US refund after 15 mins!

[Betty X]

We went to US for the first time and lasted about 15 mins before we went to get our money back. I have never been to a more lame park in my entire life. We went for park opening at 9am and nothing was open. There was only 1 store open, the rest were to open at 10:30. We wanted to see Curious George and it didn't open until noon. I will never go back. We are still laughing that Rocky and Bullwinkle were there to greet the guests as they arrived. There is absolutely no meaning or history to this park at all. We were shown a back exit to leave so that nobody could see us leaving. I will definitely be giving Disney my money for the rest of my life!

[AdrianB]

To each his own. We will only go back to disney because we have days left on our parkhoppers.

[thefoyboy]

Betty,

In all honesty if all you gave Disney was 15 minutes early in the morning, my experience tells me you'd have the same type of situation.

I know we all have our 15 minutes of fame in life, but you didn't use yours up at Universal. Give it a real opportunity.

[suzysezso]

Umm... Just what were you expecting to happen in the first 15 minutes that the park was open?
:smooth:
(Trying hard here not to pass judgement on your post for at least 15 minutes after I read it... and wondering where this secret back exit might be...)

[Humpbacks1962]

Oh, let's not be so fanatical about something so petty!!

I could have described the same situation the first time I took my children to MGM. There was hardly a thing for a 4 and a 6 yr old to do! I got in by 9:00AM, and was ready to leave by 1:00 PM. That visit was back in 97 or so.

I have met several Disney die-hard fans that knew they'd hate Universal before they walked in it. It is like they were on a hilarious mission to go through all the hassle of visiting the parks just to let the Universal CMs know they were hated. Like, they could have used an empowering adrenalin rush or self esteem boost that day and the thought of victimizing poor Universal cast members was satisfying...
For all they cared...

I consider myself to be a Disney "freak". I love Disney! I have been a die-hard pin collector for almost two years now. But I am still able to walk into Universal and have a blast just as well! I am not going to post fanatical devotions on behalf of either of them anywhere, as neither pay my mortgage or advertisements.
So, to each his own and thank goodness for democratic variety in
the U S of A !

Wanda

[h20jag]

Fifteen minutes? Some people just can't last that long I guess.
At least you got your pesos back.
You oughtta try it on a week-day in the summertime really. All the bells & whistles are turned on then, and all parks are jumping. From early morn till late nite.
Jim

[welovemickey]

The first time we went to Universal, I didn't think I would like it either. And to be honest, I wasn't overly impressed. BUT, we went back and now I wouldn't miss a visit to Universal on our trips! It's come a long way from when it first opened.

You should really give something a chance before making judgments. 15 minutes or even more is not giving something a chance. I wonder if you had too high expectations?

[MsDisney]

I have to comment on the "opening" of the attractions. Disney does the same thing! They stagger the opening of the attractions since first thing in the AM, there are just not enough people to fill the attractions. There ARE several attractions at Universal that open at 9...Twister, MIB...there are others. The rest open at 10, not 10:30. The exception might be Terminator 3D, and some of the other shows.
To say that nothing was open, is probably an overstatement - perhaps what YOU were interested in wasn't open? Curious George probably doesn't open until noon because, people generally enter the park and visit some attractions, and maybe by noon, the kids are ready for a little splashing and play area fun.

It's true...to each his own...the Studios doesn't blow me away, IOA does...but to say that you only spent 15 minutes there does nothing but show that you probably weren't all that interested in trying, I'm afraid.

I was at USF the other day, and personally, I was impressed that they still had plenty of characters about, and street shows, considering there was hardly anyone there...
Oh well...your loss, I suppose...
Karen

[Betty X]

Making an effort to like something is ludicrous in my eyes. You either like it or you don't and I was simply not interested in forcing myself to experience anything. I was simply not impressed with the cleanliness of the park, but the staff was very nice and friendly. I was in disbelief at the blatant copying of the Disney parks but at US it all seemed so hollow with no meaning and continuity or relation between the stores and attractions. I have absolutely no desire to see Rocky and Bullwinkle and have my picture taken with them. We did see some of the Rugrats characters which I know some children would like but that was the only thing I saw that I did not laugh out loud at. We kept on walking through and waiting to see something that was interesting. We wanted to get a full day in at the park but decided that it wasn't for us. I just do not see the draw. Perhaps the draw is the rides but we are not ride people at all. We actually intended on buying a 3 day - 2 park pass at US but thought we should check it our first. I am glad that we did not get the longer pass.

