As I’ve discussed in other threads, we’ve been to Universal Twice. First time, it was to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We saw it. Had fun. Then said we wouldn’t likely go back. But, they build Diagon Alley, so we went back. Same story.
It isn’t that it isn’t fun, and the theming isn’t great. Because it is. But when it comes to AMUSEMENT parks (that is thrill rides), Universal just doesn’t hold a candle to places like Cedar Point, Six Flags, King’s Island. And, when it comes to being a THEME park, other than Harry Potter, it is certainly no Disney.
Furthermore, after a while, all the rides kind of feel the same. There are at the moment TWO decent coasters (I don’t really count The Mummy as a coaster, even though it is half coaster, I suppose). Other than that, you pretty much get 3D/4D ride experiences throughout. They are cool and all, but they start to feel the same. And some, such as Transformers, it just a frenetic mess. Not really fun. Spider-Man is better (although also kind of frenetic).
I wouldn’t say I’m DOWN on Universal, but it is just that for how much it costs, I can get much better thrill rides elsewhere at half the price, and I can get much better FAMILY rides at Disney.
DIsney, however, has so much to offer, so many different experiences, so much HAPPINESS, that we always leave wishing we had more time to do more. 6 days at Disney, and we still wish we could do more. 2 Days is all you need, however, at Universal. We did four this year…but we left by 2:30-3:00 pm each day. We did everything, including several things more than once, twice, three times.
I think the other thing is that the thrill rides they have aren’t really unique,. Rip Ride Rocket is. The best ride on Universal property, IMO. But many other rides are just themed versions of rides we can do anywhere. Disney, however, has mostly unique experiences.
Having said all that, it isn’t that there aren’t things Disney can’t improve on. But, the fact is, they are. Pandora, Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land, and soon Tron & Guardians of the Galaxy, etc.
But I love the fact that almost EVERYTHING at Disney we can do as a family, even with very young kids. Everyone enjoys it, from the grown-ups down to the toddlers. And when we want a good coaster ride, we hit Cedar Point or King’s Island instead.