Universal - NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

[NewEnglandCamper]

First of all we had a wonderful time down to our trip to Disney World however we were NOT impressed with Universal for the following reasons. I feel this park is geared for older families (with kids in tweens and teens). We visited 12/27-12/28. We had the option to go back on 12/29 but decided to skip it.

** The wait for parking was 20 minutes... 0 at Disney world and parking was more expensive than Disney
** Each attraction had an average wait of 60 minutes or more.
** I didn't like the Express Plus program. First of all its expensive ($50 extra per person -- how can young families afford this) and if you don't act on it quick, it SELLS out as we found out. A 2 year old is not going to stand in line for 1 hour. In comparision I loved the Fast Pass system at Disney.
** Very few rides for younger children and toddlers.
** There is a lot of glamour, glitz, but little substance. The Toon Lagoon is a large area that is very neatly decorated but has 2-3 rides.
** Closes early... MK was open until 12 AM and then extra magic hours until 3AM. This places closes at 10AM with still big crowds. If we had until midnight we probably could or seen a LOT more things when the waits become lower.
** Smoking is allowed through out the park as none of the cast members enforces their smoking policies.
** Not as clean as Disney. Some of the streets are dirty with cigarette buts, paper, etc.
** Photographers at entrance were pushy.

What we did like about Universal:

** Lots of character sightings at the original park (with a smaller wait than Disney)
** Most of the rides that we got on we liked (Jaws, Shrek 4D, Dueling Dragons, Jurrasic Park ride).
** Cafe's are huge and accomodate large groups
** The shows were good but not breathtaking the Extreme Stunt Show at Disney or Believe show at SeaWorld.

Overall, I don't understand what the big fuss is here. Until they improve the crowd control, improve the wait times, and improve the shows we won't be back. I feel that our visit was a TOTAL waste of time and $$$.

Is there a good time of the year to visit this park when its dead (besides summer when its 100 degrees there)?

[damo]

My advice to you would have been to use the free shuttle service from the Clarion where you stayed and arrive before opening to ride the rides before the huge crowds arrive. Arriving early is always your best bet to get to avoid the lines.

Just as a side note, how many fastpasses were you able to use each day at Disney? I don't ever seem to have much luck with them.

We usually stay onsite, and go at non-peak times. For $150/night, unlimited express passes and $85 7 day passes, we really think it is an absolutely amazing deal and vacation. When we go to Disney, the hotels are more expensive for comparable quality, we usually manage to get about 3 fast passes a day and our tickets are well over $300 each for the week. It takes us several days to actually ride the number of rides that we could ride in one day at Universal. We come home feeling run ragged and frustrated. I guess everyone has different preferences and it is great that there are parks that accomodate and satisfy us all.

[FayeW]

Unless they changed the price in the 3 weeks since we returned from our trip, the parking costs $10.00; EXACTLY the same cost as WDW parking! I hope you didn't pay the extra $5. for preferred parking, because that's a rip off.

Did you purchase the Express Pass, or did you elect to stand in line for the hour? If you paid for it, then your money would definitely have been better spend staying onsite for Dec 27th, and then having FOTL access for both of the days you visited (good for full day of check in AND check outday as well). When you add the cost of your offsite room to the cost of the express passes, I doubt if it would have cost a great deal more to stay onsite and enjoy the benefit.

I am glad you enjoyed some of the rides. When the twins are older and can enjoy the bigger attractions you should give it another try.

[NewEnglandCamper]

Parking at Universal on 12/27 and 12/28 was $11. They probably raised the rate for the holidays. Since one of the tickets we got was scrathed out as $10 and marked with $11. Oh yes another complaint. The elevators weren't working properly here in the Cat in the Hat parking lot.

Forget about using the moving walkways. People get on them and then just stand there. You can move quickly by walking instead.

The fast passes at WDW worked great. We were able to get on all the rides that we wanted too see.

We would fast pass a ride and either hit another attraction that had less of a wait, do some shopping, or eat lunch/dinner and then return to the ride.

[NashvilleTrio]

I'll agree Universal is for a little bit older crowd, but my son is 6 and just loves it. Although, he has a roller coaster freak for a father, so factor that in to the equation.

Anyway, we've done two on-site trips to Disney for 9 and 5 days. This past August we went for a 5 day trip to Universal and stayed onsite. We had the *best* vacation we've ever experienced while onsite at Universal.

The FOTL access with your room key completely changes the way you spend your time. At Disney, we were in commando mode 24/7 --- Universal we actually got all the thrills and then some, plus we enjoyed relaxing at the pool, sleeping in some mornings and were a lot more relaxed.

Disney has some amazing attractions and their own special brand of "magic". However, given the choice for another 5 day trip next week, we choose Universal again over Disney.

The 3 hotels, FOTL, City Walk and both theme parks within walking distance is an unbeatable combination for this family. Keep up the good work Universal.

[micksterlee]

Once again I have to ask why people try to compare Universal and Disney. They both can be very fun and at times they both can be frustrating. The main thing I think is important to keep in mind is that they are both very different resorts.

[jeanie]

When the kids get older you should give Universal another try. Mine are now 13 and 15 and they enjoy both parks. And so do I for very different reasons.

Our first day at Universal was a nightmare. It was Christmas week in 2003. We arrived late and the place was packed! We waited 3 hours for Spiderman!!! (I honestly can not explain why we waited that long) The entire day we only did 3 rides at IOA and didn't make it to US, never again would I go back, I kept saying... All day we kept seeing people fly through the express lane while we waited and waited... The kid wanted to see US but I had had enough of crowds and lines.

That night we got on line and booked a room at the RPH for 129 per night for one night (We were staying off site at a timeshare for free so I did not mind paying the extra) I am not sure why it was so cheap but it was cheaper than buying the one day express ticket and we got two days of express plus out of it!

We went back to the parks the next two day and it was even more crowded than the day before but we never waited in any lines!!!! It was a totally different experience. We did both parks at a very slow relaxing pace and it ended up as the best vacation!! We are hooked on Universal but I will only go if I can stay on-site or close by so that we can get there when the parks open. I am so glad I gave it another chance.

Last year I did a split stay between Universal and Disney during Easter week. Universal I did not have to plan out one thing (except meal reservations) and Disney was commando style touring, fun but not so relaxing. 4 days is enough for Universal but not enough for Disney. We used TGM so we made use of fastpass but because it was only fours days we were go, go, go all the time... It's nice to take breaks and enjoy your vacation.

This year we are going to Disney for a week and then a few months later we are going to Universal for a week. I love both parks and each is a different type vacation... I have been planning every minute for Disney and I haven't done much planning for Universal. I will only make reservation for dinner, maybe reserve a cabana and that is it!


