(Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
Disney World has always been special to me. Like many of us in Florida, my parents took me there when I was a kid. But lately, unfavorable changes at Disney World and changes for the better at Universal in Orlando, has many people switching. There's been some issues with the Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane features. There's been posts saying that the park just isn't as clean as it used to be, and some reported fights. But for many it's come down to cost.
This discussion came up in a recent Reddit post. One Redditor said: "I was going to go to WDW last September, but due to costs and the “conveniences” of staying on property being changed I opted to go to Universal instead. Ended up getting the Military Freedom Pass and stayed at Cabana Bay. Paid way less to for the week at Universal then I would have at WDW. I could see it being viewed more favorable, but there will still be the Disney faithful that will still go to Disney like nothing has changed."
Another post shared a similar theme: "Just spent 4 days at Universal and stayed at Royal Pacific. Spent 5 days at Disney and stayed at Yacht Club. Had ExpressPass Unlimited and Genie+. Disney cost 50% more for a lesser experience. I know where I’ll be focusing my time and money on the next trip."
Going to Disney has never been cheap, we all know that. And to add to that expense, booking a vacation at Disney, especially the first time you do it, can be a bit confusing. It adds up in what this Tik Tokker calls her Rule Of 5:
But Universal has really been stepping it up.
As reported by InsideTheMagic " Universal has added four new hotels in the last decade and opened up Universal’s Volcano Bay– its water park– in 2017. The two theme parks– Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure– have continued to add attractions, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, and there are plans in the works to add another Minions attraction and a rumored Minions Cafe at Universal Studios. "
The big one, however, will be when Universal opens it it's next park "Epic Universe" in 2025 with Super Nintendo World. We're also hearing about How To Train Your Dragon, and an addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And since it's fall, let's not ignore how amazing Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is. Disney's 'Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party' is great if you have little kids. But HHN is some amazing entertainment for the adults.
Listen. Disney World has been at this a long time, and any perceived issues will be fixed. Going to Disney World has always been amazing. The time I spent at the Animal Kingdom Lodge a few years ago was unforgettable. Universal in Orlando, however, has really been stepping it up, and I think as time goes by we'll see Universal keeping these gains. All this competition is good for us, the people who go to the parks.
And let's not forget about all the big changes Sea World has been doing
Howl-O-Scream Returning to SeaWorld Orlando
After a successful first year in 2021, Howl-O-Scream is returning this year to SeaWorld Orlando.
Howl-O-Scream kicks off September 9th and runs through October 31st and during the event the park's roller coasters will be open to ride at night. Also, in addition to some fan favorites from last year, new this year is a "Lurking in the Depths" show, the new "Sea of Fear", "Cut Throat Cove" and "Frozen Terror" scare zones and "Captain's Revenge- Drowned in Sorrow" and "Beneath the Ice" haunted houses. There will also be two new bars, "Longshoreman's Tavern" and "Tormented" serving up cocktails during Howl-O-Scream.
Through July 24th, you can save up to 70% on tickets during the Sinister sale. For more info, click here
I haven't gone yet, but a friend was just giving me her review from last year saying "It was insane. Soooo scary. I was crying. They did a fantastic job with that. SeaWorld outdid themselves."
