All of the Universal Studios and Disney parks combined received over 72 million visitors in 2021 (Loftus). The two parks share several similarities and differences in the parks’ size, variety, audiences, and history. Although Disney parks present a wider variety of entertainment options, their main demographic is young children. The Universal Studios parks are targeted toward teenagers and young adults; their attractions, though lesser in number, offer a more thrill-inducing experience compared to Disney. Until recently, Disney parks have dominated the theme park industry, and Universal parks were considered second to them for decades. The Universal Studios parks have grown to match the Disney parks’ popularity over the years. The size and variety of the parks share both similar and differing characteristics. Disney parks offer …show more content…
Universal Studios Hollywood only offered a tour of studios at its opening but was still moderately successful. On the other hand, Disneyland had rides, attractions, and concessions on its opening day; however, the day was not as successful because “. . . the park wasn't quite ready for visitors, it ran out of food and drinks, counterfeit tickets led to unexpectedly large crowds, and shoes even got stuck in freshly laid asphalt in 100-degree California heat” (Rhodes). However, after the parks fixed the issues, Disneyland became wildly popular and soon overshadowed Universal Studios Hollywood. Disney established Disney World in 1971 in Orlando, Florida. Likewise, Universal Studios opened Universal Orlando Resort soon afterward. Due to the new popularity Universal Studios gained with its new park, Disney’s reign over theme park popularity ended (Anderson). Both Disney and Universal theme parks alike remain popular among the public and continue to compete with each