Disney World vs Universal Studio

[getbak]

You say you're not a big ride guy, but does that mean you won't go on any of the big rides, or just that you won't be super-excited about them?


Have you been to either Disneyland or Universal Hollywood? If you've been to Universal Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando isn't really worth it, IMO because they recycle a lot of the same stuff. If you've been to Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom at Disney World has a lot of the same stuff, and the versions at Disneyland are often better (Pirates especially).


Universal Studios park has a lot of movie-themed rides, but not many coasters, so you might enjoy it if you don't want to do a lot of rides.

Universal Orlando has a second park called Islands of Adventure, which has a bunch of different "islands", each with its own theme (Marvel Comics, Comic Strips, Jurassic Park, Mythology, and Dr Seuss). The Mythology island is going to be converted to a Harry Potter theme at some point in the near future. This park has the best roller coasters, The Hulk, and Duelling Dragons. It also has three water rides - Dudley Do-right, Popeye, and Jurassic Park - which are good for hot days. The Spider-man ride is also very good, and a definite must-see.


If you want the real "I went to Disney World" experience, you probably have to go to the Magic Kingdom. It's where the castle and all of the stuff you think of when you think of Disney is found. It's home to the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are the only roller coasters in the park, and they're both pretty tame. You'll see the most characters and kids at the Magic Kingdom, so it can be kind of annoying (but you'll get that at any of the parks in the summer).

The other Disney parks each have their own charms.

For me, the best things about the Hollywood Studios are the two big rides: Rockin' Roller Coaster, and The Tower of Terror.

Epcot is huge. It's basically two parks stuck together, one half (Future World) has a lot of big rides and exhibits; the other half (World Showcase) has all the areas dedicated to the various nations of the world.

I really enjoyed Animal Kingdom, which has an animal and conservation theme. The Safari ride is really good and drives through the actual habitat of the animals inside. The gorilla exhibit is pretty good too. There is a water rapids ride, which is good on a hot day. Expedition Everest is the big roller coaster, but it was still under construction the last time I was there, so I have no opinion. If you've been to Disneyland, the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom uses the same ride system as Indiana Jones, and is pretty fun. There are a lot of animal exhibits to walk around and look at.



Personally, if I only had one day in Orlando and had to pick, I'd pick the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It's the grand-daddy of them all and the reason that all the other parks are even there.

If I wanted the best "ride" park (which isn't what you're looking for), I'd pick Islands of Adventure. But that just might be a recipe for spending all day in lines in late July.

[kdogg]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

If you're only going for one day and you aren't bringing kids with you, I'd suggest Universal Studios. Both are good, but you can see most of Universal in one day whereas exploring the different parks at Disney World would take you the better part of a week.

Agreed.

Universal has better coasters. Disneyworld is more kids oriented.
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Liquidnight cam

[Sainters7]

Sounds like you're college-aged and are just goin with your buddy. I've been to both. Go to Universal Studios, especially if you're just going for the day. Disneyworld's cool but its also more suited for kids. That and its more of a gongshow to get in than Universal. Universal also has some cool bars. I was there in Jan '06 and watched the Notre Dame/Ohio State Fiesta Bowl at the sports bar there and ended up watching it with AJ Hawk's cousin, who happened to be in there.

The only part I really liked about Disneyworld was Epcott(because I'm a huge nerd when it comes to different cultures), and Downtown Disney; the bar area. Considering who you're going with and your age range, I'd go Universal by a mile.

[Displaced Flames fan]

I haven't been to Universal, but I would say if you have just one day go there. Disneyworld is way to big for one day.

Tallahassee is a beautiful city.

[mariners_fever]

no question, it's disney. mostly because i worked there.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

I haven't been to Universal, but I would say if you have just one day go there. Disneyworld is way to big for one day.

No matter which you choose, it's too much to see in one day, especially in late-July.

Not only will there be big crowds (maybe smaller because of the economy right now, but it'll still be busy), but the heat and humidity down there is insane (especially if you're from a dry climate like Calgary).

I wouldn't even attempt to see more than one park in a single day.

That is another factor in favour of the Magic Kingdom, it has longer hours during the summer than most of the rest of the parks.

For someone who has never been to any Disney or Universal park, who is not a big fan of thrill rides, this would be my order of choice of the 6 parks in the Orlando area:

Magic Kingdom (WDW)
Epcot (WDW)
Islands of Adventure (USF)
Animal Kingdom (WDW)
Universal Studios (USF)
Disney Hollywood Studios (WDW)

[GGG]

I would say Islands of Adventure and Universal and pay the extra $40 bucks for the line budding passes. The most you would ever wait for a ride is about 20 minutes and some you will just walk onto. With these passes you can do both parks in one long day if you are there open to close.

The spiderman ride is the most technically amazing ride I have ever been on and the costers are great. With Disney if you want the magical Disney experience you have to do magic Kingdom which I wouldn't go near in the summer.

The other option to look at is the water parks there. If it is a really hot day you might be better off in one of the many waterparks that disney, universal and sea world have.