[Betty X]

The back exit we went through was what looked like a hotel lobby. We went to guest services first and we were not allowed to exit through the front gate where we entered. We were escorted through what we were told was a short cut but I did not find it to be shorter. We were also not given a refund for the parking fee that we paid for.

[TigrLvsPooh]

Did you try IOA? Just wondering what your opinion was of it.

[Humpbacks1962]

Typical of bitter Disney die hard fans: To claim that everything Universal does, it does it to copy Disney. *I* consider myself a Disney die hard fan, but I love theme parks and I love visiting them with my children. It is about having a good time even when the style is different, sister! If you can't adapt to a different style, do yourself a favor and don't go elsewhere!

[post edited for violation of board rules]


Wanda

[Betty X]

Is that a chip on your shoulder I see 1962?

I would suspect that your post might be edited before too long.

We are each entitled to our own opinion and I was so flabbergasted by my experience that I felt I should post. We tried to like it but it just wasn't happening so we left. Where would you say I went wrong?

I think we all owe it to ourselves to broaden our horizons and try new things, deciding along the way what we like and will do again and what we don't like.

[Betty X]

We did not try IOA as we were under the impression that it was just rides and we don't really go on rides.

[lookingforward]

I am a total Disney fan. I really love everything about Disney! Last April I went to US and IOA. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. I have to say that previously, in 1995, I had been to US and was not that impressed. When we arrived at US at opening time there was not much open. So we walked around had something to eat. We continued to walk around the park and within an hour everything was up and running. I am glad that I waited! If you are not into rides than I think US would be more to your liking than IOA. There were a variety of different shows to see, some of my favorites were the movie make-up show, Twister and Terminator. Of course the rides were great too! My kids really loved US.There are several nice places to sit down and eat too. And towards the end of the day they have a great stunt boat show. If you love movies and you give it a few hours there is SO MUCH to do and see that does not involve rides. I think it is a shame that you only gave it 15 minutes because there is so much to explore and enjoy throughout the day. It would be like going to the Musuem of Modern Art (if you love art) and leaving after you saw the front lobby!

Believe me, I LOVE Disney and we are going for two weeks in April. But we will be spending two days at US and IOA because, although different than Disney, they are awesome too!

[damo]

Curious to know exactly what did you see in 15 minutes. How far did you walk before you decided it wasn't for you?

[fboy9287]

under the impression? Under the impression? Tips I have learned thru my 15 years of existence:

1. LEARN! the more you learn now, the less cranky you will be come opening time.

2. IOA is not just rides!! ex: Sinbad!

3. When you go into a park, act like a cow! I call this the cow therory! You were not being a cow when you wanted to go to curious Gourge the first thing!!

4. Don't complain here-they will butcher anything you say!

[Humpbacks1962]

That's what it is all about: Accepting something different or avoiding it! What is so hard about it?

Listen, I am personally against whales in captivity! To me, it is a brutality to have a rider stand on a violently captured marine mammal and make him spin in an enclosed chlorinated tank for his meals and for the amusement of humans free to come and go as they please. I worked in a local aquarium training marine mammals years ago, I saw what the public does not see: They are social, have personalities, feel, are sad at night when everyone leaves, and are euthanized when they don't meet standards for display and no other place takes them! *I* know first hand.

But, do you think I ever sign on to their boards and bash the people who love Sea World? Do you think I'd even pay to get in and despise the CMs? How far do you think a sour face and a refund will take me? They'll have thousands more coming in later on anyway. My personal way of expressing my dislike is by not visiting zoos or aquariums holding animals in ways that I disaprove of!

I have better ways to build up my self worth than provoking petty fights like you. Bashing Universal because you claim it imitates Disney won't get you far. Obviously, if you left after 15 minutes you had an agenda. You did not go with the intent of checking them out...

Is Disney giving you free tickets for your blind loyalty? Free room stays? Even a measly discount? So.. Live with an open mind then, dear!


I am signing off from this one myself.. Find it too ludicrous to feed her needs.


Wanda

[Betty X]

Pardon me for not liking US and not being afraid to say so. The absolutely bitter diatribes placed against me are shocking and humourous. See ya.

[h20jag]

If only you'd had your picture taken with Rocky & Bullwinkle...
Jim

[WebmasterBarry]

If I went to Epcot at 10 am and tried to hit World Showcase, then I would be disappointed everything was closed until noon. Personally, 15 minutes is not enough to judge a park. There are several rides open right at 9 am. Take a spin on MIB and BTTF. See what those rides are like.

As for a history to the park, it's been around for over 10 years, so surely it must have a history.

