Upcoming Budget Cuts - Please Read

[CoasterFEV]

As a result of the MASSIVE downturn in the economy here in Central Florida, Universal began preparations yesterday for an aggressive plan to reduce expenses. Similar plans are being prepared at both Disney and the Busch parks.

I apologize, in advance, for what is coming folks - but if any of you have visited the parks since last weeks tragedy, you would understand why this needs to happen. Daily park attendance is down 30% - and all the theme parks here in Florida need to take drastic steps immediately in order to stay in business.

I will elaborate more on the steps that will be taken tomorrow, once the information becomes public. However, the expense cuts will include:

Operating hours of 9am to 6pm DAILY (including weekends)
Temporary elimination of early openings starting 10/07
Major changes to Express for non on-site guests
Reduced attraction operating hours
Temporary closure of select attractions.

The theme parks are taking a HUGE hit due to the sudden downturn of the US economy. Universal has made a committment to its employees to do everything possible to avoid layoffs.

All changes will take effect September 30th and will last until further notice (i.e. - when business starts coming back to Florida).

Once again, I apologize. I'll let everyone know the details tomorrow.

[WebmasterBarry]

Thanks for the info. I hope Universal can avoid cutting personell.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I think I can handle those cutbacks, thanks for the heads up CoasterFEV. Should we be worried about HHN?

[kellymonaghan]

This is a time for all of us who LOVE Universal (or any other theme park for that matter) to make an extra effort to visit and show our support.

In the process ww will give our spirits a much needed lift. I believe that theme parks like Universal and IOA are a manifestation of what is best in the American character: Optimism, faith in the future, a commitment to excellence, the celebration of family, and so much else that makes America a shining example to the rest of the world.

I leave next week for an around the world trip, but when I get back in early November, I'll be down at Universal first chance I get! See you all there.

[millerglass]

Can't stop us from coming down in November. Unless they manage to blow up I-95 somewhere between Pennsylvania and Florida. HRH and FOTL here we come.
Eric

[YODA]

Will these "cuts" affect Halloween Horror Nights in any way? If so what will they be?

THANKS (SPIELBERG FAN)

[fboy9287]

Halloween horror nights? probably not. So many people go there!

[CoasterFEV]

HHN will definitely NOT be affected in any way. This is one of the most profitable events in Universal history. At this time, all plans for ALL HHN activities are on as scheduled!

Here is the first portion of the changes:

The following attractions will be closed until further notice beginning on Sunday, September 30th, 2001:

Kongfrontation
Fieval's Water Slide

Triceratops Encounter
Storm Force Accelatron

[johare]

Why on earth would they close Storm Force? It only takes one person to run that thing.

[CoasterFEV]

Just got some more information for everyone:

Effective September 30th, the following IOA restaurants will be closed until further notice:

Confisco's
Captain America's (usually closed during the off season anyway)
Thunder Falls
Circus McGurkis (sp?)
also plenty of food carts will also be closing throughout the islands.

I am sure there will also be Merchandise locations that will also be closing, as well as food locations throughout USF. I'll let you know when I get more details.

In terms of attractions:

Poseidon's Fury will ONLY be open from 12noon until 5:30pm - with only 18 shows per day.

Sindbad will only be presenting 2 shows per day.

[WebmasterBarry]

Actually, Storm Force requires a few people to run. You need someone to say the load spiel and press the button to operate, you need one person to direct people where to do, and you need one person by the exit to watch for people who try to leave the ride while it's running.

I thought IOA had too many food carts around. At Marvel Super Hero Island, I think I counted at least four stands in between the Hulk and Spiderman! :)

[johare]

Effective September 30th, the following IOA restaurants will be closed until further notice:Confisco's
Captain America's (usually closed during the off season anyway)
Thunder Falls
Circus McGurkis (sp?)That's too bad. Confisco's is one of our favorite places to grab a bite at IOA and we really like Thunder Falls too. Wouldn't they save more money by just opening the parks an hour later or closing an hour earlier...or are they going to do that too? I hate to say it, but if they continue to close restaurants AND attractions AND reduce park hours, I'm going to request a partial refund on our annual passes.

Poseidon's Fury will ONLY be open from 12noon until 5:30pm - with only 18 shows per day. They should just cut it to 10 shows per day and use the money they save to keep Storm Force open.

