Annoyances at US / IOA

[GinaBean]

Depends on how charitable your local office is feeling. Some will just give it to you if you ask. Others only do it if you buy a vacation package through them.

I don't mind the clipboard people because they give you money vs. the timeshare people trying to suck away your money.

Thanks

 

[sportzboy698]

It would be great if when the park opened at 9...you could run down to Jaws and ride it with minimal amounts of people...just a thought...

 

[johde]

I don't mind the clip board people either. I've done 2 or 3 of their market research studies. They pay fairly well for your time. I was paid $20 or $25 to watch the 2nd episode of Heros before the show was on the air. I had one of the dials that I used to report the parts I liked and didn't like. Then I had a short survey afterward. Since there were no commercials the whole think took about an hour.

 

[ky07]

I don't mind the clip board people either. I've done 2 or 3 of their market research studies. They pay fairly well for your time. I was paid $20 or $25 to watch the 2nd episode of Heros before the show was on the air. I had one of the dials that I used to report the parts I liked and didn't like. Then I had a short survey afterward. Since there were no commercials the whole think took about an hour.

At least you got a good show cause we did one last year for the show that was like the bachalor where the guy had to pick between the younger women and the older ones

 

[BuckeyeGuy28]

As a frequent visitor to USF/IOA I have to agree about the timeshare sales people. It's just downright tacky! Disney has DVC booths in the park, but they never, ever approach you. You have to go to them. At USF, I hate going between MiB and Jaws because they are all over you like flys on a horsepoop pile. As the economy gets worse, they seem to be getting more desperate. Universal really needs ro rethink having aggressive salespeople in its parks. It's bad enough that they're in virtually every business and restaurant on 192. I feel like wearing a big sign: "I'm a local. Leave the the %^!*# alone!"

The music doesn't bother me too much; I can't speak for the parking because we get free valet with our Premier Pass. I do hate parking garages so it probably would irritate me if I had to use it. But then again, Disney's trams iritate me big-time too. Thank goodness I have a AAA parking pass for the WDW parks.

Who you tryin to impress?

 

[inkkognito]

Who you tryin to impress?

What can I say? I'm a Premier Pass/AAA Pass snob!

 

[ilovedale3]

We just got back from our first visit to US/IOA in six years. Here are my top annoyances about both parks:

1. The timeshare people. The crowds were non-existant when we were there (Dec. 9-10) so when they saw us (a couple with no kids in their 30's), we were swarmed. It was especially bad near the exit to Shrek.

2. The marketing "clipboard" people. My husband and I were both amazed that a theme park would allow something like this in their parks. Very tacky.

3. The staggered opening times. Park opens at 9 but some of the areas and rides don't open till 11:00? Ugh. And there was certainly not enough to do to fill up that time.

4. The slovenly appearance of many of the park employees. Huge baggy uniform shirts with huge baggy jeans (Twister), strong body odor (not one but two employees at Shrek and Jimmy Neutron).

5. Trash on the streets, even though the park has just opened... most of it confetti and candy from the parade the day before.

6. Hardly any smiles or kind words from any employee. They all seemed to be radiating boredom.


I was constantly surprised by the lack of professionalism that plagued both US and IOA. I just really expected for these parks, since they are national and international vacation destinations, would be more like Disney (in cleanliness, friendliness, etc.), but saw that they were more like a day at Six Flags or some other regional park.

I know that some people here really like US/IOA, so I hate to sound so negative about it, but I think it's just not for us.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I haven't even been to Universal/IOA yet, and I agree with the OP and the thread above... I have seen enough feedback online... I have no doubt that it is true to some degree.

The stories about Halloween at Universal are nothing less than disgusting.

Unfortunately, our trip is planned... DH wanted to try Universal this time. We bought our passes when they were so cheap thru AAA. Thank goodness we have three days planned on a beautiful beach on the Panhandle before Orlando/Universal, so I have something that I am REALLY looking forward to!!!

Because, now that I have been taking a closer look, I am not looking forward to the Universal part of our trip at all.

Believe me, paying big bucks to be accosted by overly loud music, time share hawkers, and the like, is NOT what I consider appropriate.... (I wear a hearing aide, which will be excruciating... and my DS has sensory issues so that he can't stand loud overwhelming noisy situations...)

Ummm, HEY UNIVERSAL... a very considerable percentage of folks who vacation at Orlando are either hearing impaired and wear hearing aides, or are children with sensory issues... etc....

I wish Universal would see this thread...
I would even consider contacting them myself personally.
But, *sigh* I know they have heard these comments before.
Obviously, they just don't give a darn.

They will continue to cater to the lowest common denominator...

 

[macraven]

wishing, if you are going to do a few days at universal and already dread it, you can try to switch that part of your trip to disney instead. that might make you happier for your upcoming vacation.

if you already have made your mind up that universal will not please you, why bother to go.

stay at disney and if your husband wants to do a day trip from disney to universal, the mears shuttle busses can provide the transportation for him.

you won't lose out on the universal passes as they do not have an expiration date on them and can be used anytime.

or, you could cancel the tickets and get a refund.

 

[Metro West]

wishing, if you are going to do a few days at universal and already dread it, you can try to switch that part of your trip to disney instead. that might make you happier for your upcoming vacation.

if you already have made your mind up that universal will not please you, why bother to go.

stay at disney and if your husband wants to do a day trip from disney to universal, the mears shuttle busses can provide the transportation for him.

you won't lose out on the universal passes as they do not have an expiration date on them and can be used anytime.

or, you could cancel the tickets and get a refund.

