NO to universal

[mizzy]

now as a big disney fan we've visited florida twice and bypassed universal, why? you might ask

well our reasons have been simple my children are too big for dr suess and dont get him at all, they are not interested in super heros and the alternative i believe are rides which we would normally avoid such as terminator, spiderman and then huge rollercoasters

can anyone offer some information that might persuade us to visit on this next trip, any photos or ride reports would be gratefully received [msnsmile]

we'd like to say YES to universal but not sure if we would just be wasting our money

mizzy

[chrizzy100]

Well I go about 30 times a year...[msnembarrased]
I've yet to get bored with the place...same with my daughter who is 26...and my hubby...

I can't stand Disney anymore...and taking a 2 year old there last week put the tin hat on us going again for a very very long time....
People just like parks for different reasons...we like to walk around universal...have a spot of lunch...an ice cream...there are so many quiet spots to sit and watch the world go by...nice places to eat...its very laid back...not the rush and crowds and bad planning of Disney....

[emm]

Perhaps your children wouldn't enjoy Islands of Adventure (where Dr Seuss, Spiderman and the huge roller coasters are) but I'm sure they would love Universal Studios, where I think there is something for everyone - our favourite thing there is Shrek 4D (the pre-show talk is almost as good as the show!).

[freddiehollie]

As you say Chrissie people like parks for different reasons, but to not go back with a 2 year old is like showing them sweets and not letting them have one
We find lots of quiet spots to sit and let the world drift by at Disney, great places to eat, very relaxing etc,[msnsmile2]
That said we like Universal as well. Due out in 3 days we were going to give it a miss this time (other things to do) but our 2 little ones told us they had to see Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2

[wrpac00]

Personally I think Disney is for younger kids, MGM and AK are good for older kids but IOA & Universal are our favs along with Seaworld.

[becbecs]

We love some of the rides at Universal, especially The Mummy, next time on our agenda will be the Fear Factor Show, now this sounds like fun especially after watching it on TV.

[chrizzy100]

I never said we are not going back...but not going back for a very very long time...like when he is 21......I have a big letter of complaint going into Disney...something I've never done before..but its been on the cards after 2 other visits with family to Disney...we never go there on our own...and will just drop family off there most of the time from now on...

[SteveandJan]

My kids, who are 9 and 12 love Universal and Islands of Adventure the most

[Snapper]

Mizzy, what are you missing?? Universal has so many things for everyone. It's such a good day out.

Let's face it, you haven't really been to Orlando until you've ridden Jaws, have you? OK, we all know what's going to happen as soon as the boat pulls out, but to just spend the 10 minutes looking for the shark is to miss the real beauty of it all. The whole ride is themed just like Amity Island.

Shrek4D is heaps of fun. Forget worrying about your children's (or your) ages, just have a great time there. Twister is awesome. I'm a huge fan of the movie and I just love the walk through the ropes on the way in to the ride, past some of the original props. I'm told from those in the know that it's called a Boneyard where the props are stored like this. Earthquake is another favourite. Not just the ride but the way you get to go behind the scenes a little. I'm the first to admit that some of the pre-show is a bit cheesy but just try not gasping for breath at the point the huge model is unveiled that was used to shoot the movie. Wooooo!

The Mummy Returns ride is fantastic, and equally as good as the best Disney can offer (except maybe the Tower of Terror which is in a class of its own). Men In Black is heaps of fun. You are guaranteed to come off there laughing and ready for another go straight away.

ET, Terminator and Fear Factor Live are all great shows, not forgetting the Blues Brothers review. It hardly leaves time to grab a bite to eat and take in some of the theming of the park itself.

They even have the characters from Madagascar. Last time we were there I was just too slow to get a good photo of Alex the Lion with the Penguins. Smile and wave boys ... smile and wave.

I've become such a fan of Universal that I've started adding the movies to the villa's DVD collection along with some ideas in my guidebook for linking it all together; a kind of watch the movie then see the show type train of thought.

And if that hasn't got you all enthusiastic, the current tickets get you in to Islands of Adventure as well, so you can have the most fantastic day out split across both parks. If you want just the tiniest hint of what's on offer there are a few photos at:
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_37215.asp
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_37218.asp

Have fun ... [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[Kazzie]

Have to agree with Steve, we couldnt even think about going to Orlando without at least one day at each of Universal parks. Our kids ages range from 11 to 23 and they all love Universal for very different reasons, there is something for everyone.

You really dont know what you are missing Mizzy, give it a try next time, I am certain you will each find something that you love.

Karen