Give it another try, you may just fall in love with it like we did...:goodvibes

[yaytezIOA]

Parking at Universal on 12/27 and 12/28 was $11. They probably raised the rate for the holidays. Since one of the tickets we got was scrathed out as $10 and marked with $11. Oh yes another complaint. The elevators weren't working properly here in the Cat in the Hat parking lot.

Forget about using the moving walkways. People get on them and then just stand there. You can move quickly by walking instead.

The fast passes at WDW worked great. We were able to get on all the rides that we wanted too see.

We would fast pass a ride and either hit another attraction that had less of a wait, do some shopping, or eat lunch/dinner and then return to the ride.
Theres your problem. You dont like the Express system. I HATE the fastpass system. Forget an hour wait.....most rides at ANY disney park have on average a 45 minute to 2 hour wait if you go standby. Why is that way? FASTPASS. Universal had that problem before, but they eliminated the free fastpass, and on BUSY days they go an hour...which most rides are nowhere near that.
And you complain that people at Universal dont walk on the movin sidewalk? Yeah...thats a legitimate complaint there. Its like me complaining that it rained the last time I went to disney.
You went expecting disney...you didnt get disney....and you dont like it. They are different parks, both with a lot for everyone....ESPECIALLY IOA. Did you just look for rides? Did you not see Pterradon Flyers, and the four rides in Suess Landing? Did you look to explore other things that your kids could do? Camp Jurassic, Me Ship the Olive, the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and If I ran the Zoo are all great things for kids to play on and explore. Sounds like someone just didnt do their homework....didnt look on the right section of the DIS boards, or even explore any Universal sites....and they're mad at it.

I would say give it another try.....but you most likely wont. So, sorry you had a bad experience at Universal. We always have a great time there, and a miserable time at wdw..which explains why we let our passes expire. Enjoy disney:thumbsup2

[IOA-Guy]

I love your very legit complaints. The photographers were "pushy." The elavators didn't work, there were very few rides for the children, and worst of all the people didn't walk on the moving sidewalk. I used to love IOA/UO, the rides for all ages, the express, and the wait times, but after hearing this I was clearly mistaken.

As yaytez said somebody didn't do their homework. I can't stand the fastpass system. The express system is definatley the way to go. And you said "Is there a good time of the year to visit the park when it's dead (besides summer when it is 100 degrees). Hate to say this but the park isn't dead in the summer. You can't judge a park and decide not to go back just because you went during a peak time. IOA has a wide selection of rides for little ones, teens, and adults. You were expecting something and didn't get exactly what you wanted. It seems you looked for everything wrong with the park just becuase it wasn't WDW. Give it another chance.

[NewEnglandCamper]

FastPass vs. Express:

All I know is this:

** At WDW we were there at a peak time and got to ride on major rides such as Soarin, Test Track, Splash Mtn., Thunder Mtn., Everest, MGM Hotel Ride, Space Mountain, etc. with thanks to Fast Pass and Extra Magic Hours that required no extra $$$. Overall kids and wife were happy.

** Express was sold out when we arrived (at 10AM) and only got to ride a couple of the rides in the 2 days that we were there mainly during the late evening before the park closed: Dueling Dungeons, Shrek 4D, Jurassic Park water rides. My toddler won't wait around an hour for us in line. Overall kids and wife was disappointed.

Ride "stand-by" times were about the same at both parks on average -- maybe slightly higher at Universal.

If we return to Universal it will be 1 to 2 days tops and I'll pay the extra $$$ to stay in the hotels that offer Express and then most likely spend 5+ days at WDW during our next visit.

As for the moving sidewalks Universal could make it so that some are standing and some are walking since they were mainly going in the same direction.

[granmaz]

I do hope you try again and do some homework next time. They really are great parks and as Yaytez said there is more than meets the eye for the children to do. Yes, different to Disney but that is not a bad thing. Oh, and I love Disney too!

As far as the moving walkways go, we just ask them to move and we walk on past. We are always in a hurry to start enjoying ourselves.

[magiroux]

We were at IOA on 12/28 also, but I had a totally different experience.

We arrived at the park entrance at 7:45am (actually a little later than I would have liked) and was surprised to see only about 200-300 people at the gates waiting to get in. Picked a line that had about 15 people ahead of us and the line began to move almost immediately. Universal always seems to open at least 10 mins before posted time. We rode EVERYTHING at least once, including the train over Suess Land (been waiting 10 years for that one to open - very cute) with no waits, and I mean zero wait - walked on. Rode Hulk twice, Spiderman 3 X's, Unicorn Coaster countless times (DD found a freind and they just went round and round :goodvibes ). By 11AM we came out of Jurrassic Park and literally hit a wall of people that was not there when we went into the ride. We could have rode Dudley and Bluto but we did not feel like getting soaked and they now had a 30 minute wait. Oh, no - that's too long for me :confused3 :rotfl: .

DD & DH went and played in the arcade while I went back to Dr Suess to pick up some souveniers and we were out of there by 1pm. What I saw heading back to our car should have made everyone want to just turn around and go home. Mind you, when we left the park it was wall to wall people. All I saw was people on the moving walkways in droves heading into the parks. There were thousands of the little buggers, pushing strollers & wheelchairs, no less. We looked over the rail where you can see the entrance and it was gridlock, bumper to bumper all the way out to the main road. You were lucky to wait only 20 minutes. Those people had to have waited at least an hour just to pay to park.

NewEnglandCamper - I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, but you had to have picked the worst possible day/time to visit this park. Also, I don't know how you were able to ride all the major rides at WDW if you also arrived there at 10AM as you did Universal. We also toured the WDW parks last week the same way, but arrived a full 40 minutes before opening and we did get to ride everything there, using fastpass, our favorites twice. However, in every park we visted the waits were 90 minutes and beyond by 10:30AM. On 12/27 at noontime all fastpasses for Soarin had been distributed for the day and the wait time was 160 minutes. That was noontime. Goodness knows what it was by early evening. In all my 20 something trips to WDW in the last 15 years I have never waited more than 10 minutes for the Figment ride. That day at 12:30pm it was a 60 minute wait. MK was closed down by 1pm three days in a row due to crowd capcity and AK closed down twice by 1PM for the same reason. From my perspective, both parks (universal & WDW), same time of day - WDW definately had the less tolerable stand-by lines.

I agree with micksterlee - They are totally different types of parks. At Unversal there is no pixie dust - just kick-butt, first rate rides and entertainment.

Oops, sorry to go on and on, but I had the greatest time last week at both parks and wanted to chime in.

