I don’t think Disney can be completely vanquished, but I do think that with Epic Universe in play, Universal will overtake Disney for a while as the consensus Theme Park Juggernaut in Orlando.
@@JosephCintron-tf2mmyes. This is very good for us, the consumers/guests. Hopefully this will force Disney to keep updated and relevant. Competition is healthy and a win win for everyone.
I think in many ways, Universal has surpassed Disney long ago. Even if Disney did in fact just "wake back up," it's clear that nothing in their parks is made out of passion. Walt Disney wouldn't even recognize the parks for what they've become today. Sure, Universal's goal is to make money, and they also harness their biggest IP's in the parks to do so - but the depth, beauty, and richness of the experiences far exceeds anything that Disney has done recently. I think Universal will continue to grow in their marketshare, and unless new Disney leadership can REALLY shake things up at some point, I think the nostalgia and notoriety of the Disney parks will slowly diminish.
Walt Disney also said that Disneyland will never be complete because he knew that the parks will continue to change and evolve throughout the years. I love both the Universal and Disney parks because they’re my home away from home
@@christopherrichards2350 I see people still continue to use that line out of context or not as Walt intended. I agree with the second half of your comment tho 👍
I haven’t finished the video yet, but if Universal brings Pokémon to the US and Legend of Zelda (or another major IP to IOA), I believe it could be game over. All three parks would then be jam-packed.
Zelda at IoA, Pokémon at USF, and Luigi's Mansion at EU are the current rumored Nintendo based IPs going in by 2030-2035. When it comes to Universal rumors, the only person you should be listening to is Alicia Stella from Orlando ParkStop.
@@Kev-O33 - Universal is still begging for Disney’s scraps. The market is not exclusive to Florida, and Universal actually pays Disney for Marvel. An outdated land they have been banned from doing anything with, apart from routine maintenance. Marvel Superhero Island is essentially a Disney billboard, and Disney earns royalties from every product sold there. Similar to how JK Rowling and WB earn royalties from the Wizarding World license.
Dethroning Disney doesn't happen overnight. It is a decade long process. Universal is currently very ambitious. Building even a new park. On the other hand we have Disney that seems to be neglecting their parks. But in a decade it may look different.
Another point to consider is after Epic Universe is finished, most of the disney parks will be closing current rides to build new ones, removing capacity, and will be a construction zone for a minimum of 2 years. More time for Universal to catch up. And if Universal announces Pokémon or Zelda, it will be an even tighter race.
I hope that someday they will. I’ve always loved the Disney and Universal parks, but if you ask me which I prefer, I’ve always been a Universal geek, so I’ll always root for them to come out on top, but I hope Disney someday can get back to what made it awesome too, cause the last few years haven’t been the best imo to put it lightly.
I think the better way to look at this is “average attendance per park”, because since Disney has more parks, and people tend to visit every park at a resort when they visit, it’s all about that average. Magic Kingdom really props up WDW’s average, and universal’s parks both are on par with the other three WDW parks. I think adding Epic Universe will make that gap in average even smaller.
Universal had been catching up for quite some time, but the quick succession of Velocicoaster + Splash Mountain closing forever was the moment when Disney got passed.
I don’t think universal had passed. The general consensus in regards to the GP is that disneyworld is still better. And universal has no leg on the west coast until they can flesh out their park to be comparable to either of the two parks at the Disneyland resort.
@@acowwithlegsthe only reason why I think that Disney may still have a leg up is because of the age they cater to. Many of the same customers from disney wouldn't be able to ride the universal attractions. For instance my 5 year old could go on every ride at magic kingdom except the tron light cycle ride....but could only go on a very limited amount of rides at both Universal studios and islands of adventure. She could go on space mountain but not hagrids magical creatures....if Disney were to be regulated the same in safety and height requirements as universal studios then I bet there would be a significant change in attendance.
@@acowwithlegs To be fair, “general consensus” is something that is a few years behind the truth, in many matters. Disney’s reputation is (was) so strong, that even if they aren’t what they used to be, they’re still the “brand name” theme park. Takes time for people to grow attached to an experience that costs tons of money to go to, so Universal is still behind on this consensus. As for the west coast, never been there, don’t plan to go there, so I’ll concede that point out of lack of knowledge.
Even if it doesn't, universal growing and rivaling Disney is already good enough. Complacency is what made Disney the way it is now, and having competition makes both Disney and Universal better, because it in theory makes both strive to do better to overcome the other.
saying “no” is incorrect. They have already toppled disney world. Right now there are estimated to be 140k ppl in disney rn (thats 35k a park) In Universal, right now there are estimated to be 190k ppl (63.3k a park)
Pokemon is the key. If unversal can really bring pokemon on a scale we never seen to marvel island in a new theme that would do it. Think of the tv ads the airport ads in Orlando. Kids going to Disney will see all this pokemon and get mad it's not at the park there in lol.
MSHI isn't going anywhere. Universal will be buried with that in perpetuity contract in the casket. It makes them way too much money and blocks Disney from adding things that could take away guests. Pokémon is currently rumored to be replacing Springfield, which is rumored to be closing earlier than the end of the Simpsons contract in 2028. USJ is in the middle of building their Pokémon ride so I'm interested to see if it's just a redone Spidey for them (since its replacing that ride/area at USJ) or something new they'll transplant to the other parks.
I think the biggest reason why Disney stands out is that their parks are ingrained in pop culture. Everyone recognizes the castles, iconic rides, characters, and the fireworks. Branding and marketing is important. Issue with Universal is that it heavily misses that classic touch that sparks nostalgia for visitors(which plays a huge aspect for returning guests) As much as I enjoy Universal I think they lack a signature touch that makes them recognizable when it comes to their parks. They just look like a Disney competitor rather than just being Universal
@johnappleseed9546 Yea, I agree. I really wish the parks were handled like Tokyo Disneyland by the Oriental Land Company . It still holds that classic magic
Absolutely, "the happiest place on Earth" propaganda (marketing) has been around my entire life. They have the globe and the lighthouse for IoA, but that's really only known amongst park fans. Another thing Universal critically overlooked is the power of nostalgia. They built some very iconic rides that could have become classics with time the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean/Haunted Mansion, but ripped them out. Jaws, Kongfrontation, Back to the Future, the list goes on. Theme parks are a generational business. You create a wonderful experience for a child, so that when that child grows up and has kids of their own, they will want to share it with them. One of Universal's biggest failures is that they often chase trends rather than build a legacy, and it seems like Disney is starting to make that same mistake themselves.
I think epic universe will have a MASSIVE impact however I don’t think it will be the “Disney killer” like others have said. It will take a LONG time to build up that brand trust Disney has
True. But, Universal has something for everyone! While Disney only caters to a very small demographic. Universal is fun for all ages, whereas Disney is only fun for babies and children up to a certain age.
@@christinedaae7323Disney is starting to change, they’re starting to push more on their “thrill” rides, they’ve been getting killed by other chains for years but they’re changing because they see Universal’s success and they want to tap into that market as well
@@christinedaae7323 Then why was Encanto popular? And before you say because of the children, several songs became worldwide hits. And recently, movies have been getting better than the last few years.
The main thing that keeps me going to Disney are the festivals and concerts at Epcot,the problem with that is that the concerts have gone to trash,they're not bringing back some of the popular bands that have played there for years cause they're putting local bands on Tues-Thurs,obviously to save money.I know a bunch of people who've dropped their passes with no plans to get them back!
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp yet many people are boycotting Disney parks because Disney doesn't share those same "problematic" opinions. Parents don't really want to take their little girls to a princess dress shop and be greeted by princess man.
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp”a lot” of fans, you must mean a handful. Her lands are always the most packed at the parks and majority of merch you see people with is Harry Potter merch.
I was a full on Disney fanatic doing all the things. that began to shift in 2018-2019. i started going back to Universal and really enjoying it. 2022 i started getting a universal ap and loved being appreciated as an ap unlike Disney. Now cut to present day i am longer a Disney ap and with the recent things you mentioned as well as lack luster changes i do not plan to go back to Disney for a while if not 5 or 6 years. Universal once epic opens i plan to renew my pass and Universal will be my main theme park when visiting Orlando. I would say that Universal is gaining ground and with some announcements that Disney has said like paving over the rivers of America i think that gap is gonna close even more when Epic opens in 2025
I’ve been to both Disney and Universal multiple times. I completely understand the complaints levied at Disney lately. The optics are bad, for sure. That said, the Disney parks (all four of them, really), have a charm that Universal lacks. I find myself really excited to go back to WDW, despite the price hikes and changing amenities, etc, but pretty apathetic towards Universal. To be fair, I’m not a thrill ride junkie, so WDW has a lot more to offer me in terms of entertainment, but even just walking around the park and sightseeing, it’s more atmospheric and enjoyable at WDW (especially in MK). The only times I felt a similar magic in Universal (no pun intended) was in the two Harry Potter areas, but outside of those areas, I have little desire to really go back to Universal. I hope that Epic Universe can break that atmospheric charm (I think it has great potential to) and I do look forward to visiting it someday, but, for now, Disney has my heart and my wallet so to say. I know this was all subjective, but I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel that way towards the parks. I see Universal trying and it’s great! They just aren’t at the same level as WDW to me.
One thing people seem to forget when making these videos is that Disney is no longer just theme parks. They make more $$ with their cruise line, time shares, hotels (specifically for industry conferences), and travel services (adventures by Disney is an example). The Disney theme parks are now stretched across the globe too. TDS just got an expansion and its 2023 attendance was just behind Disneyland.
What makes Super Nintendo World such a big deal is the fact there's been plenty of theme parks for movie-goers, but there's never really been something for gamers. Disney is for kids. Universal is for everyone!
I’m a die hard Universal fan …. I believe at some point they will surpass Disney. Few things that need to be done first besides epic is too 1. Make Kong 3d again… they ruined the ride 2.Retheme the lost continent to Zelda ASAP 3.Retheme Simpons to Pokémon 4. Replace fast and the furious ASAP. 5. Expand Diagon alley by tearing down the fear factor stage. The list can go on but that’s a start . Signed a loyal universal fan
@@NinthShinigamithere food right now at universal is really good. you just got to go to the right place. in my opinion it’s better than most places at disney
I hope Universal never catches up in attendance to Disney, because I want Universal to stay hungry and keep bringing out the creative lands and experiences like they've been doing for the last 10 years. Let everyone else keep going to the overcrowded expensive Disney parks, and I'll be enjoying myself at Universal.
