1 more question on FOTL or whatever its called now.

[MarkMichaels]

Since I'm assuming what I've read is true and FOTL is gone, but on site hotel guests will still be able to ride each ride once per day thru the express line, heres my question. If we can go thru the express line once with the new card readers that are coming, can we also get the three express passes just like other guests so that we could actually go thru the express line more than once per day?
Thanks, trying to get a grasp on Universal before our first trip down this fall.

[WebmasterBarry]

Universal Express passes require a valid admission ticket and has nothing to do with your room key. So yes, you can pick up Universal Express passes with your admission ticket.

[Beckles]

Yes! The only thing I would add is I don't think you can get your three Express tickets all for the same ride ... though I'm not sure about that??? Anyone know?

[WebmasterBarry]

I don't see why you can't get three tickets for the same ride.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by Barry Hom
I don't see why you can't get three tickets for the same ride.

I would think the kiosks wouldn't let you have more than one ticket for the same ride. That seems like it would be an obvious rule ... but that's just something I'm guessing!

Anyone ever try to get more than one ticket for the same ride? How about Earl/CoasterFEV, do you guys know anything about this, can you get three tickets for the same ride?

Since I've always stayed on-site, I've never used the kiosks :)

[robvia]

No, you can't. The machine says you already have that ride checked out.
Your post just made me realize what's going on.
The new card readers at the entrance of each ride let each hotel guest get one ride per person per hotel key. It's the hotel key that gets you this perk. Plus 1 hour early entry on a Monday and Wednesday at IOA, and the other two days at US, which are different. That's it! Correct me if I'm wrong.
Then they have to use their regular paper tickets and attempt to use the Kiosk machines. I'm LOL right now because you don't know what a pain in the butt they are until you try to use them, because I've been there and stood in line.

It gets even better. Let's say you have two multi-day tickets, you're there with your daughter and want to get an express pass for Popeye. You swipe your ticket and after a few mis reads, the screen finally comes up with 2 times to choose from. You pick 1pm. Now you swipe your daughters ticket. It doesn't swipe for 10 times. Finally it works, but you get to choose between 2pm and 4pm or nothing. What do you do? Well, you pick 2pm just to get a ticket because it may not work again and you've got 10 people standing behind you waiting for the machine. Now you've got a ticket for 1pm, and 2pm, because the machine keeps mixing up the times. The machine doesn't know you want the 2nd ticket to have the same time as the first you just swiped. Lucky for us, the guard didn't examine the time on the 2nd ticket, she just took it with the first and said pass. And the machines don't know when you took your ride. Let's say your reservation is from 1-3pm and you ride at 1pm. Well, your reservation doesn't expire until 3pm, and you can't get any more tickets until ALL your reservations expire. Basically, you only get 3 express passes all day. Technically, you get more, but in real life, they sell out by noon and the machines stop working.

Any hotel guests who has made a reservation thinking they will get FOTL, and now gets ORPD (one ride per day) will be majorily FPO (Friggen Pissed Off) like you wouldn't believe, and they won't be saying Friggen.
IOA should just wait until next year before implementing this new rule. We knew FOTL was too good to be true. They'll have to give the hotel guests more than that. It's like giving them everything, and then taking it all away in the same year. ORPD and 1 hour early entry on a Monday and Wednesday is nothing.

[travelbug24]

Doesn't it say in the Universal video that FOTL will be for the whole year?

[Beckles]

Originally posted by travelbug24
Doesn't it say in the Universal video that FOTL will be for the whole year?

Maybe if Universal ever sent me a video I'd know what it said.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by robvia
No, you can't. The machine says you already have that ride checked out.

Thanks, that's the way I thought it would work, but it was only supposition on my part ...

Any hotel guests who has made a reservation thinking they will get FOTL, and now gets ORPD (one ride per day) will be majorily FPO (Friggen Pissed Off) like you wouldn't believe, and they won't be saying Friggen.
IOA should just wait until next year before implementing this new rule. We knew FOTL was too good to be true. They'll have to give the hotel guests more than that. It's like giving them everything, and then taking it all away in the same year. ORPD and 1 hour early entry on a Monday and Wednesday is nothing.

Actually, I think you're way off on this.

