectual properly. I’ll hold my breath on that.
Bwahahaha… sleeping giant? Into they quit Penny pinching their guests, they will stay in that slumber. I can enjoy bigger rides, great theming, and better value at Universal with my teenagers. Sorry Disney, you can play 90210 while you lose your loyal customers.
Disney is faltering and stumbling and it’s only solution is to charge the guests more for everything. It’s the beginning of the end if they don’t change course fast.
My family and I have been going to WDW since 2008. Enjoyed every minute every year. In 2015 I had the pleasure(?) purchased a DVC membership because the entire famly loved our vactions.
Since 2019 being a DVC member has lost its gleamer.
Sure we can make reservations 11 months be for others BUT
We have since experienced?
No more free magicband
No more free shuttle and luggage service. (THIS BEING HUGE FOR FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN)
No more 180 day ADR window,
60 day ADR We had 4 people online at 6AM and still couldn’t get the reservation we waited. ( for 8 of us)
Mousekeeping has all but disappeared. I say this because when we reserved a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Spring, one toilet was plunged the other had feces in the bowl when we entered the room ( they took $50 off our bill.(“REALLY?”) Last May stayed at Saragota Springs in a “newly” renovated Preferred Studio. Drawers didn’t work right, Doors weren’t hung correctly ( they would either swin open or closed by themselves) Entrance door had such a huge gap to the floor DIRT was blowing into the room. My new socks were Literally BLACK from walking on the floor without shoes. ( they took $10 off our bill.(“REALLY?”) 12/2021 Dishwasher leaked, reported it 2nd day, day 8 when we checkedout still leaked. No fresh towels, had to call, no restocking of coffee and tea, had to call. No daily trash removal had to call.
Going to Universal 3/2022. I’m very interested how they take care of their guest.
Welcome to Universal Ron! I hope your stay is a better experience than the DVC, but I’m sure it will be. I hope you also enjoy the Mardi Gras Parades, food, and FREE Concerts with you regular park admission (no special event ticket needed). I also hope you are staying at one of our resorts so you can experience the wonderful amenities and benefits and you will want to visit us again.
Was a Disney absolutist from ’94 to 2021. Disney pushed me over the edge. Visited USO/IOA and had a much better time then the other 4 days I spent at WDW. They’ll be getting the bulk of my money and time next trip and WDW will just be a side thing now. They clearly don’t care about any guest that makes under 500k.
You will LOVE Universal. While we have only stayed at Royal Pacific, and absolutely love it, I’m sure you will have a wonderful time at whatever resort at Uni you stay at. They treat their guests like family, make you feel welcome, and if you stay at one of the top 3 (or 4 Sapphire Falls?) you get Unlimited Express access to all the rides, save 2. ( I think that was mentioned by someone above). Either way, Universal wants to make sure their guests are happy and their Social Media is Epic!!!!
We have been a few times. I enjoyed Epcot immensely! What I did not like is that there is little place to sit for a rest, hardly any shade and for the price and hype I expected so much more. Universal is winning because their staff keep the experience fun, exciting and above all you feel seen and not just a please keep moving we are on a schedule way. The rigidness of Disney is horrid. Having to be on my phone more than enjoying the park to locate food, times, sign up, etc is destroying the magic. Universal wins for so much more than rides. Less expensive considering what you get and more for ALL ages to enjoy.
Thank you for your comments about the staff. I will tell you a secret… Quite a few of us that work and manage Universal today in Florida are former Disney Employees from the 80’s and 90’s who left due to the “Changes”. Disney worked to remove those of us that remember how we treated guests and each other. Working at Universal today feels more like Old Disney and that is why we are kicking their tails! (pun intended). We value what we do and adapt to changing times without robbing the guests. Obviously we are not perfect, “Fast and Furious ride”. but we can laugh about it!!
Nonsense. Doesn’t matter what Universal does, they will never be “competition” for Disney. Doesn’t matter if people sign petitions, lose the DME, pay for Genie+, pay for hotel parking, pay for prices rising exponentially. People are still pouring in there like there’s no tomorrow. I know I am. There’s nothing to do in Universal.
