Islands of Adventure vs. Magic Kingdom

In 10 years, which is going to be better: Islands of Adventure or Magic Kingdom?

With the additions of Harry Potter to IOA and the new Fantasy Land in MK who did u think will be the better park in 10 years. Will IOA become the most visited theme park in the world? Will Magic Kingdom lose its crown? Will Dinsey take Marvel Super Hero Island from IOA? Will Harry Potter consume more of the park? Will Dinesy finally bring an attraction that can beat out Spiderman or Forbidden Journey? What will happen in ten years?

It is hard for me to say this, but I believe Magic Kingdom is loosing its thunder while IOA is gaining it, and unless MK makes many changes over the next ten years, I say IOA takes the crown (I already like IOA more than MK presently)

I still don't think WWOHP will grow that much more than it already is...

Magic Kingdom will never lose a whole lot of its attendance figures. While Potterland and Marvel Island both attract very different demographics, Magic Kingdom is classic and appeals to a wide range of ages, and definitely to adults who remember visiting in their childhood.

So, no, I don't see IOA taking Magic Kingdom's crown any time within the next decade. While I agree that IOA is a more interesting park, it's not very kid friendly, which is where Magic Kingdom holds its monopoly.

While I do think Islands of Adventure will always have better attractions, Magic Kingdom is like an American tradition. Generations of families have brought their children there and when they get older they will bring theirs. I don't think that's going to change.

Islands of Adventure will always be better than Magic Kingdom!

The Magic Kingdom will always be better than Islands of Adventure!

Apples are better than oranges.

Unless something drastic happens, Magic Kingdom will always be better than IOA. IOA has some amazing rides, but the whole areas of theme at MK blows IOA out of the water. You can't beat the Disney Experience. IOA took a big step with Harry Potter and that land by itself is disney quality, but the rest of the park isn't. I would say Epcot and Animal Kingdom are also better than IOA(and USF for that matter) but i'd have to think about DHS quite a bit. You can't beat Disney at theme parks in general.

Hippos are better than apples.

According to the Themed Entertainment Association 2009 theme park attendance report, IOA would have to QUADRUPLE its attendance number in order to reach the level of the Magic Kingdom.

What's more the Fantasyland expansion is going to have an ENORMOUS impact on the MK's attendance numbers.

TH, and everyone else, Jim Hill posted an interesting article on the fantasyland expansion that i recomend to read. Youcan find it on screamscape or the regular website.

Yeah that Jim Hill Fantasyland thread was ... interesting.

Magic Kingdom

They created the "Magic" that IOA is borrowing.

Take note that Islands of Adventure now has two of the world's best attractions [Spiderman, Forbidden Journey]. They both set the standard for themed rides today. Magic Kingdom's best ride is some log flume and an old omni-mover. I really don't think you can compare these parks. But Magic Kingdom will always get more visitors like my last comment said.

But you got to look at the whole park as a whole. Harry Potter and Spiderman as some of the best offered now, but I bet that the new Fantasyland Expansion will be just like Harry Potter's land.

Ride to ride, the Magic Kingdom is still king. That "old" flume and omnimover rides are still packing the guests and went for very high running in the TPI brackets.

But you got to look at the whole park as a whole. Harry Potter and Spiderman as some of the best offered now, but I bet that the new Fantasyland Expansion will be just like Harry Potter's land.

Ride to ride, the Magic Kingdom is still king. That "old" flume and omnimover rides are still packing the guests and went for very high running in the TPI brackets.

I agree with anthony, even if they were equal ride wise, magic Kingdom has the disney experiance that blows IOA out of the water. Magic Kingdom will remain one of the best theme park in florida for a long time(TO me, Epcot is a smidge better).