[yaytezIOA]

Yeah, really...you get to a park at 10 a.m. when it opens two hours earlier during a PEAK time? I dont really believe you get in all of your big stuff done at wdw waltzing in at that time....even with fastpass. I think the thing that ticked you off about it most....and its due to the fact that you keep bringing it up.....is that if you want a "fastpass" you have to pay for it. You said it yourself....the wait times for standby are the same.
You need to go there fully prepared next time, do the research just as if you were going to disney. Find out what to hit first, find out what to wait til later in the day and what to skip altogether. Learn to use Child Swap...which is waaaaaaaaaaaay better than disney's version of the same thing, and take full advantage of that.
I hope you give it another try, and you do a little more research next time...if you have a bad time at any of these parks....especially Universals...its your own fault.

[NewEnglandCamper]

Yup! I'm cheap. :eek: At $50 X 4 people it would of cost me an extra $200 to ride the rides at a reasonal wait that I already paid for on my admission ticket.

Anyways.. yes more reseach.. and setting the alarm to get the 5 of up and ready for 8AM opening... Next time the kids will be older so this will be more reasonable.

thanks for all the hints, tips, etc.

[yaytezIOA]

Yup! I'm cheap. :eek: At $50 X 4 people it would of cost me an extra $200 to ride the rides at a reasonal wait that I already paid for on my admission ticket.

Anyways.. yes more reseach.. and setting the alarm to get the 5 of up and ready for 8AM opening... Next time the kids will be older so this will be more reasonable.

thanks for all the hints, tips, etc.
I live two hours away....we left at 5:30 with guests on Friday.Sure we waited in line for some rides, but would we wait any less at disney? Dont think so. If you want to enjoy the park and all the rides...sorry thats what you have to do. If you want to sleep in.....then you wont get to enjoy everything. You cant have your cake and eat it too. Thats how it is at every major theme park during the holidays.

[rolltideroll]

I stayed at RPR on Dec.20th for $124 at APH rate (which they never confirmed). I then had FOTL for 2 days for my family- four of us. The express pass for those two days would be 3x as much, and would limit the # of times we could ride. A serious no brainer for us.

[doubletrouble_vb]

wooowie I just learned something new! I'd be willing to pay $150 for a Friday or Saturday night stay since it includes FOTL for two days. I have a preferred pass good until 9/2008 so I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to do this.

One thing I did not like about the Express Pass was its inefficiency as far as line processing goes. Overall I think it would have been better to do something other than designating one ride machine for Express pass and another for stand by. That made the stand by lines too long on Jan 1st and 2nd and the express lines too short. When the crowds are really big they should find a way to divert some of the stand by flow into the Express line very close to the ride start. Or merge the two lines close to the start. This would slow express down just slightly while increasing overall crowd enjoyment. If I owned GE stock I'd be a bit pissed looking at the crowds trapped with their wallets in the stand by line. People dont spend money standing in line. The $$ for an Express Pass or a hotel room wouldn't make up the difference.

I took my niece with me after New Years. The place wasn't empty the way I thought it would be but that was a plus. She hadn't been since she was scared out of her mind in Terminator at age 9 (now almost 17). We had a lot of fun and didn't have too much of a problem going stand by. The only ride we didn't get on that we wanted to was BTTF. Her $91 ticket (w/tax) was just golden for managing the the 4 days we had at USF/IOA. A much better value than the ticket I bought for New Year's Eve at MGM. I'm not saying the lines were short but the only long lines we waited in were for the Mummy and Spiderman. The others were merely average if one uses Disney wait times for less interesting rides as a yardstick.

Anyway I'd take kids of at least kindergaarten height to universal...there are enough shows and rides to keep them entertained if they aren't easily scared the way my niece was at 9.

[F-L-A]

ROFL @ someone visiting a park between Christmas and NYE and complaining about crowds. :rotfl2:

[damo]

wooowie I just learned something new! I'd be willing to pay $150 for a Friday or Saturday night stay since it includes FOTL for two days. I have a preferred pass good until 9/2008 so I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to do this.

One thing I did not like about the Express Pass was its inefficiency as far as line processing goes. Overall I think it would have been better to do something other than designating one ride machine for Express pass and another for stand by. That made the stand by lines too long on Jan 1st and 2nd and the express lines too short. When the crowds are really big they should find a way to divert some of the stand by flow into the Express line very close to the ride start. Or merge the two lines close to the start. This would slow express down just slightly while increasing overall crowd enjoyment. If I owned GE stock I'd be a bit pissed looking at the crowds trapped with their wallets in the stand by line. People dont spend money standing in line. The $$ for an Express Pass or a hotel room wouldn't make up the difference.

I took my niece with me after New Years. The place wasn't empty the way I thought it would be but that was a plus. She hadn't been since she was scared out of her mind in Terminator at age 9 (now almost 17). We had a lot of fun and didn't have too much of a problem going stand by. The only ride we didn't get on that we wanted to was BTTF. Her $91 ticket (w/tax) was just golden for managing the the 4 days we had at USF/IOA. A much better value than the ticket I bought for New Year's Eve at MGM. I'm not saying the lines were short but the only long lines we waited in were for the Mummy and Spiderman. The others were merely average if one uses Disney wait times for less interesting rides as a yardstick.

Anyway I'd take kids of at least kindergaarten height to universal...there are enough shows and rides to keep them entertained if they aren't easily scared the way my niece was at 9.

Often they will let several loading of regular lines occur before they let one loading of express line. This happens at Mummy frequently. The right side will load several times before the left side will load. Many of the rides have express and regular lines merging near the entrance to the ride as well. At Spiderman, the ride attendants will take people from the express lines as they want.

[Disney MAINEiac]

I personally have never had a bad experience at either Disney or USO:goodvibes When we vacation there we expect crowds & waits and they really don't bother me. Being from Maine and the closest thing to a thrill ride being a drive on an icy road for groceries, i'm just over joyed to be in either place (disney or USO):rotfl2:

[robvia]

This is the classic TR of someone who arrived late and had a bad experience. Plus they didn't stay onsite. Whevever I see this thread title, there is a 99.9% chance the person arrived late and didn't stay onsite.

Of coarse it's 20 minutes to park when you arrive at 9-10am. I have web sites that show people the importance of arriving early.
Roller Coaster Videos (http://www.nogodforme.com/arriveearly.htm)

The best time to visit IOA/USF is February, or the last week of August and the entire month of September. The kids have just gone back to school and the place is a ghost town.

Universal closes earlier than Disney, but you can tour the entire park in a few hours if you arrive early. Most Disney rides have long pre-shows and take an hour to do. Disney likes it that way because they brainwash people into staying for an entire week.

Yes, read these boards, and plan a trip where you stay onsite for 2 nights. Things will be much different. You'll be able to walk back and forth to the parks and the pools are nice.

Disney is different from Universal, you can't compare the two.

[Luv'sTink]

I don't think it is totally unreasonable to think you could ride more than 3 rides in a 10 hour day.