[WebmasterBarry]

I need to warn everyone that some of the response are not civil. Please review board posting rules if you are unfamiliar with them. Any further uncivil replies will cause this post to become locked. Thank you.

[TigrLvsPooh]

We had a great time at US/IOA last October. :) My kids loved the Barney show at US and Suess Land at IOA. I have to say I was very impressed too. ;) The Cat in the Hat ride was awesome! :)

DH and I loved Spiderman... I think it's our favorite. :)

If you don't like rides then maybe an amusement park isn't a good vacation spot? Maybe next time try the Disney Vero Beach resort or a Disney Cruise. ;)

[MsDisney]

I think that part of the problem, Betty X is that you came here, to a Universal discussion board, to air your displeasure. Ok, fine...but the problem with that is, that while people can't fault you for not liking something, you say that you gave it 15 minutes. That makes it a little unbelievable to most of us that you could possibly have gone in there with an open mind, that's all. Universal has some very good street entertainment, and the characters are most always personable and fun. The kids have characters like Rocky and Bullwinkle (and I'm not sure WHAT your problem IS with them...exactly) and rugrats and the Wild Thornberrys...and they have adult characters like Lucy, Laurel and Hardy, Marilyn Monroe and the Marx Brothers...
Their theming is pretty good, with a couple of attractions smooshed in somewhat out of area...
I've never seen the studios dirty, and certainly not at 9am, they just repaved the streets...
And, if you can't tell by my name...I've been a die hard Disney fan, for quite some time, but they aren't all there is. In fact, due to guest service issues there lately, and for other reasons, myself and some friends are sad to say we might not even renew our passes there when they expire. Universal is trying harder, and doing a good job of it, but you have to spend some time there to find out, I guess.
Honestly, I just don't get it. It's like saying you didn't like the meal when all you had was the bread.
Sorry this got ugly, but you should be able to see why it's hard for people to understand...but then, maybe not. You asked where you went wrong, I'd have to say "US refund after 15 minutes" about sums it up.:D

Karen

[Notatourist]

Just a comment, then like many here, I'll move on.

Would Disney do the same? I don't think so.

[Betty X]

Do you mean, would Disney give a refund after 15 minutes? I am not sure as I have never had a bad experience at a Disney Park. I would only hope that they would handle the situation like the US staff member did. We were allowed to tell him the reasons why we wanted a refund, and they were noted on a card of some sort. A satisfactory ending to an unfulfilling experience.

As this is the US/IOA board I felt it appropriate to post here. I have made a similar post on the DVC board as I am a DVC member. As I have been to the Disney Parks for the last four years I was looking to try something new in visiting US. During our trip we also spent a week in Vero Beach at the Disney Resort.

[MIB999999]

Ditto, MsDis.
why even bother to post and what credibility does 15 minutes give anyone about anything???:confused:

[mskay]

I agree with all the above posters that fifteen minutes may be too little time to give US a fair shake. My question though is for MsDisney. You said something above the streets being repaved in US. This sounds interesting. Can you explain what that means?
Thanks:)

[MIB999999]

the street that runs in front of T23D, Mel's et all was resurfaced later last year. :smooth:

[MsDisney]

How Bizarre...I answered this last night...and it's not here! :confused:

Now I KNOW I'm losing it!!!! :(

Karen

[ProfesserBaxter]

also in the last year New York and San Francisco was repaved

[EUROPA]

Wow...15 Mins.

Isn't Universal Studios ad..." ...where you can ride the movies.

I'm confused as well as why you go to a Theme park or amusment park and "don't like to ride".

I find it hard to beleive that you go to Disney and not ride any of the rides. There would be little left to do in some of the parks other than a stage show or two(which Universal has several of) and places to eat. Isn't most of MK and MGM a ride of some type?

"No history" to whom ? You? Was it that you had never seen any of the movies Universal stuidos is based on or the fact that you had never been and therefore could not have "history" with?

"Copied Disney " how exactly? I don't remember seeing Cindy's castle there. Or do you mean they copied the movie lot theme...sorry but alot of moive lots look like that. Or do you mean copied the rides ? Wait...you don't ride the rides. Copied the food ? Copied the what ?

I agree these trips can be what you make of them ....seems that you went in with a I'm going to hate this attitude" and guess what ...you were right.

[rangebob]

It sound like in the 15 minutes you got past the gates and then immediately turned around and asked for a refund. I know when I go to any park I take my time and look at everything as I am walking. This reminds me of the horses in New York with the blinders on to prevent them from getting spooked.