Magic Kingdom will always have the better attendance numbers but that doesn't mean its better than IOA. I love both companies equally but comparing these two parks I would go with IOA. The Forbidden Journey and Spider-Man are excellent rides that MK can't compete with. Cat in the Hat is better than any of the Fantasyland dark rides. Splash Mountain is excellent but IOA has 3 superb water rides. Tough to compare Hulk and Dragon Challenge to Big Thunder and Space Mountain. Sure MK has the charm and tradition but if I could only pick one it would be IOA hands down.

Which will be better in ten years? After the Little Mermaid ride opens the MK will more than likely not get anything new for 20 years. I believe IOA and Universal would be faster in adding new attractions.

Regardless both are great but I prefer IOA.

Mr. Barron writes: Magic Kingdom will always have the better attendance numbers but that doesn't mean its better than IOA.

I Respond: 12 million plus more guests chose to visit the Magic Kingdom than chose to go to Islands of Adventure in 2009. It does not seem unreasonable to assert that those numbers measure the public's assessment of the quality of the parks. While the Magic Kingdom's numbers alone do not make it the better park (which it is), the VERY SIZABLE margin between the parks' attendance certainly speaks to the public's assessment of the two models.

Mr. Barron writes: Cat in the Hat is better than any of the Fantasyland dark rides.

I respond: And I would contend that the character encounters, parades, fireworks, icon (castle vs. lighthouse) and general atmosphere of the Magic Kingdom BLOWS THE DOORS OFF that of Islands of Adventure. I would add that Pirates of the Caribbean, Tom Sawyer's Island, Stitch's Great Escape, Monsters Laugh Floor and Jungle Cruise (all family attractions) are all FAR BETTER than Cat in the Hat.

Mr. Barron writes: Which will be better in ten years? After the Little Mermaid ride opens the ...

I Respond: I'm assuming you meant after the Little Mermaid ride AND the Beauty and the Beast Encounter AND the Cinderella encounter AND the Sleeping Beauty encounter AND the new Dumbo attraction AND the installation of Disney NextGen interactive technology AND the new restaurant.

Mr. Barron writes: MK will more than likely not get anything new for 20 years.

I Respond: So you are confident in making the prediction that beyond the expansion of Fantasyland (opening in 2012) the Magic Kingdom will not open any new shows or attractions until the year 2032? I'm not so sure about that.

Put it this way: If you want the better overall attractions, IOA blows MK out of the park with waay better attractions. Theming is neck and neck to me, they both have top of the line theming you can't really put one over the other. But if you want the "Magic" that people are so crazy about then MK wins.

Formula 40 writes: "If you want the better overall attractions, IOA blows MK out of the park."

I Respond: Offer that same proposition to the families with a five year-old and a seven year old.

Good point TH. Bet let me switch it up. When it comes to family rides MK blows IOA out of the park.

What about families with kids no younger than 10. Which park would they rather go to?

I guess I'm just speaking for myself and young adults/people without kids. I never thought MK really offered that much for the older set whereas most of IOA's rides are thrill rides, but they still have Suess Landing.

When it comes to a whole lot of things (atmosphere, parades, character greetings, retail, family attractions, fireworks, personal guest service, 4D films, shows, overall history and iconography) "MK blows IOA out of the park."

And Disney NextGen and the dramatic expansion of the park at Fantasyland, will take the experience to another level.

Hippogriffs are better than Hippos.

Okay Duda .... you can STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!

Does anyone know how much attendence IOA has seen this summer becuase of Harry Potter?

Apart from the theming and all, I'm not too crazy about the Fantasyland expansion. They have a Little Mermaid dark ride and you can "encounter" all the princesses or whatever. What about the boys? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did't hear of any big expansions that can appeal to them. Disney recently bought Marvel, but which park has all the Marvel-based rides right now? IOA has super-heroes, dinosaurs, dragons, stuff thats perfect for boys. That may not be the strongest case for it being a better park but c'mon, at MK these little girls are about to get a whole area that's basically just for them. What do young boys have there?

