more cutbacks at universal

[d-r]

One very unusual one:

From the Orlando Sentinel - Central Florida Business 9/2/2002:

More rides, fewer loos

Amid all the recent announcements about new attractions and the Macy's parade coming to Universal Studios, the attraction has closed two public restrooms to cut costs. The facilities are on Amblin Avenue near the "Twister - Ride it Out" attraction and on 42nd Street near the soon-to-be replaced "Kongfrontation" ride. The closings still leave nine public restrooms on the Universal Studios map, plus others in some of the park's restaurants.

and universal's version of the super soap opera weekend:

Universal cancels NBC soap opera weekend
By Robert Johnson and Todd Pack
Sentinel Staff Writers

September 2, 2002

One of Universal Studios' most popular and profitable special events has been canceled for the second straight year and appears to be on the way out permanently.

The NBC Soap FanFest weekend, which was tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3, is off. Rebecca Marks, NBC's senior vice president for entertainment publicity, said that talks to stage the event this year broke down over issues involving the cost and scheduling around TV production.

"You've got to find just the right time for Universal and for us," she said.

This marks the second time that the melodrama lovers' dream weekend has been canceled. Last year the event was called off because of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Will NBC Soap FanFest be back? Maybe, Marks said. "We look forward to possible discussion in the future."

Daytime-television addicts still have one chance this fall for a live and in-person encounter with their heroes and heroines. That would be the event that Universal started FanFest two years ago to compete with: Walt Disney World's ABC Super Soap Weekend. The seventh edition of Super Soap is scheduled Nov. 9 and 10. Among the headliners is Susan Lucci of All My Children.

 

[Buschfan]

I noticed the restroom closing over the weekend. Now I know why. As long as Universal keeps discounting season passes like they have been, I am ok with this. We just had to walk a few more feet to go inside the Monster Cafe to find another restroom.

 

[Bob O]

I think it is very bad too close bathrooms. I cant see the savings being all that much, if they are that short of funds clean less often but nothing is worse than having to use the john and to find one and have it closed. Its a bad reflection of the park if they are that hard up to save a little money!
As for soapopera weekends, IMHO a waste of time!!!

 

[EUROPA]

Didn't see the whole article but did Univesal say they were closing them to cut cost is that what the paper thought they were doing?

I can't really see this saving much money either. But I can see them closing it for reasons related to the new attraction at Kong.

 

[DizVilnTT]

I also think it's a weird idea to close bathrooms of all things to save money. I mean, right now they're building that Shrek 3-D, Jimmy Neutron Simulator ride, and the Mummy roller coaster in place of Kong, and now they're closing bathrooms?! Can't they just close one of the high-maitenance shows two days a week? Oh, well. You don't really know what's going on in Central Florida these days.