I agree. I think them catching up is still a good thing because it should make Disney worried and have to actually try to stay ahead, even if I don't think they're doing that correctly.
I am biased cause I prefer Universal, but you definitely should! Many people count it out cause it’s not Disney, but they have found their niche and only getting better
Disney has a much longer-term issue. Once the culture of automatically visiting WDW has been broken for a couple of generations, it would be very hard to recapture. If the adults prefer to go to Universal, they will be taking their kids with them, who will create treasured memories at Universal and so will return their and take their Own kids, continuing the cycle......
People under estimate how people think of theme parks. Most people will think Disney, and THEN universal. It’s just how it is. Disney is too iconic and will never “fall off” or be dethroned. It’s literally impossible
It will take a generation to flip that - it's not the kids who grow up going to Universal now, it's when they have kids and Universal becomes the first choice for their vacation.
In my personal experience. Used to visit Orlando for WDW only. Then took a day at Universal but stayed at WDW. Now i stay at Universal and take a day at WDW.
I feel that Universal is just keeping their eye on the ball and reaping the benefit. Is it important to be #1 when the market seems big enough for tourism? I was really impressed with many aspects of our first ever Universal Orlando vacation this past summer. After a few disappointments in years past, we're more interested in returning there in a few years then going to WDW. Being totally fair, Universal still has plenty of bulldozing to do that won't offend anyone so I suspect there will be ups and downs. But in their most recent work, they outclass Disney's most recent work. That's why people are excited.
Why does everyone always say Universal is more affordable than Disney? They are literally the same price. This holds true for most other days, but just as one example... New Years Eve at Disney this year $164-$189 depending on park. Universal is $179. That's a tie. Cheeseburger and fries at Comic Strip Cafe at Universal is $14.49. Cheeseburger and fries at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe at Magic Kingdom is $12.29. Both places have food that wins but it averages out to pretty much a tie when comparing the same food. Disney is more expensive when you count the higher end restaurants, but Universal doesn't have any of those (in park, not City Walk or Disney Springs). EDIT: I forgot about Mythos, but the point still holds true. Disney's cheapest hotel room on New Years Eve is All Star Sports for $274. Universal's is either Endless Summer Resort for $262. Cheaper, but not really. Tie (and before anyone says well Universal hotels are nicer though, I've stayed at both and I don't think they are. I'd argue this is also a tie). Genie + (or whatever it's called now) is way cheaper than Express pass but also way worse then express pass, so this isn't really comparable. A cheaper date. Disney's cheapest hotel room on January 22nd is All Star Sports for $117. Universals is either Endless Summer for $129. Now Universal is more expensive, but again, not really. Tie. I'm not defending Disney's prices. BOTH are too high. But people only seem to rag on Disney for it when they are LITTERALLY the same price.
@@greatone33jsure. The deluxe resorts range from 450-745 on January 22nd. The signature resorts range from 421-552. Ok cheaper on average but there are Disney hotels at that level that are in that price range. So sure, Disney goes higher, but they still offer the same prices in the same tier. Edit: And for the record the cheapest of the deluxe resorts that day is Animal Kingdom Lodge which Universal has no comp to. And I know Disney can go higher price for huge rooms that hold more people, but that’s just… how lodging works. More people, more money. I did my figures for 2 people per room.
That's is the example of put effort in your costumer experience. One thing at a time. Each process of improvement. That's why Universal have more consistency than Disney in general. Even if u look another parks like disney/universal japan, china, etc, they literally as universal in USA, they know how to impress and maintain the flow and excitement for their guest. That's it the key to success.
I just wanna make it clear that I, as a brazilian, would most definitely wait 110 minutes to take a pic with Woody himself 😂 (Specially because I've already done the same to take a pic with Mickey as a child and it was NOT worth it)
I think Disney would have to begin being very widely known as a bad value for a vacation before it loses its crown. If all family's start to hear about Disney World for 10+ years is that it's a bad experience, that belief will stick at least domestically and cause people to really not make it a priority of their children's young lives.
Reminder that in your video talking about Disney worlds projects from d23, they were all replacing other attractions. So instead of the rabbit just waking up, they just replaced the tree with a pillow now.
Disney isn't going away. But I think when it comes to quality, delivery, expansions, overall guest satisfaction, Universal is leading that. Disney has been slowly declining when it comes to that. Epic isn't going to kill WDW, but it's going to hurt them for sure.
I've always compared disney's loyal worldwide fanbase is like taylor swift's. I don't see universal cultivating that kind of brand loyalty. But at the same time disney can't rest on their laurels and become complacent.
If we're talking about beating Epic Universe, I say bring Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disney World only similar to the one in Tokyo Disneyland including the Xmas cake like the one in Tokyo, an Indy ride in Adventureland, build a new land next door to Pandora called Land of Legends, extend the Wildlife Express railroad tracks and make a second destination to the South American animals, switch the Dino-Rama name to Pangaea, build new and exciting attractions, build an alternate Excavator with actual dinosaurs, revive Discovery River Boats with proper animatronics, a boat ride with animals based on The Jungle Book characters (an alternate Tiger Rapids Run) and an Encanto attraction in EPCOT if we're talking about pressing a movie who's villain appeared couple times more than La Sambra in The Journal episode of Hey Arnold!(who might as well be voiced by Alfred Molina in Encanto 2).
The RCID is really the kicker as far as advantages go. It just makes the logistical challenges so much easier. Disney can mismanage and skimp for a while before things really go downhill. It's one of those slowly, then all at once sort of things.
They can trounce any of their parks in Central Florida EXCEPT for Magic Kingdom. Busiest park in the world…most popular. That one will be next to impossible to dethrone. Universal doesn’t care to be top theme park though…at least not yet. They just want MORE market share, and what they’re doing is doing just that.
The problem with a fanatic fan base, as Disney is learning with the recent D23 announcements, is that the nostalgia for what was gets in the way of the progress for the park. Paving over Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers so they can build new stuff has the old guard up in arms. Universal changes out the Woody Woodpecker kids area to a new theme - no big issue. Disney gets rid of a street with Christmas lights to put in Star Wars land - tears spewing like a river. Universal closes up pretty much everything in Lost Continent - everyone is ready for Zelda land (assuming the rumors are true). Disney has created their own nightmare to changes by having a fan base driven by the past and memories. They can lose that loyalty quickly when people feel that the company doesn't care about those touchy feely things. And that's a fine line to walk for the people that want new things and something to bring in the newer generations. The rising prices and reduced perks are just more salt in the wounds they are opening on themselves. The death by a thousand cuts starts with one.
@@gregorycerven3484 - People got pretty mad at Universal over replacing Woody Woodpecker and Fievel. Especially, since they under-build Dreamworks Land. Children deserve better than that lame excuse of a theme park land. Plus, those IPs could have been utilized much better, if Universal has spent the money. Dreamworks Land should have been Universal’s equivalent to ToonTown. However, the Disney Adults need to get over themselves. Magic Kingdom needs those updates, and Tom Sawyer Island is a waste of space. It is inaccessible to most people, and defeats the entire purpose of a children’s playground by not allowing strollers. Same goes for the pretentious nonsense about Disney California Adventure needing to be exclusively California-themed. It is just an adventure theme park in California. It is stupid to have a California themed park in California, when people can just go to the real Hollywood Blvd or Santa Monica Pier. Everyone forgets that much of the stuff in the Disney parks is not original. They are replacements and/or expansions. Eisner cared about fostering future generations of Disney fans. Iger pandered to the Disney Adults, and ruined the magic for everyone else.
Do you really think Cars fits in Frontierland? If they had a great plan for that area they would have been louded. Most replacements Disney did in the last few years were not improvements: e.g. Splash Mountain/Tiana's Bayou Adventure. People have lost their trust in them and for good reason. And not just that; why replace when you can add? They have the space but replacing is cheaper than adding and that way you can keep the lines long to sell lightning lanes.
@@politiekhistorie - If “Cars” were not Pixar, no one would have blinked twice, at the thought of one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions coming to the Magic Kingdom. Considering the Radiator Springs Races is a race track through the mountains, it technically does fit into Frontierland. The landscape does not fit into Hollywood Studios, even if the IP does. Hate to break it to you, but Tom Sawyer Island is a waste of space in Magic Kingdom. It adds nothing to the park, apart from breeding mosquitoes. It is inaccessible, not up to modern zoning laws, and completely useless as a children’s play area. Most people did not even know it existed, until a month ago. It is not going to be missed by the general public. The keyboard warriors would have complained either way, and honestly Disney should not care what they think. The parks need those updates.
Something I haven't seen in this conversation is if Disney's intentionally waiting to compete AFTER and not DURING the opening of Epic Universe . Not directly, as in the short term Epic Universe will cause a stall-out at all existing parks (even Universal). But I would be hard-pressed to think that Disney would have given a thought about Villain's Land if Universal didn't already announce the Dark Universe to high praise. There's also the fact that their announced new and refurbished rides (Tropical Americas, Cars, Monsters Inc, ect.) are not timed to compete with Epic Universe, but instead would come online after everyone has already visited Epic Universe, and thus could swing the pendulum back to Disney at a time when Universal is not only catching its breath before the next big upgrade (Which will most likely be more Nintendo properties), but will also be dealing with active losses (The expiration of Simpsons to an already-thin Studios, and the rumored retheme of Marvel). Time will only tell what's right, but I wouldn't underestimate a frontrunner even when wounded.
