Bad Trip

[Keeva]

We went to Us/IOA from4/5-4/9.Went to US on tuesday 4/5 .There was a very drunk,racial slurring,cursing man in line for Earthquake that got louder and louder.Finally after the crowd called him down for using the MF word in front of kids someone from the staff came and asked him if there was a problem,to which of course he said no ,so they left him to enjoy his day at US.It didn't seem to matter if he ruined anyone elses day.they just left him to board the ride with everyone else.I witnessed line jumping on a lot of the rides at both parks.The second day we went to IOA 4/6 and also on 4/7.Just before leaving the park for the day my 4 year old Grandson laid his Spiderman spinner and his Sponge Bob refillable cup down to purchase a rice necklace at the cart before the exit.I didn't miss it until we had already left the park.The next day 4/7 I went into Guest services to see if anyone had turned it in.My exact words to the girl at Guest services were(I know that this is a snowball chance in you know what. but has anyone turned in a Spiderman spinner& SpongeBob & Patrick cup. My 4 year old set it down as we were leaving the park yesterday)She directed me to lost&found. Of course no one had turned it in.Then she said and I Quote(We can replace it for you .Fill out this form with your name & address & we will take care of the rest) I said really? She said sure.Another girl working in there joked and said just as soon as another kid lose's there's we'll give it to you.She also told me to check back before I Left the park that day.I came out of Guest Services and I made the statement to my Family that I was impressed & I repeated what I was told,but I should have known better.When I checked back with Guest services that evening they didn't know what I was talking about.The next day the kid's didn't want to go.The chose to stay at the resort(off site)and swim,play pool & mini-golf.They had more fun that day than in the parks.4/9 on Saturday we went backto US so we could see the parade that night.That afternoon my 12 year old stood in line behind about 15 people at a cart to get a soft pretzel.We he finally got up there the clerk said Oh honey you don't want these they are hard,go up to the cartthere on the hill.My 28 year old said Why don't you take them out of your window if they are not for sale? The next encounter was as we were leaving the park that night.The same 12 year old walked up to a cart.The worker was waiting on a customer.Right before he walked up another man walked up ,so there was 2 in line ,the clerk did not say anything to them as they walked up. When he finished with the customer he was waiting on he turned off his light and turned his back on my Grandson and the other Guy standing there. Very rude ! But by this time we were leaving Universal and I don't intend to ever go back.Next time it will be Disney again.In my view of both resorts ,Disney doesn't have anything to worry about.

[phamton]

If they had you fill out the form, I am sure they will be sending you a replacement and, no, they will not send you someone's used one.

I do know that Lost anf Found seldom receives those cups. Most of the places just throw them away when they find them. I know becuase I have lost several MIB cups. They told me at Lost and Found that the counter service and ride operators usually throw them away as most people just buy them for the day to use at the park.

If you send me your address, I will make sure that you get new ones replaced.

As far as the line jumpers, I've seen lots of that at Disney too. This is quite common at Disney as you can tell just from reading some of the threads on the DisBoard. If you see it and can tell a ride op, they will send them to the back of the line.

The cursing man on Earthquake shouldn't have been allowed to board--no excuse for that nor for the food booth closing when you were in line.

You went at one of the busiests times. Often they have to call in "substitutes" (called rescues) to work some of the carts also there are a lot of new hires for busy times. Not an excuse but just know that this isn't typical behavior.

edited to add: You can email guest services with your complaints at: guestservices@universalorlando.com I am sure they will make it right.

[Notatourist]

Bev is completely right in her suggestion. The fact that you filled out a form for guest services means that it can be tracked. Please let them know this happened.

Thanks

[Keeva]

Thanks for the replies and thanks Phamton for the offer of a replacement but if guest services are on the up and up they will send it, if not my opinion of the us/ioa will be confirmed.As for the drunk and the carts closing,there is no excuse for eithor one ,temp or not.They should train them better.In eithor case I tried it and I wasn't impressed.I just thought I would give everyone a headup in case they ran into the same problems.As for anything to be comped I neithor asked nor expected it to be,I only posted what I was told at Guest services and then I felt like a fool when they didn't know what I was talking about.I have seen line jumpers at Disney yes, but I have never seen a Very obnoxious drunk ,nor encountered carts closing in my face with the clerks back to me.At least they would inform you they were closing and send you to another cart.In my view that is very poor management and customer service and This customer Won't be back

[phamton]

Thanks for the replies and thanks Phamton for the offer of a replacement but if guest services are on the up and up they will send it, if not my opinion of the us/ioa will be confirmed.As for the drunk and the carts closing,there is no excuse for eithor one ,temp or not.They should train them better.In eithor case I tried it and I wasn't impressed.I just thought I would give everyone a headup in case they ran into the same problems.As for anything to be comped I neithor asked nor expected it to be,I only posted what I was told at Guest services and then I felt like a fool when they didn't know what I was talking about.I have seen line jumpers at Disney yes, but I have never seen a Very obnoxious drunk ,nor encountered carts closing in my face with the clerks back to me.At least they would inform you they were closing and send you to another cart.In my view that is very poor management and customer service and This customer Won't be back

