I hope they don’t let their success go to their heads like Disney. If they do displace Disney, they have significantly less capacity than Disney. If I was Universal, I would already be drawing up plans for a 4th park and revamps of the existing two.
I have watched Disney World change over the decades. Yes decades!
I started going to Disney World in the summer of 72. I still have tickets from when they used the ticket system. I went to the new parks as they were added. I saw the changes when Eisner came on board. I even worked there and have my 5 year service pin.
I’ve literally watched Disney World go through it’s growing pains for the last 50 years.
From the first visit I was fascinated, filled with joy and adventure, and couldn’t wait for the next visit. I went as frequently as I could. Regular cast members knew me by first name, and some thought I worked there years before I actually did.
I have extensive memories of the changes from basically Disney World’s beginning.
That being said, I have never seen Disney World as bad as it is today.
Corporate greed for the dollar has destroyed what was once and incredible, wonderful, beautiful, fun place to visit.
Disney used to have the best maintenance that almost always happened after hours or out of sight, as if by magic.
Years ago, even when the parks were full, you weren’t standing shoulder to shoulder feeling like you were in a sardine can.
Years ago, you could find places to get an snack without standing in long lines and paying way too much.
Years ago, cast members were happier and friendlier.
Years ago you weren’t being nickel and dimed for every little thing.
Disney World has been hijacked by idiots who don’t give a dang about family values, guests satisfaction, or even the future of Disney World.
Their only concern is how to bring in as much money now as possible to stuff their own pockets before the move on not caring of the damage done or the Disney legacy. I stopped going to the parks when I saw how bad it was becoming and I see no reason to return, even though it used to be my favorite place to be.
Disney lost it’s way and will continue to lose it’s fans.
As for politics, Disney has always had a diverse and inclusive culture.
In the past, Disney handled it’s political concerns with tack in the decorum. But it has forgotten it’s place and will pay a price.
R.I.P. to the once happiest place on Earth …..
At could also be with the politics game Disney forgot magic and everything is with sex political alignment and people spends 1000s on a vacation to fl to FORGET about the outside world. I would have never dreamed of spending huge $$$ at universal but its seems their crime is low and they keep the world out of their parks ….disney shoves politics down your throat no dining plan and you are paying on top of the 1000s you already paid to get services that were once free 🙄 if i go back to disney it won’t be on their property and i will hotel hop and be sad at them price gouging for sub par food and activities.
Totally agree. Our family of 10 had planned on going to Disney but in light of everything at Disney lately, we have since switched our plans to Universal.
This should cause WDW’s mgmt to realize that it needs to stop trying to squeeze every penny out of its guests and start investing in Show, Quality and Value.
Bob Cheapstake is running WDW into the ground. Prices thru the roof, paying for service on top of admission, and shoving woke politics down the throats. The place is trashed. We made the decision to dump the House of Mouse. Wish it were different but there it is. Get rid of Bob and go back to what made you great.
Everyone who wants Disney back the way Walt intended call or E-mail Disney Guest Services & tell them how upset you are and that you will pass the word to everyone you know. Maybe Disney will sit up and take notice & fire all the top leadership, all the Woke folks and put people more like Walt & Roy and get back on track!
Universal doesn’t have the high prices, crime, reservations for parks or rides, politics, etc, and thank goodness NO Bob Greedy running their parks into the ground with all of the above and taking away the thrills and magic of the parks.
It really depends on how this number is determined. If it is strictly just the amount of people that turn the turnstiles each day, and not unique visitors to the parks, then it really shouldn’t be that surprising. Disney has been raising daily prices, along with raising per day prices for multi-day trips. Universal is almost always running a deal like ‘Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free.’ When my wife and I went in February, it was 3 days free!
I have to imagine that many people, in this economy, see the value in getting 4 or 5 days at Universal for less than what it costs for 2 or 3 days at Disney. So each person at Universal almost counts double for them, if you count each day of their visit a new ‘visitor.’ Just doing a quick search and you can get 4 day tickets at Universal in February for $323 and those same 4 days at Disney cost $530.