However, I will admit that I will go there if they build the Mario world. The one in Japan does look impressive, a hundred times better than Galaxy’s Edge. And I’m not a Mario fan, I’m a Star Wars fan. The Mario world in Japan looks exactly like the video games my kids play. I don’t even know what Galaxy’s Edge is.
Disney’s current state of affairs is driving away more established business than it is gaining from new visitors! That business plan NEVER works!
Your comments apply to YOU only…as they should!
I agree Barry, Disney is struggling. Sure isn’t the same as it used to be in the past. I have many Disney trips under my belt and sadly, I must say, I’m done at this point.
Personally I think the timing to announce a new WDW park is next year.
That will be the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company and construct / finish designing the park for a 2028 open (100th birthday of Mickey)
My next trip to Orlando will ABSOLUTELY be to Universal Studios. I’ve made several trips in the past to Disney. These days, it just doesn’t compare. Disney has lost their focus which should be on THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE! Instead, their focus is on nothing other than $$$$$$. Disney’s recent “Star Wars” area of Hollywood Studios is a JOKE. All the hype and it’s trash. When I went with my family in May of 2021 we did nothing but just walk through that area. Wasn’t that great to all of us. My family is DONE with Disney.
I used to go to Disney World every year, but now that they’ve taken away every benefit of staying on-site and monetized it… yeah, they can enjoy those new park experiences without me and plenty of other guests who will wise up. Universal Orlando is awesome! They have reasonably priced hotels. Sapphire Falls is great! It gets you a water taxi to the park and extra hours. Universal is just better. Disney will always be Disney for kids, but they’re not going to win the adults over putting their costs onto their guests.
Yup, their just going to become a bigger roller coaster park because that is all universal is ! Goodbye imagineers, goodbye WDW ! You were something more !!
I’m an Annual Pass Holder to both Disney and Universal. I go regularly. And Disney continues to make me not want to renew my Annual Pass. The park is… Boring. They pander to guest resorts. The lightning lane crap has caused standby lines to be close to 3 hours. And no legitimate solution is being presented, but they happily continue to take your money while giving you the middle finger. Star Wars land is way too dependent on the new movies and barely addresses old content. It survives on nostalgia, not its own merit. A big problem is their determination to be PC. They’re losing me. Whereas Universal is interesting and fun and is not putting unnecessary twist on old nostalgic stuff. Just giving you exactly what it was and still is.
So the budget for Parks, Experiences and Products will increase… That just means that they will be attempting to sell more merch. Maybe removing the parks from the merchandising would be a real good step to get the parks back on track. Iger put them together and gave “Cheapak” the whole package before he became CEO. Chapek is a numbers guy and that’s what he’s going to stick with.
Disney needs to do something. That Galaxy’s Edge is very underwhelming. Today was my first time and it looks like something other worldly but it doesn’t look like Star Wars. There’s no droids. No Vader. Oga’s cantina was meh. $18.00 for punch.
I’m an Orlando local with APs to both. Disney has not been fun for me for about two years now.
More often than not I choose to go to universal instead.
Disney has made the parks “hard to do” by getting rid of fast passes and the reservation system. I don’t want to wake up at 7am and hope that maybe if I’m lucky I’ll beat a resort guest for a pass to a ride later that day at god knows when. I want to be able to run over for dinner after work and jump on a ride that I made a fast pass for on my lunch break.
Disney will never be as good as Universal. I have an 8 year old boy and 6 year old girl who would both pick Universal over Disney without a second thought. Disney sucks, their rides suck, their lines suck. It’s a miserable experience. I remembered how much I hated Disney from my childhood after going there as an adult. Universal is 100x better.
Universal Studios’ Hogwarts wins every time vs Galaxy Edge and Avengers Campus (one new Land is built right, while the other two are incomplete!) I am looking forward to the grand opening of Nintendo Land at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The only advantage Team Disney Anaheim has over Team Universal Hollywood (well technically Universal City) is access to Hotels.