Let's look 10 years from now as you suggest. Spiderman was a great ride, but it is already starting to show it's age. If this ride still exists in its present form 10 years from now, IOA is in trouble. You can get better 3D in your house now than the technology used in this ride. Hulk is minimally themed. It's a good coaster, but nothing more. Storm Force:standard teacup ride. Dr. Doom:standard drop/launch tower.
The toon laggon rides are 2 of the best in their class, but many people don't want to get soaked. If you exclude the rides that you get motion sickeness or soaked on, there isn't much left to do. There are almost no entertainment options. Sinbad is good for one or 2 times. I haven't been to Harry Potter, I'm sure it's great.. unless you have kids too small to ride.
When I had an annual pass, I mostly went to the studios. The theming isn't as great, but there was alot more to do that didn't get me sick or soaked. IOA is a bit over-rated in my opinion and has a very narrow market of people who can enjoy a full day at the park.

Javi asks:Does anyone know how much attendence IOA has seen this summer becuase of Harry Potter?

I Respond: The TEA report won't drop until around April of next year. But to give you some context in 2009 IOA welcomed 4.5 million guests (or approximately 12,300 guests per day). I'd guess the park needs at least 8,000 - 9,000 guests per day (not including annual passholders) just to cover its costs.

For Potter to be a success IOA would (I estimate) have to generate around 5.5 million in 2010 ... and 2011 ... and 2012 (or an average of 16,000 per day) which would represent an attendance increase of almost 30% per day.

That ain't gonna be easy.

Side note: If Potter does cause the park to attract 16,000 per day it would be just over a third of the attendance of the Magic Kingdom's 2009 numbers.

Michael Smith writes: Let's look 10 years from now as you suggest.

I Respond: The Magic Kingdom will be approaching its 50th anniversary celebration (2021) and will be the hottest party on the planet.

Michael, 10 years from now, all those dark rides in Fantasyland are well dated. Tommorowland will never really be up to date although it supposed to be. Jungle Cruise will be 40 yrs old. So is Haunted Mansion. Splash Mountain will be over two decades old. Big Thunder Mountain will be 30 years old. If those rides are still going to be popular, than you can bet that the ones at IOA will still be among the best.

I love Universal, especially IOA. But regardless of the quality of some of the park's attractions, the whole package does not even come close to what Disney offers. Ten years from now the Magic Kingdom will still be the most attended theme park on the planet, and IOA will still be a distant 9th.

But, I definitely want them to keep up the great work!!!

Hey, TH - do those numbers consider that many folks making the pilgrimage to Islands for Potter would possibly also go to Studios?

I guess what I'm wondering is if the overall success of Potter takes into account potential increases in attendance for both parks as opposed to just the one (especially considering Hollywood Rock Rip and Bop It is still relatively new).

Magic Kingdom sets the tone for all the FL parks, both Disney or non Disney.

I have found that the older the Disney Ride, the more popular it has.

BTW, what is the draw of Dudley Do Right? I really dislike it. Popeye is great though!

TH writes: ...um nevermind

I like IOA more than MK. I still love the Magic Kingdom, its the only place on Earth I can see the Hall of Presidents.

I bet the Fantasyland expansion will look nice but most people will only see it as one new ride though. I wish they could have added a Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella ride. Instead only little girls that wait an hour in line will be able to enjoy the "encounters". I'm looking forward to the Little Mermaid ride though.

Oh and TH who won Theme Park Insider best theme park for 2010 award?

Mr. Barron writes: I bet the Fantasyland expansion will look nice but most people will only see it as one new ride though.

I respond: Most people will be surprised. There are multiple rides (Mermaid, dueling Dumbos, the NextGen technology and interactive queue).

Mr. Barron writes: I wish they could have added a Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella ride. Instead only little girls that wait an hour in line will be able to enjoy the "encounters".

I Respond: If you watch Jay Rasulo's announcement from the D23 conference these are much more than "encounters." There are activities planned for boys and girls and the "encounters" involve theatrics and are more than simple meet and greets.