As for the copying, I would have to say that Disney copied Universal. Universal Stuios opened their doors before MGM. I've been a Disney fan for a long time, and I seen no comparison between the parks.

I've been to several different parks owned by different chains. By far I've never seen any of the park so bad that I would leave in the first 15 minutes. I remeber you saying that the park being disgusting, I guess you have never been to a Six Flags Park. I don't think they know the term custodial staff. Universal is one of the cleanist parks that I've been to.

As everybody else has said to each their own.

[WebmasterBarry]

Actually, Disney-MGM opened before Universal, but neither park is a copy of each other.

[Earl]

Yes, MGM opened first, but Universal was on the way. It was definitely a reaction to them coming to town. It was a very fast tracked project just to get opened first. Does anyone remember opening day at MGM? You could do the entire park, every ride and show, inside of 4 or 5 hours.

[ProfesserBaxter]

Well when I was there it didn't take me that long it took me........
can anyone guess?........ 15 minutes!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Happy Birthday Cat]

All I know is that I love Disney and US. I remember seeing a flood scene at Universal Studios California in 1974 that I thought was soooooo cool. When I first went to Disney-MGM and saw the flooding in Catastrophe Canyon, it reminded me very much of the flood scene at US California. What is the difference if something is copied? Both are great places. :)

[Timbo]

Come on everyone give BettyX a break. She was using Canadian minutes, she forgot to convert to US minutes. So she really was there for 23.86 minutes.

[damo]

Actually, 15 minutes Canadian is only worth about 9 minutes American. I wish it was the other way around then I'd be spending 7 days at USF instead of just 4!!!

[Sean23]

My favorite parks by far are Disney getting a Premium Annual Pass every year. I got my first AP for Universal last year thinking it would not be that good but have renewed it this year with the $99 offer through AAA. The universal parks are great and have a lot of fun things to do even if you do not like thrill rides.

[coreynyc]

One time I went to the Bronx Zoo at the park's opening and much to my dismay a tiger, 2 elephants and several monkeys were still asleep. The Bronx Zoo should let people know that their animals are subject to sleep at any time. However, kudos go to the Bronx Zoo for giving me my money back.

Then I went for lunch at Wendy's and after eating my triple cheeseburger with everything for 15 minutes, I remembered that I was a vegetarian. Then I realized that McDonal'ds not only invented the concept of fast food, but also hamburgers, and putting ice in refreshing carbonated soft drinks. Wendy's is just a copycat! I spoke to the Wendy's manager and promptly got a refund there as well.

[Baileymouse]

I had the same experience you did, Lookingforward - I went in 95 and was very underwhelmed, but when I returned last year I was really surprised at how far they had come. I don't feel that they are copying Disney - they're all theme parks and they do what they do. I love Disney but I like to check out other attractions. Liking Disney doesn't mean that I have to compare everything to them.

I don't think 15 minutes is enough for a fair judgment - I would have given it an hour at least, but that's me. Even in 1995 when I went I at least lasted the day, figured it was not worth another visit, and left it at that. Believe me, it took many friends and family members to get me back there. I'm glad they did - it's so much fun now!

[canda]

We are big Disney guys but we are die hard US fans too. I fell in love with US in Hollywood when the only fun thing to do or ride was the studio tram tour. The only thing on that tour was the Jaws, the Pshyco house and the flash flood. US Orlando is a copy of US hollywood with out the history. Disney MGM is a copy of US Hollywood. The studio tram ride at MGM is really nothing compared to US Hollywood. I have a conference in orlando and i will spend at least 15 minutes or more at both wdw and us/ioa.

[Babblin'Boo]

If it only took her 15 minutes to judge the whole park, she obviously had plans to ask for a refund and leave early way before she entered it. Probably the usual couple of thousand people entered right after her, praising the park and attractions and leaving with achy, blistered feet as usual.

I agree with whoever else brought it up: Betty X, you aren't treated by Disney the way they pamper their VIPs. For all your attempts to "dethrone" Universal, Disney does not compensate you with a darn shred of anything. They may be everything to you, but you are not worth more than what you are willing to pay them.

A little tantrum that won't close Universal anyway, taken for what it is worth and who it came from.