1. Most people won't know what FOTL used to be, and the current system and ORPD is still eons better than no preferred access or anything else you'll have experienced at other parks.

b. The current unlimited Universal Express is almost as good as FOTL (and better in some way actually, e.g., you get to go through some of the queues (which you didn't with FOTL) and you're not wandering around back stage some of the rides trying to figure out where to go ("go to the end of hallway, second left, third right, up elevator, through flaming hoops, etc.")).

iii. Maybe I'm weird, but I really don't have much desire to ride a ride more than once per day ... I think I've done Hulk twice once ... and I've done MIB a few times more than once, but that's it. I can live with this rule (and understand it considering the Royal Pacific will be adding 1,000 plus rooms when it opens, and would prefer this to the whole system going away).

D. I've never used early entry (I've always stayed on-site) ... I don't find it necessary with the preferred access (note, if you do use early entry, during early entry there's no need to use Express and your "one-ride" of the day).

[Jon360]

Why only once on each ride per day?

Why not 5-10 times on each ride per day?

[MarkMichaels]

Thanks for all the quick repsonses.

I do agree with robvia that alot of guests will be "fpo" I believe he put it. We are doing a 7 day land/sea Disney package and added 2 extra nights at HRH just for FOTL this coming October. This new plan does not excite me nearly as much as the way it was explained when I booked my vacation two months ago. Not sure if we really need the extra two days at HRH now.

Thanks again for the replies, at least I know what to expect till they change the rules again.

Mark

[Beckles]

Originally posted by MarkMichaels
Thanks for all the quick repsonses.

I do agree with robvia that alot of guests will be "fpo" I believe he put it. We are doing a 7 day land/sea Disney package and added 2 extra nights at HRH just for FOTL this coming October. This new plan does not excite me nearly as much as the way it was explained when I booked my vacation two months ago. Not sure if we really need the extra two days at HRH now.

See my comment 1.

What you will experience will be eons better than any other themepark experience you've ever had, even if they have the one ride limit implemented by then. period.

[SherryfromOK]

I am dissappointed by what you are saying. I had not heard that they have changed the rules. When I booked for HRH for 5 days, the girl assured me that the FOTL was going to be in effect for all days unlimited. It does not seem right they can change it just like that. They should start first of next year or so, and that would give them plenty of time to tell people and advertise it the new way. That is the main reason I booked the hotel, and its too late to change in 5 months during a holiday time. Rooms are full by now at Thanksgiving time. Maybe since I will be at a busy time, even once on each ride will be a big help, what do you think????

[MarkMichaels]

Sorry I disagree with you Beckles, reality is, it doesn't matter how good of an experience the new system is, its not the experience we, or thousands of other guests with reservations, were promised.

And yes, you may be weird, because my family does like to ride rides several times. E-nights great for us cause we can ride Splash Mtn or Buzz several times. FOTL is what had us pumped about Universal, I'm not sure staying on site is as big a benefit for the money anymore.

Sorry to disagree, but I like to get what I have coming, and what I have coming is what was promised when my reservations were made. period.

[disneydoc]

I agree that guest should be fpo but who do we complain to...hotels or universal guest services? I have said before that when I booked, the FOTL was being advertised as a major advantage for hotel guest. Now that the rules are apparently about to change that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I'm not cancelling my reservation but I would like someone to hear my frustrations that could explain to me the reasoning behind the change and the lack of advance notice to previously booked guest. Some have said that one ride per day is adequate and thats great for you but we like certain attractions such as MIB and enjoy several trips down alien alley. Maybe if enough of us express our dissatisfaction we can at least keep the system going until next year or at least until the guest with reservations made under the old system have a chance to visit the park.

[travelbug24]

FOTL was the only reason I booked at HRH! I could be saving an extra $50 a night booking offsite. What I will be saving offsite could spare me the pain of not having FOTL since I will be going during a slow time (9/13-9/18) anyway. Wonder how HRH will feel about that?

[robvia]

If you wanna complain thru e-mail, you can go here.

http://www.universalstudios.com/globalnav/gnf.pl?url=http%3A//www.universalstudios.com/themeparks/html/orlando/parkinfo/general/&referrer=http%3A//www.universalstudios.com/themeparks/html/orlando/islands/main.html

It's a long link, if it doesn't work, then goto their web page, click on park info, then faq. Click "no" my question was not answered and a form will appear letting you type a message to them. They will respond a few days later, and there is a phone number to call if you wanna talk to someone.

