Universal Just Did Something Disney World Should Copy

For decades now, Disney and Universal have been engaged in a game of one-upmanship.

Whether it’s competing E-Ticket attractions, battling for the theme park rights to the same intellectual properties, Imagineers and Universal Creative Staff bouncing back and forth between the companies (and sometimes bringing ideas with them), or fans arguing the merits of everything from the companies’ different skip-the-line approaches to refillable mugs. However, this latest comparison between the two theme park juggernauts has nothing to do with cutting-edge rides or billion-dollar franchises, and everything to do with guest comfort.

It’s likely no surprise to anyone reading this that Central Florida – – the home of both Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort – – can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. While both resorts have tried to incorporate cooling measures, including shade, misters, and air-conditioned spaces into their designs to varying degrees, Universal has also taken to adding a temporary solution during the hottest periods of the summer.

These so-called “cool zones” are indoor nooks or outdoor shaded areas usually stocked with hydration stations or water bottle refill points, benches, and either cooling fans paired with water misters or even portable air conditioning units at times. While these “cool zones” are indeed temporary and certainly not themed, they have proven to be desperately needed during the hottest days of the year.

Frankly, they’re an idea we wish Disney would “steal” from Universal. While we have a feeling the Mouse House probably wouldn’t feature something exactly like Universal’s, perhaps because it’s perceived as “tacky” or “bad show,” we think Disney could definitely do something thematically appropriate with the concept. Think something like the Passholder exclusive lounge featured in EPCOT’s Morocco during V.I.Passholder days, on a smaller scale and accessible to everyone.

With temperatures in the Central Florida area continuing to soar, Disney may need to create their own versions of Universal’s “temporary cooling stations” that can quickly be set up on the hottest days.

Stay tuned to AllEars for more theme park takes. Before you go though, we want to hear YOUR thoughts on “cool zones” or anything else on your mind! Leave a review right here on AllEars for the restaurants you’ve been to so you can help out fellow Disney lovers planning their next trip!

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How would you feel about Disney introducing something similar to Universal’s temporary “cooling stations”? Let us know in the comments below.