Universal CityWalk is better than Downtown Disney (maybe parking would be the better choice in Anaheim if the Trams come back into service).
Universal Studios Hollywood does a better job of offering discounts to out-of-state Guests (they are also doing a better job of improving their dining experience).
Disney may win when it comes to a variety of merchandise, but it has lost that lead with the closing of their Disney Store mall shops.
I am all for letting go of Bob Chapek, but not to have Bob Iger come out of retirement (Team Universal has its executives in place working cohesively vs Bob Chapek still doesn’t have his Mouse House in order). We need to have Fresh and Young minds taking over who understand that up charging and price gouging is not acceptable (nor is having to use your smartphone all day). Cast Members and Staff cannot be taken for granted.
Park Maintenance, along with innovation put towards new Rides and Attractions (and Lands), various forms of Transportation around the hub (monorail trams trains), on site and nearby Hotels, on-site and nearby Dining, Live Entertainment inside the Theme Park (and nearby outside the Theme Park) are essential.
I have been going to Disney World, at least once a year, since 1997, and at one time worked for a travel agency that specialized in Disney vacations. Over the last few years, I have watched as leadership has taken away things that made Disney “magical”. I haven’t been now since 2019, as I started seeing changes that I didn’t like, and even left the travel agency as I know longer had that good feeling about helping others plan their vacations. Actually, I wasn’t helping anyone plan a Disney vacation, as most clients would sadly decline after quoting them a price. Their “dream vacation” was just a dream. It’s all just a money grab now. Quality and service has greatly declined, it seems, while prices for everything are increasing at a crazy pace. There are practically no perks for staying at a Disney resort now.
I haven’t been to Universal yet, but certainly will consider over Disney parks, where I once would have never said that.
All of our trips to Universal have been wonderful and memorable experiences, and we put HHN on the calendar annually, highly recommend Royal Pacific. It’s our “go to” hotel, lovely rooms and great service, all transportation perks, and not catastrophically expensive. (and yes, for years we always did WDW, then not so much, now, never . No room for a spontaneous drive down. Glad we have the memories but that is all they are. Universal, one thing, more op to shop, please. Oh, and your bakery items are, wait for it, EPIC!
Disney is banking on a new Wakanda-themed park? Really? lol Are they going to put it in Animal Kingdom? Because that’s the only thing that would make sense.
Black Panther was a mediocre movie, at best… it rode on the coattails of Phase 1-3 of the MCU, and now, due to wokism, the MCU is slowing dying. Wakanda does not resonate with the majority of the fans of Marvel, in much the same way that Galaxy’s Edge did not resonate with most fans of Star Wars, as Black Panther is not a top tier character from the Marvel Universe.
Why not build a Marvel Land that encompasses all characters, rather than just those from Black Panther? Start out with that, as the Magic Kingdom of Marvel, and then expand with gained popularity. Wakanda is not a good test.
Universal has the rights to most of the Marvel characters for theme parks in Florida. Spiderman, Hulk, Fantastic Four, X-Men etc. Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy are some of the only characters Disney has the rights to for Orlando. The other rights were sold to Universal before Disney bought out Marvel.
Disney will lose to Universal in every aspect until Chapek leaves. Someone NEEDS to take over the Parks division and make it an all alone division, away from the TV networks, ESPECIALLY ABC and ESPN.
Love Universal. Great experience every time I go. The most amazing thing, and I can say this having been to WDW off and on since ’72, is that Universal demonstrably values the guest experience more than Disney does. Never thought I would ever say that another company is applying the Disney Touch better than Disney. But it’s true. Universal figured it out, and have surpassed the house of mouse.
Been a huge Disney fan since 2005, but they continue to take away benefits and increase prices. I miss the “all inclusive” feel . Why continue to only offer annual passes to locals? Why not bring back the dining plan?
