Tag: March Madness

Battle of the Theme Parks – Disney vs Universal (Part V)

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Welcome back to our fifth and final part of our battle between Disney and Universal as apart of our March Madness event. Previously in the last two posts, we looked at each companies history, their Florida expansions, their most recent expansions and what the future holds for each operator. In today’s conclusion, we’ll be taking a look at 5 reasons to choose Disney or Universal, talking all things hotels and how much you can expect to spend on each park. So without further ado, let’s get to it!

Part 5 – Guest Services: Where Every Dreamer Finds a Home

In the vast expanse of the theme park universe, guest services serve as the guiding stars, illuminating the path to unforgettable experiences and ensuring that every visitor’s journey is one filled with magic, comfort, and convenience. From hotels fit for royalty to reservation systems designed to streamline the planning process, both Disney and Universal spare no expense when it comes to providing guests with the ultimate in hospitality.

Hotels: Where Dreams Take Flight

For many guests, the journey begins long before they set foot in the parks, starting with the selection of the perfect place to call home during their stay. Both Disney and Universal offer a wide range of hotels and resorts designed to cater to every taste and budget, from whimsical themed resorts to luxurious five-star accommodations.

Disney’s hotels, such as the iconic Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the enchanting Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, transport guests to worlds of fantasy and adventure, with immersive theming, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service. Universal’s resorts, including the luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the family-friendly Cabana Bay Beach Resort, offer guests a taste of elegance and excitement, with stylish accommodations and convenient access to the parks.

Perks: Where Magic Meets Convenience

In the battle for guest loyalty, perks and amenities play a crucial role in shaping the overall theme park experience. Both Disney and Universal offer a variety of perks designed to enhance the guest experience and make their visit as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

From early park admission and complimentary transportation to exclusive character meet-and-greets and dining discounts, guests can take advantage of a wide range of perks and benefits that cater to their every need and desire. Whether it’s skipping the lines with FastPass+ at Disney or utilizing Universal Express at Universal, both parks offer solutions to help guests maximize their time and make the most of their visit.

Reservations/Tickets: Where Dreams Become Reality

In today’s fast-paced world, planning a trip to a theme park can be a daunting task, with tickets to purchase, reservations to make, and itineraries to plan. Fortunately, both Disney and Universal offer comprehensive reservation systems and ticketing options designed to simplify the planning process and ensure that guests can focus on what matters most – creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s booking tickets online in advance or utilizing mobile apps to make dining reservations and manage FastPasses, guests have access to a wealth of tools and resources to help them plan their perfect vacation. With flexible ticketing options, customizable vacation packages, and round-the-clock customer support, both Disney and Universal strive to make the booking process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Prices: Where Magic Meets Value

Of course, no discussion of guest services would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room – prices. As the cost of visiting theme parks continues to rise, both Disney and Universal face the challenge of balancing the need to generate revenue with the desire to provide guests with affordable and accessible entertainment options.

From ticket prices and parking fees to food and beverage costs, guests can expect to pay a premium for the privilege of experiencing the magic of Disney and Universal. However, both parks also offer a variety of discounts, promotions, and value-added packages designed to help guests save money and make their visit more affordable.

I am going to look at prices for both Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando. Just to make it a fair comparison, I will look at prices for 2 adults & 2 kids (one age of 16, the other age of 6). I am also selecting the dates to be early May (6th – 10th) as that time is a bit slower and weather won’t be as bad. So let’s compare and see what both parks have to offer:

Disney: 

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Standard Room (2 adults, 2 kids) – Cheapest
  • 5-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option
  • Memory Maker
  • Quick-Service Dining Plan
  • No Ground Transportation
  • Travel Protection

Total Cost: $4,899.54 subtotal

Universal:

  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites- Standard Room (2 Adults , 2 Children) – Cheapest
  • 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket Dated (3 Adults, 1 Child) <Child age on tickets is ages 3 to 9>
  • My Universal Photos 5-Day Photo Package
  • No Ground Transportation
  • Travel Protection

Total Cost: $3,203.85 subtotal

The total difference between these two examples is about $1695.69. I didn’t include any of the extra pricing for the Express Passes or Genie+ FastPass system in my totals as I just wanted to focus on the basics and what I thought most families would pick when they looked at both parks options.  Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on when you book your stay and your family size. Usually the summer time (late May-early August) is the busiest time of year along with Halloween and Christmas/New Years, so prices will skyrocket as will the crowd levels. 

I will now provide two lists of 5 reasons why one should pick one park over the other. This will allow you to look at the possibilities each theme park experience will bring to you and your family.