Mr. Barron writes: Oh and TH who won Theme Park Insider best theme park for 2010 award?

I respond: An interesting point. But keep in mind the method used to assign the awards -- "the highest-rated institutions among the nation's theme parks, based on ratings submitted by ThemeParkInsider.com visitors over the past 12 months." So it is a quantitative measurement. I would refer you (once again) to another quantitative measurement from 2009: 17.2 million visitors to the Magic Kingdom vs. 4.5 million visitors for Islands of Adventure.

TH Creative:
"The Magic Kingdom will be approaching its 50th anniversary celebration (2021) and will be the hottest party on the planet."

Wow.. it seems like only yesterday the castle was pepto bismal pink... Let's hope the people in charge in 2021 will have a better idea of how to celebrate an anniversary!

Formula40:"Michael, 10 years from now, all those dark rides in Fantasyland are well dated. Tommorowland will never really be up to date although it supposed to be. Jungle Cruise will be 40 yrs old. So is Haunted Mansion. Splash Mountain will be over two decades old. Big Thunder Mountain will be 30 years old...."

You are right about tommorrowland.. Space Mountain and the overall atmosphere of the land at night are the only things right in this land. Buzz lightyear is the worst shooter I've ever been on, and I've ridden the one at Jazzland. (Buzz and Toy Story Mania don't even come close to the greatness of MIB) There are a few other sore spots too.. the magic carpets ruined the atmosphere in adventureland IMO. Toontown is horrendous.. but thankfully they are fixing that. Jungle Cruise needs new boats.. the ones they have are noisy and falling apart... but the ride when you can hear the skipper is great. Tiki Room is annoying: this was definately the wrong way to update a great attraction. However, the fact that most of these attractions have been around as long as they have without major changes is a testament to how well they were concieved. Good art never gets too old. As long as these rides are kept in original working order, they will always be popular. The 3 dark rides in Fantasyland each have a unique and detailed artistic style, from the sets to the music. This makes them interesting. Thunder Mountain: you could do away with the mine train and it would still be interesting to walk through. These rides don't rely on one trick; they are multi-layered experiences. The park itself doesn't rely on just one trick.
It is a multi-layered experience. That's why even with its sore spots The Magic Kingdom is the most visited park and probably always will be.

Mr. Smith writes "Buzz and Toy Story Mania don't even come close to the greatness of MIB."

I Respond: I'm gonna FEAST on that for MONTHS!

Hippogriffs are great. IOA is great. WWOHP is great. Huh? What? Damn that Harry Potter, he must have put a spell on me.

Hippos rock!

As far as the whole attendance thing...I don't really see that as a factor of which park is better. One of the things that flocks so many people to MK and the whole Disney World for that matter is it offers so much more than theme parks. They have many hotels/resorts, cruises, beaches, golf, etc. Things that just keep visitors on the property all year long which is why all their theme parks lead in attendance year after year and in that regard, no other company has been able to duplicate that. This is why I find it very interesting/somewhat difficult comparing the two parks. I just view the two so differently. I see IOA as a top of the line theme park. I see Magic Kingdom as but a small aspect in a worldwide tourist destination.

"Buzz Lightyear is the worst shooter..."

Now wait just one doggone minute! Have you not been to a Six Flags or Cedar Fair park recently and ridden Scooby-Doo: Mystery Of The Scary Swamp, or Boo Blasters On Boo Hill? Puh-lease!

Formula 40: "I see Magic Kingdom as but a small aspect in a worldwide tourist destination."

I Respond: The reason that analysis fails is because the Magic Kingdom outpaces the other WDW parks. It beats EPCOT by more than 6 million, DHS and DAK by 7.5 million. In order to accept Formula 40's analysis the distribution of attendance figures would have to be closer to being equivilent

The Magic Kingom is not the most visited theme park because Walt Disney World is one of the world's most successful vacation destinations. Rather Walt Disney World is one of the world's most successful vacation destinations because of the Magic Kingdom.