Hi. I read everyone’s comments and understand/agree
I’ve been going yearly since 2007. Haven’t been since Feb. 2020 (waiting for the mask mandates to be lifted.)
Before WDW started re-theming (translate: ruining) Epcot, Disney had something unique:
1. 3 parks with rides, etc. each with a different theme
2. A unique park (Epcot) that offered a fun but informational experience. Plus, it was more spread out and was beautifully landscaped, etc.
They should have kept with this “unique” approach.
Also, they should have kept politics (i.e. Wokeness) out of the parks (Splash Mountain for example). This has alienated MANY including me.
The fastpass system was nice and I occasionally used it (since I’m a retiree and grandfather, time is not as important).
The initial changes I’d undo at Epcot are:
1. Remove beauty and the beast sing along from France, and return to the movie “Impressions of France” to all day.
2. Remove Harmonious (which RUINED the views across the beautiful lake) and bring back “Illuminations” fireworks show with its wonderful music
3. Add back the Fountain of Nations
At Magic Kingdom, I’d immediately halt the re-theme of Splash Mountain PERIOD!!
If they could go back, I’d have them:
1. Put Guardians in Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom
2. Put Ratatouile in Hollywood Studios
3. Put Frozen in Hollywood Studios and keep “Maelstrom” in Norway
Basically, WDW has lost its way.
The original, long-running rides/attractions were what made WDW special. They were Disney originals and did NOT need to be replaced.
I welcome EVERYONE’S thoughts on this.
God Bless to all with health and peace…
RE: Hotels
Meant to mention this above.
I saw several complaints about WDW hotels.
I suggest trying the Dolphin or Swan hotels. I’ve stayed there 14 times (13 at the Dolphin) and they are great! The location can’t be beat, and the walks around the nearby Boardwalk area are special!
With my having lifetime status with Marriott (who runs those hotels) I always get an upgrade to where my wife can watch either the Epcot or Hollywood Studios fireworks each night! However, you don’t have to have status with Marriott to enjoy these hotels and great locations!
If anyone has thoughts or questions on these hotels, please check my youtube channel for videos on the Dolphin and Crescent Lake area.
God Bless! 🙂
Comments for Universal Wakes “Sleeping Giant” as Disney Parks Make Huge Plan to Compete
Rya
Fire Bob paycheck Chapek
Michael Gnozzio
I don’t think that quotation from Christine McCarthy means what you think it does. When she’s talking about per cap spending increasing, she’s talking about consumer spending — not Disney’s corporate investment. She’s effectively saying, “we don’t need to invest more in the parks division because our strategy of up-charging for everything is already bringing in more money” (hence the reference to Genie). This may have been good news for shareholders but it is not at all an indication that Disney plans to “answer Universal Studios in new and unique ways.”
I love Disney
Exactly. “we expect that per cap spending at our domestic parks in fiscal 2022 will continue to significantly exceed pre-pandemic levels, and we are particularly encouraged by the early response we are seeing to Genie at Walt Disney World…” Disney is talking about spending to pay for Genie+. Per capita spending refers to customer’s. Disney’s Park investments wouldn’t be calculated as “per capita,” that wouldn’t make sense. Disney is saying that now that they are slapping on more and more charges, their profits are going to go through the roof. In other words, not only are they going to raise prices in a hundred ways, they are “encouraged” by seeing how people suck it up and fight each other to give Disney money.
Btb
Disney needs to go back to basics . 1 put the Disney express back in . There original idea of keeping guest on property the whole visit was smart . Charging to park at resorts has people driving , and splitting their va ca with universal. If universal comes out with an express it may make all the difference. People don’t want too spend va ca money on ubers . I was at Disney in November, the express was so bad the line was the entire length of the airport . Either wait hours or Uber 35.00 for 2 people . I may never go back
Lou Anna Claveau
Universal has express by the way. If you stay at certain hotels it is complimentary! It is all rides except 2 and it is unlimited. Even without riding Hogwarts Express, getting to the next park is a breeze!
JJ
They’re talking about the Magical Express, not the fastpass (Universal Express Pass), which was the free bus service from the airport to the hotels.