I understand your frustration. I've had my own at Disney. Last Sunday, for the AP preview of Soarin' I asked 5 different cast members for directions to Soarin'. All of them were in the general area of Soarin' and stationed as a greeter in the area. None of them knew where it was. Also a few weeks ago, a man started screaming and cursing at my husband for smoking in the smoking area at MK. He stood up and got in my husband's face and told my husband that he was going to kick his ***. At Dinosaur, I got so sick of line cutters that happened several times during the queue. I told the CM who just shrugged her shoulders with a "what can I do?" look and let the people board the ride in front of me. My youngest son got a terrible burn to his eyes from the chemicals in the Port Orleans pool a couple of summers ago. The doctor was shocked at how bad they were. I called Disney and asked them to check the pH so it didn't happen to anyone else. They were far from helpful. But I do love Disney. The Plural of "anecdote" is not "data." Just because I had some bad experiences didn't make me never go back.

What I am trying to point out is that you can cause more change by informing Universal so they can address these issues and make sure no one else experiences that. Warning people on a message board will not help make the change. Others can just post and say how great their expreiences are which then turns it in to a debate between those that love Universal and those that don't. You went at a busy time and were treated poorly. Others have gone and been treated wonderfully. It also sounds like you might not have had such a great time because you are a newbie to Universal. I suspect you missed a lot of the great rides and probably spent a lot of time waiting in line. I don't blame the kids for wanting to spend time at the pool. With a little planning, it can be a great experience for the kids. I haven't met many kids that didn't love Universal and Islands of Adventure. My kids loved both and also loved Disney but our first trip to WDW was a bust as we all went as newbies in the summer and stayed offsite. We also missed lots of rides as I thought our parkhoppers only inluded Magic Kingdom and Epcot. (I know---I know) What a disaster! My husband vowed he would never return to Disney. Luckily we went again with more knowledge and had a fantastic time. After numerous wonderful trips we grew to love WDW and Universal and decided to move to Orlando.

I know you are not asking for compensation. I just would like you to let guest services know so they can take care of the problem and hopefully improve so other guests don't have to go through what you went through.

[Keeva]

Phamton Thanks for you replies. I did send Guest Services an E-Mail.Maybe they will address the issue.

[phamton]

Phamton Thanks for you replies. I did send Guest Services an E-Mail.Maybe they will address the issue.

I am so glad. Now it is in their ballpark to make sure this never happens again. Once again, I am really sorry for what you went through. It isn't right and I'd be a little POed myself. Keep us posted on what they do, if anything.

My offer still stands to replace your grandson's mug and Spiderman spinner. I get a discount with my AP.

[Keeva]

Thanks again but he will not miss them,now if it had been his game boy now that would be another story!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sherrilatte]

I hope you don't mind if I link others to your explanation of why we should actively make sure those who are in the business of service provide the very best...with our help if need be! :)

[Keeva]

Does anyone know how long it takes to hear from Customer Service?I sent them an E-Mail on the 25th and I still have not received a reply.

[Keeva]

I still have not heard anything from Guest services nor received anything in the mail.This just confirms my views on US/IOA.I won't be going back nor will I advise anyone one else to go.

[phamton]

Well, I emailed them 2 hours ago and already have an answer. I am sending you the message via PM.

Edited to add: I just looked at the time on the email they sent me and it took Guest Services less than one hour to reply to me and it wasn't a form reply but an actual email that addressed my concerns.

Bev

[greenyskp]

case in point -

These scenerios RARELY happen at Disney.

Their staff is well-informed of whats going on.

If you speak to 'Clara' in guest relations and she tells you to come back at 4, when you come back, 'Tom' will know you spoke to 'Clara'.

I hate reading this section of the board. Its so depressing. People talking about there favorite Disney this and that on the other boards, and then most people have dissapointing experiences at IOA/US, on this board.

I've never had expectations of IOA/US. Even with no expectations, I'm always dissapointed by staff who doesnt care, dirty parks and general stupidity.

So sorry you had a bad time. They should have replaced your items, or at least followed up to tell you they cant. I guess Universal isnt concerned with keeping up their image....

[phamton]

I hate reading this section of the board. Its so depressing. People talking about there favorite Disney this and that on the other boards, and then most people have dissapointing experiences at IOA/US, on this board.

Are you reading the same board I am? The Universal/IOA board seldom has people complaining. In fact I would say the positive posts greatly outnumber the negative. Even on the Disney boards, you find people with complaints. We see far less complaints (percentage wise) over on the Universal boards than you see on the Disney forums.

I've never had expectations of IOA/US. Even with no expectations, I'm always dissapointed by staff who doesnt care, dirty parks and general stupidity.

Wow, talk about your bias showing! The last two years, while Universal parks are getting cleaner, Disney is getting less clean. I go to WDW several times a week and Universal at least weekly and your statement couldn't be further from the truth. The staff has always gone out of their way to be pleasant at Universal. Stupidity? Well I do agree there but not from Universal. It's people that haven't gone in years or already have their minds made up about Universal.

You never see those of us on the Universal board going over to the Disney forums here and bashing Disney and yet, the pixie dust sniffing crowd feel it is their duty to bash Universal on the Universal forums.

