Is going to Universal "cheating" on Disney?

[disneykid@hrt]

So after our last trip DH is convinced that he needs to go to Universal. He is more of a "thrill ride kind of guy" or atleast he likes to think so. I never even consider it. I feel bad when I look at the website- or think that something maybe looks "cool." It's almost like I have this subconscious hatred for Universal. But then I look and I think that the Dr. Seuss area looks good for my 2 year old, and I can't deny the Harry Potter land looks appealing...

Am I the only one who feels like I am cheating on my beloved Disney World by thinking of checking "the other" place out on our next trip?

Somebody help me- and please, guys, lets keep this between you and me...

[BigRedDad]

Not at all. I think Universal is doing a lot of what WDW is not. They have many thrill rides that WDW is lacking. WDW is still grasping at the kiddie ride concept. IMHO, over half the rides at WDW can be found in almost any State Fair. If more enjoyable rides are your thing, then going to Universal is fine.

[Disney4us2]

I don't think it is cheating. If so, I will be cheating on our next trip. Only our cheat will be at Kennedy Space Center.

I am thinking of adding 2 or 3 nights doing a split stay. I don't want to use up park time. If I don't have tickets... I am not cheating. and I will still be at a Disney hotel.

[fielin]

It can't be cheating when it is so delicious. ;-)

Universal parks are great, and Universal hotels are superior to Disney's. I think we are entitled to enjoy all there is to see out there, and it would be criminal to deny yourself the right to go and see what there is to do at Universal.

Have fun !

[CzepielCrew]

It is not cheating. Universal is a whole different experience. We know why we love Disney. The magic is there unlike anywhere else, but Universal has more thrill rides. Fun in its own way.

[coneygoil]

I kind of think it's cheating. I have no desire to go to Universal, even though it may be fun. But WDW has so much to do and when I get there, I don't leave the ground until it's time to go home! I like thrill rides, but not so much to be disappointed that WDW doesn't have enough. The atmosphere is enough for me

[yjgirl32]

Your not married to Disney you are allowed to see what's out there. Plus competition is what helps to keep Disney going. They need to know what people like better about other parks so they can add and change things. Go and have fun- I plan to for our trip in Oct- only I am going to Seaworld and Busch Gardens. Waiting till a little later when DS6 can enjoy Universal to try that park. Good Luck.

[DVC2004]

We go to Universal- not every trip or every year. Now that our kids are tall enough and old enough for the rides we will definitely go more frequently than in the past. It offers some things WDW doesn't. Plus DH and I love HHN. We have been to the parks on both coasts.

[Joannelet]

I always consider it cheating too I call people that go there traitors LOL

The only thing is some of Universals rides are above Disney's in some ways. I am also interested in cheating on Disney when the new Harry Potter park opens up. I can't wait for that.

But yes like previous posts said, Universal hotels are a lot cheaper and I think that their city walk blows DTD away. But that is just my opinion. But I definitely think you should experience it.

[blondeinbrandon]

I haven't been to Universal in years, and have never taken my kids. But with Harry Potter and now my boys are taller and more adventurous we are planning a trip in the fall.
My issue is that we buy the Disney Annual Pass and have only a certain amount of time to spend in Orlando, so we are at Disney every trip. I am actually not renewing my Disney Passes when they run out in the summer and I am buying Universal ones. So we'll see how I handle Disney withdrawl! The good part is Universal has a three month FL resident pass available at COSTCO. So I only need three months away from Disney! I think I can do it!

[Stu29573]

I don't think it's cheating at all....However, having said that, I have no interest in going (I might go to Universal CA, to actually see some film history). I'm the anti-thrill ride guy and Harry Potter has never floated my boat for some reason. So, while I certainly don't condemn others for going to Universal, they can have my spot in line when they get there...and I'll take their's at DIsney!

[MOJoe]

Somebody help me- and please, guys, lets keep this between you and me...

Don't do it! Mickey will find out you've cheated on him, and you won't be able to live with yourself!
Stay true to your love!

[biodtl]

It's not cheating, but I have never gone myself - not because i don't want to, but mainly because A) transportation - we don't rent a car (we love that we don't need to on-site), so getting there is more difficult. And B) I hate to take any time away from WDW. So basically, I would have to extend my trip to include universal. Of course, then, I'd probably be like, Oh, 2 more days - maybe I should just spend them at WDW.

Now that the Harry Potter area will be opening, though, it might change - I'd like to see it. I'll have to start saving to be able to afford my normal 8-10 days at WDW, plus adding on Universal, lol.

[joonyer]

No, don't go to Universal. You wouldn't like it, and that leaves the lines there shorter for the rest of us that do!

[brownie]

We have been to Sea World but not to Universal Studios. We have been waiting on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so on our next trip we plan on spending a day at Universal. We'll still spend most of our time at Walt Disney World, but it will be interesting to see what it's like at Universal.

[Laughin' place]

I never wanted to go to Universal, but broke down for a special trip with my boys in 08, as a treat to them.
They and i were both really glad I took them to Universal because:
1. new experiences and attractions
2. Universal overall gave my boys a WHOLE new appreciation for WDW and the magic
3. Universal helped us lose all the weight we gained at WDW, because the food was baaad

[EeyoresBestFriend]

No, don't go to Universal. You wouldn't like it, and that leaves the lines there shorter for the rest of us that do!

I agree ~ We stay onsite at Disney but always spend at least 3 days at Universal! It's great and if anything, you learn to appreciate Disney a bit more when it comes to quality of staff and you will learn not to complain about the prices of food onsite WDW because US is ridiculous!! Either bring snacks or prepare to be roasted when you eat! LOL

It's all part of the experience!

[drosenbe]

we always spend at least one day at US, but that is usually enough for us. They do have an Emeril's there, which we love and went for lunch in Jan 2010.

Universal has some very good 'rides', Spiderman being the best ride (IMO) in Orlando, but US is missing the 'magic' that Disney has. Quite frankly, Disney has more characters and movies that appeal to the entire family, where US is definitively more for the teenager/young adult audience.

One thing that i have noticed and mentioned before is that at US, the buildings are all built totally to size, as opposed to DHS, where forced perspective is used. This makes DHS more playful and less intimidating than US. Neither park is doing any major filming, so I think DHS went the right way in being more of a 'theme' park rather than trying to be a working studio.

[Imagineer1981]

I don't think its cheating, but I know what you mean, you get that feeling in your gut that its "wrong". Its hard to explain but it just means you are a true Disney fan!

[LVT]

No.
Each of the parks brings something to central Florida. They all contribute to making the area a tourism hot spot and all gain from the presence of the others. IE. I go to 8 days to WDW and maybe 2 to beaches and 4 to mix of "others".
I would not return to Florida so often just for WDW.