Furthermore it is not just that the Magic Kingdom outpaces IOA in attendance, rather it POUNDS IOA. As I mentioned before, the annual attendance at Islands of Adventure would have to QUADRUPLE in order to surpass the Magic Kingdom.

Whether it is atmosphere, shows, parades, character greetings, guest service, retail, family attractions, the Magic Kingdom is a better park. That's why 12 million (twelve friggin' million) more people visit the Magic Kingdom than visit Islands of Adventure.

And that 12 million does not include all the hippos!

Islands of Adventure is a one of a kind theme park, there's isn't much else like it in the world. While Magic Kingdom does have unique attractions/shows, most of the attractions with the exception of Haunted Mansion are inferior to their west coast versions at Disneyland.

^Woh, woh, woh... wait just a minute. Most of Disneyland's attractions are inferior to MK's, not vice versa.

Formula 40: Islands of Adventure is a one of a kind theme park there's isn't much else like it in the world.

I respond: And yet 12 million people choose to visit another park just down the road.

Formula 40: While Magic Kingdom does have unique attractions/shows,

I respond; I'm sorry, but "unique?" How does that work with your "one of a kind" thing?

Formula 40: most of the attractions with the exception of Haunted Mansion are inferior to their west coast versions at Disneyland.

I Respond: Which means you are comparing the quality of the Magic Kingdom attractions to the attractions of Disneyland and NOT the attractions of Islands of Adventure (which, of course is the topic of this thread).

At this point, Mr. Formula is just flailing wildly with no sense of reasonability. And that's pretty sad.

TH what do you have agaisnt IOA

^I don't think TH has anything against IOA as much as the fact he just might have a soft spot for Disney, having worked there and all.

Still TH, you do have to admit there is a lot of great stuff to do at IOA.

TH has helped create rides for Universal so I think he likes IOA just fine.

IOA is a great park, but the Magic Kingdom is the top of the top in FL, simply put. They have the space, money, brand name, reputation, and AGE. Remember, Universal Resort is only as old as Disney's third park.

IOA made Universal competitive, but Universal needs to go back in time to really change the game in FL.

Now if you want to say that IOA is better than AK, then we might have a more split arguement

I express the right to flail freely. But I already compared the attractions and the ones at IOA are definitely better.

Hey TH, I didn't know you helped create rides for Universal! Having just visited, I'm curious to know which you've worked on?

Also, in the end, this debate goes back to the great old Disney VS Universal fight. In the end, Disney has its history of greatness, but the real competition for the two is for the future. Who will win that battle is what is really the interesting question, as just how much more will Universal expand given time? Will it reach WDW in the future?

In my opinion, I think yes, it will eventually reach WDW as it is now, maybe slightly exceed Disney presently. But we must remember Disney will make additions just as frequently as Universal. In the end, I still feel Disney needs to add more thrill rides to stay in contention with Universal.

I believe that Universal will signifantly close the gap on Disney within the next ten years due to the generation who grew up with Universal starting to have families and wanting to share their childhood experiences with their own children. Disney has had decades to build their fan base but Universal is still in the infant stages of building their's.

My wife and I are both 25 years old. Universal opened during our lifetimes and as children we both dreamed of going there (mainly because of Nickeloden.) My first family vacation to Disney/Universal was in 1993 and while my parents loved Disney (based on their childhood memories), I loved Universal.

It would take 4 times the amount of attendance of IOA last year to hit MK. Which means, it won't happen. Truth is when people come to Florida they think of Disney over Universal. Sometimes they think Universal IS Disney (never vice versa). Disney is Disney and people are going to go there because it is Disney. But think about IOA is an AMAZING park but it comes nowhere close to the offerings at MK. Where the entire family can enjoy rides together. The mountains for teens, HM pirates and Buzz for the family, and Fantasyland for the little ones. There's only 2 rides in IOA that the entire family can actually ride (Spidey and Cat in the hat).