Putting all the vapid political junk posts aside, Disney opened later in the pandemic after universal and enforced stricter caps on attendance after reopening.
The numbers this year will be a harsh reality for Universal when Disney lifted caps and they were both open 365 days a year.
It also boosted attendance in the reports where it looks like Universal is on an upswing and Disney is on a downswing. A full 365-day 2022 attendance report should bear out this statistical outlier.
LIfelong Disney fanatic, vacationing there many times..
Last several years have made me angry & sad. Can’t afford it & the magic is gone.
Never thought it would ever come out of my mouth, but we will try Universal now…sad
Talk is cheap. Try actually going to a WDW theme park and you will find the experience is what you make it. On second thought, please stay away, the parks are overcrowded.
Fact is, Disney parks have lost the charm and, as they like to say, “magic” with all the new hassle and hoops one must navigate in order to have a somewhat decent day. Universal deserves respect for keeping it within the confines of reality.
Yes! Just got back. Disney LITERALLY nickels and dimes you for EVERYTHING now. Paid $4000 for a vacation to spend another $4000 when I got there. And F that genie plus. Not only is it a rip it’s an entire waist of time. I don’t go on family vacations to stay on my phone.
Disney has definitely lost its magic. Just spent a week there and it just feels different. Not In to all the politics ao can’t speak on that but I’ve been going for years and I doubt we will be going back except for Disney Springs. We did our second week at Universal and already planning our next trip. Loved it.
Disney annual pass member. Nothing like paying more for less services and supposed “improvements” that lessen the experience and take a bigger hunk out of your wallet. We will be switching to UOAP when our Disney passes expire.
Agree that Disney is getting too pricey and too crowded. We hadn’t been since 2009 due to the kids getting older and doing other vacations like international travel, or cruises. We finally went again this year since it had been forever. And while it was very fun, it was incredibly pricey. And we won’t buy that genie thing. Not going to pay to get into a park, and then pay again to ride the rides. Some lines were long because of it. And it was off season, so the lines were concerning. I think we’re going to go back to our trips of visiting various countries. You learn culture and it’s actually cheaper! But, on topic of the article! We also went to both Universal parks for the first time this last Disney trip, and my family personally prefers Disney if we had to pick from the two. The employees at Universal were rude. Night and day from Disney cast members. It was just as crowded as Disney, all lines were 45 min or over. We felt it was pretty similar in price (We didn’t stay in a hotel though, just drove over from Disney property. Maybe it’s cheaper if you stay there?) Also, all the rides are screen rides. It got so redundant. People make fun of those old Disney animatronics, but at least that takes art and talent! Kinda like using old school movie makeup and costumes/robots over CGI. Sometimes CGI overdoes it. That’s how Universal felt, kind of fake and no depth because of just seeing everything on a screen rather than being in a room that has been transformed. Velociraptor was cool, but that’s one ride. They don’t have Disney’s attention to detail either.
Quite simple, cost. Disney have outpaced the overseas tourist for a start. We do not want to pay more for everything and then be asked yo pay to skip a queue. The overseas tourist will be more likely to by all the merch they can too, to ensure they have their memories in the bank and now they can’t even do that as the trip cost way more than their budget.
I have already planned to go to Universal and Adventure island rather than WDW on my next trip to Florida. I am a past World pass holder, but can no longer afford that!! I like Harry Potter and it has been a few years since my last visit to Universal Studios. I’m done with WDW and their price gauging, Genie, long lines, poor quality food, and rediculous merchandise and higher prices and less quality.
Comments for Universal Orlando Beats Walt Disney World In Stunning Report
Steve
I hope they don’t let their success go to their heads like Disney. If they do displace Disney, they have significantly less capacity than Disney. If I was Universal, I would already be drawing up plans for a 4th park and revamps of the existing two.
Nick
I have watched Disney World change over the decades. Yes decades!
I started going to Disney World in the summer of 72. I still have tickets from when they used the ticket system. I went to the new parks as they were added. I saw the changes when Eisner came on board. I even worked there and have my 5 year service pin.
I’ve literally watched Disney World go through it’s growing pains for the last 50 years.