Keeva had a legtimate complain and I feel she expressed it well. There is a reason she has not received a reply from Universal that I won't go into here as I have sent her a PM. But I can assure you that Universal is quite eager to address her problems and make it right.

[greenyskp]

Are you reading the same board I am? The Universal/IOA board seldom has people complaining. In fact I would say the positive posts greatly outnumber the negative. Even on the Disney boards, you find people with complaints. We see far less complaints (percentage wise) over on the Universal boards than you see on the Disney forums.



Wow, talk about your bias showing! The last two years, while Universal parks are getting cleaner, Disney is getting less clean. I go to WDW several times a week and Universal at least weekly and your statement couldn't be further from the truth. The staff has always gone out of their way to be pleasant at Universal. Stupidity? Well I do agree there but not from Universal. It's people that haven't gone in years or already have their minds made up about Universal.

You never see those of us on the Universal board going over to the Disney forums here and bashing Disney and yet, the pixie dust sniffing crowd feel it is their duty to bash Universal on the Universal forums.

Keeva had a legtimate complain and I feel she expressed it well. There is a reason she has not received a reply from Universal that I won't go into here as I have sent her a PM. But I can assure you that Universal is quite eager to address her problems and make it right.


For awhile AAA offered a FL resident disco pass. 100 bucks for unlimited access to both parks (black out dates of course) I live 2 hours from Orlando. And Last year lived just 30 minutes. My family bought the passes. I went probably about 30 times to both parks. Definitly getting my moneys worth... My family also buys Disney AP's every year as well. We did disney about 40 times that year.

I dont think im biased. I KNOW I had more fun at Disney that year then I had at US/IOA. I am a SEASONED veteran when it comes to both parks. Aside from last year, ive been at least once a year since the late eighties to IOA/US. It was always apart of my families trips to Disney. I like IOA because I enjoy thrill rides. I like Universal because the architecture and atmosphere are fun.

But IN MY OPINION (and yes, although i frequent the Disney boards more then these, and i am ALLOWED to have an OPINION, and your ALLOWED to DISAGREE with my opinion...) Disney just has more to offer me. Ive NEVER had an issue with a cast member. Yet I have plenty of issues with IOA/US employees everytime i've been. My favorite example:

Hanging out with my friend jenn, who works on POTC at MK, we went to IOA. We walked through the gates. I acknowledged the employee by giving them a hearty hello! The girl looked at me, rolled her and eyes and said hi. I chuckled and asked her if she was having a bad day. She said 'youd be having a bad day too if you hated your job'. My mouth formed an "O". We walked away, my friend explaining how she would have been reprimanded on the spot for telling a guest she was having a bad day. There are no bad days for cast members at Disney.

To me, IOA and US seem like just another job for their employees, while Disney employees hold their jobs sacred, and act like they are coveted postions.

Everywhere you go there are going to be good and bad experiences, I was merely saying from MY experience, most people get so turned off by IOA/US that they never go back.

Disney is magical to me.
IOA/US is like every other theme park in america. I wouldnt be that affected if they closed it.

Wait wait... i would be... because then all of those people would be at Disney.... :)

Im sorry you took my post as a personal attack. I didnt mean it that way. Its unfortunate the OP had a bad experience. Ive had good days at US/IOA, they just dont compare to my good days at Disney.

You might think differently... and thats ok.

[phamton]

I am a SEASONED veteran when it comes to both parks.

As am I.

But IN MY OPINION (and yes, although i frequent the Disney boards more then these, and i am ALLOWED to have an OPINION, and your ALLOWED to DISAGREE with my opinion...)

I would ask you or anyone to post your exact post on one of the Disney forums but change "Universal" to "WDW" and watch the flames begin. I can guarantee you that they would be a lot more harsh in replying to your post there. We tolerate criticism quite well here, much more so than the Disney people do on their boards.

Ive NEVER had an issue with a cast member.
Really? Well I have but I won't be posting the story on the Disboards.

Yet I have plenty of issues with IOA/US employees everytime i've been.

Everytime? That alone reveals a bias.

There are no bad days for cast members at Disney.

Come on! Do you really expect me to believe that there are no bad days for cast members? I suggest you read this board: http://www.stupidguesttricks.com/vb3/index.php
It will be a real eye opener. Also while you are there, be sure to look at the active forums. The Disney forums are very active and the "other theme parks" is virtually dead. Read just how magical the cast members are at Disney and read just how they have treated their guests.

Also everyday on the DisBoard there is a complaint about a not-so-magical cast member. Maybe once a month we read of a not-so-nice team member at Universal.

To me, IOA and US seem like just another job for their employees, while Disney employees hold their jobs sacred, and act like they are coveted postions.

Once again, I direct you to the link above to see just how sacred and coveted that the CMs see their jobs.

most people get so turned off by IOA/US that they never go back.
Most? I seriously doubt that "most" get turned off. From reading this board and other boards I would say your statistics are waaaay off. Most of the posts I see here are from people who have never ventured off Disney property before and finally tried Universal and then were overwhelmingly surprised at how much they loved it.