[Melanie1001]

Can you say troll? I knew you could :)

I always find folks like this a riot--this was never intended to do anything but tick people off. I mean, why would anyone come on to a USF board, rant about being there 15 mins (15 minutes?!?!?!? puhleeeze) and demanding money back. And notice it wasn't backed by any facts or real reasons--it was just that she didn't like rides (um hello and you go to a theme park why??) and it had no history or meaning--whatever the heck that means (has this person never watched a Universal movie? obviously not, because the rides and shows there are all tied to a movie or tv show, and one would assume that would give them "meaning")

I tend to remain in lurk mode, but occasionally things like this just spark my interest. This is from a 20 year Disney veteran by the way. Lately I've been very disheartened by Disney, but I haven't posted flames on any of the Disney boards. Everybody has their own opinion, but frankly a blatently incendiary comment such as this automatically triggers my built in troll flag. Sorry folks, had to rant a bit. I will retreat into lurk mode again.....:bounce:

[KFISCHER]

15 minutes is nowhere near enough time to judge an entertianment venue as large as US.

I'd be embarassed to even post something so ridiculous.

[Robinrs]

I basically kept out of this because I believe to each his own, but...

I absolutely HATED Animal Kingdom and made a conscious effort to like it. In fact I stayed for about 3 hours....

But after coming back I did NOT go over to the Disney Theme Parks board and post this. Why? I knew that there were people there with different likes and dislikes and I would INSULT them by posting that.

You put your head on the guillotine's block by deliberately doing such a thing. Personally, it's not how I like dealing with people in my personal life or in cyberspace.

And when I do, I put on my fireproof suit.

My two cents....

[Humpbacks1962]

::Snif, snif:: I LOVE the Animal Kingdom!!

You should have stayed only 15 minutes and demanded a refund or suffer the attack of the Madagascar cockroaches hissing at you.
;)


Wanda

[lagasan]

Everyone has their own opinion. Let's respect that.

My opinion of US.. on a day when I had a lot of energy I loved it and still do!

Another day.. a couple of years later.. I wasn't feeling too well.. sore feet, headache..blah..blah..blah.. and I absolutely hated US. Too much walking and not enough places to chill out. I remember going to the sit down shows just to rest.

So that day.. I was the type of person that doesn't do rides.. and it was kind of disappointing. But I think I would have been disappointed with MGM that day also.

Maybe all amusement parks should learn from opinions such as these. Not everyone is into rides and walking huge distances in hot weather. I remember Epcot (was it Epcot?) used to have double decker buses to get around the park. I could walk to an attraction faster but my Mom liked to take the bus..to chill out. Now that I am older..I understand.

To BettyX...thank you for your opinion and enjoy Disney World. Whenever you post a contrary opinion you will get negative responses. So just ignore them and have fun at Disney. And please understand that many of us absolutely ADORE IOA and US and get very defensive about their merits (RIDES!!!!!).

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by Humpbacks1962
::Snif, snif:: I LOVE the Animal Kingdom!!

You should have stayed only 15 minutes and demanded a refund or suffer the attack of the Madagascar cockroaches hissing at you.
;)


Wanda

See? I ended up hurting Wanda's feelings! I'm sooooo sorry, Wanda. But I DO realize that everyone has their druthers and something not to my liking may just be what the doctor ordered for someone else... so sorry... :o

[Humpbacks1962]

No need to apologize, my pretty. It was all in jest ;)


But I do love the AK! Mainly because animals aren't forced to perform for their meals, they have ample living space, opportunities to hide from gazers if they want to (a.k.a. privacy on demand) and do not live behind bars :bounce:
It is so different that if anyone expected a zoo or an amusement park, he/she will be disappointed. I go to Universal & other Disney parks for the adrenalin rush, I go to the AK for the spiritual connection.


Wanda

[ProfesserBaxter]

now the most berated attraction in orlando is alittle theme park just south of disney called Splendid China I was able to go in free one time with my family and it took me two hours to see everything cause none of the shows were open and we only saw close to 20 guests through out the entire park. Now if I was able to stay for two hours just to see exhibits and why can't people even make it past the Main store in Universal and they end up demanding a refund in 15 mins? There's something wrong.
To conclude it seems to be a one sided conversation going on here and everyone is entitled to their own opion about something either good or bad but Betty X you were so mistakenly wrong to judge something just by the looks of the area if you went into Universal and expecting to see Mickey/ fantasyland type of theme park you were mistakened. Universal is a real, live recording studio for movies, tv shows, commercials, and music videos. In conclude I think we should all stop this topic right here with this post and in the future don't judge something within minutes give it the whole day afterall what do you got to loss. Except for Dignity:( :( :confused: :confused:

[chris mcfly]

Originally posted by Betty X
. We were shown a back exit to leave so that nobody could see us leaving.