Clifton Brewer
I’d say the first park to offer an express bus that would take you from Universal to Disney or vice-versa would be the next big winner in the battle of the parks. I’ve never understood why one of them hasn’t done this yet..
This could be a huge winner, and moreso for Universal considering their different resort hotels are quite a bit cheaper. This is especially true when you compare similar amenities of like resorts. I understand that not having done this in the past keeps you a somewhat captive audience. I just think whichever, or both resorts offered this, they would open their parks etc. up to a lot more business/$$$. Tst would really only take a single dropoff/pickup location, then you take the resorts transportation to get to your final desired destination.
I’ll take just a small royalty payment each year for the use of my intellectual properly. I’ll hold my breath on that.
Jeff T
Bwahahaha… sleeping giant? Into they quit Penny pinching their guests, they will stay in that slumber. I can enjoy bigger rides, great theming, and better value at Universal with my teenagers. Sorry Disney, you can play 90210 while you lose your loyal customers.
Bob Boogie
Disney is faltering and stumbling and it’s only solution is to charge the guests more for everything. It’s the beginning of the end if they don’t change course fast.
Ron V
My family and I have been going to WDW since 2008. Enjoyed every minute every year. In 2015 I had the pleasure(?) purchased a DVC membership because the entire famly loved our vactions.
Since 2019 being a DVC member has lost its gleamer.
Sure we can make reservations 11 months be for others BUT
We have since experienced?
No more free magicband
No more free shuttle and luggage service. (THIS BEING HUGE FOR FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN)
No more 180 day ADR window,
60 day ADR We had 4 people online at 6AM and still couldn’t get the reservation we waited. ( for 8 of us)
Mousekeeping has all but disappeared. I say this because when we reserved a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Spring, one toilet was plunged the other had feces in the bowl when we entered the room ( they took $50 off our bill.(“REALLY?”) Last May stayed at Saragota Springs in a “newly” renovated Preferred Studio. Drawers didn’t work right, Doors weren’t hung correctly ( they would either swin open or closed by themselves) Entrance door had such a huge gap to the floor DIRT was blowing into the room. My new socks were Literally BLACK from walking on the floor without shoes. ( they took $10 off our bill.(“REALLY?”) 12/2021 Dishwasher leaked, reported it 2nd day, day 8 when we checkedout still leaked. No fresh towels, had to call, no restocking of coffee and tea, had to call. No daily trash removal had to call.
Going to Universal 3/2022. I’m very interested how they take care of their guest.
I love Disney
If you think Disney’s bad…At Universal, you wait 4 hours just to checkin. At least that’s what the reviews say.
Jeff T
That’s BS. Been going to Universal the past 6 years… no where close. Way over stated. WAY.
Barry D
That’s not true at all….unless you show up with a bus load or other rumor spreaders!
Ashley
That’s definitely not true. I’ve gone there every year for almost a decade and check-in is a breeze. One time it was 15-20 mins.
Doc
Welcome to Universal Ron! I hope your stay is a better experience than the DVC, but I’m sure it will be. I hope you also enjoy the Mardi Gras Parades, food, and FREE Concerts with you regular park admission (no special event ticket needed). I also hope you are staying at one of our resorts so you can experience the wonderful amenities and benefits and you will want to visit us again.
Ray
At a DVC if you’re staying 8 days trash is not removed every day like a hotel room. It’s every 3rd or 4th day. Unless you call to have it removed.
DG
Was a Disney absolutist from ’94 to 2021. Disney pushed me over the edge. Visited USO/IOA and had a much better time then the other 4 days I spent at WDW. They’ll be getting the bulk of my money and time next trip and WDW will just be a side thing now. They clearly don’t care about any guest that makes under 500k.
