JaxDad
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2014
I spent several years taking my kids to WDW and basically the last year taking them to Universal. We REALLY like both. Overall, Disney is definitely more of a destination and provides more of an immersive bubble. That is a great thing for many people, but it just isn't as necessary for us, especially as the kids get older. The last year at Universal has been great. We tend to vacation pretty spontaneously, since we are within a relatively short driving distance to Orlando, and Universal makes this so easy. I love the resorts, I love the transportation, I love the restaurants, and I love the parks. It is just so laid back and so much fun.
I do agree Universal rides are generally more screen-based, but I think this may be a trend for all parks. Computer execution speed and screen resolution continue to get more and more amazing, allowing for more and more realistic experiences. If someone can build an awesome ride "theatre" with an awesome story and characters, that is cool with me. It's like IMAX in 4D. Like others, I do think they should at least include some kind of dynamic ride element, like the Potter rides. However, one nice feature of a more purely screen ride is that it can be updated and even changed relatively easily, providing more variety over the years. I like that. I'm looking forward to whatever Transformers will become, and I know it won't take forever. And to be honest, a well done screen ride can do just as much for my experience as some animatronic figure flailing at me. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney animatronics--POTC is one of my all-time favorites--but I don't consider a ride a dud without them. I love the Dudley Do-Right flume ride at IoA, and it has the most basic theming imaginable!
I'm looking forward to at least one more Universal trip on our APs, then a return to Disney after the current round of construction is complete. And after that, maybe a new Universal gate will be open. Plus I'll sprinkle in a trip or two to SeaWorld for their great coasters. There is just nothing for us to complain about!
I do agree Universal rides are generally more screen-based, but I think this may be a trend for all parks. Computer execution speed and screen resolution continue to get more and more amazing, allowing for more and more realistic experiences. If someone can build an awesome ride "theatre" with an awesome story and characters, that is cool with me. It's like IMAX in 4D. Like others, I do think they should at least include some kind of dynamic ride element, like the Potter rides. However, one nice feature of a more purely screen ride is that it can be updated and even changed relatively easily, providing more variety over the years. I like that. I'm looking forward to whatever Transformers will become, and I know it won't take forever. And to be honest, a well done screen ride can do just as much for my experience as some animatronic figure flailing at me. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney animatronics--POTC is one of my all-time favorites--but I don't consider a ride a dud without them. I love the Dudley Do-Right flume ride at IoA, and it has the most basic theming imaginable!
I'm looking forward to at least one more Universal trip on our APs, then a return to Disney after the current round of construction is complete. And after that, maybe a new Universal gate will be open. Plus I'll sprinkle in a trip or two to SeaWorld for their great coasters. There is just nothing for us to complain about!