5 Reasons to Pick Disney over Universal:

  1. Iconic Characters and Stories: Disney is home to some of the most beloved characters and stories in entertainment history, from Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to Elsa and Buzz Lightyear. For fans of classic Disney films and characters, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the magic.
  2. Immersion and Theming: Disney’s theme parks are renowned for their immersive environments and attention to detail, with each land and attraction telling a unique story. Whether you’re exploring the streets of a bustling metropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or venturing into a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a living, breathing world.
  3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Disney parks are designed with families in mind, offering a wide range of attractions and experiences suitable for guests of all ages. From gentle rides and character meet-and-greets to thrilling adventures and spectacular shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Disney.
  4. Magical Entertainment: Disney parks are known for their world-class entertainment offerings, including parades, fireworks shows, and live performances. Whether you’re watching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade or catching a performance of The Festival of the Lion King, you’ll be dazzled by the magic and spectacle on display.
  5. Customer Service: Disney is committed to providing guests with the highest level of customer service, with cast members going above and beyond to ensure that every guest’s visit is nothing short of magical. From friendly greetings to helpful assistance, you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.

5 Reasons to Pick Universal over Disney:

  1. Thrilling Rides and Attractions: Universal Studios is known for its adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions, with thrilling experiences that are sure to get your heart racing. From the high-speed thrills of The Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive adventures of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Universal offers plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers.
  2. Cutting-Edge Technology: Universal is at the forefront of theme park innovation, with state-of-the-art technology and special effects that bring their attractions to life in breathtaking ways. Whether you’re soaring through the skies on a virtual reality simulator or battling alongside your favorite superheroes in an epic 3D battle, you’ll be amazed by the level of immersion and realism on display.
  3. Adult-Focused Experiences: While Disney parks cater primarily to families with young children, Universal Studios offers a more adult-focused experience, with edgier themes and attractions geared towards older guests. From the spooky scares of Halloween Horror Nights to the vibrant nightlife of Universal CityWalk, there’s plenty for grown-ups to enjoy at Universal.
  4. Film and TV Tie-Ins: Universal Studios is home to some of the biggest franchises in film and television, with attractions based on popular properties like Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, and The Fast and the Furious. For fans of movies and TV shows, Universal offers the chance to step into the worlds of their favorite films and immerse themselves in the magic of Hollywood.
  5. Flexibility and Convenience: Universal Studios parks are generally smaller and more compact than Disney parks, making them easier to navigate and explore in a shorter amount of time. With fewer crowds and shorter wait times, you’ll spend less time standing in line and more time enjoying the attractions and experiences that Universal has to offer.

Final Thoughts

In the battle of the theme parks, Disney and Universal stand as titans of entertainment, each offering a unique blend of magic, thrills, and immersive experiences. Whether you find yourself wandering the streets of Main Street, U.S.A., or exploring the jungles of Jurassic Park, one thing is certain – both parks have something special to offer guests of all ages.

For those seeking the ultimate in immersion and storytelling, Disney’s iconic characters and timeless stories create an enchanting atmosphere that is unrivaled in the world of theme parks. With its attention to detail, world-class entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere, Disney parks offer guests a chance to escape the ordinary and step into a world of fantasy and adventure.

On the other hand, Universal Studios delights guests with its thrilling rides, cutting-edge technology, and film and TV tie-ins that cater to fans of all ages. With its adrenaline-pumping attractions, adult-focused experiences, and flexibility and convenience, Universal offers a different kind of magic – one that is edgy, exciting, and filled with surprises.

Ultimately, whether you choose Disney or Universal depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Are you seeking the enchanting charm of Disney’s fairy tales, or the pulse-pounding excitement of Universal’s blockbuster franchises? Whatever you decide, one thing is certain – a visit to either Disney or Universal is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears or your wand, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – because the magic of the theme parks awaits!

#TeamDisney or #TeamUniversal

We hope you enjoyed the return our March Madness event. Stay tuned for more Disney content as Blake just returned from his first ever Disney trip and has loads of content he can’t wait to share. As always if you are enjoying our content be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to never miss blog updates and any new posts.

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Battle of the Theme Parks – Disney vs Universal (Parts I & II)

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Welcome back to the blog! It’s time for our annual tradition of our March Madness event, but this year it is the battle of Disney versus Universal. In this multipart blog series, we will be taking an in-depth look at the history behind these companies, the innovations made along the way, what the future holds, and finally, a guide to all things hotels and dining to help you in your Florida or California journey. So without further ado, let’s jump right into Part 1!

Part 1 – Humble Beginnings: Disneyland and Universal Hollywood

In the grand tapestry of theme park history, two names stand out as pioneers: Disney and Universal Studios. These iconic destinations didn’t just materialize overnight; they emerged from the dreams and aspirations of visionary creators, forever changing the entertainment landscape. Today, we will deeply dive into the two theme park giants… This is the Battle of the Theme Parks. Grab your seats, my friends… This match is gonna be a good one!