You might think differently... and thats ok.

I do think differently and I doubt that I'm in the minority.

[Keeva]

Phamton I sent them a copy of the same e=mail I sent the first time.I copied and pasted the address from your PM. I also sent the first one from the address you posted on the boards.Maybe they will get it this time.

[phamton]

Phamton I sent them a copy of the same e=mail I sent the first time.I copied and pasted the address from your PM. I also sent the first one from the address you posted on the boards.Maybe they will get it this time.

Let us know how it turns out.

Bev

[Keeva]

The message could not be sent because one of the recipients was rejected by the server. The rejected e-mail address was 'guestservices"@universalorlando.com'. Subject 'Bad Trip', Account: 'mail.bellsouth.net', Server: 'mail.bellsouth.net', Protocol: SMTP, Server Response: '553 Invalid address syntax', Port: 25, Secure(SSL): No, Server Error: 553, Error Number: 0x800CCC79


Phamton Maybe you can forward the message on to them since I can't seem to get thru.Here is the message I sent to them


I am not writing you to get anything comped.I am only writing to inform you of some problems I encountered while I was there.We had the 5 day tickets.We were a party of six.My Husband 51,myself48,my son 28,and 3 grandchildren ages 4,8,& 12.We attended Universal Studios on 4/5/05.while in line for Earthquake there was a very obnoxious drunk,that to the top of his lungs berated his wife .He was using racial slurs, preceding his words with GD ,F,& finally after he used the MF word several times the crowd called him down .,After the crowd called him down two ride attendants came to ask the man if there was a problem,to which of course he denied,so they left him to board the ride ,and all the other people in line to try to avoid being in the same row with him. I never once saw security.The next day we went to Islands of Adventure.Upon leaving the park that day my 4 year old laid down his Spiderman Spinner & SpongeBob&Patrick cup to purchase a rice necklace at the cart right before the exit.I did not miss them until we were back at the room.The next day I went into Guest Services to see if they had been turned in.My exact words to the girl were"I know this is a snowballs chance in you know where but my 4 year old left his spongeBob cup & Spiderman spinner yesterday,and I was checking to see if anyone had turned it in"She asked "In This Park?" and I said yes .She then sent me to lost&found.Of course they had not been turned in.She asked me as I left if lost&found had them to which I replied no.She then said We can replace them for you.And I said really? She said yes if you will fill out this form with your name and address we will take care of the rest.She then said stop back by Guest services as you leave the park today and we will have them for you.I returned to the family and told them that for the First time on this trip I was impressed.But that was short lived.When I returned to Guest Services that evening they did not know what I was talking about.That made me feel like an idiot.I encountered line jumping at both parks,but that I have seen in all my Disney trips also.The next day the kids chose to stay at the resort instead of going back to the parks.On our 14 Disney trips in the last 8 years that has never happened.They have to go in the day we get there thru the day we leave.On the last day 4/9/05 we returned to Universal to see the parade,the 12 year old went to a cart that had pretzels in their window for sale. After he had stood in line behind about 15 or16 people he get's to the cart and the worker sends him to another cart up the hill because hers were hard. You would think they would take them out of the window so people would not waste their time standing in line only to be sent to another cart.And then comes the ultimate in rudeness.As we were leaving the park after the parade that night the 12 year old wanted another Churro.He went up to a cart where the clerk was waiting on a customer.As he was walking up another man walked up ahead of him. When the clerk finished with the customer he was waiting on he turned off his light and turned his back on my 12 year old and the other man in line.That in my view is the ultimate in rudeness.In my view that is poor management and very poor customer service.This customer won't be back.

[phamton]

It looks like the reason it is bouncing is because for some reason there is a " that shouldn't be there. I've sent 2 emails to them today and all have gone through. The email address I have used is: guestservices@universalorlando.com


Bev

[phamton]

OK, I sent it to them. You can go back and edit your post and take out your email and name for privacy now.

Bev

[Keeva]

Phamton Thanks again ,Keeva

[phamton]

Phamton Thanks again ,Keeva

You are quite welcome. Universal just emailed me and said they had responded to your email. I hope it is resolved. Thanks again for writing the email. It, hopefully, will make someone else's trip more pleasant. I have confidence that Universal will make this right. They've never let me down.

Bev

[greenyskp]

As am I.



I would ask you or anyone to post your exact post on one of the Disney forums but change "Universal" to "WDW" and watch the flames begin. I can guarantee you that they would be a lot more harsh in replying to your post there. We tolerate criticism quite well here, much more so than the Disney people do on their boards.


Really? Well I have but I won't be posting the story on the Disboards.



Everytime? That alone reveals a bias.



Come on! Do you really expect me to believe that there are no bad days for cast members? I suggest you read this board: http://www.stupidguesttricks.com/vb3/index.php
It will be a real eye opener. Also while you are there, be sure to look at the active forums. The Disney forums are very active and the "other theme parks" is virtually dead. Read just how magical the cast members are at Disney and read just how they have treated their guests.

Also everyday on the DisBoard there is a complaint about a not-so-magical cast member. Maybe once a month we read of a not-so-nice team member at Universal.