And by the way, you were taken out of a "back exit" so you wouldnt take the money and then go run off and play in the park for the rest of the day. Not so nobody could see you leaving. (i dont think someone leaving the park at 9:20 is a show-stopper to other people, is it?)

:)

[Babblin'Boo]

you were taken out of a "back exit" so you wouldnt take the money and then go run off and play in the park for the rest of the day. Not so nobody could see you leaving.

She rode the movies alright: She believed she was a dangerous character in the park :crazy:

[ProfesserBaxter]

If BettyX would've went through the normal exit and not feel like a star going through a "backdoor exit" people coming into the park would feel like "just one less ignorant group to deal" that or "just another group thinking its Disney"

[ProfesserBaxter]

Originally posted by Humpbacks1962
I have met several Disney die-hard fans that knew they'd hate Universal before they walked in it. It is like they were on a hilarious mission to go through all the hassle of visiting the parks just to let the Universal CMs know they were hated. Like, they could have used an empowering adrenalin rush or self esteem boost that day and the thought of victimizing poor Universal cast members was satisfying...
For all they cared...



You are right about this, everything guests do to us and I mean being yelled at, swung at, spit at, cursed at, kicked at, laughed a and etc. everything that happens is left at work and we go home every night and go to sleep andget up the next day and do it all over again. In order to work with some of these guests that are rude to the employees you kinda have to put yourself in a trancelike state.

[Bchamp]

I have never heard of a park refunding your money cause you don't like it. do most parks do this and just how long would one get to like it or not? 15 min.? 1/2 an hour?
I guess because I am mom and my two boys love every park we have ever been too, it does not matter much to me if I like it or not. But then again, if I went with just hubby and didn't have a good time, I probably would not go back. But I don't know if I could go demand a refund after such a short time. I would probably be too embarrassed.
Some people can come to a conclusion alot quicker than others, for me, I guess I am slow. When you have kids, seems like you are always doing something that you would rather not, so not liking something sometimes seems rather "typical"
JMO

[hockey mom]

A family walking out as we are walking in-YEESS, 4 less people to get in my way of the rides.

Easy on the Canadian jokes o.k. The rest of us loved these 2 parks.

[Bill Seattle]

Wow. I actually had the exect same experience at US a few years ago. I did give it more than 15 minutes but within 15 minutes I could tell that this park had no substance and it made us very depressed. This was pre-IOA so we did it first thing (US is NOT an early morning park) and walked around looking around and riding a few of the tacky movie rides. Earthquake got stuck and did not work properly so they left us on it, backed it up after several mintues and started it all over again (ugh!). We had really been looking forward to it all week and we are probably spoiled since US in LA is so much better and REAL. Fortunately it was at the end of our trip so it did not put a downer on the rest of the trip. I go back each year and poke my head in for 1/2 hour or so with my hopper to ride MIB, Back to the Future, Twister and other new rides but the park just lacks atmosphere. It is sad that people would attack the poster rather than just try to see things from a different perspective once in a while. I cannot buy the argument that she did not give it enough time cause with US specifically you can get an impression at the very beginning. It still makes me sad thinking how much we had expected and how depressed we felt after we were done. :(
I visit Orlando each year including US. I do not like coasters (prefer BTF/MIB) but I enjoy IOA park a whole lot more. We have a tendency to do parks that we like in 3-4 hours. I do enjoy US in 1 hour increments.

[h20jag]

Hey, no one "attacks" anyone here. Everyone just posts their opinion.
I, personally, prefer more people to stay outta my way at USF & IOA.
Excuse me now, I've gotta go find more dead horses to kick!
Jim

[Lisa F]

Why should anyone be insulted that someone else does not like what you like? I LOVE the MK, but I know several adults who think I am nuts for loving it as much as I do and view it as a "kid" park. To each their own, that's just one fewer person in front of me on line.

I haven't been to USF in around 10 years, but I remember enjoying it when I did go there. Since then we have spent a LOT of time at Disney, and I am personally glad that this thread was posted because now that a couple of people have expressed disappointment in this park, I have adjusted my expectations accordingly. I am still really looking forward to riding some old favorites, like back to the future, and trying out some of the new stuff, but if the place is not as well themed as I am used to at Disney, it's doubtful that I will be disappointed now that I expect that. I definately won't be getting up early to go there since I detest getting up early anyway, I would be made even MORE cranky by nothing being open. In spite of all of the negativity, I think this thread has been helpful.