I actually hope one day MK gets one more thrill ride (Mattehorn?) then it truly will be the greatest park in the world.

I am not sure about in 10 years but eventually I believe Islands of Adventure will have more visitors. I already believe it is the better park, but Disney has been around longer and so Magic Kingdom is more well known. IOA is barely 10 years old itself. Magic Kingdom is a great park when you are young. However when you get to be a teenager or older you want the thrills which IOA provides.

^That's how I feel. Up until you hit that 54 inch mark, Magic Kingdom was heaven to most of us. When you're old enough to ride the big rides, IOA is the place to go.

Im not sure how different each will be in ten years, but all i can say is attendence doesnt make it better. In fact i would say if mk had 6 million less visitors, I would enjoy the less crowded version much better.
As far as both parks go, MK is a great family park with lots to do, but if you are a thrill seeker, nothing at that park is taller than 80ft, or does any inversions, and there is no crazy next-gen thrill rides like spider-man or FJ.

I would say on the other hand that IOA is the ultimate boys 10+up park. Marvel super-hero's, dinos, comic-book mayhem, mythology,and harry potter equals a boys dream park, especially with all the thrill rides. Not saying girls won't love it too, but there arent any huge princess themed attractions.

In ten years.....Im going to say that IOA will remain MY favorite, even though MK will still probably double it's attendence.

So in ten years, MK will have 34 million yearly visitors? Not sure about that...

I agree with you Formula. I am not sure about 34 million.

Jay, I disagree with IOA being for 10+ year old boys. I am taller and so I got to ride the big rides at an age earlier than 10. I'm a teenager now but when I was 7 or 8 I loved Islands and I'm a girl not a boy.

No I meant will double what Ioa's attendence is then...sorry, That whole post probably sounded dumb, and as i said above, girls still like it, but each land is like every boys fantasy, as opposed to all the princess stuff at MK.

Also, after partially reading posts, I would like to say that this is strictly what you think making it your opinion. No one acually knows what will happen in 10 years with these parks. And in MY opinion Islands is better but you can't neccisarily base which is better based on numbers. We are in a recession and with Harry Potter coming out this year, have any of you ever thought that those who would have visited Islands or Universal last year didn't to save money up for a better and longer vacation this year when Harry Potter was actually open?

Okay Jay. That is all that confused me. And now I do see how with super-heroes Islands is more boy oriented since you explained. And I can see that happening too, but possibly not.

Disney does not need to contend with Universal. The gap between the two companies is vast, and while I am sure all the attention garnered by Harry Potter has given the Mouse a slight pause, it is as if a bee just stung an elephant. Sure, the elephant feels a twinge of pain, but it passes quickly and is hardly worth the attention. Universal's stunning new achievement aside, Disney will make few (if any) strategic changes to their business model. Rich stories and immersive family adventures are what have put Disney on top, and when it comes to building and fostering narrative theme parks that tap into the lucrative family market, no one else compares to the Mouse.

Ten years from now, Disney will still be raking in the families and making money hand over fist, while Universal (justifiably or not) will continue to be a secondary destination.

"Rich stories and immersive family adventures are what have put Disney on top, and when it comes to building and fostering narrative theme parks that tap into the lucrative family market, no one else compares to the Mouse."

Universal does those things just as good. They may not be bringing in the dough like Mickey, but Disney and Universal will always be neck and neck.

I agree with you Formula. You pretty much see this the same way as I do.

Jay G.- I would like to point out that there is more than just two rides the whole family can do at Universal.

Universal has some fantastic attractions - and I love them to death. But unless height requirements have dropped sharply, calling them family adventures is a bit of a stretch.

Also, They may not be bringing in the dough like Mickey... that is perhaps the understatement of the year. ;)

Ms. White Writes: I would like to point out that there is more than just two rides the whole family can do at Universal.

