Comparing Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World - Independent Guide to Universal Orlando 2015 - page 120

ces - The Incredible Hulk Coaster wins coaster awards year after year, the same can be said
for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man . There is Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter and
the Forbidden Journey , Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Hogwarts Express,
The Simpsons Ride, Jaws (now gone), Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park River Adventure
and many more incredible experiences. The attractions opened at Universal Orlando over
the past few years have been immense. The last big revolution for Disney in our opinion
was Expedition Everest in 2006. We would not count the additions in New Fantasyland as
major attractions with perhaps the exception of Enchanted Tales with Belle .
Furthermore, guests at the Universal Orlando resort can expect new attractions every year
fortheforeseeable futureaswellasanexpansionofthewholeresortoverall-wemayeven
see a new theme park in the next 5 to 10 years.
Lockers - Just a small quirk but it is something to get used to and be aware of. Whereas
at Walt Disney World you can take your belongings onto every ride and keep them at your
feet or in your pockets, at Universal you must leave them in (free) lockers whilst you are
riding. This can be an annoying process though admittedly it is safer for guests.
Friendliness - Although Universal Orlando has recently improved on the friendliness of
Team Members; their employees are still nothing like Disney's. Disney's Cast Members
are empowered to “make magical moments” to improve anyone'svacation the way Univer-
sal employees just are not. Disney employees seem happier, and have “courtesy” employed
as one of 4 key values that must always be followed. At Disney parks the only reason the
courtesy of an employee to be compromised would be in a safety-critical situation, other-
wise the Cast Members cannot do enough for you - most will go above and beyond, and
provide exceptional customer service. Universal Orlando on the other hand provides good
service for the most part and most of the Team Members are great but it seems that all too
often during a visit these employees have been overshadowed by those who are unhelpful
or simply downright rude. Your mileage may vary here.
Live entertainment - You would think for a company that is celebrating 100 years of
movies Universal would know how to put on a good show or two. They do - just not at
Universal Orlando. The Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in California is filled
with great shows yet sadly none have made their way across to Orlando. Shows like
SindBad , Beetlejuice and even Fear Factor are old and aging badly. In comparison shows
like Dream Along with Mickey, Find Nemo the Musical and The Festival of the Lion King
are incredible and innovative.