Betsy
You will LOVE Universal. While we have only stayed at Royal Pacific, and absolutely love it, I’m sure you will have a wonderful time at whatever resort at Uni you stay at. They treat their guests like family, make you feel welcome, and if you stay at one of the top 3 (or 4 Sapphire Falls?) you get Unlimited Express access to all the rides, save 2. ( I think that was mentioned by someone above). Either way, Universal wants to make sure their guests are happy and their Social Media is Epic!!!!
Lou Anna Claveau
We have been a few times. I enjoyed Epcot immensely! What I did not like is that there is little place to sit for a rest, hardly any shade and for the price and hype I expected so much more. Universal is winning because their staff keep the experience fun, exciting and above all you feel seen and not just a please keep moving we are on a schedule way. The rigidness of Disney is horrid. Having to be on my phone more than enjoying the park to locate food, times, sign up, etc is destroying the magic. Universal wins for so much more than rides. Less expensive considering what you get and more for ALL ages to enjoy.
Doc
Thank you for your comments about the staff. I will tell you a secret… Quite a few of us that work and manage Universal today in Florida are former Disney Employees from the 80’s and 90’s who left due to the “Changes”. Disney worked to remove those of us that remember how we treated guests and each other. Working at Universal today feels more like Old Disney and that is why we are kicking their tails! (pun intended). We value what we do and adapt to changing times without robbing the guests. Obviously we are not perfect, “Fast and Furious ride”. but we can laugh about it!!
I love Disney
Nonsense. Doesn’t matter what Universal does, they will never be “competition” for Disney. Doesn’t matter if people sign petitions, lose the DME, pay for Genie+, pay for hotel parking, pay for prices rising exponentially. People are still pouring in there like there’s no tomorrow. I know I am. There’s nothing to do in Universal.
However, I will admit that I will go there if they build the Mario world. The one in Japan does look impressive, a hundred times better than Galaxy’s Edge. And I’m not a Mario fan, I’m a Star Wars fan. The Mario world in Japan looks exactly like the video games my kids play. I don’t even know what Galaxy’s Edge is.
Barry D
Disney’s current state of affairs is driving away more established business than it is gaining from new visitors! That business plan NEVER works!
Your comments apply to YOU only…as they should!
Larry
I agree Barry, Disney is struggling. Sure isn’t the same as it used to be in the past. I have many Disney trips under my belt and sadly, I must say, I’m done at this point.
LITTLE WALT
Personally I think the timing to announce a new WDW park is next year.
That will be the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company and construct / finish designing the park for a 2028 open (100th birthday of Mickey)
Larry
My next trip to Orlando will ABSOLUTELY be to Universal Studios. I’ve made several trips in the past to Disney. These days, it just doesn’t compare. Disney has lost their focus which should be on THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE! Instead, their focus is on nothing other than $$$$$$. Disney’s recent “Star Wars” area of Hollywood Studios is a JOKE. All the hype and it’s trash. When I went with my family in May of 2021 we did nothing but just walk through that area. Wasn’t that great to all of us. My family is DONE with Disney.
Ashley
I used to go to Disney World every year, but now that they’ve taken away every benefit of staying on-site and monetized it… yeah, they can enjoy those new park experiences without me and plenty of other guests who will wise up. Universal Orlando is awesome! They have reasonably priced hotels. Sapphire Falls is great! It gets you a water taxi to the park and extra hours. Universal is just better. Disney will always be Disney for kids, but they’re not going to win the adults over putting their costs onto their guests.
mike
Yup, their just going to become a bigger roller coaster park because that is all universal is ! Goodbye imagineers, goodbye WDW ! You were something more !!
DailyDose
I’m an Annual Pass Holder to both Disney and Universal. I go regularly. And Disney continues to make me not want to renew my Annual Pass. The park is… Boring. They pander to guest resorts. The lightning lane crap has caused standby lines to be close to 3 hours. And no legitimate solution is being presented, but they happily continue to take your money while giving you the middle finger. Star Wars land is way too dependent on the new movies and barely addresses old content. It survives on nostalgia, not its own merit. A big problem is their determination to be PC. They’re losing me. Whereas Universal is interesting and fun and is not putting unnecessary twist on old nostalgic stuff. Just giving you exactly what it was and still is.