I thought Disney people were passionate.

[friendnc]

Once again I have to ask why people try to compare Universal and Disney. They both can be very fun and at times they both can be frustrating. The main thing I think is important to keep in mind is that they are both very different resorts.

I couldn't agree more! To me, it's like comparing children. I love both sets of parks + Sea World. There are some things I like better about each, but they're all very enjoyable in their own right. We switch between DW and US/SW passes each year (US/SW this year). But I do think some of the original poster's observations were valid. None of the parks are as "perfect" as they seem to think they are sometimes. They do have their own sets of issues. But we still enjoy them overall. I just think one has to go to these, or any parks, with reasonable expectations, you know? That's why I think some say they will never go to park "X" again, because of a bad experience, crowds, ect. Their expectations aren't in line with reality. If you plan right, have the right mindset, and know your limits, the experience will be much better. I'm not nessisarily speaking to the original poster, just in general terms.

[Hollywoodhaha]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

[friendnc]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

I know what you mean. I'm 41, and I think I enjoy the parks more than they do;)

[louise1928]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

Too Old?? Hardly!! I am 44 and my husband is 48, and we plan to return again in December for Christmas. He loves amusement parks, and I think when he's 90, and if still in good health (GOD-willing) will continue to ride. I on the other hand will continue to shop and eat at the parks!!! He is probably worse than the kids! I love his enthusiasum and energy everytime we go!:yay: :yay: :yay:

[Magalex]

Once in awhile I will wondering over to these US/IOA threads just to read the posts. My DH and I would love to spend at least one day at US/IOA with our 6 yr old DS(will be closer to 7 for our next trip to FL in June). Reading some posts I always end up saying we will wait until after he turns 10-13 yrs old so he can enjoy all the attractions without being scared. I think this is one of those threads. Plus I want to make sure our trips to Orlando are different each time. I really look forward to experience the onsite resorts at US for a vacation.

[calena]

We were last at Universal two years ago. They had those machines that you could get tickets like Fast pass, no extra cost. Do they not have those anymore? We used them for several attractions. I also liked the single rider line. Do they still have that? We loved UO and IOA. A different feeling than Disney but great rides. We found it much less crowded as well. The rides and theming were really great. Deb

[damo]

No more free express pass machines but there still is a single rider line at some rides.

[louise1928]

Once again I have to ask why people try to compare Universal and Disney. They both can be very fun and at times they both can be frustrating. The main thing I think is important to keep in mind is that they are both very different resorts.

I totally agree with you!!! Universal and Disney just cannot be compared at all. We are planning to visit Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on our Vacation at Universal, and although I have been before, this will be my husbands first. I have already told him, that both parks are not to be compared. I do plenty of research when making vacation plans, I especially look for peoples comments about age groups, atmosphere, etc. With that being said, both parks represent something different for everyone. I love the atmosphere at both Universal and Disney, but in different ways. Someone here also said its like comparing children, I agree, different personalities, no two alike.

Hopefully you will return when your children are older.

[disneypookies]

damn those people that don't actually walk on a MOVING WALKWAY! *snaps fingers* :rolleyes:

Your glass is clearly always half empty sir, your report is not surprising. :thumbsup2

[PlutoLuvr]

damn those people that don't actually walk on a MOVING WALKWAY! *snaps fingers* :rolleyes:

LOL! I never realized that those of us who use the walkway to move us were annoying to others. I mean, isn't that why they're there, to give our feet a break?

And we don't stand side by side and make a barrier. We lean on the railing and look at the HRH -- just another reason to take our time and enjoy the scenery, IMO. The times we have walked on the walkways versus not saved us a whole whopping couple of minutes :confused3

I wonder if the people who are annoyed by those of us who take our time a bit on the walkways and enjoy the views and anticipation are the same people on the roads who veer in and out of traffic, cutting people off so they can get to the next red light, gee, a whole car length ahead of everyone else?

[phamton]

Well it is called a walkway not a newfangled "ride." It has a picture of a person walking. I walk but certainly don't mind others standing as long as they leave room for those walking.

[Motherfletcher]

I didn't read what OP is fussing about and don't really care but have made the observation that people generally walk on the moving walkways when they are going to the parks and stand still on them when leaving.

[Yzerbear19]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

[patster734]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

I believe that the Minneapolis airport is like that.

[Disney MAINEiac]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

This was how I was always taught they were supposed to work. and the airports I've been to all have signs stating (walk to the left, ride to the right) yet we always seem to get stuck behind a couple side by side with luggage and an obviously longer holdover than I have:rotfl2:

[Friendly Frog]

I love both parks, but I can understand not wanting to pay an additional 50.00 for front of the line access, and I can also see where a Disney park MIGHT be a better choice for younger children. :confused3

My best advice is wait till your children are older and go at a less busy time.

Off season at Universal can be very relaxing with short lines.

[Amity 3]

Well it is called a walkway not a newfangled "ride." It has a picture of a person walking. I walk but certainly don't mind others standing as long as they leave room for those walking.

exactly.

and don't put your strollers on them, the signs are right there clearly telling you not to.

[Love2TravelAnywhere]

Question, regarding the universal express pass. We are a family of 5 staying at an offsite location. We will be in town for a whole week and plan on doing a lot of parks. We are planning on visiting US/IOA for 2 days. Can someone explain to me the express pass/room key thing. If I have 5 people in my party and we all want to ride the same ride, does the one room key get all 5 of us through the express line or only one of us? Not quite understanding how it all works.

Also, work it maybe be worth getting a room onsite, just for the express pass perk?

[goofy!]

Question, regarding the universal express pass. We are a family of 5 staying at an offsite location. We will be in town for a whole week and plan on doing a lot of parks. We are planning on visiting US/IOA for 2 days. Can someone explain to me the express pass/room key thing. If I have 5 people in my party and we all want to ride the same ride, does the one room key get all 5 of us through the express line or only one of us? Not quite understanding how it all works.

Also, work it maybe be worth getting a room onsite, just for the express pass perk?

When you stay onsite, ever person in the room gets their own room key. The key will have their name on it, dates of stay, whether they are a child or an adult and if the key has charging privileges.

So, since everybody has their own key, everybody gets to use the express line as often as they want, whenever they want.

[SamRoc]

We went to Universal today, havent been there in 6 years. The only new thing we saw at Universal studios was The Mummy ride, which we really liked. But we probably wont be going back for a few years again. i just felt everything was just far to walk to. we had my nephew with us who was never there before, and he didnt like all the "shaking" rides like Shrek, back to the future, and even terminator with the loud guns shooting. We went to Shrek at 9am, and had to wait til 11 for jaws, and 10 for earthquake and twister. that caused alot of back and forth walking. I couldnt understand why everything wasnt open at 9 am. all those arcade games and restaurants in between the rides seemed like a waste of space to us. We did the rides we wanted by 1 and then the crowds were really crazy, so we left. $50 for 4 hours seemed like alot of money. We were lucky to get in at opening though and do everything we wanted to before it got too crowded.