I sent a message with a link to this thread. I'm still frustrated they took away early entry for Multi-Day ticket holders. It was only 1 hour, but it was something promised to me in February when I bought my tickets. Before that it used to be a couple hours of ERT. Then it went down to 1 hour on a Monday and Wednesday. And now Multi-Day ticket holders don't even get that anymore. It's the principle we're talking about here. I'm sure the guests would have a good time under the new system, but they we're promised something better and the rules keep changing DURING the season.

They need to come out with the rules for next year NOW and give everyone fair warning, but leave everything the same for this year.

[beattyfamily]

FOTL access is the MAIN reason I'm staying at HRH instead of the Holiday Inn across the street. I will be quite bummed if there isn't something like this in place when we come in November.

Their website still says this:

Front-of-the-Line Access
On-Site Hotel Guests Enjoy "Express Ride Access" Access All Day, Every Day!
Guests of Portofino Bay Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel can enjoy “No Line, No Wait” UNIVERSAL EXPRESS access at most rides and attractions at Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure theme parks. This special privilege is valid during normal operating hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year!

If they are truely changing this to once a day or whatever, they need to notify everyone who booked while FOTL access was being advertized/offered.
:confused:

[SherryfromOK]

I agree with Disneydoc, it is just not good business practice to tell us one thing, then switch the rules later.When you pay these kind of prices, their word should mean something.

[Gail from Nova Scotia]

I'm very upset as well re:changes to FOTL. We booked our stay at HRH in April for Christmas season thinking this would be a great way to beat the crowds. In fact FOTL was the reason my DH agreed to this vacation in the first place!!He hates waiting in line for more than a few minutes!!
If anyone from "the top brass" at Universal reads this PLEASE LEAVE FOTL INTACT UNTIL 2002 !! Tell your guests right now when they book that FOTL is gone but for those of us that booked before the policy change please HONOR FOTL!!
Now to tell DH that FOTL has been changed:rolleyes: :( !! Gail

[Notatourist]

Has anyone called to ask what the policy now is?

This might help.

[travelbug24]

Thank you Robvia. The link worked just fine and took a matter of minutes to register my complaint. I hope to hear within 48 hours, so they say.

[disneydoc]

A good suggestion Notatourist, but consider these points:
1. Website still claims Front of Line All Day Every Day.
2. Hotel reservations states the above is not so that we now get access to express line with unlimited access.
3. The HRH staff still states their has been no change in the policy.
4. Several employes of IOA on this site have stated that card readers are being employed to limit hotel guest to one ride per day in the Express line.

It therefore seems that each person you reach at IOA/US has a different answer or simply doesn't know. I don't doubt Earl and several others whom have stated that limited access for hotel guest is coming. My question is when will they inform those with reservations made months ago under the pretense that they will be allowed Front of the line access.

[ceb29]

When exactly is this on-site privlege going to be changed? We will be at HRH 6/25-30. I know my hubby will be FPO if it's gone when we are there. We, too, decided that FOTL was worth spending extra $$ for. If it weren't for FOTL and we knew we would be treated like anyone else with a multi-day ticket, we would have stayed at DISNEY and drove up!! :mad:

[beattyfamily]

I believe if FOTL access goes away, they will see a HUGH decline in the amount of guests at their onsite hotels, I'm sure of it. I'm sure they saw a HUGE increase when the word got out about FOTL access.

If they would tell all future reservations (2002 on) that it's gone and exactly what's in it's place, people wouldn't be so upset.

That is fair.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by disneydoc
A good suggestion Notatourist, but consider these points:
1. Website still claims Front of Line All Day Every Day.
2. Hotel reservations states the above is not so that we now get access to express line with unlimited access.
3. The HRH staff still states their has been no change in the policy.
4. Several employes of IOA on this site have stated that card readers are being employed to limit hotel guest to one ride per day in the Express line.

To address your points:

1. I'm not sure which website you're talking about, but different sites (Universal, Universal Vacations, and Loews) seem to say different things, which is a problem Universal should address.

2. This is correct, based on my visits in late April and late May and everything else I've heard that I consider reliable.

3. I don't know which policy you're talking about specifically, but there certainly has been a change in policy, and based on reports I consider reliable here, there will be another change sometime this year (see 4).

4. That is incorrect. They have stated that they will be employed at some point in the future, which is very different than they "are being employed" as you said. The first card readers will go online in July. Even once some are online, they will not restrict multiple rides in a day until all card readers are installed (according to the reliable sources here on this board, which I find surprising actually, but certainly do believe them).

