3. Universal is creating bigger real changes

Beyond the controversy, let’s take a look at what’s actually happening at both parks. Frozen Ever After is going into an existing show building, in an existing pavilion that just happens to already resemble Arendelle. The track is being extended a little, but the ride is reusing most of the existing Maelstrom system, including the boats. Other than that, Disney is adding a new track for Toy Story Midway Mania and another theater for Soarin’. Granted, those are much-needed expansions that should help with crowd control—but no one is going to say, “Gee, they added another Toy Story track. Now I have to book a vacation!”

Star Wars Land and Toy Story Playland are set to reboot Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the next several years, and Avatar Land will finally make its way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017. While these sound impressive, let’s break it down a bit. Hollywood Studios already has a de facto Star Wars section, focused on Star Tours 2.0 and the Jedi Training Academy. It also already has a Pixar section, anchored by Toy Story Midway Mania. While we don’t know exactly what the expansions will bring, is there really enough room and enough funding to build brand new high tech attractions? Or will we get what we’ve been getting from Disney lately—shops and restaurants with a couple of so-so new rides?

Avatar Land is a bit harder to analyze, as it is actually taking over the former Camp Minnie-Mickey, and so ostensibly has more space for Imagineers to develop something cohesive and immersive. But it begs another question. The film came out in 2009, and alleged sequels have been delayed ever since. Was it really enough of a classic to justify a new theme park land? By 2017, will anyone really care about Avatar Land enough to book a vacation around it?

Over at Universal Orlando, again, things are different. As noted above, Skull Island brings Universal full circle. Besides the nostalgia angle, however, Universal is also cashing in on a long-standing hot property. The classic 1933 King Kong film has had 6 remakes, sequels, or re-imaginings, culminating in the 2005 Peter Jackson blockbuster. And coincidentally enough, a prequel entitled Kong: Skull Island will be released in 2017. Universal may want to instill confidence in its fans, but the company is also shrewd enough to bet on a guaranteed winner.

In addition, Universal Orlando recently announced plans for a new water park, known as Volcano Bay. Although details are still sparse, the company has made repeated assurances that the park will redefine the family water park with a thoroughly immersive and high tech experience. Based on their recent history, especially in the two halves of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it is likely that the new park will live up to these bold claims. Besides, it’s a whole new park, which is more than Disney has given us in years.

Of course, I haven’t covered all of the new expansions coming to both resorts. The Disney Springs debacle is worthy of its own article. Universal recently inked a deal with Nintendo. Clearly, the theme park wars will continue, and it’s anybody’s guess what the future will hold. For now, however, Universal appears to hold all the cards.