I Respond: But there are FAR MORE family rides available at the Magic Kingdom.

And why are we focusing on only attractions? Parades? MK wins. Character greetings? MK wins. Guest service reputation? MK wins. Shows? MK wins. Retail? MK wins. Icons (castle vs. lighthouse)? MK wins. Fireworks? MK wins. Attendance? MK wins.

TH! Did you miss my question? Also, I did show how big of an expansion Fantasyland will get in my first thread where you asked.

Sorry, double post.

TH: "And why are we focusing on only attractions?"

When it's all said and done, that's what matters the most. It's the main reason why we even go to theme parks, right? That's the point I've been trying to make. The rides are what REALLY matter. Do people think prefer certain parks over others because of the icons? Nope. I won't go to a theme park to walk under castle or take pictures of a lighthouse. If by retail you mean the merchandise they sell, I prefer neither. I can get the same stuff at a local Wal-Mart for WAAAY less. Fireworks shows/parades are beneficial because the lines of rides get shorter. I'm not saying you don't need all these things b/c as evidenced my MK's attendance numbers they all add to a great experience. But when it gets down to it, we want rides.

James rao-you are a poet, and everyone else, this debate will never end.

Formula- I agree once again.

TH- Did I ever say they didnt? I was simply stating that saying Islands only has 2 family rides was incorrect.

MS. WHITE WRIES:TH- Did I ever say they didnt? I was simply stating that saying Islands only has 2 family rides was incorrect.

I RESPOND: And I was simply pointing out that the Magic Kingdom has more family rides.

FORMULA WRITES: But when it gets down to it, we want rides.

I RESPOND: "We?" Exactly how many people are you?

The thread's topic does not limit the question to rides. It asks about parks. When taking into account all aspects of the parks (shows, parades, attractions, retail, character greetings, icons, atmosphere, quality of guest service) the Magic Kingdom is the better park experience.

Nick, check your email.

Well then please dont act like you are trying to controdict what I am saying. I was not even saying it to you. I was simply stating it to Jay who said there was only 2. I understand that you obviously perfer Disney. Honestly its a matter of opinion but I do agree with Formula saying we want rides. Rides are why the majority visit themeparks.

TH what rides did u help build for Universal

Seems to me that the "majority" of people visiting Central Florida's theme parks have made it pretty clear which one they prefer.

(Chuckle)

Javi, check your email.

Well im not going to argue with you over this. But since I perfer Universal would you tell me which rides you have helped design seeing as it could be some of my favorite. And also I have nothing against Disney, I just like Universal Orlando better now.

Ms. White, check your email.

Thank you.

Hey, I wanna know what rides TH built. Hit me up on the email!

Jay - for once I am (almost) speechless. Thank you.

TH - tell them about your resort hotel, too! =)

For the rest of you, as TH wrote previously, rides are a subset of attractions.

Formula check your email.

Good to know, TH. Both those rides are off the chain.

IOA will be on top.

Um, sorry TH, but would you mind resending to this email, as the email hooked to my account on TPI has been inactive for a year now due to problems receiving emails. My gmail is much better: rollercoasterinsider@gmail.com

Ok, lets just say this once.. NO ONE COMPETES WITH DISNEY! Universal has been trying for years to estabolish there own vacation kingdom but the truth is that they are still getting the majority of their buiseness from people coming down to Disney, in other words its a "well since we are hear, we might as well go there too" park. Harry Potter is cool but it only gives UO a chance to compete. Once the fantasy land expansion is finished and some the the other rehabs coming soon, it will blow away the competion again.

IoA is a fun day or two; the Disney experience bonds generations.

Disney is an experience with a theme.

IoA is a regional theme park masquerading as a themed experience. Don't get me wrong, I think IoA initial entryway blows Adventureland out of the water visually. But the beauty is only skin deep there.

