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Old 12-26-2009, 08:28 PM   #1
SevenWonkas
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Universal vs. Hollywood Studios

I've never been to US, so I'm hoping someone can help me out! We have family visiting Orlando for a week in January -- right in the Sea World/Disney area. They're trying to plan what they want to do. (They're coming to the area because they found a great deal and can visit other family, not to visit the parks. ) They don't want to visit Sea World though!

They're both retired, and it'll be just the two of them. They're not fans of major rides due to motion sickness issues, but would enjoy shows and gentle rides. They're movie buffs, so I thought DHS would be best of the Disney parks (they're not necessarily partial to Disney movies though, just good movies). I always thought that US had more thrill rides than anything else, but then I read somewhere that US is similar to DHS.

So those of you that have been to both park -- which park would you suggest? The $99 unlimited ticket that US has intrigues me. If they did DHS, they would likely only buy a 1-day ticket (non-hopper) and that's it. (Again, they are not coming to Orlando for the parks) But if they get the $99 unlimited 7-day tickey for US, they would be able to go back if they wanted. Yeah, the $99 is more expensive than the 1-day non-hopping Disney ticket, but it would provide more flexibility.

Thanks for your help!

Also, is there an admisison charge to Universal's CityWalk?
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Old 12-26-2009, 10:23 PM   #2
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There is no charge for the city walk. When we went with my in-laws they were bored at US because it is mainly rides. My father-in law is a movie buff and enjoyed DHS because of the great movie ride and the indiana jones show.
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Old 12-27-2009, 12:35 AM   #3
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There is no charge for the city walk. When we went with my in-laws they were bored at US because it is mainly rides. My father-in law is a movie buff and enjoyed DHS because of the great movie ride and the indiana jones show.
Thank you! I think they would love the Great Movie Ride (and would probably ride it multiple times)! I don't want them to be bored at US, and feel that they wasted their money. I appreciate your input.

And thank you for letting me know that there is no charge for CityWalk. I read there is a charge for parking, but it could be a place for them to walk around/eat/see a movie or something.
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Old 12-27-2009, 04:16 AM   #4
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Thank you! I think they would love the Great Movie Ride (and would probably ride it multiple times)! I don't want them to be bored at US, and feel that they wasted their money. I appreciate your input.

And thank you for letting me know that there is no charge for CityWalk. I read there is a charge for parking, but it could be a place for them to walk around/eat/see a movie or something.
Last time we were there parking was $11
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Old 12-27-2009, 05:14 PM   #5
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I think, from your description of them, they'd enjoyed Hollywood Studios more - many more great shows and wonderful theming. Don't get me wrong, Universal is great and there's a lot they can do there, but I'd go for the Studios over Universal, unless you're a repeat visitor. I guess I'm a Disney lover...
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Old 12-27-2009, 08:25 PM   #6
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Old 12-28-2009, 09:59 AM   #7
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Here's my list of shows and "gentle" rides at US:

Terminator 3D show - 3D show based on Terminator movies

Shrek 4D show - 3D show that takes place between Shrek 1 & 2

Horror Make Up Show - live show that gives some secrets to Horror makeup and special effects - very funny and the audience sometimes gets involved

ET Adventure - a very slow moving dark ride that is really beautiful!

Jaws - a slow boat ride featuring that famous menacing shark

Disaster - this is similar to the Backlot tour at DHS. One section you sit in a theater while some movie special effects are demostrated with members of the audience. Then you sit in a subway car that's hit with fire, water, etc. Pretty gentle.

Animal Actors on Location - cute show with some talented animals and trainers

Twister - you stand in a room and witness a simulated tornado.

Beetlejuice Graveyard review - short musical show.

Blues Brothers - outside street performers.

Barney - kiddie show


DHS:

Indiana Jones stunt show

Prince Caspian walk through

Lights, Motors, Action stunt show

Muppet Vision 3D

Playhouse Disney - kid show

Studio Backlot Tour

American Idol

Magic of Disney Animation

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Walt Disney: One Man's Dream walk through


Both lists omitted any coaster, spinning rides, and motion simulators. I counted 11 at Universal and 10 at DHS. So either park will have about the same number of things for them to do.
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Old 12-28-2009, 06:32 PM   #8
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Thanks everyone for the information!
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