As far as USF not having the "history" that Disney has, I think that when people talk about the Disney "history" they are pretty much referring to Walt. Especially with the whole "100 years of magic" celebration going on, people are especially aware of all of the wonderful innovations that Walt was responsible for. I've seen several documentaries and museum type exhibits about his life and I think his enthusiasm, charisma and sheer joy in what he had created still comes through in the parks today. People may argue about how much that has diminished or not, but the fact is that classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean hold tremendous nostalgia for people. My husband has this great picture of him with Mickey and Minnie 30 years ago. I think I'd be hard pressed to find someone who took a picture with a 6' rocky and bullwinkle during the same time frame.

I personally don't see what the big deal is about leaving after only 15 minutes. What difference does it make if you stay someplace 15 minutes or 3 hours? I personally trust my instincts about most things I do and if something doesn't feel right to me, it doesn't feel right period. It was great of US to refund her money, but if she had said "well, I was here for 3 hours and tried everything and didn't like it" they probably would've been much more reluctant to issue a refund (and with good reason). BTW, I have seen Disney do the same (refund based on a poor experience). I think it all depends on the individual that you deal with at either place.

People post negative stuff about Disney on the Disney boards all the time. Nothing is perfect and people will have negative experiences. A lot of people get personally offended by those comments but I bet even more people who don't post on a regular basis can glean something useful from them. I find them most useful to bring my sometimes sky-high expectations back down to reality, but also to figure out what to do if something does go wrong on my vacation.

Lisa

[ProfesserBaxter]

Its not so much dissing universal, people are trying to get their point across. Its the whole not give Universal a chance and the whole saying don't judge a book by it's cover. If I went to MK for the first time and only walk up MSUSA and think that this is the whole park and demand my money back, people would be b*tching me out. So people are angry at is that people wouldn't give Universal a chance. Yes, Walt had alot of good theories for WDW but everything start going down hill ever since Eisner got his sweet a*s involved. They lack in guest services, technology, caring to needs of diabled guests. With the technology two of their most recent rides with manufactured rides based upon Dumbo. If you keep adding low key attractions your going to lose guests. With the disabled guests, guests can remain in wheel chairs and still enjoy majority of the ries at UO. MIB got special cars. So does Cat in The Hat, Caro-seuss-el, one fish, jaws, ET, Blutos, Kong, Earthquake and I belive Ripsaw. Most of the rides at Disney are wheelchair accessible but even those that aren't they can still modify RVs so that they could acomadate those guests.

[Tigger&Belle]

We went to IoA and Universal for the first time last summer and we loved it. We like thrill rides, so found a lot to do at IoA, but we also really enjoyed Universal, especially MIB. We plan to go back when our youngest child is old enough to ride most of the rides and probably concentrate more on the Universal parks than WDW.

I also don't understand how 15 minutes would be enough time to know if you will like it or not. Maybe I'm just a slow learner.

I also don't like AK, but didn't complain when we returned from there January 2001. As a matter of fact we even returned to AK last August for a few hours and I went back with my sister this last January and tried to keep an open mind. That wasn't easy when all I wanted to be doing was riding ToT and RnR at MGM. Even a park that I don't prefer took me longer than 15 minutes.

I can understand if the poster spent the day there and then wrote about her bad experience, but I don't see how a person could even walk through the park in that amount of time, much less form an opinion.

T&B

[cforza]

We were in Disney and Universal last week. Funny but we walked into MK, it was SOOOO crowded, with hour waits for everything, and we had to push our way through the crowds. We turned around, got our money back and left the park. This is the absolute truth. This was last Friday.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we went to the Hard Rock, had FOTL, had no waits, no massive crowds and had a ball! What a difference! I didn't miss the "history" one bit. And anyone who has experienced rides like Terminator and Spiderman could hardly describe Universal as "lame". Terminator is the only attraction I have ever seen ANYWHERE, Disney included, that the audience clapped, whistled and cheered at the end. We saw it 3 times during our stay and it got the same reaction after each performance. Hardly the mark of a "lame" park.

[MsDisney]

We saw it 3 times during our stay and it got the same reaction after each performance. Hardly the mark of a "lame" park.

The term "lame" definitely lies in the eyes of the beholder...and I can't really imagine it with reference here!:rolleyes:

Karen

[Meagansmom]

As a veteran of both Disney and US, I think I could honestly say that I have found faults in all of the parks - crowds, long lines, rides, etc. But this is sometimes expected or cannot be helped. And this is our choice to spend our vacation with the chances we take. And I choose to keep going back.