Pete
So the budget for Parks, Experiences and Products will increase… That just means that they will be attempting to sell more merch. Maybe removing the parks from the merchandising would be a real good step to get the parks back on track. Iger put them together and gave “Cheapak” the whole package before he became CEO. Chapek is a numbers guy and that’s what he’s going to stick with.
GregR
Disney needs to do something. That Galaxy’s Edge is very underwhelming. Today was my first time and it looks like something other worldly but it doesn’t look like Star Wars. There’s no droids. No Vader. Oga’s cantina was meh. $18.00 for punch.
Shannon
I’m an Orlando local with APs to both. Disney has not been fun for me for about two years now.
More often than not I choose to go to universal instead.
Disney has made the parks “hard to do” by getting rid of fast passes and the reservation system. I don’t want to wake up at 7am and hope that maybe if I’m lucky I’ll beat a resort guest for a pass to a ride later that day at god knows when. I want to be able to run over for dinner after work and jump on a ride that I made a fast pass for on my lunch break.
Mike
Disney will never be as good as Universal. I have an 8 year old boy and 6 year old girl who would both pick Universal over Disney without a second thought. Disney sucks, their rides suck, their lines suck. It’s a miserable experience. I remembered how much I hated Disney from my childhood after going there as an adult. Universal is 100x better.
CJ
Universal Studios’ Hogwarts wins every time vs Galaxy Edge and Avengers Campus (one new Land is built right, while the other two are incomplete!) I am looking forward to the grand opening of Nintendo Land at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The only advantage Team Disney Anaheim has over Team Universal Hollywood (well technically Universal City) is access to Hotels.
Universal CityWalk is better than Downtown Disney (maybe parking would be the better choice in Anaheim if the Trams come back into service).
Universal Studios Hollywood does a better job of offering discounts to out-of-state Guests (they are also doing a better job of improving their dining experience).
Disney may win when it comes to a variety of merchandise, but it has lost that lead with the closing of their Disney Store mall shops.
I am all for letting go of Bob Chapek, but not to have Bob Iger come out of retirement (Team Universal has its executives in place working cohesively vs Bob Chapek still doesn’t have his Mouse House in order). We need to have Fresh and Young minds taking over who understand that up charging and price gouging is not acceptable (nor is having to use your smartphone all day). Cast Members and Staff cannot be taken for granted.
Park Maintenance, along with innovation put towards new Rides and Attractions (and Lands), various forms of Transportation around the hub (monorail trams trains), on site and nearby Hotels, on-site and nearby Dining, Live Entertainment inside the Theme Park (and nearby outside the Theme Park) are essential.
laurie
I have been going to Disney World, at least once a year, since 1997, and at one time worked for a travel agency that specialized in Disney vacations. Over the last few years, I have watched as leadership has taken away things that made Disney “magical”. I haven’t been now since 2019, as I started seeing changes that I didn’t like, and even left the travel agency as I know longer had that good feeling about helping others plan their vacations. Actually, I wasn’t helping anyone plan a Disney vacation, as most clients would sadly decline after quoting them a price. Their “dream vacation” was just a dream. It’s all just a money grab now. Quality and service has greatly declined, it seems, while prices for everything are increasing at a crazy pace. There are practically no perks for staying at a Disney resort now.
I haven’t been to Universal yet, but certainly will consider over Disney parks, where I once would have never said that.
Kathie
All of our trips to Universal have been wonderful and memorable experiences, and we put HHN on the calendar annually, highly recommend Royal Pacific. It’s our “go to” hotel, lovely rooms and great service, all transportation perks, and not catastrophically expensive. (and yes, for years we always did WDW, then not so much, now, never . No room for a spontaneous drive down. Glad we have the memories but that is all they are. Universal, one thing, more op to shop, please. Oh, and your bakery items are, wait for it, EPIC!
Kevin
Disney is banking on a new Wakanda-themed park? Really? lol Are they going to put it in Animal Kingdom? Because that’s the only thing that would make sense.