Stepping in the ring, in the right corner, the most magical place on Earth…  celebrating nearly 70 years- DISNEYLAND. And stepping in the ring, in the left corner, the place with movies comes alive…celebrating 60 years – UNIVERSAL HOLLYWOOD!

Disneyland: Where Magic Began

It all began with Walt Disney and his unwavering belief in the power of imagination. Walt’s dream was to create a place where families could escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in fantastical worlds. And so, on July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates for the first time in Anaheim, California.

But the journey to Disneyland’s opening was anything but easy. Walt faced countless challenges, from securing funding for the park to convincing skeptics that his vision was viable. Yet, fueled by his relentless determination, he pressed on, turning what was once a dream into a reality. Thus truly Walt Disney created what is considered the “most magical place on Earth.” 

From its humble beginnings, Disneyland enchanted guests with its themed lands, iconic attractions, and immersive storytelling. Main Street, U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland became synonymous with magic and wonder, each offering its own unique experiences. Over the years, Disneyland has seen its share of changes over time, with the most recent being the addition of Galaxy’s Edge which opened on May 31, 2019. As of June 2023, Disneyland has 52 attractions with 49 rides, though remember that Disney uses the term “attractions” as a catch-all phrase for all rides, shows, and exhibits.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Where Hollywood Meets Adventure

While Disneyland was shaping the future of theme parks on the West Coast, another visionary was making waves in the heart of the entertainment industry. Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Pictures, saw an opportunity to bring the magic of cinema to life in a whole new way.

In 1915, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its doors as a working film studio and tourist attraction. Visitors were given behind-the-scenes access to the movie-making process, including live stunt shows, studio tours, and encounters with their favorite film characters. This would start the spark that would lead to the creation of the many full-fledged Universal Studios theme parks around the world. 

But it wasn’t until the 1960s that Universal Studios Hollywood truly embraced its role as a theme park. With the introduction of guided tram tours and the construction of permanent attractions, such as the iconic Studio Tour and the Psycho House, Universal solidified its place as a must-visit destination for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The theme park that people know and love today is split into three main “zones” or areas: the Upper Lot, the Lower Lot, and the Wizarding World. The newest addition was the whole new Super Nintendo World in February 17, 2023, which was a clone of the rather popular area from the Universal Japan park. On July 12, 2023, Universal revealed they are planning to open a brand-new coaster experience themed to Fast & Furious.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood continue to captivate audiences from around the globe, each building upon its storied past while embracing innovation and evolution. From the enchanting lands of Disneyland to the pulse-pounding thrills of Universal Studios Hollywood, these parks stand as testaments to the power of imagination and the enduring magic of storytelling. The latest records that I could find show that Disneyland recorded 17.13 million visitors in 2022 and Universal Hollywood recorded 8.4 million visitors in 2022. This places Disneyland at #2 in the most visited theme parks in the world, with Universal Hollywood at #13. 

As we journey through the history of theme parks, we cannot help but marvel at the humble beginnings of Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. They may have started as mere dreams, but they have since grown into beloved institutions, shaping the way we experience entertainment and inspiring generations to come. But, there was a major issue with the West Coast theme parks…. They were landlocked and there was just not enough room to contain all of the ideas both companies had in mind… so they looked at the road map for the next destination….grab your sunscreen folks, we are heading for the Sunshine State!

Part 2 – Sunshine Expansion: Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

As the sun rose on the horizon of theme park innovation, both Disney and Universal looked to expand their magical empires beyond their humble beginnings. Florida, with its sprawling landscapes and burgeoning tourism industry, beckoned as the next frontier for these entertainment titans. Thus, began the saga of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Walt Disney World: The Kingdom of Dreams

In the late 1960s, Walt Disney’s vision expanded beyond the borders of California, setting its sights on the lush landscapes of central Florida. Inspired by the success of Disneyland, Walt envisioned a vast complex that would redefine the concept of a theme park resort. And so, on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World welcomed its first guests to the Magic Kingdom, a majestic realm of fantasy and adventure.

Designed to supplement Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which opened in 1955, the complex was developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s. Walt wanted to build a new park because Disneyland in California was limited from expanding by the establishments that sprung up around it. “The Florida Project”, as it was known, was intended to present a distinct vision with its own diverse set of attractions. Walt Disney’s original plans also called for the inclusion of an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” (EPCOT), a planned community intended to serve as a testbed for new city-living innovations. Sadly, Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, during the initial planning of the complex. After his death, the company wrestled with the idea of whether to bring the Disney World project to fruition; however, Walt’s older brother, Roy O. Disney, came out of retirement to make sure Walt’s biggest dream was realized.

