Disney Fans: You Can’t Have It Both Ways

You can’t complain that nothing new is being added to the parks and then complain when new things are announced.

Why Jurassic World & Inside Out Are Testaments To The Success Of The Rival Theme Parks

I have this habit of not seeing the newest movie the weekend it comes out. The whole ‘adulting’ thing gets in the way–working, running errands…that sort of thing.

But if I REALLY want to see a movie I will see it, and I REALLY wanted to see Jurassic World and Inside Out.

Thankfully, my first weekend back home from the Disney College Program (so many mixed emotions, reminds self to write about that later) I was able to see both movies. *insert praying hands emoji here because #blessed*

After watching both films, it dawned on me how incredibly different they were…and how that spoke volumes about how different the theme parks/companies are.

MIND. BLOWN.

Without letting any spoilers slip, I will explain why I came to that conclusion.

On one side, we have Jurassic World. It’s prehistoric meets futuristic. It’s thrilling. It makes your heart pound. It makes your heart stop. It makes you sit on the edge of your seat.

When I want thrills, I go to Universal. Let’s face it: the roller coasters they have beat Disney’s any day. Don’t get me wrong, though–I love Space Mountain and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, but they don’t really compete in the same thrill category as The Incredible Hulk, Rip Ride Rockit and even The Mummy (which is one of my all time favorite rides).

Universal is also more of a ‘big kids’ theme park. The rides are a bit more intense and they follow a good storyline when based off a movie/franchise. It’s geared toward a more mature audience, in my opinion, and Jurassic World was geared toward that same audience.

On the other side, we have Inside Out. It tackles a complex idea–what are those voices inside your head and how do they affect how you feel/act/react? It’s emotional. It’s family friendly. It’s relatable. It brings back memories.

Disney is complex, first and foremost. Not to say that Universal isn’t…but I think Disney wins in this battle. Magic Kingdom alone is a well thought out, well themed park with several lands that all come together in the middle. Islands of Adventure also has lands but…I just don’t think they do it as well as Disney does.

Disney is more of a family resort. It’s designed to evoke emotion and immerse you in a world of fantasy from the moment you walk into the park until the moment you leave. It’s for the young and the young at heart, and Inside Out was truly a film for all ages.

Universal does thrills/intensity better. Disney does immersion/emotion better. They both accomplish the same things in their respective parks, but there’s something about each of them that makes them stand out, and that’s why both films stood out as well.

(But, if I’m being totally honest, Inside Out won my heart, probably because Disney/Pixar can do no wrong.)

Did you see both films? Did you have a favorite? Did you see elements from both parks present in the films?

Comment below and let’s start a conversation!

      

Happy New Year!

I am finally writing my first post of the new year! (I know it’s eight days late…forgive me.)

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

A new year brings new opportunities, new relationships, new adventures and SO MUCH THEME PARK NEWNESS.

Are you as excited as I am?!

Before I run down the list of new things happening at some of our favorite theme parks this year, can I just say that you need to experience NYE in Disney at least ONCE in your lifetime? It’s magical. In fact, it needs its own post. *Makes mental note to do a post on NYE in Disney*

Now that I’m done being sidetracked, let’s talk about some of the things you can experience this year in some of the best theme parks in the country!

1. I am just going to leave this list of 10 new rides/attractions coming to theme parks across the country via Theme Park Tourist here. All I have to say is…I need to go to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Look at the list–you’ll see why.

2. This year, Disneyland will be celebrating 60 years of being The Happiest Place on Earth! (July 17 is the day Disneyland opened in 1955.) The Diamond Celebration is set to begin this Spring, and I need to find my way to California.

3. The Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially on its way out as of yesterday. Workers have begun to dismantle the impressive structure and soon, The Chinese Theatre will be in full view as guests walk down Hollywood Boulevard. Will the Earful Tower resume its duty of being the park icon? Only time will tell!

4. I know it’s far away, but Universal Studios Florida will be putting on their 25th Halloween Horror Nights event this fall on select nights from Sept. 25-Oct. 31. I am a huge baby when it comes to anything horror, but HHN keeps me coming back every year. If you’ve never been, this is the year to go. I guarantee they have some amazing plans up their sleeves.

5. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World returns this Spring from March 4-May 17. I have personally never attended the Flower and Garden Festival AND I will be in Disney completing my college program this Spring, so I’m excited to go for the first time!

6. A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure takes place from Jan. 30- Feb 1.*Fun Fact: YOU CAN DRESS UP!* There are so many fun events planned throughout the weekend, so take a look here and form a plan of action if you plan on going!

7. The ‘Frozen’ Fun may have ended at Walt Disney World (except for the sing along at DHS), but it’s just starting over on the other coast! At Disney California Adventure, you can meet the royal sisters, shop at Wandering Oaken’s, play in the snow, and maybe even get a warm hug from Olaf! Details can be found here. There is also a ‘Frozen’ show at Disneyland, so be sure to get a park hopper ticket in order to experience everything ‘Frozen’!

8. Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be here again before we know it! (May 15-June 14 to be exact) And with the release of a brand new Star Wars movie at the end of this year, I bet the event will be even better!

I guarantee there are more things happening this year, and as I find them out I will add them to the list! If you know of anything super awesome happening at a theme park this year, let me know in the comments!

What events are you looking forward to most? What theme parks do you plan on visiting? Let me know so I can live vicariously through you!