[Timmy Boy]

Yes, all the central Florida parks are very crowded this week, from the Daytona race.

With some attractions not opening til later, Disney does that too. It has to do with budget, and wear and tear on vehicles if no one is using them.

[dr&momto2boys]

Is there a good time of the year to visit this park when its dead (besides summer when its 100 degrees there)?

We were just there a couple weeks and there were NO lines for anything. We took our 2 yr old and 8 month old. You're right about no rides for the little ons but the play areas and shows are fantastic! Since the lines were so short--pretty much walk right on--my husband and I took turns playing with the kids while the other went on adult rides. It was great!

[calgarygary]

We went to Universal today, havent been there in 6 years. The only new thing we saw at Universal studios was The Mummy ride, which we really liked. But we probably wont be going back for a few years again. i just felt everything was just far to walk to. we had my nephew with us who was never there before, and he didnt like all the "shaking" rides like Shrek, back to the future, and even terminator with the loud guns shooting. We went to Shrek at 9am, and had to wait til 11 for jaws, and 10 for earthquake and twister. that caused alot of back and forth walking. I couldnt understand why everything wasnt open at 9 am. all those arcade games and restaurants in between the rides seemed like a waste of space to us. We did the rides we wanted by 1 and then the crowds were really crazy, so we left. $50 for 4 hours seemed like alot of money. We were lucky to get in at opening though and do everything we wanted to before it got too crowded.
I really do want to comment on this review. If a show (not ride) like Shrek is too much for your nephew, a little research would have told you that he wasn't going to like Twister much less Terminator. It almost appears that you were taking your nephew on the things you wanted to do rather than communicating with him as to the types of rides he would enjoy or observing what he was enjoying.

[Mari annie]

Everyone's views are different.........for sure.

Doing Disney for years we have AP passes for Universal as well now, our "kids" are almost 18 and 13, we go to FL 3 times a year so it's worth it for us.

Anyway, theme parks are theme parks.
We were at Universal all last week=Feb vacation, same lines as Disney, it's the MECCA for Feb break, come on people, lots of waiting-if you don't like theme parks, then try another style of vactioning.
Stop the whining! LOL!:confused3

Universal has alot to offer, although our kids are older, there were hundreds of families with really small kids there, lots for everyone!
You as a parent have to investigate the rides you take your kid on to make sure they are age appropriate for your kids, don't complain afterwards!
Each themepark offers something different.
There are alot of child things to do there.

They should bring back alot of their production back for Nick.
Years ago when They did Nick there my kids loved the live shows.......
as well as they should bring back some of the old characters back, email themeparks on suggestions, who knows, if they get enough requests maybe they'll think about putting them back.........Teenage Mutant Turtles as well
Ghostbusters.............remember when.......there's a new generation who are into these characters or know of them........

No matter what park or park(s) you choose for your family, choose wisely for your own family's needs............
have fun!!!!:cool1:

cannot wait for our April trip!:3dglasses

[damo]

Everyone's views are different.........for sure.


No matter what park or park(s) you choose for your family, choose wisely for your own family's needs............
have fun!!!!:cool1:

cannot wait for our April trip!:3dglasses

I totally agree.

[GemmaPixie]

MGM Hotel ride?? Dueling Dungeons??

[tarheelmjfan]

Now that this has been brought back to the top, I wanted to comment on the fastpass debate. I never understand why people have such a problem with paying for fastpasses at UO. I don't get the idea that WDW's are free either. How can you possibly explain the huge difference in price in themepark tickets? UO gives you the option of buying multi-day tickets cheaply & spending nothing more, or purchasing fastpasses, or staying onsite for FOTL. WDW charges much more for there passes & there are no options. Personally, I think those "free" fastpasses at WDW cost a whole lot of money. Will I take advantage of them, when I'm at the parks? Sure! Would I rather pay less for park admission & purchase a fastpass for every participating ride in any given park. Absolutely!!! To me, that's a no brainer. :confused3

BTW, I agree the moving walkways are to be used for riders on the right, & walkers on the left. We always stay onsite at UO, so it's a non issue for us there. I've been in many airports that use this method for "people moving" though, & that is always the understood etiquette. IME, if I need to move more quickly & someone want's to stand, a polite "excuse me" is all that's ever needed to pass.

[GailT]

My advice to you would have been to use the free shuttle service from the Clarion where you stayed and arrive before opening to ride the rides before the huge crowds arrive. Arriving early is always your best bet to get to avoid the lines.

Just as a side note, how many fastpasses were you able to use each day at Disney? I don't ever seem to have much luck with them.

We usually stay onsite, and go at non-peak times. For $150/night, unlimited express passes and $85 7 day passes, we really think it is an absolutely amazing deal and vacation. When we go to Disney, the hotels are more expensive for comparable quality, we usually manage to get about 3 fast passes a day and our tickets are well over $300 each for the week. It takes us several days to actually ride the number of rides that we could ride in one day at Universal. We come home feeling run ragged and frustrated. I guess everyone has different preferences and it is great that there are parks that accomodate and satisfy us all.

what hotel is considered on site for US?

[phamton]

what hotel is considered on site for US?

Hard Rock Hotel, Portifino Bay Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort

http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_index.html

[GailT]

Hard Rock Hotel, Portifino Bay Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort

http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_index.html

I thought they were talking about CA. thanks for the info. I did stay at HR and after the 1st night I went back to Disney, I did not like it. I am going to CA US in September, I wonder if I will like that one.:)

[Love2TravelAnywhere]