@@KetchumKid - Bingo!!!! I am looking forward to Epic Universe, but the only reason I would ever set foot into the other parks is for the Wizarding World. The majority of the rest of the attractions, apart from “Jurassic Park”, “The Mummy”, and “ET”, are really mediocre. Even Minions Land, which is beautifully themed, has unappealing attractions. Dreamworks Land was wasted potential. Suess Landing was left to rot. Marvel Superhero Island is tacky and outdated. I refuse to even acknowledge the rest of those horrendous motion simulators. Epic Universe is going to benefit Disney more than Universal. Since, it will just highlight the flaws in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The average person will go to both Magic Kingdom and Epic Universe, and ignore everything else, apart from maybe Hollywood Studios. However, what does Universal have planned for the next five years? Epic Universe is not going to be the shiny new toy anymore, once Disney opens up all those expansions. This also gives Disney the chance to possibly rectify the one flaw in Dark Universe’s design, and build the Villains Land completely indoors, in order for the area to be in a permanent state of darkness.
@@ChienaAvtzonI’d say toon lagoon has the best water rides and theming around, very nostalgic, especially ripsaw falls. But yes they truly did leave Suess landing to rot sadly. The cat in the hat is in terrible state compared to what it used to be. River adventure is probably the ride in worst condition in all of universal. But good news I heard from a team member online that universal just got a new head engineer who is determined to fix a lot of the animatronics. On ripsaw falls a lot of the animatronics and effects that hasn’t worked in years now work almost like new , same thing for some of Popeyes. If they keep this up it would be perfect.
What Universal needs to do is keep the pedal to the floor and continue announcing/working on new big projects even after Epic Universe opens. Don't allow a lull period where Disney monopolizes theme park news and thus retakes any lost market-share. I think that would be the most successful strategy long-term for Universal.
@@XylonLionheart - Not going to happen, because Universal does have any IP to replace anything with. Contrary to what the internet claims, the “Pokemon” rights are currently exclusive to Japan. Universal also blew their budget on Epic Universe. They might eventually put “Wicked” into the expansion pad, but that is dependent on the film being successful. Nor does it address the other two parks.
@@ChienaAvtzonThey could easily just replace the Simpsons with back to the future in an ironic twist, however superhero island is a bit of tough one, they can figure it out, my current suggestions would be Captain Underpants/Dog man, MAYBE the bad guys and they could bring Jaws back too ig
I think Universal Osaka has higher attendance than Tokyo Disneyland (the park, not the whole resort). You should dive into those numbers and see how it applies to the US parks. Could make for an interesting video
Disney's parks are aging really fast. While disney spends a lot of money on announcing what they're gonna build, universal is spending a lot on building what they will announce.
I feel if attendance records from the last year between USJ and Disney Tokyo are anything to go by, there is a chance that USO could eclipse Disney World in the near future. Also important to note there is almost no consequence to attending both Universal and Disney on a long Orlando vacation. They're priced very similarly (at least in terms of park visits).
Two words: Blockbuster, Netflix. When Netflix showed up as a mail order DVD service they were not even on the radar of Blockbuster. Everyone in America had a blockbuster blue and yellow membership card. Every Friday night, every Saturday night, the lines would be jam-packed trying to get the latest DVD or VHS tape. Fast forward and Netflix, through innovation, starts to grain market share. And before you know it, Blockbuster is wondering where their business is going. You all know the rest of the story. By the time Blockbuster leadership figured out they were being innovated into oblivion, it was too late.
@@batshtcrazy5293 You don't laugh at military personnel in the United States, civvie. I outrank you and you take orders from me. It's the law. Do you understand? You will answer "Yes Sir" when military personnel ask you a question. Yes Blockbuster is coming back. Streaming is going to be an illegal medium and my family in Congress is working on a bill to ban it.
I think you forget that it's been a long time since Disney opened a new theme park. Next year is going to be dismal for Disney because people are going to flock to Epic Universe. Also, Disney has spent the last five years alienating its fanbase with price increases, diminished shows, under par fireworks, and reduced entertainment in general. Take for example the horrible Jollywood events. It's like they are trying to kill their own brand. D23 announced lots of construction. That means less park rides for the short term. That should really draw in crowds.
To add onto this, most of Disney's numbers is being carried by Magic Kingdom. And yeah, it's going to take Universal a lot of time to beat that since it is the single most attended theme park in the world. HOWEVER Universal is on par or beating the numbers of Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom with thier current 2 parks. Which I feel is much more telling. And that's pre Epic Universe. Disney is not getting people to visit all the parks in their vacation meanwhile Universal is. And once Epic Universe comes out, that number is only going to grow as Universal will pretty much get people outside the disney bubble. DIsney can hide behind MK numbers to say they are leading. But in terms of the full vacation. Universal is already taking the lead.
I don't see epic ever beating mk in attendance. But one thing people are not considering is that epic is really gonna highlight the shortcomings of the other 2 parks, especially studios.
@@WiiDude83 - That would be due to EPCOT and Animal Kingdom not having universal appeal. They are both way too niche, and neither one has enough rides to warrant the ticket price.
@@metallicnole4514 I do feel like after Epic, the main studios park is going to get all of the attention. Because it's clear that park needs the most work. Wouldn't be surpised if Fast and Furious, Simpsons, Jimmy Fallon, and Rip Ride all get replaced within the next 5 years because that park suffers the most from the over reliance on screens universal had.
I think Disney will always be more financially on top, cause Disney IPs have families by a chokehold and the parks are seen as more for families. Even though the majority of the films theyre producing are mediocre recycled slop, the slightly better than medicore movies become absolute cultural phenomenons. (Frozen and Encanto are fine and good movies, but I don't understand the insane hype around them) And people are still paying plenty of money to see live action remakes. I think in time, Universal will be seen as the better parks by most park enthusiasts, while Disney brand loyalists will keep worshiping the mouse no matter what. They'll install a new Frozen-themed shaved ice stand and the Disney fans will all lose their minds and line up for miles to pay $20 for a cup of Elsa Ice.
Disney is about to lose all its non homegrown IP due to antitrust. Frozen and Encanto were mediocre movies that don't belong in the parks. When I take over Disney, the parks will lose a lot of IP in favor of originality. Nobody is watching live action remakes and I'm working to get all studios banned from making remakes. We'll see how loyal those so called Disney loyalists are when I take over and make it great again by taking the parks back to the 20th century and have every decision made by asking "What would Walt do?"
Not only can Universal catch up, I believe if they continue to play their cards right, Universal can overtake and pass Disney. I do agree with you that Disney has those two pillars they are built on that give them the leg up on Universal, but Disney itself will be the reason those pillars collapse. Their attitude that says 'We're Disney and we're too big to fail" is chipping away at those pillars with every bad decision made and every controversy they get into. Not to mention the fact that they treat customers and employees alike with complete apathy and sucker punch them for quick cash at any opportunity. Not a smart way to maintain the goodwill of your base.
@@jukeboxhero30 please tell me how great Universal treats people when they literally call their visitors fat...you are an uneducated Universal shill. How did Universal defend their employees against DeSantis and his homophobic attacks?
If they bring Universal Studios Florida up to standard, build a 4th/ 5th park, and keep their prices across the board more affordable than Disney, maybe. Disney World will always be a bigger cultural icon/ household name, but will people still drop money for it?
@@ChienaAvtzon Universal’s three parks will be more bang for your buck than the 3 non-MK parks. MK’s value is debatable considering how much the experience has deteriorated, plus it’s the worst castle park.
Disney is geared towards small children and people who have nostalgia for being small children. Universal is geared towards teens and young adults and people who have nostalgia for those times of their lives. I personally prefer Universal, but to each their own.
More like the ball is in universal court for some adults. But most adults will prioritize their kids over their own personal interests. And Disney will always cater that. Even with the decline they’re still on top so…
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp - Yeah…. based on the upcoming expansions, Disney finally seems to be returning to prioritizing families and children over the Disney Adults. Children love “Coco” and “Encanto”. Even the “Monsters Inc” roller coaster, will probably be fun for children who enjoy the Tower of Terror. While, Disney California Adventure’s “Avatar” land main attraction will be a boat ride.
I don’t think universal will completely overtake Disney within the decade but over time the gap will close as Disney has to bring their parks up to the quality of universal even potentially giving universal time to open a fourth gate which would be checkmate against disney
If they add 4th park maybe by just buying seaworld and a new paint job I think overall attendance will be higher at universal but the magic kingdom will still be the highest attended park mainly since that is the so called dream park for most people and epic just doesn’t have that history or nostalgia maybe a few sitcoms having a universal trip would help I mean every show I grew up with that was a major vacation.
A lot of this video seems to be making the point that higher attendance numbers are good, when it’s actually much better to have fewer people attending when you are able to charge them more and make more overall
@jasmine-rose18 I wanted to do the bush parks. I'm going to bush Williamsburg next weekend with that pass for the Halloween event and I already did tampa. SeaWorld Orlando was dope and Texas was also cool glad I did it
I think the constant shift of about 8million between the parks are only USA tourist, the rest are international and that is where Disney will always have the advantage. Outside the USA people save their entire lives just to attend Disney at least once in their lives, I’m not too sure Universal is in their minds…. Personally 2025 will be my very first time in Universal yay
I would say that more people are starting to go to universal even after Disneys nostalgia era, because everyone I hear say “Disneys the best yadada” then I’m like go to universal then they go, and say they had a better time there ever compared to Disney, and I can’t think of one person who has been to both parks in the last 2 years and they haven’t said universal was better
I won’t go back to Disney for two reasons: the last two visits I had crappy customer service experiences (getting snapped at or being made to feel I was inconveniencing cast members who were just hanging out chatting when I asked a question). That’s what happens when you hire exclusively college kids I guess. Second, it’s so much more expensive and if you don’t buy the express stuff, you end up feeling like a second class citizen, waiting in horrible lines. Their cash grab mentality has been so disappointing. Surely they’re losing money even though each guest is now paying more.
Disney has the blessing of size as Walt said which allows them to do those types of numbers every year and yet they continue to replace attractions. Universal is in a residential area so unfortunately I don’t think they will get much bigger unless more land becomes available around them. Disney is also more well known to people around the world. The people will continue to worship the mouse so they will continue to stay on top, in my opinion. However as Universal does continue to grow, they will be even more of a direct competitor against Disney. I grew up going to both, but Universal has always been my number one and once Disney got involved in politics, I kicked the boot on them as a whole. I haven’t been to Disney in 13 years but I have an AP for Universal. I hope they continue to do great things!
