Here’s What Universal Could Learn from Walt Disney World

Planning a vacation to Orlando and trying to choose between Universal Studios and Walt Disney World? While both offer exciting theme parks, beloved characters, and immersive experiences, there are key differences between the two. Walt Disney World excels in a few areas where Universal Studios could learn some valuable lessons.

Here are six ways Universal could take a page from Disney’s playbook to create even more magical experiences for guests.

1. Attraction Diversity

Universal Studios is known for its adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, incorporating cutting-edge technology to deliver fast-paced, heart-racing experiences. It’s no wonder that Universal is often seen as a park geared toward teens and adults. However, this focus on intense rides can alienate guests who prefer more relaxed attractions or those who can’t handle motion sickness.

Walt Disney World, on the other hand, offers a broader range of attractions that cater to all ages and preferences. Whether you love roller coasters, gentle boat rides, or classic dark rides, there’s something for everyone. From “It’s a Small World” to “Space Mountain,” Disney ensures that guests aged 1 to 100 can find rides that suit their comfort level. Universal could enhance its appeal by incorporating more family-friendly attractions that don’t require a love for speed or a high tolerance for drops.

2. Cleanliness

There’s no denying that cleanliness can greatly impact a guest’s experience at a theme park. At Universal Studios, visitors occasionally encounter less-than-pristine restrooms or trash scattered around the park. These small lapses in cleanliness can break the immersion and detract from the overall enjoyment of the day.

Walt Disney World, by contrast, is famous for its spotless parks. Disney’s carefully placed trash cans and a dedicated custodial team ensure that guests are never more than a few steps from a bin, and trash is whisked away almost as soon as it hits the ground. This commitment to maintaining a clean and magical environment makes a big difference in guest satisfaction.

Universal could certainly take note of how well Disney manages to keep their parks sparkling clean.

3. Limiting Intrusive Advertising

One of the most impressive things about Disney parks is how well they maintain the thematic integrity of each land. You won’t find jarring advertisements for other parts of the park plastered on trash bins in Fantasyland or Space Mountain posters in Adventureland. Every element in Disney parks is designed to enhance the story and atmosphere of the land you’re in.

Unfortunately, Universal Studios often disrupts the immersive experience with misplaced advertisements, like walking through a Jurassic Park section only to see ads for other areas of the park. Disney’s ability to keep each land self-contained without invasive advertising is a valuable lesson in maintaining the magic.

4. Immersive Storytelling

When it comes to immersing guests in a different world, Disney truly excels. From the moment you step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora – The World of Avatar, or Toy Story Land, you are transported to another universe. Every detail, from the sounds to the smells, is carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience.

Universal does deliver a fantastic experience with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but beyond that, there are fewer areas that feel truly immersive. Universal could benefit from expanding this type of immersive storytelling to other lands in the park, making the entire visit feel like stepping into different worlds—much like what Disney has perfected over the years.

5. Embracing Nostalgia

One key factor in Disney’s long-lasting success is its ability to create nostalgia. Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion have stood the test of time, providing guests with a sense of continuity and connection to their childhoods. Even if you haven’t visited Walt Disney World in years, returning to these attractions brings back fond memories.

Universal, on the other hand, tends to retire its older attractions to make way for newer ones, often losing that nostalgic charm in the process. While it’s exciting to experience new rides, retaining a few classic attractions would help Universal foster deeper emotional connections with its guests, ensuring that returning visitors have something familiar to look forward to.

6. Creating Magical Moments

Disney’s dedication to creating magical moments for guests is something that sets it apart from most theme parks. Whether it’s a cast member going out of their way to make a birthday extra special, or a chef whipping up a custom dish for a guest with allergies, Disney makes every effort to ensure guests feel like anything is possible.

Universal Studios, while offering great guest service, tends to operate with more of a “by the book” approach. For instance, small requests, such as mixing soft-serve and hard-pack ice cream, are often denied. Disney’s “magic” lies in its flexibility and its ability to go above and beyond to create special, personalized experiences.

Incorporating more of this magic would enhance Universal’s guest experience, making visitors feel like their vacation truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Conclusion

Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer incredible experiences, but there’s no denying that Disney has mastered certain aspects that keep guests coming back time and again. From maintaining clean parks to creating immersive lands and prioritizing nostalgia, Universal could learn from Disney’s attention to detail.

By adopting some of these practices, Universal could elevate its guest experience even further and create a park that is magical for visitors of all ages.