[disneydoc]

Beckles,
Sorry I wasn't clear in my statement concerning employment of card readers. You are technically correct in that they are not in use yet, but supposedly by the end of the summer they will be. My beef is not that they plan on installing or have partially installed the readers that will limit guest to one ride. Quite simply I am upset that their advertised policy is being changed after guest have made reservations to stay on property; many of whom would have picked less expensive sites had they known otherwise. Universal has not to date taken any action to let those with reservations know of any proposed change. Also no one at Universal guest services or otherwise seems to know anything about when such changes may occur. As paying customers spending our hard earned money we deserve better!!

[MarkMichaels]

Is there any chance that the card readers are only to ensure that the cards used are active and not bogus or expired?

Anyone think its a possibility that they are only going to be used for that purpose (for now) and not for limiting rides (again, for now), until Universal makes a policy change regarding Express passes for onsite guests.

May just be wishful thinking, but that's all I got.

Mark

[ceb29]

Good point, Mark. I hope you are right and that would make sense.:D

[Notatourist]

Changes happen and it does say-in the fine print-program subject to change-

[disneydoc]

Changes happen!! Read the fine print!!! I would expect that attitude from an employee at a fly by night outfit but not Universal. Simply don't promise what you can't deliver or at least be man or woman enough to notify your customers, whom are expecting certain benefits, of the impending changes. I expect to read the fine print when buying a used car not vacationing at what should be considered one of the best family destintations in the United States or any other county

[Notatourist]

Every piece of print material says this. That's so you know before you book.

[h20jag]

How many people get their hands on printed material before booking? I think most are on-line for info and calling 1-800 #s.
You gotta admit, there has been a lot of reports here on the boards of mis-informed staff / clerks /agents giving bum info over the phone. Upon arrivals, then the bubble gets burst. Guests feel like do-dos, yet fork over the money anyway. (da bottom line, right?)
I would like to see any policy set forth to be well defined, and all its' particulars (i.e. - expiration date; hours; etc.) be made known to ALL parties (every swingin' employee). Keep all info updated too.
Jim

[Letsbgoofy]

IMHO Universal has made a huge mistake with this FOTL policy. Many people (myself included) made thier reservations based on FOTL as many times as you like. I don't care what the fine print says about changes, I spoke to a several Universal employees regarding this and they all assured me that they would not change the policy as that was the reason so many people were making reservations on site. If someone at the top even thought that the policy might change, they should have informed the agents that are in contact with and giving inaccurate information to guests every day.

And now to hear that those multi-day tickets I bought don't give me any advantage?? I guess that's one way to keep hotel guests from cancelling their reservations; take away 3 express passes and early entry on the multi-day passes that we have already purchased!

I will end up staying at the HRH this year because we extended our Disney stay and flights 2 days to go to Universal. This will be our last stay as I don't feel that Universal can be trusted to give guests what they promise.

[CPM]

Okay, I was there all week and they still were using the rooms keys for Express all you want all day. I asked the manager at PBH if this would still be in effect when I return July 24, he said it would, but they are in the process of changing the policy. I did notice that the new brochures stop listing it as FOTL and now say that resort guests have prioity access to all rides & attractions at both parks for what that's worth. I meant to ask someone at the parks but between chasing a 4 year old & getting rained on I kept forgetting! Hope this helps!

[Sleepy]

What exactly does PRIORITY ACCESS mean? A wise choice of words to allow future changes to whatever they want PRIORITY ACCESS to be......that falls under all catagories.....VIP, FOTL, Express pass, Unlimited Express pass, once a day per ride express pass.....you gotta love those guys in the head office coming up with these terms.

[debden]

Are you saying that with my HRH Room Key
I can go to the FOTL once each per ride?
Then after that I can either stand in line for the same ride or get an express pass?
I also made reservations with HRH and paid the extra money to what they advertised.
I wrote to the website given a few letters
back and hope to recieve my reply. That's just plane unfair to the people who already
have reservations made assuming we'll get the Original FOTL offer made by Universal!!

[gschmerl]

Debden,
As of now, you can use your room key to get in the express line as many times as you want on as many rides as you want. That may change to once a day at a later time.

[debden]

I don't have reservations until the beginning of December,2001. I have the feeling those changes will already be implemented by then.

[msr709]

I also just emailed Universal about this change, lets see if they answer me, I will let you guys know!