[Super Mom]

We are working hard to keep the excitement up for our very first Universal Trip on 10/11.

I am sure that we will have a great time, but I am starting to feel a little discouraged.

[CoasterFEV]

OK folks, here's the total rundown:

Once again, these changes are only temporary - with the current plan is to have the parks back to their current operation in time for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately, the Orlando parks are so empty right now that many theme park workers are in danger of losing their jobs. Universal has made a committment to do everything possible to avoid layoffs - stating that we will need our employees in a few months once business (hopefully) picks back up. For those of you from the Central Florida area, I'm sure you know the crisis down here due to the drop in tourism and the number of conventions that have cancelled.

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Universal Express will be CLOSED starting Sunday, 9/23/01 until further notice. There will be no way to reserve a place in line (mainly because there ARE no lines). All kiosks will be covered up and signs will read "No Express passes available."

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Early Park Openings (8am on select days) will be DISCONTINUED starting Sunday, 10/07/01 until further notice.

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Parks will be open from 9am to 6pm daily (with the exception of USF closing a bit earlier during HHN). Parks will not be open any later than 6pm on any day (including weekends)

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I've already mentioned the restaurants closing and a few of the attractions - here's the complete list with operating hours:

The below attraction operating hours are effective Sun. 9/30/01:

IOA:
Hulk: Open 9am to 6pm
Storm Force: Closed until further notice
Doctor Doom: Open 10am to 5pm
Spiderman: Open 9am to 6pm
Ripsaw Falls: Open 9:30am to 6pm
Bluto's: Open 10am to 6pm
Me Ship: Open 10am to 6pm
Camp Jurassic: Open 11am to 5pm
Pteranodon Flyers: Open 11am to 5pm
River Adventure: Open 9:30am to 6pm
Triceratops: Closed until further notice
Discovery Center: Open 11am to 5pm (same as Burger Digs hrs)
Unicorn: Open 11am to 5pm
Dragons: Open 9:30am to 6pm WITH ONLY ONE SIDE OPERATING AT A TIME (will switch between Fire & Ice each hour)
Sinbad: 2 shows per day + 2 meet & greets per day
Poseidon: Open 12pm to 5:30pm (18 shows per day)
Caroseussel: Open 9am to 5pm
One Fish: Open 9am to 6pm
Cat: Open 9am to 6pm
Zoo: Open 11am to 5pm

USF:
(honestly, I don't know too much since I am based at IOA, however here's what I know)
Kong: Closed until further notice
Feival's water slide: Closed until further notice

Look for west-side attractions (Jaws, Quake, etc) opening at 10am. 30-minute show cycles at T2.
Wild West & Beetlejuice only 2 shows per day.

-----------------------------------------------------

The mood among ALL theme park employees in Orlando is very somber right now - and, before you start bashing these decisions - please remember that Universal is a company doing everything possible to insure that, with the current crisis our country is in, that it's employees will still have jobs and some way to support their families.

I will not be posting any more to this thread in anticipation of TONS of negative responses. I only hope things change soon to Orlando's economy.

- CoasterFEV

[johare]

This is really sad. I can't believe they are going to only one run coaster at a time on the Duelling Dragons?!?

I hate to do it, but if all this really happens Universal is going to be giving us a partial refund on our annual passes or they will be extending the expiration date an amount of time equal to the time that the parks are not operating normally.

[Spaceman Spiff]

This is really sad. I can't believe they are going to only one run coaster at a time on the Duelling Dragons?!?

I hate to do it, but if all this really happens Universal is going to be giving us a partial refund on our annual passes or they will be extending the expiration date an amount of time equal to the time that the parks are not operating normally.

Could you be anymore petty ans selfish at a time like this? Get real johare, our country is in a state of crisis and all your worried about is how Universal is going to reimburse you? Do us all a favor and don't renew your annual pass. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[hhnfreak]

My best friend lost his job @ Portofino today, they slashed between 40 and 50 middle management positions.

The hotel has had an average occupency nightly of 7%. They are losing lots of money.