We were there the week of March 9th (spring breaks were just starting) and I would just like to add my thoughts. We were traveling with 3 kids (3, 8, and 14). We visited both Disney MK & US/IOA. During our Disney visit, we started off great. We arrived @ 8:30, there was no line for parking, we pulled right up and into the parking lot - we were even really close to the monorail station. We were at MK before rope drop and as soon as that happened we headed straight to Fanastyland. We did a lot the first 2 hours of the day (Dumbo, Peter Pan, Small World, Hauted Mansion and a couple of others with most not even having a line). After that it was all down hill. We tried using fastpass - that was a joke. Without doing a lot of back-tracking it didn't work for us. So, we did a lot of the character greeting during the middle of the day and then when the night parade began we were back in luck. We had watched a parade during the day - so we didn't really need to see the night one. But, during the night parade and fireworks - we did a lot. About 30 mins before the fireworks were to begin we were going to ride Space Mountain and there was a 2 hr & 10 wait - we past. As soon as the fireworks begin we watched the first 5 mins and then headed to space mountain - we walked right on, twice. This park was mainly for the 3 year old, however my 8 year old enjoyed himself as well.
Okay, I know this is not a Disney thread but, I'm trying to paint a picture here. Stay with me....
The next day we went to US/IOA we knew we had 1 full day, possible a 2nd but we were not for sure. Again we arrived @ 8:30 with no wait to park and we were parked on the "JAWS" level. The walk wasn't that bad. We decided to go to IOA first. We got right in, and remember we have 3 kids (3, 8, & 14) and the older 2 do not do roller coasters and my husband and I myself love them - so, we immediately went to Hulk. I went first, walked right on, when I got off, my husband went - again walked right on. We then headed to Sueuss Landing for the kids - they loved it. We did DD and Jurassic Park, then to Spiderman (we took advantage of the single rider line/baby swap area) thank god we did the "normal" line had a 45 min wait time and we both walked right on. We got autographs with characters and then headed to US. We ate lunch and then did some of the more popular rides, Shrek, Jaws (line was really long - like 1 hour, looked around and left the park at closing time. We did return to US another day (b/c we purchased the $85 deal) and we finished up US (the mummy, men in black, back to the future, et, jimmy and a couple of other things in a 1/2 day. Again, on our 2nd day we arrived @ 8:30.
Now, to compare the parks. I did a lot of research prior to going and that worked out for the best. I will have to say the winner for us was IOA/US. During our week stay we also did Busch Gardens and Sea World - so we did 5 parks in 6 days and the family favorite was IOA/US. It was just perfect for us. My 3 year old loves Shrek, Scooby, Curious George, Nicktoons, my 8 year olds loves superheros, that is what is room is decorated in - so we got great decorations for his room with his autographs from Spiddy, Captain America, Woverine and the list goes on. And of course, by 14 year old enjoyed it much more then Disney.
We all agree the next time we go - it will be IOA/US all the way. I don't think we will even bother doing a different Disney park.

My advise - as everyone else's is to arrive at the park opening you can do all most all of the big rides prior to it getting busy late morning.

[phamton]

I thought they were talking about CA. thanks for the info. I did stay at HR and after the 1st night I went back to Disney, I did not like it. I am going to CA US in September, I wonder if I will like that one.:)

Oh, I see. I didn't notice you were quoting Damo's post. I must have had a blonde moment.

[phamton]

My advise - as everyone else's is to arrive at the park opening you can do all most all of the big rides prior to it getting busy late morning.

Excellent advice!

[tinkerdorabelle]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney, but NOTHING compares to staying onsite at Universal and going on the rides with the head of the line pass, nothing. If you have never done it, try it at least once. My husband is now hooked on Universal so much I have to push Disney on him since the first time we stayed on property. I have never been to Disneyworld where I didn't wait on lines particularly at Magic Kingdom although sometimes longer than others, and if they had the same thing it would be worth its weight in gold. However, we still do Disney of course, its magic, Universal is also magical in a different way and particularly if you stay on property its just incredible!

[joiev98]

I am planning on visiting both WDW and UO/IOA for the first time May 19-26 with my family, and I am so excited for both!!
I would love to stay onsite at universal but simply cannot afford it. The prices are $239 per night!!! Plus, I can not fit my entire family into one room as they only hold a max. of 5 people. And to purchase the express pass would cost $50 per person. So, does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to make the most of my visit to Unviersal? I don't want to be let down...:scared:

[phamton]

I just checked the prices of the days you are there and none of the days are $50 for express. Some of the days are only $15. I don't even think you will need express when you are there except for possibly Saturday.

[joiev98]

I just checked the prices of the days you are there and none of the days are $50 for express. Some of the days are only $15. I don't even think you will need express when you are there except for possibly Saturday.

Oops! Sorry! I guess I should've been more specific. We will be at Universal May 25 & 26. For these 2 days combined, the express pass will cost $50/ person. That works out to $300 for our family. I wish I could afford that, but unfortunately, I cannot...Although I am concerned that they might be needed since that is Memorial Day Weekend. Oh well. I am looking forward to going nonetheless
Thanks for your reply!

[damo]

I am planning on visiting both WDW and UO/IOA for the first time May 19-26 with my family, and I am so excited for both!!
I would love to stay onsite at universal but simply cannot afford it. The prices are $239 per night!!! Plus, I can not fit my entire family into one room as they only hold a max. of 5 people. And to purchase the express pass would cost $50 per person. So, does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to make the most of my visit to Unviersal? I don't want to be let down...:scared:


Hard Rock is $179/night with APH. If you call, you can probably get obstructed view for around $159. If you go during the week, it is much cheaper; many have reported that it is $129. The preferred annual pass costs $179. If the kids are staying in the adjoining room, you only need one annual pass.

[william4192]

1) The Jetsons don't walk on them, so I didn't think I had to. I always figured it was the whole park in a driveway, drive on the parkway thing. :)

2) Universal used to have the fast passes, but a lot of people have it in their head it makes the lines longer. In fact it might, I have not read the research. But for us, we get a fast pass and then shop (not getting in another line). Of course, we live in Florida so we normally only rides with fast passes. Thus, we now tend to skip Universal altogether.

[william4192]

Universal only offers deep discounts for multiple days b/c you don't really need it. I also wish UO and IOA had more sit down resturants.

[CJN]

Universal only offers deep discounts for multiple days b/c you don't really need it.


See, it's statements like this I just don't get and adds to my frustration every time I read one of those "We only saved one day for Universal so can we do both parks in one day?" threads. Of course, you can't! At least you can't do it well.

Maybe multiple days aren't needed for people who live close by who drop in often or for the attention deficit folks who constantly rush from one thing to another. But for those of us who like to walk rather than run, people-watch, re-ride and re-ride JPRA (or mummy, or spidey, or mib), take pictures, catch all the shows, snack, introduce our unsuspecting sister to the talking fountain, laugh at the kids playing in the water...in other words take a real vacation...then the multiple day passes are a requirement. And the best deal out there.

[william4192]

CJN,

Believe it or not, I'm like you. I think a Day per park is fine. If you wanted a 3rd day to do your favorites and look around, I can see that. My problem is with Universal it lacks the "themed" resturants. I know you can find somethings at City Walk, but I don't personally like the City Walk "customers". Too many teenagers and drunks hanging out at night.

Even so, 4 days is really pushing it at Universal if you ask me. If you like spending a week there, I find that wonderful (and cost efficient!), but I don't see it.

Just for the record, I'm a big fan of Universal (not big fan of SeaWorld although I see the value) Studios. UO is a great park and so is IOA. To me it complments Disney very well. I remember my first day there I had a great time. I love walking around and checking out IOA (which might be the best themed theme park I've ever seen!).