Now IMHO - put me on a park bench (sometimes) in any park at Disney or US and I am happy. I AM IN FLORIDA AND I AM ON VACATION. It is the fun you make out of it!!!!

The most frustrating thing is waiting for Disney to post their May hours!!!!!

[Tigger&Belle]

I've never been to the MK when it hasn't been a least somewhat crowded, even the end of January when MGM was a ghost town. I still like the MK, but the touring has to be planned so much more than the other parks.

[Jon360]

The sad part is Betty has spent more time on this message board posting about her 15 minute visit than she spent in the actual park.

Did you ever visit this message board before your trip? Have you purchased a guide book for Universal? Did you know that guest services will work with you to plan your entire day at the park? They do more than just issue refunds!!!

From 9am to noon you had the choice of experiencing ET, MIB, Twister, Back To The Future, Jaws, Kong, Animal Planet Live, and Beetlejuice.

You could have also gotten something to eat or just strolled around the park. You could have also strolled around CityWalk for a few hrs or visit the Hard Rock and Portofino Hotels. There is also Islands of Adventure, if you were so dissatisfied with Universal, you could have asked what attractions were open at IOA and went to that park instead.

You don't like Universal because you never really gave it a fair chance. It amazes me that you will spend money on tickets and transportation to the park and not even bother to research the attractions that you might be interested in. If you were truly interested in experiencing the park, you would not have left.

It's sad that you waste your time posting this nonsense and don't really give any justification for leaving the park other than you are a devout Disney fan who will not settle for anything but perfection from its competitors. Have you been to MGM Studios or Epcot when the park first opens? Not all of the attractions are open till a few hrs. later!!!

You should learn not to let minor annoyances get in the way of your ability to enjoy your vacation. So the attraction you wanted to visit would not open until noon, experience the rest of the park and then at noon come back to it!!! Don't let it bring you down and ruin your day.

If you want to waste your vacation time and money getting upset and throwing a fit over the fact that the Curious George area isn't open till noon, that's your perrogative. I'm sure you would enjoy yourself a lot more if you relaxed instead of leaving the park in a hissy fit after you found out the Curious George wasn't open yet.

[Molokai Gram]

Oh I am so glad someone kicked this dead horse ;).

During the MG Con so many of you were talking about Betty's post and because I had gone to Florida early, I hadn't read it and didn't know what you all were talking about. I felt like I was left out of a private joke. :(

Poor thing, she was so unhappy and imagine, being able to make up your mind so fast!

I have loved US since I first went years ago to USH - and I know this was before MGM and so I would assume what Disney meant to copy. I too have been very disappointed at a park - in 1995 when we did the tram tour at MGM expecting it to be the same as the tram tour at USH, HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! MGM tour is not even close to the original and a huge waste of time. We were so happy with USO even back in 1995 because it seemed to us the highlights of the USH tram tour were each made into an entire ride at USO. :bounce:

I have since forgiven MGM for their lame tram ride (which they have never improved) and enjoyed the park when Ohai and I visited last year. I still find it a mismash of themes and wish that it would rely more on the terrific MGM history.

I am very sad that Universal is giving up some of their history, specifically Kong, but that is another post. ;)

I personally prefer Disneyland to WDW and wish USH could be made more like UO. I would be very happy and save lots of money. :D

Donna

[Bill Seattle]

I am not sure what USH (Hollywood) has to do with US in Orlando. The Hollywood park is very classy and cool. US in Orlando is another story. I think people are missing some keys to her story.

Visiting first thing in the morning. There is something disturbing and undescribable about going there first thing. She may not be the type that is going to run on to MIB or BTF when the gates open. Most parks are set up to WARM the slower people up to enjoying the park first thing in the morning such as MK's Main Street (but MGM does not do a good job either).
I visited at the same time and I did not follow my instinct and a friend who traveled with me is still tramatized by that day (high expectations too early in the morning). I stuck it out. I sat through Terminator 2 while annoying people stuck their hands out to grab optical illusions. (My contacts do not seem to allow me to see 3-D and the suggestion from this board a few years ago to open my eyes really wide does not work for me either.) Got stuck on earthquack, walked by lame Jaws, sat with a bunch of little kids in the Nickelodeon stage (I clearly did not belong there), felt sick on the Hana Barbara simulator, looked for the "tram" ride that they advertised but never found it, saw more places serving burgers and fries than I could imagine. Then I noticed there was a water show sometime late that night, ugh! I couldn't make it. I did enjoy my $10 pasta and stuff buffet that I'm sure is no longer there anymore and left after a few hours. It pays to follow your instinct. . .