Yeah, even though I prefer Universal myself, I still try to visit both whenever I go to Orlando & try to focus on the rides & IPs that I like, and from what I can tell the vast majority of people are the same way. And I just don’t really see Epic Universe changing that TBH. If Universal is serious about wanting to force people to choose one or the other & choose them over Disney, I think they’ve still got a lot of work to do to bring their other IPs up to the same level as HP & the other two parks (especially Studios) up to the same level as Epic.
IMO Marvel superhero island and toon lagoon is absolute perfection in terms of theming those should be left as is, Jurassic park could use a lot work especially river adventure. They need to do something with lost continent sooner or later. And agreed studios needs the most attention rn cause when visiting The resort for me , islands is the park to go to.
I've seen Sears, Kodak, JC Penny, and other things disappear that I never thought would go away. Any company can disappear. Disneyland is my favorite park. Certain things I find keep me coming back - Staff, emersion, clean, polish, and childhood memories. Disneyworld? Meh. Been there a few times and like it, but still prefer Disneyland. It's not about size. I never see the outside world. When I walk through the gate and go under bridge, everything is left behind. It's like walking into a storybook.
Universal does not need to topple Disney. With rising cost families will be deciding which property they will have their basecamp. Bigger isn't always better, but Universal has an opportunity to make an impression with this generation of parents and kids, whereas Disney has been resting on their past success. Which Brand will offer the best one - two combination? Magic Kingdom plus their number two park or Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure? Universal has been gaining ground and it will be interesting to see how the Universal park planned for Texas influences families from that region to decide on Disney or Universal. Universal will gain in attendance regardless of being number 1 or number 2.
Universal Studios is way more fun and more better than Disney World! Disney really lost its ways and lost its magic ever since Disney becomes greedy and not so family friendly like it was back then. I used to have fun at Disney World when I was younger, but when I got a little older I got a little bored and also I’m glad I didn’t go there cause Disney is becoming so expensive and lines are so long taking forever. That’s why I’m never setting foot in Disney World ever again. Last year I took a trip to Universal Studios and I’m having a blast!! No wonder Universal Studios is better and I’m looking forward to go there again on my next vacation. Hello Universal Studios and goodbye forever Disney World!
There are several metrics Universal could start bragging about beyond overall attendance. Average park attendance, per guest spend, average guest nights on property. Ways where Universal is beating Disney when scale is factored.
Honestly, I think in the end the more well-rounded and affordable trip will be the one that decides who is king. As inflation goes up people will scrutinize where there dollar is going and I think Universal is poised to use that to their advantage.
@@ChienaAvtzon Never said they were. I said "the more well-rounded and affordable trip". What I'm saying is you get more for your dollar at universal. You can get a hotel for 96 dollars (Endless Summer) while one night at All-Star Sports can run you about 150. When you're in the park there are self serve freestyle machines you can use to get ice and water, at Disney you have your choice of stale water fountain or waiting in line for a small water cup. Universals quick service offerings are getting more and more creative In utilizing IPs for an experience (Butterbeer, Minion Cafes Px41) while disney usually opts for a print out on a cupcake (or Lefus brew butterbeer clone and blue milk). Small things in the experience add up and I am saying Universal knows this and will certainly try to use it to their advantage.
When you consider Universal's popularity with fewer parks and without the gimmick of costumed characters, it's clear why Disney isn't winning, even if their attendance is higher.
Disney will never die but universal is on the rise. I think epic universe can help close the gap but the way universal gets close/beats Disney is if Disney beats themselves. (I like universal more personally but just my thoughts)
Universal still has a long way to go when it comes to improving their parks. Epic Universe is only going to make it more obvious. Universal will never catch up to Disney, but the competition will benefit both parks. Case in point, Universal finally has an iconic mascot in the Minions and despite how well-themed the facades of Minions Land is, the attractions suck. How difficult is it to build a dark ride, or a family thrill coaster? Same goes for the Dreamworks Land, and how cheaply constructed it was, despite those films deserving something akin to Fantasyland or Mickey’s ToonTown. Universal cannot keep coasting on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Just like Disney can no longer remain lackadaisical, and take their fanbase for granted.
Enjoy Universal while they are in the growth phase... One day, we will be looking back like "Remember when Universal gave great value offers, and wasnt super crowded?". They all hit a falling point when they get too big...
It's likely that Walt Disney World will remain number one in total Orlando attendance because of what you said. 11 hotels versus 23 hotels. However, don't be surprised if individually, Epic Universe has more attendance than Magic Kingdom. And Islands of Adventure comes in at #2. Due to Disney's sheer size, they may stay #1, but it will certainly be misleading. The online chatter, the word of mouth, the media exposure, and the narrative will all be in Universal's favor. Plus, Disney's size equals huge upkeep and maintenance costs. They can barely take care of the hotels and theme parks they already have, so with less attendance year-over-year as bad decisions are made, they'll have less money for the upkeep and maintenance, which will further exacerbate the issues.
In terms of IP: My nephew and niece had the choice and choose Universal when my sister went to Orlando. Because Universal has How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter and Minions (they are 11 and 9) which they think are more interesting than what Disney has to offer. Disney's recent duds and political stance can lead to a new generation that is far less into Disney as the previous generations were. Disney used to be the only big player in animation too and lost that position already. We ourselve used to have the majority of our Orlando days at WDW and only a few at Universal. This year that has flipped for the first time. Mostly based on our bad experiences last year.
Disney wont ever fall but neither do i think it will return to its prime. Universal has upped their game by miles to the point where formal staff from World work at Orlando. To say the least, Disney needs a huge leap in order to survive.
Overall, normies will see Disney World as the must see product since they dont go to theme parks as often as die hards. Universal will succeed in delivering new rides and lands in the near future because, despite media chatter than disney is falling behind universal, disney is still king in overall infrastructure and brand awareness. But as a theme park geek whos been actively a theme park diehard for more than a decade now, disney is still superior in line wait efficiency (assuming you are OR are going to their parks with a disney adult who knows how to game their lightning lane system lol)
the situation is even worth for Disney than what you're saying in the video because this comparison doesn't make sense. You can't compare the attendance gap, you have to compare attendance ratio (1:5 to 1:3 to 1:2,5). They're on the same market, if the market grows which is obviously the case, both will have more visitors. In 2009, 17.6% of visitors went to Universal, in 2019 26,6% of visitors went to Universal and in 2023 28,6% of visitors went to universal. Meaning Universal is catching up quit quickly actually.
Your thesis is built on the concept that Disney is still on an incline in the popular opinion of its fans or former fans. Disney has been on a steady decline in maintenance and improving of its current parks and offerings.
Call me a universal believer because I love both resorts but Universal is going to close that gap even more and I’ll be a part of those attendance numbers
Meanwhile universal could have Zelda pokemon and expansions to epic while disney is trying to bounce back with vililans not coming till 2029 giving epic 4 years to rake in the money.
With Dark universe opening up they need to build another land, I’m Thinking a land based on the Halloween Horror Nights icons. Pumpkin lord Jack and chance Odd fellow Sinist3r and Surr3al Lady Luck Caretaker Storyteller Usher Director Need rides and a restaurant imagine the possibilities. I would love a Pumpkin Lord ride.
@@blysthon9917 im for it but im sure they wont over saturate HHN style things so they can still market the event at studios. From all the rumors it seems either pokemon or zelda would be the first project to happen after epic.
I don’t think Disney can be completely vanquished, but I do think that with Epic Universe in play, Universal will overtake Disney for a while as the consensus Theme Park Juggernaut in Orlando.
Probably while its still fresh and once its not itll go right back
Im just happy for this in general cause this means disney will have to step up as well
@@JosephCintron-tf2mmyes. This is very good for us, the consumers/guests. Hopefully this will force Disney to keep updated and relevant. Competition is healthy and a win win for everyone.
People! Please remember that Universal Studios is older than Disney!
The studio is but the theme parks are younger
I think in many ways, Universal has surpassed Disney long ago. Even if Disney did in fact just "wake back up," it's clear that nothing in their parks is made out of passion. Walt Disney wouldn't even recognize the parks for what they've become today.
Sure, Universal's goal is to make money, and they also harness their biggest IP's in the parks to do so - but the depth, beauty, and richness of the experiences far exceeds anything that Disney has done recently. I think Universal will continue to grow in their marketshare, and unless new Disney leadership can REALLY shake things up at some point, I think the nostalgia and notoriety of the Disney parks will slowly diminish.
Look at the roming droids and spider man stunt tronic and tell me that
Walt Disney also said that Disneyland will never be complete because he knew that the parks will continue to change and evolve throughout the years. I love both the Universal and Disney parks because they’re my home away from home
@@christopherrichards2350 I see people still continue to use that line out of context or not as Walt intended. I agree with the second half of your comment tho 👍
@@Floridapanthers2020 - I thought the droids are only in Disneyland.
@@ChienaAvtzon yes they are but still.
I haven’t finished the video yet, but if Universal brings Pokémon to the US and Legend of Zelda (or another major IP to IOA), I believe it could be game over. All three parks would then be jam-packed.
It is not game over, just due to logistics. Universal is built in a residential area.
Zelda at IoA, Pokémon at USF, and Luigi's Mansion at EU are the current rumored Nintendo based IPs going in by 2030-2035.
When it comes to Universal rumors, the only person you should be listening to is Alicia Stella from Orlando ParkStop.
@@UniversalDorks - “Pokemon” is not allowed to come to the American parks until after Japan gets theirs.
they already won with potter
@@Kev-O33 - Universal is still begging for Disney’s scraps. The market is not exclusive to Florida, and Universal actually pays Disney for Marvel. An outdated land they have been banned from doing anything with, apart from routine maintenance. Marvel Superhero Island is essentially a Disney billboard, and Disney earns royalties from every product sold there. Similar to how JK Rowling and WB earn royalties from the Wizarding World license.
Dethroning Disney doesn't happen overnight. It is a decade long process.
Universal is currently very ambitious. Building even a new park. On the other hand we have Disney that seems to be neglecting their parks. But in a decade it may look different.
