Many of you have probably seen the video Universal Orlando dropped today introducing their upcoming park Epic Universe which opens next year. For those that haven’t:
I have felt for a long time that Disney needs to quit resting on their laurels. I think this will be the real test and if Epic Universe doesn’t light a fire under their butts, I’m not sure what will.
What do I mean? I mean it seems to me Disney isn’t going above and beyond to be the ultimate vacation the way they used to. Incentives to visit? Close to gone. Price? Skyrocketed. On-site perks? Almost non-existent. Loyalty? They prioritize one and done guests. Guest satisfaction? It’s whatever. Listening to what guests want? Not interested. Desire to remain competitive? Hardly.
This thread isn’t aimed at bashing Disney. My family have been DVC members since 1994. I’ve been visiting WDW since 1992. I felt in love with the magic so hard I never thought that would change. But for the last few years that love has felt unrequited. Disney and I are currently on a break. I let my WDWAP go, I cancelled Disney+, I stopped using my Disney Visa card, and I haven’t visited WDW since February 2022. Universal are always enticing me and encouraging me to come back. Since my last visit to Disney I have had a Universal Annual Pass, visited UO 4 times, subscribed to Peacock, and took out their credit card. I never desired this outcome, I always loved both companies for different reasons, but it’s felt much like Disney does not and will not love me back. That hurts.
No matter what happens, I will continue to go to Universal Orlando Resort. But at the same time, I’m wondering if this new park will make Disney take me back so I can visit both again. I’m wondering who else feels this way and what your thoughts are on Universal’s influence on Walt Disney World?
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