I'm a big fan of Animal Kingdom (go ahead make fun of me). My wife love to walk around and see the animals and walk the trials :)


Sorry if my comment was disneyboard "offensive". If it was me and I had a week, I'd spend 6 days at Disney and 3 days at Universal/SeaWorld.

The only reason I say 6 at Disney is b/c I always find so much to do at the resorts. I'll be honest, the resorts are the biggest thing that keeps me coming back to Disney.

But I'll be honest, if they keep building theme parks in Orlando, I'll keep buying passes. Universal, Busch, Disney...all fun to me!

[Fan2CSkr]

CJN,

Believe it or not, I'm like you. I think a Day per park is fine. If you wanted a 3rd day to do your favorites and look around, I can see that. My problem is with Universal it lacks the "themed" resturants. I know you can find somethings at City Walk, but I don't personally like the City Walk "customers". Too many teenagers and drunks hanging out at night.

Even so, 4 days is really pushing it at Universal if you ask me. If you like spending a week there, I find that wonderful (and cost efficient!), but I don't see it.

Just for the record, I'm a big fan of Universal (not big fan of SeaWorld although I see the value) Studios. UO is a great park and so is IOA. To me it complments Disney very well. I remember my first day there I had a great time. I love walking around and checking out IOA (which might be the best themed theme park I've ever seen!).

I'm a big fan of Animal Kingdom (go ahead make fun of me). My wife love to walk around and see the animals and walk the trials :)


Sorry if my comment was disneyboard "offensive". If it was me and I had a week, I'd spend 6 days at Disney and 3 days at Universal/SeaWorld.

The only reason I say 6 at Disney is b/c I always find so much to do at the resorts. I'll be honest, the resorts are the biggest thing that keeps me coming back to Disney.

But I'll be honest, if they keep building theme parks in Orlando, I'll keep buying passes. Universal, Busch, Disney...all fun to me!

Your comments arent the typical experience just yours. The restaurants at Universal/CityWalk and the on-site resorts blow anything Disney has to offer away. I'm not a Disney hater at all but the food is seriously lacking. I only noticed that after being spoiled by Universal.

We are also a family that can spend a week at Universal no problem and still want more. I have never encountered a bad crowd at CityWalk and have had many many meals there. :confused3

I dont find your comments offensive in the least. They are however the opposite of my famlies experiences.

[CPanther95]

Seems ridiculous to praise the FastPass system vs. the Express Pass when the OP didn't even purchase the Express Pass to be able to compare. Then at the same time comparing the price of both programs while disregarding the price of the underlying cost of entry doesn't make much sense.

I couldn't stand the Fast Pass system, and if Universal ever gets rid of the FOTL access for onsite guests, we'll stop taking Universal vacations.

One thing is certain, and obviously holds for the OP as well. Wait times standing in line can have a huge impact on the overall quality of your vacation. Touring 90% of a park by noon or 1 pm leaves a heck of a lot of time to enjoy the resort/pool before returning to get your fill of your favorites.That's something to keep in mind when valuing the onsite hotel stay vs. staying off-property. It's very easy to be penny wise and pound foolish.

I'm not anti-Disney, but I'm too thrifty with my vacation time and all the planning involved to leave the "success" of the trip up to chance. Personally, I view the great unknown of wait times at the Disney parks on any given trip to be a chance not worth taking. A Universal vacation with FOTL eliminates that huge variable and the only things remaining that can cause a problem (room issues, bad meal, etc) only impact a finite part of your vacation - or can be corrected "on the fly".

[Mari annie]

We have AP Passes because we travel to MCO frequently, and I would NEVER buy the EPasses, you don't really save any that much time, if you go on the rides after 430 or later the crowds are (less) at that time, and you don't have to stand for hours for a few minutes on a ride-can you tell I don't wait in long lines?!!!LOL!

Less than 30 days to return! can't wait!:cool1:

[Mari annie]

We did Disney for years and now we too do Universal much more, alot more for teens/adults and Disney just seems to be quietly slipping.........
each year............... after nearly 20 years of the parks, we decided it was time! We still go to DTD, but it's not the same Disney at it was my kids were small!
They don't want to go anymore, couldn't even get them to go to MGM last week, it was Universal!

less than 30 days until FL! :banana:

[Brook1099]

I kinda agree with my kids being ages 5&7 , we've been twice and this next trip we are going to skip it! Can't seem to find that much that my kids enjoy. We do more walking around than anything! Maybe in the next few years we will try it again.

[yaytezIOA]

I kinda agree with my kids being ages 5&7 , we've been twice and this next trip we are going to skip it! Can't seem to find that much that my kids enjoy. We do more walking around than anything! Maybe in the next few years we will try it again.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1353733
or

http://ioacentralradio.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=205620
Just a little research:thumbsup2

[Nolan N.]

Universal is not as bad as you are making it out to be. I love Universal more than Disney.

[Metro West]

My problem is with Universal it lacks the "themed" resturants. I know you can find somethings at City Walk, but I don't personally like the City Walk "customers". Too many teenagers and drunks hanging out at night. Are you talking about the Studios or IOA because IOA has the best "themed" restaurants in town. Have you been to The Enchanted Oak, Mythos, Thunder Falls Terrace, The Burger Digs or Circus McGurkus? What does Disney have that's better "themed" as those? I can't think of anything. You are right about the teenagers but I haven't seen many drunks at CityWalk. But, I'll take the teenagers over the small kids and strollers anytime.

[william4192]

Metro West,

I was talking about sit down (servers) type resturants. We do love Mythos. I like Tony's at MK, anything at EPCOT etc.. 50's Prime Time, sci-f- at MGM. I just think Universal lacks these types. They do have fine counter service.

[macraven]

universal rules..........

[kanga24roos]

We just returned from our second family trip to WDW first family visit to Universal. I must say I was extremely dissapointed with IOA. I love the way it looked the "sets" were all great, however the lines were unbelievable and the crowds were worse. Example while we were in line for spiderman our first rides my kids and I were surroounded by thugs...no other name for them. They were all teens and they were screaming at each other they were jumping line shoving people out of the way at times I was actually worried for my sons safety and this was while we were still in line. I have never experienced anything like that and any other park. While we were on Blutos Bilge ride there were teens in the raft behind us smoking...whats up with that? We could hear the staff over the intercom "reminding" people there was no smoking on the rides but they were ingnored and when the ride was over I was hoping to see some kind of security removing the trash....but no.. they just walked off the ride shirtless and barefoot and went about there business so if the rules aren't going to be enforced why bother having them? The other thing I found EXTREMELY irritating was the number of soliciters around the parks. It started in the parking lot with people trying to give us backpacks in exchage for filling out a CC application to people at every intersection trying to get us to come look at their condos or new hotel or whatever...and they follow you, very annoying... we paid to be there and should be left to enjoy our vacation.
My boys are 10 7 4 and 2 and even though ALL of them are coaster junkies we have decided we will not return until all our boys are teens and are able to defend not only themselves but Mom while wating in line.