Another point to consider is after Epic Universe is finished, most of the disney parks will be closing current rides to build new ones, removing capacity, and will be a construction zone for a minimum of 2 years. More time for Universal to catch up. And if Universal announces Pokémon or Zelda, it will be an even tighter race.
I hope that someday they will. I’ve always loved the Disney and Universal parks, but if you ask me which I prefer, I’ve always been a Universal geek, so I’ll always root for them to come out on top, but I hope Disney someday can get back to what made it awesome too, cause the last few years haven’t been the best imo to put it lightly.
Epic Universe is definitely gonna rock them no doubt about it.
I think the better way to look at this is “average attendance per park”, because since Disney has more parks, and people tend to visit every park at a resort when they visit, it’s all about that average. Magic Kingdom really props up WDW’s average, and universal’s parks both are on par with the other three WDW parks. I think adding Epic Universe will make that gap in average even smaller.
Universal had been catching up for quite some time, but the quick succession of Velocicoaster + Splash Mountain closing forever was the moment when Disney got passed.
I don’t think universal had passed. The general consensus in regards to the GP
is that disneyworld is still better. And universal has no leg on the west coast until they can flesh out their park to be comparable to either of the two parks at the Disneyland resort.
@@acowwithlegsthe only reason why I think that Disney may still have a leg up is because of the age they cater to. Many of the same customers from disney wouldn't be able to ride the universal attractions.
For instance my 5 year old could go on every ride at magic kingdom except the tron light cycle ride....but could only go on a very limited amount of rides at both Universal studios and islands of adventure. She could go on space mountain but not hagrids magical creatures....if Disney were to be regulated the same in safety and height requirements as universal studios then I bet there would be a significant change in attendance.
@@acowwithlegs To be fair, “general consensus” is something that is a few years behind the truth, in many matters. Disney’s reputation is (was) so strong, that even if they aren’t what they used to be, they’re still the “brand name” theme park. Takes time for people to grow attached to an experience that costs tons of money to go to, so Universal is still behind on this consensus.
As for the west coast, never been there, don’t plan to go there, so I’ll concede that point out of lack of knowledge.
Splash Mountain is not closed and never will be. I'll be enjoying it at WDW for the 75th in 2046 and Disneyland for the centennial in 2055.
@@stanfordite1 oh I don't think you've heard bud......but Splash mountain is now only a memory.
Even if it doesn't, universal growing and rivaling Disney is already good enough. Complacency is what made Disney the way it is now, and having competition makes both Disney and Universal better, because it in theory makes both strive to do better to overcome the other.
Thinking Disney is untouchable is going to be their downfall
Whose downfall?
But to be fair, they kinda are. They influence government policy.
saying “no” is incorrect. They have already toppled disney world.
Right now there are estimated to be 140k ppl in disney rn (thats 35k a park)
In Universal, right now there are estimated to be 190k ppl (63.3k a park)
Pokemon is the key. If unversal can really bring pokemon on a scale we never seen to marvel island in a new theme that would do it. Think of the tv ads the airport ads in Orlando. Kids going to Disney will see all this pokemon and get mad it's not at the park there in lol.
MSHI isn't going anywhere. Universal will be buried with that in perpetuity contract in the casket. It makes them way too much money and blocks Disney from adding things that could take away guests.
Pokémon is currently rumored to be replacing Springfield, which is rumored to be closing earlier than the end of the Simpsons contract in 2028.
USJ is in the middle of building their Pokémon ride so I'm interested to see if it's just a redone Spidey for them (since its replacing that ride/area at USJ) or something new they'll transplant to the other parks.
@@UniversalDorksonly thing I hope is for universal to keep toon lagoon as is but just give it new animatronics , that land is timeless
@@UniversalDorks it was confirmed
I think the biggest reason why Disney stands out is that their parks are ingrained in pop culture. Everyone recognizes the castles, iconic rides, characters, and the fireworks. Branding and marketing is important. Issue with Universal is that it heavily misses that classic touch that sparks nostalgia for visitors(which plays a huge aspect for returning guests)
As much as I enjoy Universal I think they lack a signature touch that makes them recognizable when it comes to their parks. They just look like a Disney competitor rather than just being Universal
Modern disney parks are looking like a cheap competitor to the classic era of disney parks more so than universal is tbh
@johnappleseed9546 Yea, I agree. I really wish the parks were handled like Tokyo Disneyland by the Oriental Land Company . It still holds that classic magic
Disney is like Apple, iconic for some reason
@@taylorserasera they fucked up getting rid of Jaws completely
Absolutely, "the happiest place on Earth" propaganda (marketing) has been around my entire life. They have the globe and the lighthouse for IoA, but that's really only known amongst park fans. Another thing Universal critically overlooked is the power of nostalgia. They built some very iconic rides that could have become classics with time the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean/Haunted Mansion, but ripped them out. Jaws, Kongfrontation, Back to the Future, the list goes on.
Theme parks are a generational business. You create a wonderful experience for a child, so that when that child grows up and has kids of their own, they will want to share it with them. One of Universal's biggest failures is that they often chase trends rather than build a legacy, and it seems like Disney is starting to make that same mistake themselves.
I think epic universe will have a MASSIVE impact however I don’t think it will be the “Disney killer” like others have said. It will take a LONG time to build up that brand trust Disney has
Had. Disney doesn't have that trust anymore.
True. But, Universal has something for everyone! While Disney only caters to a very small demographic. Universal is fun for all ages, whereas Disney is only fun for babies and children up to a certain age.
@@christinedaae7323Disney is starting to change, they’re starting to push more on their “thrill” rides, they’ve been getting killed by other chains for years but they’re changing because they see Universal’s success and they want to tap into that market as well
Disney also has been declining drastically fast
@@christinedaae7323 Then why was Encanto popular? And before you say because of the children, several songs became worldwide hits. And recently, movies have been getting better than the last few years.
The main thing that keeps me going to Disney are the festivals and concerts at Epcot,the problem with that is that the concerts have gone to trash,they're not bringing back some of the popular bands that have played there for years cause they're putting local bands on Tues-Thurs,obviously to save money.I know a bunch of people who've dropped their passes with no plans to get them back!
Iger telling jk Rowling the 50 reasons why something was impossible… then she says fuck you and does it anyways.
And yet Disney was still on top after she does it. What more now that she lost a lot of Harry Potter fans because of her problematic opinions 🤣
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp yet many people are boycotting Disney parks because Disney doesn't share those same "problematic" opinions. Parents don't really want to take their little girls to a princess dress shop and be greeted by princess man.
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp”a lot” of fans, you must mean a handful. Her lands are always the most packed at the parks and majority of merch you see people with is Harry Potter merch.
@@vando6679 and yet all of those “boycott” and still Disney remains on TOP.
@@anthonyr1930 if that is true how come they still can’t surpass Disney?? 🤭
I was a full on Disney fanatic doing all the things. that began to shift in 2018-2019. i started going back to Universal and really enjoying it. 2022 i started getting a universal ap and loved being appreciated as an ap unlike Disney. Now cut to present day i am longer a Disney ap and with the recent things you mentioned as well as lack luster changes i do not plan to go back to Disney for a while if not 5 or 6 years. Universal once epic opens i plan to renew my pass and Universal will be my main theme park when visiting Orlando. I would say that Universal is gaining ground and with some announcements that Disney has said like paving over the rivers of America i think that gap is gonna close even more when Epic opens in 2025
I’ve been to both Disney and Universal multiple times. I completely understand the complaints levied at Disney lately. The optics are bad, for sure. That said, the Disney parks (all four of them, really), have a charm that Universal lacks. I find myself really excited to go back to WDW, despite the price hikes and changing amenities, etc, but pretty apathetic towards Universal. To be fair, I’m not a thrill ride junkie, so WDW has a lot more to offer me in terms of entertainment, but even just walking around the park and sightseeing, it’s more atmospheric and enjoyable at WDW (especially in MK). The only times I felt a similar magic in Universal (no pun intended) was in the two Harry Potter areas, but outside of those areas, I have little desire to really go back to Universal. I hope that Epic Universe can break that atmospheric charm (I think it has great potential to) and I do look forward to visiting it someday, but, for now, Disney has my heart and my wallet so to say. I know this was all subjective, but I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel that way towards the parks. I see Universal trying and it’s great! They just aren’t at the same level as WDW to me.
One thing people seem to forget when making these videos is that Disney is no longer just theme parks. They make more $$ with their cruise line, time shares, hotels (specifically for industry conferences), and travel services (adventures by Disney is an example). The Disney theme parks are now stretched across the globe too. TDS just got an expansion and its 2023 attendance was just behind Disneyland.
What makes Super Nintendo World such a big deal is the fact there's been plenty of theme parks for movie-goers, but there's never really been something for gamers. Disney is for kids. Universal is for everyone!
I’m a die hard Universal fan …. I believe at some point they will surpass Disney.
Few things that need to be done first besides epic is too
1. Make Kong 3d again… they ruined the ride
2.Retheme the lost continent to Zelda ASAP
3.Retheme Simpons to Pokémon
4. Replace fast and the furious ASAP.
5. Expand Diagon alley by tearing down the fear factor stage.
The list can go on but that’s a start .
Signed a loyal universal fan
What about the rip ride rocket
Agreed with everything here. No matter what, food will always be another thing they just have to get right 😂 maybe someday hopefully 🤣
@@NinthShinigamithere food right now at universal is really good. you just got to go to the right place. in my opinion it’s better than most places at disney
How about retheme toon lagoon to a SpongeBob land like Bikini Bottom only the ride that stays is Popeye?
Give Halloween Horror Nights icons a land when fear factor is demolished
I hope Universal never catches up in attendance to Disney, because I want Universal to stay hungry and keep bringing out the creative lands and experiences like they've been doing for the last 10 years. Let everyone else keep going to the overcrowded expensive Disney parks, and I'll be enjoying myself at Universal.
Couldn't agree more!
I agree. I think them catching up is still a good thing because it should make Disney worried and have to actually try to stay ahead, even if I don't think they're doing that correctly.