Americans need to stop freaking out.......we Americans are doing exactly what the terrorist want, the destruction of our economy is going to throw us into the worst economic times this nation has ever seen.......we're doing it to ourselves!!:mad:

[MrNonacho]

RIP Dueling Dragons. For them to be forced to cut back an attraction like this, things must be worse than I thought. :(
---
Oh, it just occurred to me.. will the non-operating side still be at least dispatching empty trains? At least you'd still get the dueling aspect.

[johare]

Could you be anymore petty ans selfish at a time like this? Get real johare, our country is in a state of crisisI've given to the Red Cross and donated my time thru my company for relief efforts. How much have you given or donated? Have you given blood?

If you paid for a yearly subscription to the Newspaper would it be ok if they said "because of reduced revenues you will not receive the paper on Tuesdays and every other Friday"?

If you paid for AAA membership would it be ok if they said "Due to increased tourism you will need to make a copayment of $20 should you need a service call and maps will now cost $2"?

If you pay your insurance premium is it ok if your insurance company reduces your coverage levels for the period you have already paid for to "cover their losses"?

The fact is if you pay for something you should receive what you pay for. I paid for a pass to the parks and expect to receive what I paid for. It would cost nothing for Universal to extend my pass by a couple months, in fact they would probably make more money from me. It's not acceptable to reduce benefits for something which has already been purchased.

all your worried about is how Universal is going to reimburse you? Do us all a favor and don't renew your annual passWhy is it ok for Universal to worry about their financial situation, yet if I show concern for what I've paid for you feel that it's petty? Why not call Universal petty?!? They certainly seem worried about their money just like I do or they wouldn't be reducing employee hours and closing attractions which only take 1 or 2 people to run.

[johare]

My best friend lost his job @ Portofino today, they slashed between 40 and 50 middle management positions. That's strange...I've been trying to book a room at HRH or PBH for the weekend of October 6th and they are saying that HRH is completely sold out and that no discounted rooms are available at PBH. Last time I called was on Tuesday...maybe I need to check again.

[Spaceman Spiff]

if universal does not close its theme parks then i think they have no obligation to reimburse or extend your pass. from the list coasterfev graciously supplied us the only problem and it is a minor one is that many of the food locations will be shut down. i hardly feel the closing of storm force, dragons not dueling and the shortening of park hours is reason to get in a huff. if universal feels they need to cut hours to try and maintain their staff then i give them kudos for making staff cuts the last on the chopping block. with all orlando parks suffering from attendance you should not have any problems with trying to get everything you want done in one day.

...and yes i have given blood and donated to disater relief foundations.

i have said my piece and feel no need to continue this debate, continue if you feel the need to.

[WebmasterBarry]

At certain times in the year, USF has parts of the park opening at later times. I think most people head to the Hulk and Spiderman first thing anyway. Now I have an excuse to get multiple rides on the Hulk early in the morning! The thing that surprised me is Dueling Dragons not dueling. Gwazi at BGT doesn't duel anymore. While that decision was due to slow load times and long waits, I can understand why dragons doesn't duel. It does take away part of the excitement of the ride, but I can understand that it also saves money too to run one side at a time.

I think things will get better. It has to! :)

[RhondaS]

Thank you CoasterFEV.

Here's to hoping and praying that our country pulls out of this tragic time very soon and a stronger sense of normalcy and happiness is prevelant again.

[MIB999999]

since i live here i will just have a ball riding with no lines and eating at Mythos:bounce: :bounce: :p :bounce: :p :bounce:

[SherryfromOK]

COASTERFEV

Thanks for the information. It is very informative. I understand them needing to cut back on things, but if they cut back too much on the rides and things it could make us not sure if to come on now, or wait till the rides and shows are back to normal. We are suppose to come at Thanksgiving, but now are trying to decide depending on our security on airlines improves. We are suppose to see Cirque de souel too, are they cancelling those shows? It is sad for US and WDW. I hope it picks up.

Also, why did they close triceratops?

[WebmasterBarry]

Why was Triceratops Encounter closed?

My guess is that it is not an A ride, like Spiderman or the Hulk. I doubt that people journey many miles to see it. It is a good attraction to get away from the crowds, but it's something that won't really affect admission if it was closed.

