Why Disney World should be worried

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 2:49pm

All you theme park fans probably know that Universal Orlando is starting to seriously compete with Disney World. Universal is opening Diagon Alley, (Expanding Harry Potter World) this summer. This will mean just like when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened, that Universal will be getting a TON of guests. Probably more than Disney. But that's not the only reason Disney should be worried. There are rumors saying that a new King Kong ride will be coming to Universal next year. Plus, an expansion of the Jurrasic Park area is already under construction and is planned to open around the same time as the new movie. For Disney, not much is really happening. Yes the new Fantasyland is almost finished and Avatar land is supposed to happen but other than that, nothing. I'm not saying by any means that Universal is going to run Disney out of business but I do think that Universal for years to come will have more guests annually than Disney. This is a pretty random thread but I'm interested to hear what you guys think. I love both parks but Universal is going to keep me coming back with all the new rides while Disney is pretty much the same thing every single time.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 3:02pm

Disney World is its own universe pretty much. You can spend days there and never leave the park. Universal Studios Orlando has those two parks and the area with shops. That's it. Any other theme park has a long ways to go if they want to surpass Disney.

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 4:41pm

I don't think Disney has anything to worry about. There are enough tourist dollars to go around. Disney is more family/small children friendly.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 4:50pm

^ I agree there. Plus, how many people would get married at Universal Studios? I'm sure it's been done, but you hear a lot more about these couples that want a Disney fairy tale wedding.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 5:00pm

I hate theme parks...they're over-rated.

Posted: 10/13/13 at 6:23pm

f I were to gt married at a theme park this is the theme park I'd get married at,
Universal Springfield

[Wynbish]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:29pm

1) I thought the Fantasyland expansion was already completed a couple of months ago.

2) Disney World has four distinctive parks, downtown Disney, water attractions, and resort hotels. Universal has Islabds of Adventure (a ride heavy park) and regular Universal Studios (not so ride-heavy). So yeah, just those two and a glorified mall called City Walk

3) Disney World will always have more nostalgia. The iconic rides of Universal (Jaws, Earthquake, Back to the Future) - all gone. If they bring back King Kong, it may be like the Peter Jackson version in Hollywood, which is absolutely nothing like the original ride. Truly, the only nostalgic ride left at Universal is E.T. Disney is nothing but nostalgia sometimes, with generations going to the same Mountain triple threat rides and Pirates and Haunted Mansion and that damn Small World ride

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:34pm

I was crushed when I read that Jaws closed. As long as Terminator is still open (which I know it's not in Hollywood anymore), then I'll be happy.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:38pm

It may have changed, but I went to Universal Hollywood two years ago, and they included Jaws and Earthquake (and technically King Kong, but the new version since the old version burned) to the Studio Tour ride.

Disney is more family oriented than even Islands of Adventure.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:44pm

Yes, I went to the City Walk in the Hollywood park. It was basically just a lunch stop on a bus tour. It wasn't all that interesting. I didn't go into the actual park, so I can't comment on that.

[BroadwayBenny]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:51pm

Hah, Mike you seem to be forgetting something pretty important... Universal is paying Disney to still use the Marvel characters at Islands of Adventure. So not only is Disney collecting money from their own parks, they are now getting a cut of the Islands of Adventure profit.

So no, Disney World has nothing to be worried about.

For Disney, not much is really happening. Yes the new Fantasyland is almost finished and Avatar land is supposed to happen but other than that, nothing.

You forgot Star Wars-Land and Cars-Land going into development for Disney Hollywood Studios Updated On: 10/13/13 at 10:51 PM

[James885]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 10:56pm

I don't think Disney has anything to worry about. Like some people above said, they have four parks, two water parks, a sports facility and over a dozen different resort facilities, an absolutely massive operation compared with Universal. Disney World is truly like an island unto themselves. They even have their own governing jurisdiction!

While I enjoy the parks at Universal, I can't see either one of them topping the Magic Kingdom's 15 million annual visitors, even with the Potter expansion.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/13/13 at 11:37pm

Disney also has a concert hall in Downtown LA.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/14/13 at 10:34am

Unless there is a major catastrophic event, Disney World will never have to worry. Ever.