Universal vs. Disney
 

We have 2 1/2 days with kids 10 and 12. We have been to Disney twice. (the last time was four years ago.)But, we love it. We're just getting a great deal at Universal. Also, I hate scary rides. Are there enough things to do at Universal if you don;t like scary rides?

I personally dont like Universal I think that it is in desperate need of a renovation. But i recently went there and know for a fact that my young cousins did enjoy it. I know there are plenty of rides for the young ones.

Have you tried SeaWorld? Fun rides as well as the animals

The park is not as nice as Disney. Themed, landscaping,etc just doesn't live up to Disney. If your kids are into the more intense rides, they will like Universal better. 2.5 days is the right amount of time. Do one park one day, and the other the next. The food at Universal is better than Disney. Mytho's is a pretty darn good place for a theme park. Even the grab and go sandwiches are better at Universal. If you are staying at one of the Park Hotels you will be satisified with those. You can easily go from on Hotel to another if a certain restaurant peaks your interest. If you have been to Disney twice, it is time for Universal or Disney Cruise. Since your getting a good deal, I bet you all will enjoy it. Spiderman ride is bery good ride, it is a little intense. My 11 year old probably rode it 6 or 7 times. She rode all of the looped coasters she could find.

Universal and Disney are totally different types of parks...people really shouldnt' try to compare them.
I LOVE Universal. Staying in an on site hotel gives you all day express access. Show your room key and go right to the express entrance.
I go with a friend who hates "scarey" rides and she also loves Universal. The theming is great (espcially at Islands of Adventure). There are lots of rides and attractions for people who like more tame things.
What I really like is you can walk everywhere at Universal. The parks and City Walk are all so close and as previously mentioned there is a LOT of good dining. We also love Mythos.

As SiteC_er mentioned, Seaworld is a great alternative.

Loved Sea World in San Diego two years ago. So, I think I'll skip that. Now, I'm really torn. I got a great deal at the recently renovated Swan. So, it's Universal and Royal Pacific or the Swan and Disney. (the Swan is $50 cheaper than club level at the Royal PAcific) Btw, which is closer to the Marriot World Center? Hubby has a conference there. Latly, don't know if this impacts the Universal experience, but we are not big movie viewers.

We were at both universal and Disney last January. My then 16 year old really liked Disney but we were disappointed with Universal. He doesn't like the big rides and whilst the back lot tour was OK it really was very "staged" (I know that is the way it is). If your children like the idea of a real movie studio have a think about the Warner Bros studio tour. I wish we had done that instead, which was my original plan and I regretted not going.

Just another idea for you to play with. Mind you at 10 and 12 they would probably enjoy the back lot tour and other rides and shows. I just got cranky with my son as he said he really wanted to do the scary rides and then when we got there backed out!!

schnauzer

Well, I think we'll stick with Disney this time and go to Universal, hopefully, when the Harry Potter theme park is complete.

Thanks

I have stayed at both the Swan/Dolphin and the Royal Pacific. They are both wonderful. The Royal Pacific is a more relaxed atmosphere. You can walk to Epcot and MGM from the Swan or take the Friendship boat. The bus will take you to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We found the transportation system from that location to be much better than some other places we've stayed in Disney World.

We are two adults & we like both! Last visit, hubby & I stayed 5 nights at the Dolphin & 2 nights at the Portofino Bay. Different, but both lots of fun! We have stayed twice now at the Swan & Dolphin at WDW (preferred the Swan, smaller, more intimate, but the Dolphin does have great amenities - esp with kids - game room, 24 hr snack shop). Loved our stay at the Portifino Bay at Universal. Loved having front of the line access for rides by staying at a Universal hotel! We walked over to the Royal Pacific Resort for lunch one day at Emeril's Tchoup Tchoup (great food & service).

We have been there several times and I too don't care for the scary rides or roller coasters. I must say it is different than Disney but I have found plenty of rides to do we all like (family of DH and DS (18 yr. and myself). I think also taking the time to seek out the entertainers who roam the streets and do their little skits are fun to watch. Enjoy a nice lunch see a few shows and rides and you'll still have a fun time.

We have been to disney several times with our 3 kids, and once to Universal. Universal is okay, but I am not a roller coaster fan, they have a lot of thriller and simulator rides at Universal. I think admission to Universal may be a bit more affordable too.

When you say Disney - do you mean Disney World - or are you including Epcot? Epcot is where I would go...(especially since you've been to WDW twice). As for Universal - I also love Universal - most of the rides aren't scary at all, but I am a HUGE Epcot fan, and it's full of information to help children (and adults) learn.....