From the first visit I was fascinated, filled with joy and adventure, and couldn’t wait for the next visit. I went as frequently as I could. Regular cast members knew me by first name, and some thought I worked there years before I actually did.
I have extensive memories of the changes from basically Disney World’s beginning.
That being said, I have never seen Disney World as bad as it is today.
Corporate greed for the dollar has destroyed what was once and incredible, wonderful, beautiful, fun place to visit.
Disney used to have the best maintenance that almost always happened after hours or out of sight, as if by magic.
Years ago, even when the parks were full, you weren’t standing shoulder to shoulder feeling like you were in a sardine can.
Years ago, you could find places to get an snack without standing in long lines and paying way too much.
Years ago, cast members were happier and friendlier.
Years ago you weren’t being nickel and dimed for every little thing.
Disney World has been hijacked by idiots who don’t give a dang about family values, guests satisfaction, or even the future of Disney World.
Their only concern is how to bring in as much money now as possible to stuff their own pockets before the move on not caring of the damage done or the Disney legacy. I stopped going to the parks when I saw how bad it was becoming and I see no reason to return, even though it used to be my favorite place to be.
Disney lost it’s way and will continue to lose it’s fans.
As for politics, Disney has always had a diverse and inclusive culture.
In the past, Disney handled it’s political concerns with tack in the decorum. But it has forgotten it’s place and will pay a price.
R.I.P. to the once happiest place on Earth …..
Di
At could also be with the politics game Disney forgot magic and everything is with sex political alignment and people spends 1000s on a vacation to fl to FORGET about the outside world. I would have never dreamed of spending huge $$$ at universal but its seems their crime is low and they keep the world out of their parks ….disney shoves politics down your throat no dining plan and you are paying on top of the 1000s you already paid to get services that were once free 🙄 if i go back to disney it won’t be on their property and i will hotel hop and be sad at them price gouging for sub par food and activities.
Cheryl
Totally agree. Our family of 10 had planned on going to Disney but in light of everything at Disney lately, we have since switched our plans to Universal.
Matt Brewster
This should cause WDW’s mgmt to realize that it needs to stop trying to squeeze every penny out of its guests and start investing in Show, Quality and Value.
she
Bob Cheapstake is running WDW into the ground. Prices thru the roof, paying for service on top of admission, and shoving woke politics down the throats. The place is trashed. We made the decision to dump the House of Mouse. Wish it were different but there it is. Get rid of Bob and go back to what made you great.
Gary
Everyone who wants Disney back the way Walt intended call or E-mail Disney Guest Services & tell them how upset you are and that you will pass the word to everyone you know. Maybe Disney will sit up and take notice & fire all the top leadership, all the Woke folks and put people more like Walt & Roy and get back on track!
Andrea Conti
Universal doesn’t have the high prices, crime, reservations for parks or rides, politics, etc, and thank goodness NO Bob Greedy running their parks into the ground with all of the above and taking away the thrills and magic of the parks.
Daryl
It has higher prices, more crime and more politics, you are just to deluded to see it.
Steve
Delusional claim.
Art
It really depends on how this number is determined. If it is strictly just the amount of people that turn the turnstiles each day, and not unique visitors to the parks, then it really shouldn’t be that surprising. Disney has been raising daily prices, along with raising per day prices for multi-day trips. Universal is almost always running a deal like ‘Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free.’ When my wife and I went in February, it was 3 days free!
I have to imagine that many people, in this economy, see the value in getting 4 or 5 days at Universal for less than what it costs for 2 or 3 days at Disney. So each person at Universal almost counts double for them, if you count each day of their visit a new ‘visitor.’ Just doing a quick search and you can get 4 day tickets at Universal in February for $323 and those same 4 days at Disney cost $530.
Holly S
Putting all the vapid political junk posts aside, Disney opened later in the pandemic after universal and enforced stricter caps on attendance after reopening.
The numbers this year will be a harsh reality for Universal when Disney lifted caps and they were both open 365 days a year.
Steve
Universal has half of the parks. If it is more than half of Disney, Disney has a serious problem.