But Walt’s vision didn’t stop there. Over the years, Walt Disney World grew into a sprawling oasis of imagination, encompassing four distinct theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park offered its own unique blend of storytelling, innovation, and entertainment, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. The Walt Disney World resort also grew to include several hotels, a campground, 2 water parks, Disney Springs, a sports complex, and much more. From the timeless enchantment of Cinderella Castle to the futuristic landscapes of Epcot’s World Showcase, Walt Disney World captured the hearts and imaginations of guests of all ages, cementing its place as the ultimate destination for magical experiences. Their newest addition was Journey of Water at EPCOT on October 16, 2023, while the other parks had: TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom- April 4, 2023), Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios- March 4, 2020) & Pandora – The World of Avatar (Animal Kingdom – May 27 2017).

Universal Orlando: Where Thrills Meet Adventure

Not to be outdone, Universal Studios saw an opportunity to carve out its own slice of paradise in the Sunshine State. In 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened its gates, offering guests the chance to step into the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows. From the exhilarating thrills of rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive environments of attractions like Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Studios Florida quickly became a must-visit destination for movie buffs and adrenaline junkies alike.

The original theme park in the resort, Universal Studios Florida, opened on June 7, 1990, as a theme park that let visitors “Ride the Movies.” The park is composed of themed areas and attractions based on the film industry. Visitors get themed dining and shopping, a variety of special events throughout the year, and may even catch an actual film crew at work on the backlot.

The themes of Universal Studios Florida are targeted at making guests feel like they are on a movie set with rides, shows, and attractions inspired by popular film, television, and music productions. The park currently consists of eight themed areas – Hollywood, Production Central, New York, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, and Minion Land on Illumination Avenue. Universal also hosts events celebrating many holidays including Mardi Gras, Halloween, and Christmas – all of which are beloved by the fans of Universal as most events are already included in the park ticket.

But Universal’s ambitions didn’t stop there. The second park to open at the resort was Islands of Adventure, which opened on May 28, 1999. It is composed of eight distinct “islands” that are themed to various forms of adventures from literature. Visitors start off at the Port of Entry and make their way through the various islands – Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, the Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the popular Harry Potter franchise, as well as Skull Island, based on the 2005 King Kong film, are the only islands that were added after the park opened. Hogsmeade opened to the public on June 18, 2010, and Skull Island opened to the public on July 13, 2016

However, Universal wanted more. In 2017, Universal would open up a 30-acre (12 ha) themed water park, Volcano Bay. This water park would replace the closed Wet N Wild Orlando location and gained many positive reviews from fans.  Then, it was revealed that Universal had a project planned for another theme park to its resort. It would be confirmed later and revealed that Universal was to open a fourth upcoming theme park, Epic Universe, which is set to open in the Summer of 2025.

On August 1, 2019, NBCUniversal announced that it was building a third theme park called Universal Epic Universe. It will be located a few miles south of the existing resort, within a larger 750-acre site. There are rumored to be five lands including a central hub and four other areas themed to How to Train Your Dragon, Wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Universal Classic Monsters, and Super Nintendo World (in which its presence was confirmed in January 2020). It was stated that the project would create 14,000 jobs. Brian Roberts, the CEO of Comcast, called Epic Universe “the largest investment we’ve ever made in a park”. The complex will also include separate resort hotels, dining, and retail facilities. Sadly due to COVID, the construction of the theme park was delayed until March of 2021.

A Tale of Two Empires

As Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando continued to expand and evolve, they transformed the landscape of central Florida, turning it into a mecca for theme park enthusiasts from around the world. With their diverse attractions, innovative experiences, and unwavering commitment to storytelling, these two entertainment juggernauts proved that the magic of imagination knows no bounds. The latest records that I could find show that Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World) claims the crown at #1 with 17.13 million visitors recorded in 2022, compared to the other three parks in the resort ( Hollywood Studios at #6 with 10.9 million in 2022, EPCOT at #9 with 10 million in 2022, Animal Kingdom at #11 with 9.02 million in 2022). Universal is not that far behind actually and both parks recorded rather good numbers with Islands recorded at #5 with 11.03 million in 2022 and Universal Orlando at #7 with 10.75 million in 2022). But, how did the battle between these theme parks really heat up? We have to turn the clock back… way back to the 2000s… when the world was in love with a boy with a strange lighting bolt scar….

Are we leaving you on a cliffhanger? Yes… yes, we are! But fear not our theme park battle will continue in the upcoming parts three through five. Stay tuned! And as always if you are enjoying our content be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to never miss blog updates and any new posts.

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