As a WDW fanatic, I am very nervous but excited to go to Universal Orlando for the first time this coming fall. I love the magic of WDW, the themeing, the streetmosphere. It's never let me down.
Will I feel this way at Universal? Specifically, will I feel like I am really in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade? Is it just a magical moment for the big kids at heart?
Kristen
last attraction: Art Academy in DHS
last meal: Parisian Breakfast - Chefs de France
'94 - Poly & CBR: first trip
'96 - GF & Dixie Landings
'98 - POR
'07 - CSR
'12 - POR
'13 - CSR: HONEYMOON
'13 - POP
'13 - CBR
'14 - POR
'14 - Swan
Overall, I don't "feel the Magic" at Universal. BUT, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are two places there that the "Magic" surpasses anything that Disney has. You will not be disappointed there at all if you are a HP fan.
Natalie
INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler
BrerGnat;2476291 wrote: Overall, I don't "feel the Magic" at Universal. BUT, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are two places there that the "Magic" surpasses anything that Disney has. You will not be disappointed there at all if you are a HP fan.
Totally agree, those two areas will blow you away, the rest of the parks not so much, more fast food at every corner and little theming
Pirate Granny
October 2020 — 3 nights OKW, 3 nights Poly Lakeview and 1 night BWV studios
November 2020 — BRV studio 9 nights
December 2020 entire family GV OKW
December 2020 January 2021 BCV studio
OH YEAH BABY !!! Proud owners at OKW + BCV + BRV + RR
You will not be disappointed with Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley... No way, no how...
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
Personally feel every bit at home at Universal's parks as I do at Disney. I think the whole knock on Universal is mostly from folks who feel comfort in being at a Disney park - which I get - but theme wise, there are plenty of outstanding themed areas and attractions at UOR and in some cases, are even more immersive. Overall, there is a lot of parity - and in both cases, plenty of room to do better...
INTERCOT Founder & MCP
The OG Disney Fan Site - Founded 1997
thanks everyone!
Kristen
last attraction: Art Academy in DHS
last meal: Parisian Breakfast - Chefs de France
'94 - Poly & CBR: first trip
'96 - GF & Dixie Landings
'98 - POR
'07 - CSR
'12 - POR
'13 - CSR: HONEYMOON
'13 - POP
'13 - CBR
'14 - POR
'14 - Swan
Except for when you eat at Leaky Cauldron and realize the only bathroom is up the other side of Diagon Alley. But yeah those two areas are amazing, the rest of the park, no where close
Caribbean Beach '91
Dixie Landings '96
Coronado Springs '11
Kidani Village '15
I truly enjoyed the Harry Potter area in both parks. We got the 2 park pass in order to ride the train both ways. I could spend a day in Potter areas, while the big coaster fans go elsewhere. :number1:
Boardwalk
Animal Kingdom Jambo
Coronado Springs
POP
POP
POP
POP
Riverside
We were at Universal at the end of December and we absolutely loved both parks. It is different than Disney but distinct in its own way. We have stayed a couple of times at Portofino Club level and just love it. Staying Deluxe on site is the way to go
Pally
Past Trips
Pop- Dec 2015
Portofino Bay-(Club)Universal Dec, 2015
Pop - Oct 2012
Pop- Aug/Sept 2009
Wilderness Lodge - Dec. 2006
Portofino Bay-(Club)-Universal- Dec 2006
Sheraton Vistana Villages- May 2003
Sheraton Vistana Villages- April 2002
Off-site-May 1989-
We're staying at the Cabana Bay. I am obsessed w/ the themeing of it.
Thanks for all the info!
Kristen
last attraction: Art Academy in DHS
last meal: Parisian Breakfast - Chefs de France
'94 - Poly & CBR: first trip
'96 - GF & Dixie Landings
'98 - POR
'07 - CSR
'12 - POR
'13 - CSR: HONEYMOON
'13 - POP
'13 - CBR
'14 - POR
'14 - Swan