[Quentin Disney]

I visited UO today (9/21). There were traces of visitors in both parks. Everything was either a walk-on or up to 10 min wait. I couldn't even get something to eat at 11:00 am. Now some people would be jumping up and down in joy with no lines, but for some reason, its just not *right*. I want the crowds back! I want the tourist groups! I want the 60 minute waits! I want things to be normal!:(

[DaveOBrien]

I don't get offended by anything, but I'm pissed at the complaining about getting partial refunds on park passes, ect. At this time in all our lives, stop being so self centered and think of others. People are in danger of losing jobs. If closing the parks earlier(especially when they are empty) is going to save people's paychecks so they can put food on the table, well, I think that's somewhat more important than being selfish about a partial refund. Man, you really got a pair. And before you get on my case, yes-I gave blood. Yes, I dropped off fresh clean socks at a depository to help the relief workers up here. And yes, I've made a decent donation for the victim's families. I also drove thru that hellhole known at lower Manhattan this past Monday. It's enough to make you sick and at the very least, you'll cry. Get off the pity pot about park hours. People's livlihoods are in danger.

[johare]

Lots of people are in danger of losing jobs at many different companies probably mine included, however we still give our customers 100% value for what they pay for regardless of how tough times are.

I seriously doubt I'll ask for anything, but it would be a nice gesture on Universal's part to add a month or two to the expiration date for existing passholders. Wouldn't cost them anything, in fact it would probably increase their profits. Until then I guess we'll just enjoy the short lines though I do agree with Quentin...I'd rather wait 60 minutes for Spiderman than have things the way they are now. :(

What's strange is I just got off the phone with the HRH and they are still 100% sold out for 10/6. No Entertainment rate discounts, no passholders resident discounts, in fact NO ROOMS period. Guess they aren't doing as bad as they would like everyone to think.

[vwrose14]

If you can call and complain and still sleep at night. Then I say go for it. I myself am still going to fly there and spend 5 nights ant the HRH and 14 nights at WDW and I am going to be thankful that they are still open at all because going on with my life and contributing to the economy is what we have been asked to do and that helps me sleep at night

[johare]

As I said in my last post, I will not ask for anything nor will I complain. However it would be a nice gesture on Universals part if they automatically extended seasonal/annual passes by a month or two.

I'm trying to do my part also. We are probably going to go have lunch at Confisco's tomorrow and perhaps even dinner at Mythos. I'm also still trying to book a hotel room at PBH or HRH for a night a couple weeks from now even though I live 30 minutes from the park. Unfortunately the HRH is booked 100% for the weekend I need. I really had not planned on doing any of this prior to September 11th.

You say your going to be staying down here for 14 days. Would it be acceptable to you if your hotel room was only cleaned every 3rd day due to 'budget cuts'? How about if they tell you that you need to bring your own soap?

[vwrose14]

If that is what it takes to get the economy on track and to save someones job yes it would be fine

[CPM]

Are they still using express for on site guests? If not I would rather spend much less $$ on a hotel room, in fact I could only get one night at HRH Columbus Day weekend & no discounts on PBH that weekend, maybe if there is such a low occupancy rate at PBH they should lower their rates. There are lots of us suffering in this economy right now & can't afford a $200. a night room so we stay elsewhere. I don't understand them not offering a discount.

[JessicaR]

I visited UO today (9/21). There were traces of visitors in both parks. Everything was either a walk-on or up to 10 min wait. I couldn't even get something to eat at 11:00 am. Now some people would be jumping up and down in joy with no lines, but for some reason, its just not *right*. I want the crowds back! I want the tourist groups! I want the 60 minute waits! I want things to be normal!

I'm with you. The crowds add to the whole experience. Never thought I would say that. We experienced both on our last trip and my husband and I both said...It just doesnt feel the same w/o the crowds! I hope they come back very soon. HHN should help a lot!

Thanks again CoasterFEV for keeping us all posted.

[Figment78]

CoasterFev, Thanks for all of your info, it is very helpful...

Any info on FOTL access for onsite guests? Not that it is probably needed now, but just wondering since you said express access is no longer available.

Thanks again for all of the information you have given us...

[CPM]

You know just one thing is bugging me about all the cuts in theme parks. I went to all of them this time last year, BG was a ghost town, Disney was probably the busiest with maybe a 10 minute wait, USF/IOA also very short waits. I think that making such drastic cuts in less then two weeks at an already slow time of year seems a bit premature IMO. Why not close some rides for half a day instead of closing them all together, it seems the people that are still going to spend the $$ at the theme parks should still get to see everything. They should encourage guests to come visit not discourage them. I was going to spend two days at the parks but now am only going to spend one, I just can't seem to justify two days with all that's closed. Maybe once I'm there I'll change my mind.