Once again, I direct you to the link above to see just how sacred and coveted that the CMs see their jobs.


Most? I seriously doubt that "most" get turned off. From reading this board and other boards I would say your statistics are waaaay off. Most of the posts I see here are from people who have never ventured off Disney property before and finally tried Universal and then were overwhelmingly surprised at how much they loved it.




I do think differently and I doubt that I'm in the minority.

Please stop taking this as a personal attack. Its not worth my time to reply to this and explain how your whole argument is biased against Disney people anyway. So please... do us all a favor and stop looking to argue. I'll still go to Universal, you'll still go... we'll all be ok.

Agree to Disagree, instead of making enemies ok?

[Sherrilatte]

case in point -

These scenerios RARELY happen at Disney.

Their staff is well-informed of whats going on.

If you speak to 'Clara' in guest relations and she tells you to come back at 4, when you come back, 'Tom' will know you spoke to 'Clara'.

I hate reading this section of the board. Its so depressing. People talking about there favorite Disney this and that on the other boards, and then most people have dissapointing experiences at IOA/US, on this board.

I've never had expectations of IOA/US. Even with no expectations, I'm always dissapointed by staff who doesnt care, dirty parks and general stupidity.

So sorry you had a bad time. They should have replaced your items, or at least followed up to tell you they cant. I guess Universal isnt concerned with keeping up their image....


You must have selective-reading "itis", because there is WAAY MORE complaining, whining and belly-achin about CMs on the WDW boards! :confused: I come over here to catch a breather! :love:

[JessicaR]

Please stop taking this as a personal attack. Its not worth my time to reply to this and explain how your whole argument is biased against Disney people anyway. So please... do us all a favor and stop looking to argue. I'll still go to Universal, you'll still go... we'll all be ok.

Agree to Disagree, instead of making enemies ok?

You need to take the advice you give! Go play somewhere else. Your entire contribution to this thread is biased. Grow up.

[Metro West]

Please stop taking this as a personal attack. Its not worth my time to reply to this and explain how your whole argument is biased against Disney people anyway. So please... do us all a favor and stop looking to argue. I'll still go to Universal, you'll still go... we'll all be ok.

I don't think Phamton was taking as a personal attack. I know Bev personally and she's a nice person who, like myself, enjoys both Disney and Universal. I will continue going to both places since I live here but honestly, I've had more problems with CM's at Disney than the folks at Universal.

For example,

When Epcot was having the AP holder's preview of Soarin', I asked several different CM's what time the attraction was going to be open...they had no answers. A friend who works at Disney called to make sure it was alright for me to take him to the preview and the Disney operator told him yes. Yet when we got over there, the CM working the "door" wouldn't let him in and he works there! It was only when I said something sternly to her would she let him inside.

I think the real problem with threads like this is the fact that so many Disney lovers refuse to see to Disney for what it is...a large corporation who only wants your $$$. They seem to think Disney is Nirvana and everything is always perfect..not so. Those of us who like both parks tend to take that as a strong Disney bias when people post negative comments about Universal.

I like Disney as much as the next person but, I don't LOVE it any more or less than Universal. Actually, if you want to talk about the differences, let's talk about the benefits of AP's for both places. Disney doesn't discount anywhere near the number of things that Universal does. I feel very ordinary when I go to Disney since they don't care that I have an AP especially when I get food. All they want is the $$$. Disney doesn't offer park discounts on food or merchandise and won't offer your friends a discount when you go with them. Universal makes me feel a lot more special than Disney ever will. The FL resident AP for Disney is a great deal to be sure since it's so expensive to go to the parks today. But, I feel they could do a lot more but won't because they're Disney. But will I stop going? NO! I will keep supporting both parks as best as I can.

Personally, I don't feel like Disney is any better than any other amusement park I've ever been to. Do they keep it clean? Yes. Do they make you feel welcome? Most of the time. Is every CM always happy and covets their job? Definately not. Is Disney just like every other major corporation in the world who wants to make a profit? YES! :rolleyes:

I'm not trying to start an arguement here but, I think it's time for the Disney lovers who ONLY believe Disney is heaven on Earth need to lighten up and realize that both Disney and Universal offer many great features for everyone. There's no need to say "that rarely happens at Disney" when you have no idea what happens to others.

Just my opinion and thanks for reading. :)

[phamton]

Please stop taking this as a personal attack. Its not worth my time to reply to this and explain how your whole argument is biased against Disney people anyway. So please... do us all a favor and stop looking to argue.
Agree to Disagree, instead of making enemies ok?

Did you notice that i had nothing bad to say to Keeva. If I were biased against Disney people, I would have lit into her. She had a legitimate complaint.

I am not taking anything you wrote as a personal attack. I am just trying to let you know that you are posting on the Universal board among people who like Universal. Of course we would defend it.

I tell you what. I have taken your same words and changed them to Dsineyworld instead of Universal. Copy and paste your words onto the Disney Attractions board and expect to get flamed. The replies to your post there will be much more harsh there. Here's your post (give it a try):

These scenerios RARELY happen at Universal.

Their staff is well-informed of whats going on.