As for Disney, I'll never forget the time I was able to arrage a wedding proposal in the Rose Garden during Wishes. Or seeing Tinkerbell fly for the frist time. Or talking to Wendy Darling about her 45 minute commute from England via pixie dust. Or watching the flag retreat for the first time.

IoA's staff viewed their job as a job. At Disney, I felt like 50% of the staff were friends I just hadn't met yet. Service, courtesy and a willingness to please made me want to be a CM and pass that experience onto others.

James Rao:"Now wait just one doggone minute! Have you not been to a Six Flags or Cedar Fair park recently and ridden Scooby-Doo: Mystery Of The Scary Swamp, or Boo Blasters On Boo Hill? Puh-lease!"

I haven't ridden any of these, but I can't imagine them being worse than Buzz. It seems like everything in Buzz is green and white plywood. There is no depth of material, lighting or color. Except for the projection room there is no real change of scenery. If there is a progression of a storyline, I don't really feel it. No memorable music. The ride system is horrible for a 2 person attraction. Whoever is steering has an advantage over the person just riding. The guns are fixed to the car and the trigger button is difficult to hold down. The queue is always filthy. It already feels like an old attraction(not in a classic way). The whole thing has a cheap feel to it. It's only popular because of the Buzz Lightyear name, and because the gimmick of competitive shooting(even if executed poorly) works. There is nothing timeless or classic about this attraction.

Trust me, Mike, everything you just wrote about Buzz is at least ten times worse on the rides I mentioned. At least.

You can not compare IOA to MK, they are both equal from my point- of- view.These are my two all time fav theme parks.

As for Buzz Lightyear, you have to remember the kind of building and attraction there was before it. Dreamflight was very similar in track and technology as Buzz. This included large video screen, cutouts, and a bit "cheese". I think Buzz Lighyear's Space Ranger Spin pays homage to its founder.

Here is Dreamflight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ-9ILjukzk

Also, its supposed to look a bit cheesy, to quote Woody, YOU ARE A TOY!!!

Hi i'm new here and thought I would use this topic for my first posting.

Personally I prefer the MK over IOA and while 10 years is a long time to predict, think that MK will still be the most popular park in 2020.

Now don't get me wrong I think IOA is a great park although I prefer its sister park Universal studios, but, as other people have said it caters more for the thrillseeker where as MK caters for a wider audiance with, in my opinion a greater selection of rides and attractions for all to enjoy. I have ridden everything in the MK but would not go on the Hulk, (formally) Dualling Dragons or DDFF at IOA.

I can see why lovers of big thrill rides would prefer IOA over MK, but because the MK has appeal to a larger selection of people I feel it will always win over IOA unless things change a lot in the future.

Finally may I just say that I always feel 'at home' in the MK (and indeed all of WDW) where as at IOA I just feel like i'm at a themepark.

It's basically unheard of but the first time I visited Orlando, my family and I didn't even visit WDW.
Islands of Adventure was the 2nd theme park I had ever visited, after Disneyland Paris, and I was so amazed by the rich theming and generally electric atmosphere I went home a did a school project on it! Sad I know!
I have since visited Magic Kingdom, more than just once, which is a great park, the rides are not as exciting however I don't think people go to theme parks just for the rides. The fireworks and parades are usually the highlight of my day.
I can't choose a favourite between IOA and MK because they are so diverse, I guess on my next holiday I'll just have to visit both!!

More hippos ... six

there's no need but 5...

I still think flying hippos are cooler than hippos that walk on the bottom of rivers.

96 and counting

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE all the way ! Magic Kingdom only has like 3 OK rides (space, splash and thunder mountain.)while IOA has 9 Amazingly thrilling ones (hulk, spiderman, rip saw falls, plutos barges, both dragon challenge coasters, doctor dooms fearfall, jurassic park, and the best theme park ride in the world, harry potter.)

Word to IOA. @%&##^$#

98.

I know what you are thinking ... "12 inches is the same as a foot."

99

Now its 100.

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