Mickey Chick's Adventures on the Dark Side: Part 2

This week, I continue with my perceptions of Universal Orlando Resort from the perspective of a devoted Disney fan (Part 1 here)...

The Parks:

Just past the pool cabana area at the Hard Rock Hotel, was the walking trail - my favorite feature of the Universal Resorts. A very quick 5 minute walk had us at the gates of Universal Studios Orlando. A brief pause at the security post and we were in the main hub. I liked this approach way better than doing it, right at the park gates.

But now that we’ve arrived at the parks, what does the Mickey Chick think?

*** I don’t hate it.***

• The Express Pass process does seem a bit antiquated to me. For instance, the park ticket/hotel room key is on one card, and the guest must obtain a separate card with an 80’s era instant black and white image. For each use of the Express Pass  queue, guests must show the attendant this card. I suppose it’s no different that the Fastpass+ touchpoints, but it does seem a bit behind-the-times.

• I think the theming of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley exemplify everything that an immersive, interactive land should be. It’s clear that these areas, just like the movies,  were built to J.K. Rowling’s specifications, adhering to even the most minute detail. While Disney has tried to replicate this with Pandora, the IP simply does not have the same appeal, or fanbase who are looking for specific references to their “world” and actually finding them. As a redhead, being called "Weasley" while being helped to wield my wand was a quintessential touch of interactive immersion. People aren’t entering Na’avi River Journey with tears, finally being able to experience what their imaginations have built while they read (and re-read) the series. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is that good - and Universal wins this one.  Hopefully, when Galaxy’s Edge comes on line we’ll hear the same reactions from the Star Wars fandom. 

Beyond The Wizarding World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have some great, good, and not so good features...

• For instance, although the Simpsons ride is merely a revamped Back to the Future, I love Springfield (The Simpsons land) and find it campy and fun. 

• And who can resist ET? While much like a sci-fi Peter Pan’s Flight, the wait here is generally minimal. 

• Strolling through the themed streets and alleyways in Universal Studios is laid back and enjoyable as well.  

• The Mummy is a spectacular ride and we try to enjoy it multiple times throughout our visits.

• I also enjoy and appreciate that there are more roaming characters throughout the parks, and interaction is irreverent and fun, especially when it is inherent to the character. 

• The proximity of the two parks to each other, whether walking or via Hogwarts Express, makes it easy to take a refreshing midday splash through Rip-Saw Falls (a weakly themed Splash Mountain) or Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges (a better, wetter, Kali River Rapids). *This is where Express Pass beats Fastpass+. I can head over to either of these rides and hop into the Express Pass queue, whereas I would have to hope/plan/pray for a just-at-the-right-time Fastpass for one of them. The impromptu nature of theme park touring without the need for extensive pre-planning puts Universal ahead of the pack here.

• Plus, the proximity to the resorts themselves allows us to relax a bit more, without the pressure of trying to see as much as we can in a single day or visit. We can pop into a park for just a couple hours or do just a few rides, then leave and relax at the resort or get a bite to eat at City Walk, or do any combination of activities with relative ease. Advantage Universal.

• One of the biggest drawbacks at Universal is its reliance on 3D projection ride-throughs. After a full day of these types of attractions, my noggin is knocked a bit too much for my liking. I’ll take rides like Rip-Ride-Rockit (to U2’s Vertigo) and The Hulk any day of the week! 

• One might also say that there is less actual theming and more “decoration” in Islands of Adventure. As a teacher, though, I do love Seuss Landing in all its simplicity. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Volcano Bay - Universal’s all-day water park. This is impressive in that it invites visitors to tropical Florida to enjoy a water park after their day at the theme parks has ended. Our day at Volcano Bay impressed us with the advent of Tapu-Tapu and the virtual elimination of water-park lines. A stay at the Aventura, or Cabana Bay resorts would put guests within walking distance of this spectacularly themed venue. 

Of course, in any theme park, it’s the employees who make the guest’s experience what it is. Disney calls them Cast, Universal calls them Team Members. I have to say that time and again I was impressed with the safety, courtesy, efficiency, and show exhibited by Universal’s Team Members. It is well known that a large number of them are also Disney cast, but there were many times that I almost felt as if these folks were out-Disneying Disney! 

All in all, we’ve enjoyed our stays at Universal. While, each of the newer hotels at Universal's Endless Summer - Dockside and Surfside Inns & Suites - seems to have something different to offer guests, whether with lower price-points, larger rooms, or proximity to other venues, I’m not sure we would want to stay anywhere beyond the three original resorts. For our smaller family, the amenities, being within walking distance, and the availability of Express Pass works best for us. 

To find out more about Universal Orlando Resort options, be sure to contact Second Star Travel.