I hate reading the Disney Attractions board. Its so depressing. People talking about there favorite Universal rides on the Universal board, and then I come here and read how most people have dissapointing experiences at WDW.

I've never had expectations of Disneyworld. Even with no expectations, I'm always dissapointed by staff who doesnt care, dirty parks and general stupidity.

I guess Disney isnt concerned with keeping up their image....

I KNOW I had more fun at Universal that year then I had at WDW.
But IN MY OPINION Universal just has more to offer me. Ive NEVER had an issue with a team member at Universal. Yet I have plenty of issues with Disney employees everytime i've been. There are no bad days for team members at Universal.

To me, Disneyworld seem like just another job for their employees, while Universal employees hold their jobs sacred, and act like they are coveted postions.

Everywhere you go there are going to be good and bad experiences, I was merely saying from MY experience, most people get so turned off by Disneyworld that they never go back.

Universal is magical to me.
Disneyworld is like every other theme park in america. I wouldnt be that affected if they closed it.

Wait wait... i would be... because then all of those people would be at Universal.... ?



__________________

[Keeva]

Yes Phamton I received a reply from Universal today.They have it down that the Spinner& cup were replaced on the 7th.The 7th was when I filled out the form and then went back that evening and they did not know what I was talking about.I sent her another e-mail to inform her that if it was replaced it was given to someone else.They also offered me a one day 2 park ticket but I told her it would be a long time before I went back ,If ever.Thanks again for your help She said she would make sure the e=mail reached the proper channels.Maybe it will make the parks better for others so they won't have to contend with what we did .
Thanks again Keeva

[sha_lyn]

I really don't even now what to say after reading this thread.
I have never ever had a bad experience at US/IOA with line jumpers, rude or drunken guest, rude or unknowing employees etc.
However I have had more than my fair share at WDW.

most people get so turned off by IOA/US that they never go back.

Really... you know this how? Oh well then that just makes the parks more enjoyable for those of us who know a good thing when we see it.

[macraven]

sorry double post.....see below

[macraven]

whenever i go to orlando, i wouldn't dream of not doing both parks, universal/ioa and disney.

the only issues i have ever had at universal is with the hotel ( hard rock hotel), and that issue was solved and corrected within a reasonable time.
the hotel belongs to loews, not universal so therefore, my visits at universal have been great.

only at halloween horror nights have i been disturbed over a few things. but it is packed and lines are long and i do expect a few things go wrong. such as having a beer spilled on me, some loud mouths getting a little over excited type of thing. i ignore those things as it is a hard ticket event and does not reflect on the employees.

at disney i probably have more issues there. i can remember back in 1975 when it was clean all the time. even in 1993, cleanliness was next to godliness theme............but not anymore. i just deal with that.

i always use the hotel key to charge everything with at disney as i stay on site. more than three trips i have had to spend too much time at the front desk at the resort straightening the final bill out.

the cms at disney are not what they used to be in my opinion. but i deal with it.


no matter what, i will still spend my children's inheritance at both parks.
there is no way i could go to one park and not the other.
i split my visit over a 10 to 14 day stay between them

[Johnfish]

I have only visited WDW and US/IOA once. I am also visiting both parks again this summer. I think first impressions are very important when it comes to entertainment of this type. My first impressions of Disney did not meet with some of the posts in the Disney forums. I read a lot of posts that said that Disney had lost its magic and that the parks were not the same as they were years ago. Since this was my first experience i could not gauge what years ago was like. I personally found Disney to be a very magical place. The park was extremely clean and there wasnt one CM that wasnt pleasent and happy to help me. This was really impressive as we were there during hurricane Charlie and many of the CMs were dealing with major problems at home.

As for IOA I found that most of the CMs were pleasent but not as outgoing as the Disney folks. At US I found most of them to be mediocre to down right rude or incompetent. Again these are only first impressions so maybe everyone in US was just having a bad day.

My Own feelings about US/IOA is they are great theme parks better than the 6 flags and almost on par with BG SW (although I think the CMS at the Bush parks are definitely friendlier). But they arent Disney and they never will be. Disney is much more of an experience and therefore cant be in the same class with all the other theme parks.

Again this is based on first impressions. I love the thrill rides at US/IOA but Disney has it beat for overall magical experiences.

John

[Keeva]

I received a reply again today from guest services ,thanks to Phamton. I can't seem to get an e-mail thru.Their records show a sipper cup and spinner were purchased in my name by guest services.I guess they gave them to someone else.They wanted my address to send me one. I sent another e-mail.Maybe it will go thru,I won't bother Phamton again.They wanted me to give US/IOA another try,and offered me one day tickets.They also said my e=mail has been viewed by management,so maybe some of it will be addressed.Maybe in a few years I'll go back, but I doubt it............
Keeva

[phamton]

I'm glad to see that they are trying to help. When I forwarded the last email to them, they told me that they had already received the same email from you, so maybe the emails are getting through now.

You mentioned the lack of security officers in your last email so today I decided to count how many I saw today as I never really pay attention to that. I was only at the park for 3 hours today and only in the Men in Black/ Back to the Future/ Jaws area. I didn't go anywhere else. I counted 9 security officers today (this doesn't include the ones that check your bags at the entrance.) These security officers were actually walking around.