Black Panther was a mediocre movie, at best… it rode on the coattails of Phase 1-3 of the MCU, and now, due to wokism, the MCU is slowing dying. Wakanda does not resonate with the majority of the fans of Marvel, in much the same way that Galaxy’s Edge did not resonate with most fans of Star Wars, as Black Panther is not a top tier character from the Marvel Universe.
Why not build a Marvel Land that encompasses all characters, rather than just those from Black Panther? Start out with that, as the Magic Kingdom of Marvel, and then expand with gained popularity. Wakanda is not a good test.
Adam M.
Universal has the rights to most of the Marvel characters for theme parks in Florida. Spiderman, Hulk, Fantastic Four, X-Men etc. Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy are some of the only characters Disney has the rights to for Orlando. The other rights were sold to Universal before Disney bought out Marvel.
Rosenberry Rich
Disney will lose to Universal in every aspect until Chapek leaves. Someone NEEDS to take over the Parks division and make it an all alone division, away from the TV networks, ESPECIALLY ABC and ESPN.
Sophie
It would be really nice if Universal Rides were Plus Size friendly like most of WDW
Joe
Love Universal. Great experience every time I go. The most amazing thing, and I can say this having been to WDW off and on since ’72, is that Universal demonstrably values the guest experience more than Disney does. Never thought I would ever say that another company is applying the Disney Touch better than Disney. But it’s true. Universal figured it out, and have surpassed the house of mouse.
Ryan
So a new resort and a Wakanda land is supposed to compete with Nintendo World? Ok.
Susan
Been a huge Disney fan since 2005, but they continue to take away benefits and increase prices. I miss the “all inclusive” feel . Why continue to only offer annual passes to locals? Why not bring back the dining plan?
Ken Brenner
Hi. I read everyone’s comments and understand/agree
I’ve been going yearly since 2007. Haven’t been since Feb. 2020 (waiting for the mask mandates to be lifted.)
Before WDW started re-theming (translate: ruining) Epcot, Disney had something unique:
1. 3 parks with rides, etc. each with a different theme
2. A unique park (Epcot) that offered a fun but informational experience. Plus, it was more spread out and was beautifully landscaped, etc.
They should have kept with this “unique” approach.
Also, they should have kept politics (i.e. Wokeness) out of the parks (Splash Mountain for example). This has alienated MANY including me.
The fastpass system was nice and I occasionally used it (since I’m a retiree and grandfather, time is not as important).
The initial changes I’d undo at Epcot are:
1. Remove beauty and the beast sing along from France, and return to the movie “Impressions of France” to all day.
2. Remove Harmonious (which RUINED the views across the beautiful lake) and bring back “Illuminations” fireworks show with its wonderful music
3. Add back the Fountain of Nations
At Magic Kingdom, I’d immediately halt the re-theme of Splash Mountain PERIOD!!
If they could go back, I’d have them:
1. Put Guardians in Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom
2. Put Ratatouile in Hollywood Studios
3. Put Frozen in Hollywood Studios and keep “Maelstrom” in Norway
Basically, WDW has lost its way.
The original, long-running rides/attractions were what made WDW special. They were Disney originals and did NOT need to be replaced.
I welcome EVERYONE’S thoughts on this.
God Bless to all with health and peace…
Ken Brenner
RE: Hotels
Meant to mention this above.
I saw several complaints about WDW hotels.
I suggest trying the Dolphin or Swan hotels. I’ve stayed there 14 times (13 at the Dolphin) and they are great! The location can’t be beat, and the walks around the nearby Boardwalk area are special!
With my having lifetime status with Marriott (who runs those hotels) I always get an upgrade to where my wife can watch either the Epcot or Hollywood Studios fireworks each night! However, you don’t have to have status with Marriott to enjoy these hotels and great locations!
If anyone has thoughts or questions on these hotels, please check my youtube channel for videos on the Dolphin and Crescent Lake area.
God Bless! 🙂
Comments are closed.