I may be a loyal Disney fan, BUT... looking at what Universal is doing... I might change
I am biased cause I prefer Universal, but you definitely should! Many people count it out cause it’s not Disney, but they have found their niche and only getting better
Disney has a much longer-term issue. Once the culture of automatically visiting WDW has been broken for a couple of generations, it would be very hard to recapture. If the adults prefer to go to Universal, they will be taking their kids with them, who will create treasured memories at Universal and so will return their and take their Own kids, continuing the cycle......
People under estimate how people think of theme parks. Most people will think Disney, and THEN universal. It’s just how it is. Disney is too iconic and will never “fall off” or be dethroned. It’s literally impossible
What people "THINK" is pretty much academic. It's where they GO that matters.
It will take a generation to flip that - it's not the kids who grow up going to Universal now, it's when they have kids and Universal becomes the first choice for their vacation.
@@vamoscruceros And from things, Disney still has a strong grip on the media sphere, even if it is weakened.
That's not even remotely true.
In my personal experience. Used to visit Orlando for WDW only. Then took a day at Universal but stayed at WDW. Now i stay at Universal and take a day at WDW.
I feel that Universal is just keeping their eye on the ball and reaping the benefit. Is it important to be #1 when the market seems big enough for tourism? I was really impressed with many aspects of our first ever Universal Orlando vacation this past summer. After a few disappointments in years past, we're more interested in returning there in a few years then going to WDW.
Being totally fair, Universal still has plenty of bulldozing to do that won't offend anyone so I suspect there will be ups and downs. But in their most recent work, they outclass Disney's most recent work. That's why people are excited.
Why does everyone always say Universal is more affordable than Disney? They are literally the same price.
This holds true for most other days, but just as one example... New Years Eve at Disney this year $164-$189 depending on park. Universal is $179. That's a tie.
Cheeseburger and fries at Comic Strip Cafe at Universal is $14.49. Cheeseburger and fries at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe at Magic Kingdom is $12.29. Both places have food that wins but it averages out to pretty much a tie when comparing the same food. Disney is more expensive when you count the higher end restaurants, but Universal doesn't have any of those (in park, not City Walk or Disney Springs). EDIT: I forgot about Mythos, but the point still holds true.
Disney's cheapest hotel room on New Years Eve is All Star Sports for $274. Universal's is either Endless Summer Resort for $262. Cheaper, but not really. Tie (and before anyone says well Universal hotels are nicer though, I've stayed at both and I don't think they are. I'd argue this is also a tie).
Genie + (or whatever it's called now) is way cheaper than Express pass but also way worse then express pass, so this isn't really comparable.
A cheaper date. Disney's cheapest hotel room on January 22nd is All Star Sports for $117. Universals is either Endless Summer for $129. Now Universal is more expensive, but again, not really. Tie.
I'm not defending Disney's prices. BOTH are too high. But people only seem to rag on Disney for it when they are LITTERALLY the same price.
Check the prices of the top tier hotels and get back to me.
@@greatone33jsure.
The deluxe resorts range from 450-745 on January 22nd.
The signature resorts range from 421-552.
Ok cheaper on average but there are Disney hotels at that level that are in that price range. So sure, Disney goes higher, but they still offer the same prices in the same tier.
Edit: And for the record the cheapest of the deluxe resorts that day is Animal Kingdom Lodge which Universal has no comp to.
And I know Disney can go higher price for huge rooms that hold more people, but that’s just… how lodging works. More people, more money. I did my figures for 2 people per room.
And again. Not defending Disney prices. BOTH are too high.
@@peacocca190I use the freedom annual pass for universal and it’s $235, 3 parks
That's is the example of put effort in your costumer experience. One thing at a time. Each process of improvement. That's why Universal have more consistency than Disney in general. Even if u look another parks like disney/universal japan, china, etc, they literally as universal in USA, they know how to impress and maintain the flow and excitement for their guest. That's it the key to success.
I just wanna make it clear that I, as a brazilian, would most definitely wait 110 minutes to take a pic with Woody himself 😂
(Specially because I've already done the same to take a pic with Mickey as a child and it was NOT worth it)
I would wait 110 minutes to take a picture with Donald Duck Ngl 💯
Just wait til next year when Epic Universe opens😁
I think Disney would have to begin being very widely known as a bad value for a vacation before it loses its crown. If all family's start to hear about Disney World for 10+ years is that it's a bad experience, that belief will stick at least domestically and cause people to really not make it a priority of their children's young lives.
Reminder that in your video talking about Disney worlds projects from d23, they were all replacing other attractions. So instead of the rabbit just waking up, they just replaced the tree with a pillow now.
Disney isn't going away. But I think when it comes to quality, delivery, expansions, overall guest satisfaction, Universal is leading that. Disney has been slowly declining when it comes to that. Epic isn't going to kill WDW, but it's going to hurt them for sure.
Universal might not beat Disney but Disney could certainly beat themselves.
I've always compared disney's loyal worldwide fanbase is like taylor swift's. I don't see universal cultivating that kind of brand loyalty. But at the same time disney can't rest on their laurels and become complacent.
If we're talking about beating Epic Universe, I say bring Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disney World only similar to the one in Tokyo Disneyland including the Xmas cake like the one in Tokyo, an Indy ride in Adventureland, build a new land next door to Pandora called Land of Legends, extend the Wildlife Express railroad tracks and make a second destination to the South American animals, switch the Dino-Rama name to Pangaea, build new and exciting attractions, build an alternate Excavator with actual dinosaurs, revive Discovery River Boats with proper animatronics, a boat ride with animals based on The Jungle Book characters (an alternate Tiger Rapids Run) and an Encanto attraction in EPCOT if we're talking about pressing a movie who's villain appeared couple times more than La Sambra in The Journal episode of Hey Arnold!(who might as well be voiced by Alfred Molina in Encanto 2).
The RCID is really the kicker as far as advantages go. It just makes the logistical challenges so much easier.
Disney can mismanage and skimp for a while before things really go downhill. It's one of those slowly, then all at once sort of things.
They can trounce any of their parks in Central Florida EXCEPT for Magic Kingdom. Busiest park in the world…most popular. That one will be next to impossible to dethrone.
Universal doesn’t care to be top theme park though…at least not yet. They just want MORE market share, and what they’re doing is doing just that.
The problem with a fanatic fan base, as Disney is learning with the recent D23 announcements, is that the nostalgia for what was gets in the way of the progress for the park. Paving over Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers so they can build new stuff has the old guard up in arms. Universal changes out the Woody Woodpecker kids area to a new theme - no big issue. Disney gets rid of a street with Christmas lights to put in Star Wars land - tears spewing like a river. Universal closes up pretty much everything in Lost Continent - everyone is ready for Zelda land (assuming the rumors are true). Disney has created their own nightmare to changes by having a fan base driven by the past and memories. They can lose that loyalty quickly when people feel that the company doesn't care about those touchy feely things. And that's a fine line to walk for the people that want new things and something to bring in the newer generations. The rising prices and reduced perks are just more salt in the wounds they are opening on themselves. The death by a thousand cuts starts with one.
@@gregorycerven3484 - People got pretty mad at Universal over replacing Woody Woodpecker and Fievel. Especially, since they under-build Dreamworks Land. Children deserve better than that lame excuse of a theme park land. Plus, those IPs could have been utilized much better, if Universal has spent the money. Dreamworks Land should have been Universal’s equivalent to ToonTown.
However, the Disney Adults need to get over themselves. Magic Kingdom needs those updates, and Tom Sawyer Island is a waste of space. It is inaccessible to most people, and defeats the entire purpose of a children’s playground by not allowing strollers. Same goes for the pretentious nonsense about Disney California Adventure needing to be exclusively California-themed. It is just an adventure theme park in California. It is stupid to have a California themed park in California, when people can just go to the real Hollywood Blvd or Santa Monica Pier. Everyone forgets that much of the stuff in the Disney parks is not original. They are replacements and/or expansions. Eisner cared about fostering future generations of Disney fans. Iger pandered to the Disney Adults, and ruined the magic for everyone else.
Do you really think Cars fits in Frontierland?
If they had a great plan for that area they would have been louded. Most replacements Disney did in the last few years were not improvements: e.g. Splash Mountain/Tiana's Bayou Adventure. People have lost their trust in them and for good reason.
And not just that; why replace when you can add? They have the space but replacing is cheaper than adding and that way you can keep the lines long to sell lightning lanes.
@@politiekhistorie - If “Cars” were not Pixar, no one would have blinked twice, at the thought of one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions coming to the Magic Kingdom. Considering the Radiator Springs Races is a race track through the mountains, it technically does fit into Frontierland. The landscape does not fit into Hollywood Studios, even if the IP does.
Hate to break it to you, but Tom Sawyer Island is a waste of space in Magic Kingdom. It adds nothing to the park, apart from breeding mosquitoes. It is inaccessible, not up to modern zoning laws, and completely useless as a children’s play area. Most people did not even know it existed, until a month ago. It is not going to be missed by the general public. The keyboard warriors would have complained either way, and honestly Disney should not care what they think. The parks need those updates.
@@ChienaAvtzon what does Cinderella castle add to the park?
Disney announced nothing at D23. D23 got cancelled due to riots.
Something I haven't seen in this conversation is if Disney's intentionally waiting to compete AFTER and not DURING the opening of Epic Universe . Not directly, as in the short term Epic Universe will cause a stall-out at all existing parks (even Universal). But I would be hard-pressed to think that Disney would have given a thought about Villain's Land if Universal didn't already announce the Dark Universe to high praise. There's also the fact that their announced new and refurbished rides (Tropical Americas, Cars, Monsters Inc, ect.) are not timed to compete with Epic Universe, but instead would come online after everyone has already visited Epic Universe, and thus could swing the pendulum back to Disney at a time when Universal is not only catching its breath before the next big upgrade (Which will most likely be more Nintendo properties), but will also be dealing with active losses (The expiration of Simpsons to an already-thin Studios, and the rumored retheme of Marvel). Time will only tell what's right, but I wouldn't underestimate a frontrunner even when wounded.
@@KetchumKid - Bingo!!!!