I really hope that you'll try Universal again. My first trip to Disneyworld was a total disaster. My husband and kids never wanted to go back again. I pushed them to try it again and the next trip was great. Many have mentioned that they have been to Universal many, many times and had wonderful experiences. I know your first trip was bad but I honestly think you encountered some bizarre occurances, which are not the norm. Any or all of them could have occurred at Disney also but just as it isn't common there, it also isn't common at Universal.

My first trip to Disneyworld we had an air conondtioning unit in our room at Dixie Landings that leaked all over the carpet. Our socks were soaked from walking on the floor. It took them 3 days to finally get someone up there to fix it. A cast member at SpalshMountain yelled at me for going to the wrong spot to load the log. I couldn't hear what she said and so I went to the wrong number. I explained that I couldn't hear her and she said maybe I ought to start listening and then she rolled her eyes. My son's eyes were burned badly from the pH in the pool at Dixie Landings. No one cared. A man cursed my husband out for smoking in the smoking area and threatened to beat his ***. We went to the America Experience at Epcot. A cast member let us in to wait for the next show which she said would start in a few minutes. We waited 30 minutes and no show. Finally I asked another CM and were told that the last show was an hour earlier. I took my family to eat at Prime Time Cafe at MGM. I was so excited becuase I had heard about the interaction with the servers. Our server ignored us. Never joked with us even once. I even tried to get him to interact and he looked at me like I was bothering him. People at other tables were having a blast and we felt like we had leprosy. Buses were continually running late. There were times we waited an hour for a bus from our hotel to Magic Kingdom. we also had several problems with the boat transportation to Downtown Disney. The whole trip was just horrible. I begged my husband to try it again 2 years later and we had a wonderful time. Now we have APs at Disney and go often.

Bev

[Keeva]

Phamton,I'm sorry about you first trip to Disney but you are differant than me.If that had been my experiance I would probably not went back.I shouldn't be that way but I don't make a fuss I just don't return.I live 1 hour away from six flags and have not been in over 17 years because of some of the same things I encountered like we did at us/ioa(rude clerks& drunks).I will drive 8-10 hours if I know I will enjoy my time.I work 14 hour days standing on my feet and I really look forward to my precious vacation time.Now days we have many choices for our vacation Dollars and we don't have to go somewhere to gamble on having a good time.I have owned my own business for over 24 years and I know that most of the time a first impression is the only chance we get.Maybe us/ioa will listen to my views and retain more people like me that otherwise would not be back. If not for you I would have never have sent an e=mail. That's just the way I am. I don't complain I just don't return and I know there are others like me.So maybe they will listen and change some things for others. Thanks again for all you help. Keeva

[tinkerdorabelle]

We really like both also. They're both just wonderful to us. How can you beat staying on site at Universal and being able to jump all the lines! We now try to split our stay at least a night or two at Universal just to be able to get right on the lines, you can't do that at Disney. The fast pass is ok but still the lines really can get to you. It sure beats the places by us in NY, last year we went to 6-Flags, NJ, Great Adventure and my husband (who is the calmest guy in the world) almost got in a fight with 20-year-old gang bangers who purposely banged into him (then they went walking along and then banging purposely into someone else) and I thought my big buff husband was going to kill someone, he was furious, and I was petrified he was going to hurt them or get hurt. It was absolutely horrid and I never want to go back there.

[Harmony]

One thing, I think we've all learned from this thread is that you only get one chance to make a 1st impression.

[JLTraveling]

I'm jumping in a little late here...to Keeva, I'm very glad that with Phamton's help you were able to get some sort of resolution to your very reasonable complaints. And I hope that you decide to take Universal up on their free pass offer...I truly do believe that your first experience was the exception and not the norm.

I'm a former Disney CM, former Universal team member, and have just started a job with SeaWorld. I just moved back a few months ago after 3 years in New Orleans, and am now in the parks several times a week. In my personal opinion Disney has gone waaaay down in cleanliness, maintenance, and CM morale during the time that I was away. Every Disney bathroom I've been in recently has had a wet, dirty floor and overflowing garbage cans seem to be the norm around the parks. I can tell you, as I have a lot of CM friends, most CMs actually hate their jobs now...the company has become "not so nice" to work for...and more and more CMs are starting to take it out on guests. Meanwhile, conditions seem to be improving at Universal. I'll be the first to admit that Disney always set the gold standard...but due to budget cutbacks and management mediocrity, they are seriously slipping...and parks like Universal and SeaWorld have seen an opening and are taking it...they're moving up the ladder towards what Disney used to be.

Does it make me love Disney any less? Not at all. It makes me sad to see a place that I love so much falling apart, but I'm hoping that with Eisner's exodus we will start to see a change back towards what Walt would have wanted.

Everyone is, of course, entitled to their own opinion. I just think that it ultimately comes down to this: all of the Orlando area theme parks are owned by huge conglomerates, and all employ multiple thousands of people. The management hierarchy alone is mind-bogglingly complicated. They all do their absolute best with screening job applicants, and they all do their best to monitor employees once they are there. But occasionally, people/incidents will fall through the cracks. There is simply no way to track every moment of an employee's day...and most people who are unhappy choose not to complain. So management really has no way to know if an incident occurs. And this is true at all of the parks, including Disney. An in-person complaint to Guest Relations, followed up by an email if the situation is not resolved in person, is the absolute best course of action when anything you are unhappy with happens at any of the parks.

