I wanted to create a review about our recent trip to Universal Orlando. Last month we did a 4 day trip and prior to that late last year we went to WDW for our 1st time. We had a great opportunity to experience both sides and must say there are some interesting differences between WDW and Universal. This is my opinion and some items may be subjective.
Benefits of UO
1. No Planning required. - no ADRs, FP+, etc. (By far the biggest benefit if you want to take a last minute trip)
2. We found a 3night 4 day trip can get you to easily see most if not all attractions at both parks.
3. The rider switch system is much better - they have rooms inside attraction for the family to wait in.
4. ExpressPASS - this kills FP+ at WDW. We had the ExpressPASS Unlimited with our hotel stay at Portofino and must say it made things so much easier for us.
5. Parks not as busy as WDW, so much easier to move around.
Interesting cons and/or differences:
Benefits of UO
1. No Planning required. - no ADRs, FP+, etc. (By far the biggest benefit if you want to take a last minute trip)
2. We found a 3night 4 day trip can get you to easily see most if not all attractions at both parks.
3. The rider switch system is much better - they have rooms inside attraction for the family to wait in.
4. ExpressPASS - this kills FP+ at WDW. We had the ExpressPASS Unlimited with our hotel stay at Portofino and must say it made things so much easier for us.
5. Parks not as busy as WDW, so much easier to move around.
Interesting cons and/or differences:
- UO isn’t good at keeping commitments for showtimes. Example, during our last visit, the Parade was supposed to start at 5PM per the app. At 5PM we were waiting around and after asking an employee, they mentioned they canceled the parade and where just having meet and greats on the streets as a replacement. (Not due to weather or anything)
- UO doesn’t seem as polished as WDW. Example: they don’t operate their own photo service, it’s done by a 3rd party.
- No Magic band system - we had to carry 3 cards per person. 1 for ExpressPASS, 1 for dining plan card, 1 for park ticket. (A 4th for PhotoPass). Yikes!
- UO doesn’t operate the their own hotels, they are 3rd party, done by Loews, which is a great hotel chain.
- UO LOVES 3D rides. By 1/2 way through our visits we were talking about how they kinda overdid the 3D ride stuff.
- Staff is a bit different @ UO than at WDW, not as well trained in CS.
- UO Night-time spectacular not really impressive.
- UO doesn’t really have a Mascot like the Mouse at WDW.
- Only a few character meals options. Not a lot of TS options in general.
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