[phamton]

The last few weeks there have been band competitions, cheerleading competitions, and several school groups (class trips). It sounds like you were there for some of the school groups. I am sorry you had some problems--the Brazillan tour groups have nothing over the American teens. Your best option was to stop at Guest Services while you were there and voice your displeasure. Hopefully, they would have been able to determine what school or schools were causing a disruption.

[PlutoLuvr]

We just returned from our second family trip to WDW first family visit to Universal. I must say I was extremely dissapointed with IOA. I love the way it looked the "sets" were all great, however the lines were unbelievable and the crowds were worse. Example while we were in line for spiderman our first rides my kids and I were surroounded by thugs...no other name for them. They were all teens and they were screaming at each other they were jumping line shoving people out of the way at times I was actually worried for my sons safety and this was while we were still in line. I have never experienced anything like that and any other park. While we were on Blutos Bilge ride there were teens in the raft behind us smoking...whats up with that? We could hear the staff over the intercom "reminding" people there was no smoking on the rides but they were ingnored and when the ride was over I was hoping to see some kind of security removing the trash....but no.. they just walked off the ride shirtless and barefoot and went about there business so if the rules aren't going to be enforced why bother having them? The other thing I found EXTREMELY irritating was the number of soliciters around the parks. It started in the parking lot with people trying to give us backpacks in exchage for filling out a CC application to people at every intersection trying to get us to come look at their condos or new hotel or whatever...and they follow you, very annoying... we paid to be there and should be left to enjoy our vacation.
My boys are 10 7 4 and 2 and even though ALL of them are coaster junkies we have decided we will not return until all our boys are teens and are able to defend not only themselves but Mom while wating in line.

We just returned, too. While we didn't have to deal with the salespeople as you exit the parking garage, since we stayed onsite, the kids' groups were pretty obnoxious. We normally visit Orlando in mid-September, mid-December, and the end of February, and the kids with their groups this past trip is definitely not "normal" park environment. We, too, dealt with the screaming, shrieking, inappropriate language, kids pushing and shoving. It was a headache to say the least.

I wouldn't say it "ruined" our vacation, but in the future, I'll always double-check to see if these crowds are going to be dominating the parks when we visit.

FWIW, I'm pretty sure all the theme parks in Orlando host cheerleading, band and kids' groups at some point. I remember dealing with the same thing some years ago at WDW.

Hope you give it another chance sometime :)

[wwessing]

The last few weeks there have been band competitions, cheerleading competitions, and several school groups (class trips). It sounds like you were there for some of the school groups. I am sorry you had some problems--the Brazillan tour groups have nothing over the American teens. Your best option was to stop at Guest Services while you were there and voice your displeasure. Hopefully, they would have been able to determine what school or schools were causing a disruption.

phamton,

Are these groups generally at the parks at the end of april/beginning of May?

[phamton]

Last week in April and first week in May seem to be when most of the class trips are. The high school my husband teaches at went to Seaworld this year. If you have issues, let Guest Services know.

[tlinus]

See, it's statements like this I just don't get and adds to my frustration every time I read one of those "We only saved one day for Universal so can we do both parks in one day?" threads. Of course, you can't! At least you can't do it well.

Maybe multiple days aren't needed for people who live close by who drop in often or for the attention deficit folks who constantly rush from one thing to another. But for those of us who like to walk rather than run, people-watch, re-ride and re-ride JPRA (or mummy, or spidey, or mib), take pictures, catch all the shows, snack, introduce our unsuspecting sister to the talking fountain, laugh at the kids playing in the water...in other words take a real vacation...then the multiple day passes are a requirement. And the best deal out there.

AMEN!!!! We spent Day 4 of our vacation doing that. We knew the parks would be packed so we went to IOA and kinda "hung out". It was GREAT!!!!:cool1: :cool1:

[bg4]

School Groups, Tour Groups (perhaps Brazilian perhaps not- but with flag), marching bands - that never happens at disney - YEAH RIGHT - of course it does. Lets not make this into something its not. These (trying to be nice and PC) groups of people go to all parks, not just one.

[kanga24roos]

School Groups, Tour Groups (perhaps Brazilian perhaps not- but with flag), marching bands - that never happens at disney - YEAH RIGHT - of course it does. Lets not make this into something its not. These (trying to be nice and PC) groups of people go to all parks, not just one.


I'm not sure but I don't think anyone is trying to imply that these groups don't visit all other parks. I know all I was trying to get across is that the bad behavior was allowed to continue at the park on the days I was there when I have seen poor behavior handled in immediate expulsion at other places.

[damo]

The only people that approached us were the ones asking if we wanted to do the preview for the new shows and offer us money for doing it! Since we were from Canada they wanted nothing to do with us.

Although the crowds were huge on the Saturday that we were there, we didn't find anyone to be any more disruptive than your average, normal teenager at the mall.

[GailT]

Are we talking Universal in Florida or in CA, seems like I am confused?

[damo]

Are we talking Universal in Florida or in CA, seems like I am confused?


Florida.

[d4est]

Nevermind, I am too slow for damo!

[Holly Goheavy]

CJN,

The only reason I say 6 at Disney is b/c I always find so much to do at the resorts. I'll be honest, the resorts are the biggest thing that keeps me coming back to Disney.



We actually feel that way about the hotels at Universal. We're staying 4 nights at PBH over July 4th -with 3 pools and a bocce ball court plus the planned activities, I think we've pretty much got everyone in the family covered (a 4 yo boy and 16 yo girl).

We've stayed at all 3 hotels and have always had just as much fun hanging at the hotel as we have at the parks.

I've stayed at all the mods and deluxes at Disney as well-after hiking to the dining areas at Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans, I love the convenience of ducking down to The Kitchen for dinner.

[AlexandNessa]

Next time, I am going to name my trip report thread something horrible ... like

Don't ever stay at the HRH!!!!!!!!!

RPR = ICKY!

NO MAGIC AT UNIVERSAL!!!!

It seems that way, my positive report will be around forever...

Seriously, why is this thread still going? We've never had a trippie last like 5 months on this board. Has the OP even been back in a while?

Anyway, agree with phamton .... the Brazilian Tour groups are the WORST! Most of the school groups we saw this trip were supervised.

[Motherfletcher]

Just thinking the same thing. I was kind of sorry that I subscribed early to this. Let it die. Sounds from this article that the mainland Chinese are worse than the Brazilians.
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/archive/news/2005/12/20051206p2g00m0dm020000c.html