Daniel niner
Love Unverical last year for disney they need a attitude adjustment !! Before I ever think about going back!!!
Jayne1955
Not surprised…next time I go I’m going there and not to Disney. I want to stay at the Hard Rock.
Karen Rutledge
Disney should have gotten rid of Bob Chopek. He has turned Walts dream into nothing more than a money grabbing business. Very sad.
L
I’m not surprised. I imagine Universal’s quicker response to reopening and putting Covid in the past earned them a lot of goodwill.
Holly R
It also boosted attendance in the reports where it looks like Universal is on an upswing and Disney is on a downswing. A full 365-day 2022 attendance report should bear out this statistical outlier.
Bre
The report is from 2021. They were both open 365 days in 2021.
Terra
Good! Hopefully that will mean Disney will be less crowded for when my family goes!
Love being AP holders.
Jennie
LIfelong Disney fanatic, vacationing there many times..
Last several years have made me angry & sad. Can’t afford it & the magic is gone.
Never thought it would ever come out of my mouth, but we will try Universal now…sad
Grumpy
Talk is cheap. Try actually going to a WDW theme park and you will find the experience is what you make it. On second thought, please stay away, the parks are overcrowded.
Chris
Fact is, Disney parks have lost the charm and, as they like to say, “magic” with all the new hassle and hoops one must navigate in order to have a somewhat decent day. Universal deserves respect for keeping it within the confines of reality.
NurseAshly
Yes! Just got back. Disney LITERALLY nickels and dimes you for EVERYTHING now. Paid $4000 for a vacation to spend another $4000 when I got there. And F that genie plus. Not only is it a rip it’s an entire waist of time. I don’t go on family vacations to stay on my phone.
Geo
Disney has definitely lost its magic. Just spent a week there and it just feels different. Not In to all the politics ao can’t speak on that but I’ve been going for years and I doubt we will be going back except for Disney Springs. We did our second week at Universal and already planning our next trip. Loved it.
EricTheRead
Disney annual pass member. Nothing like paying more for less services and supposed “improvements” that lessen the experience and take a bigger hunk out of your wallet. We will be switching to UOAP when our Disney passes expire.
G
Agree that Disney is getting too pricey and too crowded. We hadn’t been since 2009 due to the kids getting older and doing other vacations like international travel, or cruises. We finally went again this year since it had been forever. And while it was very fun, it was incredibly pricey. And we won’t buy that genie thing. Not going to pay to get into a park, and then pay again to ride the rides. Some lines were long because of it. And it was off season, so the lines were concerning. I think we’re going to go back to our trips of visiting various countries. You learn culture and it’s actually cheaper! But, on topic of the article! We also went to both Universal parks for the first time this last Disney trip, and my family personally prefers Disney if we had to pick from the two. The employees at Universal were rude. Night and day from Disney cast members. It was just as crowded as Disney, all lines were 45 min or over. We felt it was pretty similar in price (We didn’t stay in a hotel though, just drove over from Disney property. Maybe it’s cheaper if you stay there?) Also, all the rides are screen rides. It got so redundant. People make fun of those old Disney animatronics, but at least that takes art and talent! Kinda like using old school movie makeup and costumes/robots over CGI. Sometimes CGI overdoes it. That’s how Universal felt, kind of fake and no depth because of just seeing everything on a screen rather than being in a room that has been transformed. Velociraptor was cool, but that’s one ride. They don’t have Disney’s attention to detail either.
Emma C H
Quite simple, cost. Disney have outpaced the overseas tourist for a start. We do not want to pay more for everything and then be asked yo pay to skip a queue. The overseas tourist will be more likely to by all the merch they can too, to ensure they have their memories in the bank and now they can’t even do that as the trip cost way more than their budget.
Pat
I have already planned to go to Universal and Adventure island rather than WDW on my next trip to Florida. I am a past World pass holder, but can no longer afford that!! I like Harry Potter and it has been a few years since my last visit to Universal Studios. I’m done with WDW and their price gauging, Genie, long lines, poor quality food, and rediculous merchandise and higher prices and less quality.
Comments are closed.