Once again, Keeva, I am truly sorry that you had such a bad experience, and I am happy that Guest Relations is now working with you. For myself, I will continue to love all of the theme parks in the Orlando area, and to know that sometimes things happen, no matter which park I'm in.

Just my two cents.

[Slacking]

JLT- did you get the job you were looknig for at SW?

Keeva- don't let first impressions rule your life. Sure, Universal may have disappointed you the first time you visited, but don't let that attitude affect how you think about it the rest of your life. If everyone went on first impressions, I don't think I'd have any friends, because I personally do not make good first impressions. And like was stated, things that happened to you can happen anywhere and to anyone on any given day, but are not the norm. I hope that one day down the road you'll give Universal a second chance, because in my own opinion, right now, they're giving Disney a run for their money.

[Sherrilatte]

I hope that one day down the road you'll give Universal a second chance, because in my own opinion, right now, they're giving Disney a run for their money.
I agree...that is why I love Universal! :love:

[poody1]

Hi i must admit we had a bad experiance at disney and have decided not to go there this year but thats not to say i wont go again we have always enjoyed our time at universal maybe it depends on how easy pleased your are :cat:

[Keeva]

Today I received a SpiderMan spinner and SpongeBob cup from Universal.I have a little more faith in their promises now.So maybe they will institute a policy to control the Drunks as in cutting them off when they have had too much, and teach their cart workers how to treat the customers.Maybe you would not expect this behavior at Disney but I have never experianced it at Sea World or Bush Gardens which are both owned by a beer company.So I didn't expect it at Universal eithor.
Keeva

[phamton]

I just read a shocker that happened at Disney on the board today:

"Me and my boyfriend were at PI one night in Sept. 04. We had bought a couple hotdogs and we found a place to sit inside a building that had dartboards and such since there were no places to sit outside (not to mention it was freakin hot!). So we are sitting at a table looking out on to the sidewalk watching people and eating our food when all of a sudden a guy (probably in his early to mid twenties) goes running down the sidewalk with his pants (and boxers) around his ankles. He completly flashed everyone who was standing there and luckily I only saw his backside but my poor boyfriend got the front as well!! After it happened we both looked at each other and were like OMG! The guy must have been very drunk! We will never forget that moment again!!"

So I guess rude drunks can be found everywhere, even at Disney. Hopefully, security will crack down on things like this and what happened to you. I'm glad you got your stuff in the mail. I'm sorry it took so long.

[3Mousketeers]

I felt like I had to put my 2 cents in because the folks on this board have been so great in helping my plan my first trip to Universal with my family of 5 (3 small kids) for later in June. We've been to Disney alot - with and without the kids - and we have made lots of great memories there. Here's my problem though - it seems like alot of people on the Disney boards seem to get caught up in this idea of "disney magic." I was guilty of it myself and finally realized that was what ruined our last trip to Disney in February for me. My kids all got sick with the stomach bug but I think what bothered me the most was that I felt like the CM's at AKL didn't "send any Disney magic" our way. No special gift for our sick kids, no special smiles or "are you all feeling better todays". Even though we left hefty daily tips and purchased our own cleaning supplies b/c I didn't think anyone should have to clean up after my own kids got sick. After weeks of feeling sorry for myself over this, I finally realized that Disney didn't owe me anything. Sure, good customer service anywhere is a pleasure but you shouldn't expect some special disney magic fairy to come sprinkle pixie dust on you. We managed to squeeze in a little fun in between illness and that should've been what we focused on. Anyway, I don't know if that made any sense at all but it sure made me feel better. So, we're heading to Universal to explore something new with no preconceived notions and no dreaming of pixie dust. We're just dreaming of a special family vacation.

[Keeva]

Thanks Phamton and thanks again for your help.3Mousketeers I hope you have a great trip.

[phamton]

I completely agree with you 3Mouseketeers. I think bad things can happen at any themepark. I personally think Universal is great and I also love Disney. I've had good and bad things happen at both parks. My philosophy is to not let it ruin my vacation.

If something is seriously amiss then I contact guest services not for compensation but just so they can correct the problem so others don't have it happen to them. That is what Keeva did. She didn't want to be compensated just that Universal address the problem. I am confident that Universal did address the problem. I also contact guest services at both Universal and Disney when I receive superior service. But ultimately, any vacation is what you make of it. Ignore the bad and relish the good. Correct what can be corrected and ignore what can't be changed (like the hot weather!) And just have Fun!

[hardrocker45]

FWIW ,love both,apples and oranges.I go to UO to relax and enjoy my stay,I prepare for war when going to Disney, convenience ,proximity and ride access give the nod to UO though.I love Disney but nothing ever seems easy . A short walk from HRH and the world is at your feet,can't do that at WDW.........and I've never been in traffic gridlock going from US to IOA :confused3