Universal Pokes Fun at Disney’s Controversial Park Pass System

in Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World

Universal Orlando welcom sign

Credit: ITM

Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are the two biggest theme Parks in Orlando, Florida. They’re in constant competition for the best attractions, theming, and value to draw Guests in.

Related: Universal Takes Savage Shot At Disney’s Massive Retheming Announcement

With the increasing popularity of social media, Universal Orlando has taken shots at Disney online for the world to see. Today, the Park took another chance to outdo Walt Disney World.

Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal via Twitter

On Twitter, a Disney Annual Passholder, @TheLeisureProf, posted a screenshot of the Park Pass availability for this month, pointing out that he’s unavailable to get into any Park on Friday despite purchasing the “no blackouts” pass. He wrote:

Still zero Parks available for Friday. At this point I don’t even want to go outside of spite just because I foolishly paid extra for the no blackouts pass.

Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Joins Disneyland, Dropping Mask Mandate

This Friday, May 27, is the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, leading to increased crowds headed to the Disney Parks. Annual Passholders have repeatedly expressed disappointment in the Park Pass system and the preview tickets for Cosmic Rewind.

cosmic-rewind
Credit: Disney

Disney’s Park Pass system started in 2020, when Walt Disney World Resort reopened during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was later added to Disneyland Resort when the Parks reopened in 2021, intended to control crowds due to safety and staffing issues.

Many Disney fans vocally oppose the Park Pass system, as it makes Park hopping and spontaneous changes to your visit.

cosmic-rewind
Credit: Disney

Now, Universal Orlando is joining the debate. The official Universal Orlando Twitter account replied to the frustrated Annual Passholder’s Tweet, writing:

Um, we’re available.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Credit: Zach Riddley

@TheLeisureProf replied, noting that he’d considered going to Universal instead:

That thought has not escaped me.

More on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Cosmic Rewind concept art
Credit: Disney

If you haven’t had the chance to check out Walt Disney World’s newest coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, during a preview before opening weekend, you’ll soon be able to catch a ride on your next Disney vacation. From Disney:

INTRODUCING AN ALL-NEW COASTER

This family-thrill attraction features the first ever reverse-launch on a Disney coaster and is one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters in the world! A new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering—this coaster rotates 360 degrees so you can focus on the action!

A WORLD BEYOND BELIEF

Begin your adventure by touring the Galaxarium—a planetarium-like exhibition showcasing the similarities and differences between Xandar and Earth’s galaxies. You’ll even get to discover some of the incredible wonders of Xandar and learn about their technology.

AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL ESCAPADE

Just as you are about to reach the culmination of the tour, everything goes sideways, and you are called into action to help the Guardians of the Galaxy. Join Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on an urgent mission where you’ll rewind, rotate and head towards the action through an exciting space pursuit.

Ready for an awesome quest across the cosmos to save the galaxy? It’s all up to you!

Guardians of the Galaxy Epcot
Credit: Kurt Schmidt/ITM

What do you think of Disney’s Park Pass system? Let us know in the comments. 

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