[MIB999999]

FOTL which is in reality the use of the express line with your on-site hotel key will still be available during the near future, however there are rumblings in this direction. IMHO it is to important of a hook for the onsite hotels for it to go away, however if i were an onsite guest i would be checking in detail concerning the do's and do not's of the hotel key and the express line. I doubt there will be an expres line if the wait time is less than 15 minutes. I think you will also see only two lines the regular and the single rider, with the single rider being used to as an express line also, but only when the wait times exceed 15 minutes. I was at the park today and the MIB single rider line was not opened until sometime after 12:00 and the single rider line was handling both single and express and they were split at the entrance to the car boarding room. also there is a sign of returning to normal. Hulk wait was 35 minutes, Spidey was 45. it was definately more crowded than last weekend.

By the way let's not blame all this on the WTC attack, we had a hurricane go thru central florida with 12 inches of rain in some areas last week late that made going outside not the smart thing to do.!!!!

[nhrenee]

CoasterFEV: Thanks for all the information. I'm glad to be aware of the changes before we go.

I'm sad Confisco's and Thundering Falls are closing. They are 2 of our favorites. Too bad it's not Enchanted Tavern instead.

But I certainly understand why. I hope things pick back up for the sake of everyone.

[MelodyD]

IMO the cut backs are just a way for the tourist traps to spend less but still bring in the same revenues. I understand admission has been low for a couple of weeks. IMO, big deal...... these parks have reaped the rewards of overpriced admission (making HUGE profits on food and beverage) and large crowds and lots of wait time. Hardly time to panic. It is moves such as this that can do more harm than good to the economy. If ppl see the big companys panicing they are going to do the same.

We were planning on going to Universal for the last two days of our Disney trip, I am really starting to rethink that. I can fully understand cutting hours but to close attractions just doesn't seem fair to the consumer. This would have been our first visit in 11 years! I already had tickets purchased but I really think I will send them back for a refund. Only one family but I am sure there are others that feel the same.

[DW mouser]

SuperMom, I know how you feel! Our first US/IOA trip Oct.20-27. I can understand why they have to do it, but our costs are still the same for alot less. It does make you feel down a little, especially since I'm paying for 7 (son&family) and my husband and myself. It's a hugh cost just staying at HRH for 2 delux rooms and all the tickets (HHN too) and now some things closed!! I do wish we had went this summer now!:(

[SherryfromOK]

I agree with maybe cutting the hours, but I am like alot
of us, if they keep cutting attractions I will probably change our minds about coming on in November. I think they are hurting themselves because some of us are not sure if we should come on or not, and this could sway our decision. Like just running one of the coasters on dueling dragons, my teenager has been looking forward to doing this one because of the impression they are near hits when they duel. I hope they reconsider that.

[Super Mom]

The most recent reports from DISers and articles from the Sentinel seem to indicate that the parks are filling up again. If that is the case, can the Express Kiosks be re-opened easily if they are needed? How about some of the smaller attractions? For example, if crowds pick up, could Storm Force or Triceratops Encounter be opened on a day-to-day basis?

Only 17 Daays left...Hoping for the Best!!

[lovelyk68]

CoasterFev--

Thanks for the information. While I understand the situation and why these cuts are needed, I would be lying if I didn't say I am very disappointed. Even though Triceratops Encounter is a minor attraction, my five-year-old and I were both really looking forward to it. I had also planned to eat at Thundering Falls because I had heard so many good things about it. I agree with other posters who have stated that it is better to cut hours than attractions and eateries because people may not feel a need to spend as much time at US/IOA.

Having said that, I feel extremely lucky that this is a major concern to me. It could be sooo much worse.

[MIB999999]

Originally posted by Super Mom
The most recent reports from DISers and articles from the Sentinel seem to indicate that the parks are filling up again. If that is the case, can the Express Kiosks be re-opened easily if they are needed? How about some of the smaller attractions? For example, if crowds pick up, could Storm Force or Triceratops Encounter be opened on a day-to-day basis?