I am looking forward to Epic Universe, but the only reason I would ever set foot into the other parks is for the Wizarding World. The majority of the rest of the attractions, apart from “Jurassic Park”, “The Mummy”, and “ET”, are really mediocre. Even Minions Land, which is beautifully themed, has unappealing attractions. Dreamworks Land was wasted potential. Suess Landing was left to rot. Marvel Superhero Island is tacky and outdated. I refuse to even acknowledge the rest of those horrendous motion simulators.
Epic Universe is going to benefit Disney more than Universal. Since, it will just highlight the flaws in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The average person will go to both Magic Kingdom and Epic Universe, and ignore everything else, apart from maybe Hollywood Studios. However, what does Universal have planned for the next five years? Epic Universe is not going to be the shiny new toy anymore, once Disney opens up all those expansions. This also gives Disney the chance to possibly rectify the one flaw in Dark Universe’s design, and build the Villains Land completely indoors, in order for the area to be in a permanent state of darkness.
@@ChienaAvtzonI’d say toon lagoon has the best water rides and theming around, very nostalgic, especially ripsaw falls. But yes they truly did leave Suess landing to rot sadly. The cat in the hat is in terrible state compared to what it used to be. River adventure is probably the ride in worst condition in all of universal. But good news I heard from a team member online that universal just got a new head engineer who is determined to fix a lot of the animatronics. On ripsaw falls a lot of the animatronics and effects that hasn’t worked in years now work almost like new , same thing for some of Popeyes. If they keep this up it would be perfect.
What Universal needs to do is keep the pedal to the floor and continue announcing/working on new big projects even after Epic Universe opens. Don't allow a lull period where Disney monopolizes theme park news and thus retakes any lost market-share. I think that would be the most successful strategy long-term for Universal.
@@XylonLionheart - Not going to happen, because Universal does have any IP to replace anything with. Contrary to what the internet claims, the “Pokemon” rights are currently exclusive to Japan. Universal also blew their budget on Epic Universe. They might eventually put “Wicked” into the expansion pad, but that is dependent on the film being successful. Nor does it address the other two parks.
@@ChienaAvtzonThey could easily just replace the Simpsons with back to the future in an ironic twist, however superhero island is a bit of tough one, they can figure it out, my current suggestions would be Captain Underpants/Dog man, MAYBE the bad guys and they could bring Jaws back too ig
Competition is good for both of them. No matter who is on top I hope they keep pushing the other to be better.
I think Universal Osaka has higher attendance than Tokyo Disneyland (the park, not the whole resort).
You should dive into those numbers and see how it applies to the US parks. Could make for an interesting video
Disney's parks are aging really fast. While disney spends a lot of money on announcing what they're gonna build, universal is spending a lot on building what they will announce.
I feel if attendance records from the last year between USJ and Disney Tokyo are anything to go by, there is a chance that USO could eclipse Disney World in the near future. Also important to note there is almost no consequence to attending both Universal and Disney on a long Orlando vacation. They're priced very similarly (at least in terms of park visits).
Two words: Blockbuster, Netflix.
When Netflix showed up as a mail order DVD service they were not even on the radar of Blockbuster. Everyone in America had a blockbuster blue and yellow membership card. Every Friday night, every Saturday night, the lines would be jam-packed trying to get the latest DVD or VHS tape.
Fast forward and Netflix, through innovation, starts to grain market share. And before you know it, Blockbuster is wondering where their business is going.
You all know the rest of the story.
By the time Blockbuster leadership figured out they were being innovated into oblivion, it was too late.
Blockbuster will be coming back because streaming will be banned as a medium. Physical media will be the law.
@@stanfordite1😂😂😂 Wow. You are truly delusional.
@@batshtcrazy5293 You don't laugh at military personnel in the United States, civvie. I outrank you and you take orders from me. It's the law. Do you understand? You will answer "Yes Sir" when military personnel ask you a question. Yes Blockbuster is coming back. Streaming is going to be an illegal medium and my family in Congress is working on a bill to ban it.
It doesn't matter if it's Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando I love both resort theme parks just the same. ❤
I think you forget that it's been a long time since Disney opened a new theme park. Next year is going to be dismal for Disney because people are going to flock to Epic Universe. Also, Disney has spent the last five years alienating its fanbase with price increases, diminished shows, under par fireworks, and reduced entertainment in general. Take for example the horrible Jollywood events. It's like they are trying to kill their own brand. D23 announced lots of construction. That means less park rides for the short term. That should really draw in crowds.
To add onto this,
most of Disney's numbers is being carried by Magic Kingdom. And yeah, it's going to take Universal a lot of time to beat that since it is the single most attended theme park in the world.
HOWEVER Universal is on par or beating the numbers of Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom with thier current 2 parks. Which I feel is much more telling. And that's pre Epic Universe. Disney is not getting people to visit all the parks in their vacation meanwhile Universal is. And once Epic Universe comes out, that number is only going to grow as Universal will pretty much get people outside the disney bubble.
DIsney can hide behind MK numbers to say they are leading. But in terms of the full vacation. Universal is already taking the lead.
I don't see epic ever beating mk in attendance. But one thing people are not considering is that epic is really gonna highlight the shortcomings of the other 2 parks, especially studios.
@@WiiDude83 - That would be due to EPCOT and Animal Kingdom not having universal appeal. They are both way too niche, and neither one has enough rides to warrant the ticket price.
@@metallicnole4514 I do feel like after Epic, the main studios park is going to get all of the attention. Because it's clear that park needs the most work. Wouldn't be surpised if Fast and Furious, Simpsons, Jimmy Fallon, and Rip Ride all get replaced within the next 5 years because that park suffers the most from the over reliance on screens universal had.
@@WiiDude83 Yeah studios needs a massive overhaul. Studios and islands are the parks that will be the most directly affected by epic.
I think Disney will always be more financially on top, cause Disney IPs have families by a chokehold and the parks are seen as more for families. Even though the majority of the films theyre producing are mediocre recycled slop, the slightly better than medicore movies become absolute cultural phenomenons. (Frozen and Encanto are fine and good movies, but I don't understand the insane hype around them) And people are still paying plenty of money to see live action remakes.
I think in time, Universal will be seen as the better parks by most park enthusiasts, while Disney brand loyalists will keep worshiping the mouse no matter what. They'll install a new Frozen-themed shaved ice stand and the Disney fans will all lose their minds and line up for miles to pay $20 for a cup of Elsa Ice.
Disney is about to lose all its non homegrown IP due to antitrust. Frozen and Encanto were mediocre movies that don't belong in the parks. When I take over Disney, the parks will lose a lot of IP in favor of originality. Nobody is watching live action remakes and I'm working to get all studios banned from making remakes. We'll see how loyal those so called Disney loyalists are when I take over and make it great again by taking the parks back to the 20th century and have every decision made by asking "What would Walt do?"
great vid, as always! (commenting for the algorithm, sorry have nothing to actually add in a comment sometimes..)
Not only can Universal catch up, I believe if they continue to play their cards right, Universal can overtake and pass Disney.
I do agree with you that Disney has those two pillars they are built on that give them the leg up on Universal, but Disney itself will be the reason those pillars collapse. Their attitude that says 'We're Disney and we're too big to fail" is chipping away at those pillars with every bad decision made and every controversy they get into. Not to mention the fact that they treat customers and employees alike with complete apathy and sucker punch them for quick cash at any opportunity. Not a smart way to maintain the goodwill of your base.
The stupidity
@@asudevil316 yup. You would think Disney would learn.
@@jukeboxhero30 please tell me how great Universal treats people when they literally call their visitors fat...you are an uneducated Universal shill. How did Universal defend their employees against DeSantis and his homophobic attacks?
If they bring Universal Studios Florida up to standard, build a 4th/ 5th park, and keep their prices across the board more affordable than Disney, maybe.
Disney World will always be a bigger cultural icon/ household name, but will people still drop money for it?
@@AgentGodzillaRP1701 - Universal is the same price is Disney, and their parks have less attractions.
@@ChienaAvtzon Universal’s three parks will be more bang for your buck than the 3 non-MK parks.
MK’s value is debatable considering how much the experience has deteriorated, plus it’s the worst castle park.
@@AgentGodzillaRP1701 Universal has less attractions for the same price
Disney is geared towards small children and people who have nostalgia for being small children. Universal is geared towards teens and young adults and people who have nostalgia for those times of their lives. I personally prefer Universal, but to each their own.
I loved Disney. But they pushed me away. I've been liking what Universal is doing far more!
AI is the Stephen a smith of theme park YT and I love it
More like the ball is in universal court for some adults. But most adults will prioritize their kids over their own personal interests. And Disney will always cater that. Even with the decline they’re still on top so…
@@stephaniestewart-lq9zp - Yeah…. based on the upcoming expansions, Disney finally seems to be returning to prioritizing families and children over the Disney Adults. Children love “Coco” and “Encanto”. Even the “Monsters Inc” roller coaster, will probably be fun for children who enjoy the Tower of Terror. While, Disney California Adventure’s “Avatar” land main attraction will be a boat ride.
I don’t think universal will completely overtake Disney within the decade but over time the gap will close as Disney has to bring their parks up to the quality of universal even potentially giving universal time to open a fourth gate which would be checkmate against disney
If they add 4th park maybe by just buying seaworld and a new paint job I think overall attendance will be higher at universal but the magic kingdom will still be the highest attended park mainly since that is the so called dream park for most people and epic just doesn’t have that history or nostalgia maybe a few sitcoms having a universal trip would help I mean every show I grew up with that was a major vacation.
A lot of this video seems to be making the point that higher attendance numbers are good, when it’s actually much better to have fewer people attending when you are able to charge them more and make more overall
A sort of positive video on Disney parks for once. I guess it was bound to happen and reminded of Disney superiority in theme parks.
I held off my unversal season tickets and trips to do the sea world parks this year
Sea world ?!?!? Why 😭
@jasmine-rose18 I wanted to do the bush parks. I'm going to bush Williamsburg next weekend with that pass for the Halloween event and I already did tampa. SeaWorld Orlando was dope and Texas was also cool glad I did it
I think Disney is right they are repeating the past again yeah
I think the constant shift of about 8million between the parks are only USA tourist, the rest are international and that is where Disney will always have the advantage. Outside the USA people save their entire lives just to attend Disney at least once in their lives, I’m not too sure Universal is in their minds…. Personally 2025 will be my very first time in Universal yay
Universal has I-Drive….go from there.