Only 17 Daays left...Hoping for the Best!!

yes the express dispensing machines can be easily re-opened. According to another thread the weekend crowds are one thing, the weekday attendance is very low. If the crowds are thru the week what they were 9/14 and 9/15 you will not need express.:cool:

[nhrenee]

Lovelyk68:

Thank you for your post. That's exactly how I feel but could not find the words.

[lovelyk68]

nhrenee--

I think the events of 9/11/01 have certainly put things into perspective for many of us. If a few attractions are closed or the hours are shorter, it will be a disappointment, but at least I will be fortunate enough to be there with my dh and dks. Many in our country will no longer have those precious times together.

Kimberly

[IOASnake]

lovelyk68:

I never thought of it that way. Sure the Triceritops is closed and so are some tea cups, I would have just skipped those attractions anyway. So during this time we should not complain. We should go to Islands of Adventure and Universla Studios to be with the people we love and have a wonderful time and not worry about whether the two smallest attractions in the park are closed. This is just my opinion...

Thanks for your time,
Charlie:crazy:

[lovelyk68]

Charlie--

Thanks for your reply. I think we both agree that this is a time to be thankful and to spend time with our families. However, I don't agree that we should not be allowed to express our disappointment because attractions or eateries are closed. I don't want to start an argument, but I am saying this so that you and other posters may understand why some are dissapointed. My five-year-old is barely 40 inches so that excludes him from most of the major attractions at IOA. His main options are the minor attractions that many will skip. Now some may say that we should just go to US, but I also have a 13-year-old that is very interested in the thrill rides. I have to balance the needs of our entire family. I am certainly not angry because of these decisions and I totally understand them. But if others are angry or disappointed they should not be made to feel guilty for saying so. Have a great day!

[johare]

My five-year-old is barely 40 inches so that excludes him from most of the major attractions at IOAWe are in a similar situation. I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old. The 7 year old pretty much goes on everything except the Hulk (and he's working up the courage for that), but there are limited attractions that my 4 year old enjoys. If they close Storm Force, that is one less thing for him to do.

We are annual passholders and I will give Universal the benefit of the doubt for now, however we will be visiting the parks several times over the next few months and if the park is crowded and seems to have a fairly normal amount of guests for this time of the year and IF still they keep attractions closed and hours short in spite of crowds then I will definately be asking for an extension or partial credit on our passes. On the other hand if crowds are light then I'll just enjoy the short lines and accept the fact that these cuts are necessary for the time being.

[IOASnake]

Lovelyk68,

I have never been in that situation before, I have always rode thrill rides and I'm sorry if I offended you. I rode Storm Force and Triceritops a few times and they were fun. But I never thought about it from a family with small children. But I do stand by my comments about being with family and enjoying yourselves. I hope with these closed attractions you can still do this.

Thanks,
Charlie

[lovelyk68]

Charlie--

No offense was taken and we plan to have a wonderful time!

Kimberly

[John Pennet]

I am one of four Scottish families travelling to Orlando for two weeks vacation. We have not booked our accommodation or any of our tickets. For most of us this is 5th, 6th or 7th visit, and although we were going to stay in Orlando and do all the parks. We are seriously thinking that if the parks are not going to give us the whole show we will move on and stay the two weeks on the coast and play golf.:cool:

[MIB999999]

Originally posted by John Pennet
I am one of four Scottish families travelling to Orlando for two weeks vacation. We have not booked our accommodation or any of our tickets. For most of us this is 5th, 6th or 7th visit, and although we were going to stay in Orlando and do all the parks. We are seriously thinking that if the parks are not going to give us the whole show we will move on and stay the two weeks on the coast and play golf.:cool:

are we talking east or west coast????

You are not understanding that the less the crowds the more you can ride your favorites over and over. Do not look at it as less, it is just more concentrated :eek:

[joe]

Is Universal going to be doing that pay-by-month passes that Busch Gardens is doing? Things must be tough down there. I was just in a couple of Ohio parks nad they were busy but they don't have anywhere near the numbers of people that visit from long distances away like the Orlando parks. I am going to Busch Gardens and Sea World in early October. Let's see what happens by then.

I may also take my 2 year old to IOA and US. It's too bad about the closings. I hate to see this happen. I think IOA is truly a phenomenal park and I will support it as much as I can.