I would say that more people are starting to go to universal even after Disneys nostalgia era, because everyone I hear say “Disneys the best yadada” then I’m like go to universal then they go, and say they had a better time there ever compared to Disney, and I can’t think of one person who has been to both parks in the last 2 years and they haven’t said universal was better
As a fan of universal I’m fine with it
As long as I have fun and think it’s better it dosent matter to me
Does Disney having 4 parks matter when one of them is Animal Kingdom? lol
I won’t go back to Disney for two reasons: the last two visits I had crappy customer service experiences (getting snapped at or being made to feel I was inconveniencing cast members who were just hanging out chatting when I asked a question). That’s what happens when you hire exclusively college kids I guess. Second, it’s so much more expensive and if you don’t buy the express stuff, you end up feeling like a second class citizen, waiting in horrible lines. Their cash grab mentality has been so disappointing. Surely they’re losing money even though each guest is now paying more.
Disney has the blessing of size as Walt said which allows them to do those types of numbers every year and yet they continue to replace attractions. Universal is in a residential area so unfortunately I don’t think they will get much bigger unless more land becomes available around them. Disney is also more well known to people around the world. The people will continue to worship the mouse so they will continue to stay on top, in my opinion. However as Universal does continue to grow, they will be even more of a direct competitor against Disney. I grew up going to both, but Universal has always been my number one and once Disney got involved in politics, I kicked the boot on them as a whole. I haven’t been to Disney in 13 years but I have an AP for Universal. I hope they continue to do great things!
Great video.
Yeah, even though I prefer Universal myself, I still try to visit both whenever I go to Orlando & try to focus on the rides & IPs that I like, and from what I can tell the vast majority of people are the same way. And I just don’t really see Epic Universe changing that TBH.
If Universal is serious about wanting to force people to choose one or the other & choose them over Disney, I think they’ve still got a lot of work to do to bring their other IPs up to the same level as HP & the other two parks (especially Studios) up to the same level as Epic.
IMO Marvel superhero island and toon lagoon is absolute perfection in terms of theming those should be left as is, Jurassic park could use a lot work especially river adventure. They need to do something with lost continent sooner or later. And agreed studios needs the most attention rn cause when visiting The resort for me , islands is the park to go to.
I’m highly certain that it is
Universal isn't Disney's worst enemy. Disney is
I've seen Sears, Kodak, JC Penny, and other things disappear that I never thought would go away. Any company can disappear. Disneyland is my favorite park. Certain things I find keep me coming back - Staff, emersion, clean, polish, and childhood memories. Disneyworld? Meh. Been there a few times and like it, but still prefer Disneyland. It's not about size. I never see the outside world. When I walk through the gate and go under bridge, everything is left behind. It's like walking into a storybook.
Universal does not need to topple Disney. With rising cost families will be deciding which property they will have their basecamp. Bigger isn't always better, but Universal has an opportunity to make an impression with this generation of parents and kids, whereas Disney has been resting on their past success.
Which Brand will offer the best one - two combination? Magic Kingdom plus their number two park or Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure?
Universal has been gaining ground and it will be interesting to see how the Universal park planned for Texas influences families from that region to decide on Disney or Universal. Universal will gain in attendance regardless of being number 1 or number 2.
Universal Studios is way more fun and more better than Disney World! Disney really lost its ways and lost its magic ever since Disney becomes greedy and not so family friendly like it was back then. I used to have fun at Disney World when I was younger, but when I got a little older I got a little bored and also I’m glad I didn’t go there cause Disney is becoming so expensive and lines are so long taking forever. That’s why I’m never setting foot in Disney World ever again. Last year I took a trip to Universal Studios and I’m having a blast!! No wonder Universal Studios is better and I’m looking forward to go there again on my next vacation. Hello Universal Studios and goodbye forever Disney World!
There are several metrics Universal could start bragging about beyond overall attendance. Average park attendance, per guest spend, average guest nights on property. Ways where Universal is beating Disney when scale is factored.
Honestly, I think in the end the more well-rounded and affordable trip will be the one that decides who is king. As inflation goes up people will scrutinize where there dollar is going and I think Universal is poised to use that to their advantage.
@@AJ-qg6lf - Universal is not any more affordable than Disney, and even NBC called them out on it.
@@ChienaAvtzon Never said they were. I said "the more well-rounded and affordable trip". What I'm saying is you get more for your dollar at universal. You can get a hotel for 96 dollars (Endless Summer) while one night at All-Star Sports can run you about 150. When you're in the park there are self serve freestyle machines you can use to get ice and water, at Disney you have your choice of stale water fountain or waiting in line for a small water cup. Universals quick service offerings are getting more and more creative In utilizing IPs for an experience (Butterbeer, Minion Cafes Px41) while disney usually opts for a print out on a cupcake (or Lefus brew butterbeer clone and blue milk). Small things in the experience add up and I am saying Universal knows this and will certainly try to use it to their advantage.
When you consider Universal's popularity with fewer parks and without the gimmick of costumed characters, it's clear why Disney isn't winning, even if their attendance is higher.
Disney will never die but universal is on the rise. I think epic universe can help close the gap but the way universal gets close/beats Disney is if Disney beats themselves. (I like universal more personally but just my thoughts)
8:20 dang
Universal still has a long way to go when it comes to improving their parks. Epic Universe is only going to make it more obvious. Universal will never catch up to Disney, but the competition will benefit both parks. Case in point, Universal finally has an iconic mascot in the Minions and despite how well-themed the facades of Minions Land is, the attractions suck. How difficult is it to build a dark ride, or a family thrill coaster? Same goes for the Dreamworks Land, and how cheaply constructed it was, despite those films deserving something akin to Fantasyland or Mickey’s ToonTown. Universal cannot keep coasting on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Just like Disney can no longer remain lackadaisical, and take their fanbase for granted.
It is interesting that harry potter, their most popular ip, has no meet and greets.
@@metallicnole4514 as requested by JK
Enjoy Universal while they are in the growth phase...
One day, we will be looking back like "Remember when Universal gave great value offers, and wasnt super crowded?".
They all hit a falling point when they get too big...
I think Disney may go into second place unless they start addressing the Disney Adults and a littl more attractions geared to adults.
It's likely that Walt Disney World will remain number one in total Orlando attendance because of what you said. 11 hotels versus 23 hotels.
However, don't be surprised if individually, Epic Universe has more attendance than Magic Kingdom. And Islands of Adventure comes in at #2.
Due to Disney's sheer size, they may stay #1, but it will certainly be misleading. The online chatter, the word of mouth, the media exposure, and the narrative will all be in Universal's favor.
Plus, Disney's size equals huge upkeep and maintenance costs. They can barely take care of the hotels and theme parks they already have, so with less attendance year-over-year as bad decisions are made, they'll have less money for the upkeep and maintenance, which will further exacerbate the issues.
In terms of IP: My nephew and niece had the choice and choose Universal when my sister went to Orlando. Because Universal has How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter and Minions (they are 11 and 9) which they think are more interesting than what Disney has to offer. Disney's recent duds and political stance can lead to a new generation that is far less into Disney as the previous generations were. Disney used to be the only big player in animation too and lost that position already.
We ourselve used to have the majority of our Orlando days at WDW and only a few at Universal. This year that has flipped for the first time. Mostly based on our bad experiences last year.
Topple?.. No. Eat further into the market share?.. Yes.
Disney wont ever fall but neither do i think it will return to its prime. Universal has upped their game by miles to the point where formal staff from World work at Orlando. To say the least, Disney needs a huge leap in order to survive.
Give Halloween Horror Nights Icons a land universal I beg of you!
Overall, normies will see Disney World as the must see product since they dont go to theme parks as often as die hards. Universal will succeed in delivering new rides and lands in the near future because, despite media chatter than disney is falling behind universal, disney is still king in overall infrastructure and brand awareness. But as a theme park geek whos been actively a theme park diehard for more than a decade now, disney is still superior in line wait efficiency (assuming you are OR are going to their parks with a disney adult who knows how to game their lightning lane system lol)
I love Universal more, but it likely will never happen
That's like saying Pepsi will eventually surpass Coke or that Microsoft will buy Apple.
the situation is even worth for Disney than what you're saying in the video because this comparison doesn't make sense. You can't compare the attendance gap, you have to compare attendance ratio (1:5 to 1:3 to 1:2,5).
They're on the same market, if the market grows which is obviously the case, both will have more visitors. In 2009, 17.6% of visitors went to Universal, in 2019 26,6% of visitors went to Universal and in 2023 28,6% of visitors went to universal. Meaning Universal is catching up quit quickly actually.
Your thesis is built on the concept that Disney is still on an incline in the popular opinion of its fans or former fans. Disney has been on a steady decline in maintenance and improving of its current parks and offerings.
Disney is getting in their own way, Universal won’t be responsible for them failing, Disney is doing it to themselves.
Call me a universal believer because I love both resorts but Universal is going to close that gap even more and I’ll be a part of those attendance numbers
I mean anything is possible since Disney seems bent on demolishing to make it more like Universal.
So what if Universal never over takes disney more competain is all ways a good thing
Meanwhile universal could have Zelda pokemon and expansions to epic while disney is trying to bounce back with vililans not coming till 2029 giving epic 4 years to rake in the money.
With Dark universe opening up they need to build another land, I’m Thinking a land based on the Halloween Horror Nights icons.
Pumpkin lord
Jack and chance
Odd fellow
Sinist3r and Surr3al
Lady Luck
Caretaker
Storyteller
Usher
Director
Need rides and a restaurant imagine the possibilities. I would love a Pumpkin Lord ride.
@@blysthon9917 im for it but im sure they wont over saturate HHN style things so they can still market the event at studios. From all the rumors it seems either pokemon or zelda would be the first project to happen after epic.
@@FortMiseryGamingyeah I know, but the icons deserve so much recognition I mean jack the clown is everywhere now. Including in Beijing