Unfortunately...that sounds like what they need to do. No sense in spending the money if the poster is already dreading it.

By the way Wishing...I was over at both parks today for a few hours and saw two beautifully decorated parks and no trash.

You'll have to decide if you want to go.

 

[inkkognito]

if you already have made your mind up that universal will not please you, why bother to go.

Ditto! If you're already in a negative mindset, it's probably not going to please you no matter what.

Granted, the timeshare people annoy the heck out of me, but that's one tiny piece of the overall Universal experience. I go to USF/IOA much more than I go to WDW now, and I rarely see trash or surly employees...or at least no more than I see at Disney these days. I suppose there are off days everywhere but I am local and go to USF several times a month, and I can vouch that filth and rudeness are NOT the norm. But if you really, really dread it, cancel/switch to WDW rather than torture yourself.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I agree with the 3 above posts. Only thing worse than someone going into UO with preconceived notions that UO caters to the lowest common denominator is hearing how trashy her visit was on the DISboards after.

If you already want to write a letter to customer service about how loud the music is before you've heard it yourself and complain about the timeshare people who haven't yet approached you, those are probably 2 signs that you shouldn't bother with a visit.

It sounds like you'd be doing yourself a favor extending the beach portion of your vacation. Your Universal vacation, unless you've booked through Universal vacations, has no penalties for canceling.

I don't think you'll find many regulars here who will convince you to go to UO or try to change your mind.

 

[dolphindan1]

Budget. Smaller attractions won't open until 10 on days that the park won't have many guests. On 9 and 10 o clock closings, everything opens with the park.

We went yesterday and Jaws and ET which to me are 2 big draws didnt open till 11...Disaster and Twister at 10...it really pissed me off....The park was crowded and if they had been open at park opening I could have had a leisurely day and been done with all the rides...

IOA was great on Wed everything opened up at opening except Ripsaw and Bluto which was fine with me....

If wed hadnt been so fun Universal might might had lost a return customer with the studios opening times...They shouldnt charge full admission till 11 if the park isnt gonna be totally open...I could have been done touring by 11....I was very very upset

 

[donaldduck352]

We just got back from our first visit to US/IOA in six years. Here are my top annoyances about both parks:

1. The timeshare people. The crowds were non-existant when we were there (Dec. 9-10) so when they saw us (a couple with no kids in their 30's), we were swarmed. It was especially bad near the exit to Shrek.

Just tell them Im not intrested!!

2. The marketing "clipboard" people. My husband and I were both amazed that a theme park would allow something like this in their parks. Very tacky.

Same thing here,dont be gulible and let them sucker you in!!

3. The staggered opening times. Park opens at 9 but some of the areas and rides don't open till 11:00? Ugh. And there was certainly not enough to do to fill up that time.

We personally find plenty to do during this time..Window shop-Luct tribute etc.There is plenty too do if you look for it!!

4. The slovenly appearance of many of the park employees. Huge baggy uniform shirts with huge baggy jeans (Twister), strong body odor (not one but two employees at Shrek and Jimmy Neutron).

Are you sure the B.O. was not from the peeps standing in line with YA??

5. Trash on the streets, even though the park has just opened... most of it confetti and candy from the parade the day before.

I've seen worse at DW!!

6. Hardly any smiles or kind words from any employee. They all seemed to be radiating boredom.

Trying not too get points against me on this one.But with the attide you already had,anyone will feed of that and not be friendly.


I was constantly surprised by the lack of professionalism that plagued both US and IOA. I just really expected for these parks, since they are national and international vacation destinations, would be more like Disney (in cleanliness, friendliness, etc.), but saw that they were more like a day at Six Flags or some other regional park.

I know that some people here really like US/IOA, so I hate to sound so negative about it, but I think it's just not for us.

You are 1 out a thousand on this opinion!!

Im not trying to put you down or nothing,but in your case Universal is not your bag of tea!!

 

[donaldduck352]

The people in the know find Univerasl very entertaining,we think its not your county fair style of theme parks!!

Do some research on this forum before you go and you will find a wealth of info..With that kinda info under your belt your day will be filled with fun and excitment!!

2 weeks ago the music at Marvel Island was turned way down!!

Dont go expecting the mouse.Universal has its own magic if you look for it!!

 

[ilovedale3]

We just got back from our first visit to US/IOA in six years. Here are my top annoyances about both parks:

1. The timeshare people. The crowds were non-existant when we were there (Dec. 9-10) so when they saw us (a couple with no kids in their 30's), we were swarmed. It was especially bad near the exit to Shrek.

2. The marketing "clipboard" people. My husband and I were both amazed that a theme park would allow something like this in their parks. Very tacky.

3. The staggered opening times. Park opens at 9 but some of the areas and rides don't open till 11:00? Ugh. And there was certainly not enough to do to fill up that time.

4. The slovenly appearance of many of the park employees. Huge baggy uniform shirts with huge baggy jeans (Twister), strong body odor (not one but two employees at Shrek and Jimmy Neutron).

5. Trash on the streets, even though the park has just opened... most of it confetti and candy from the parade the day before.

6. Hardly any smiles or kind words from any employee. They all seemed to be radiating boredom.


I was constantly surprised by the lack of professionalism that plagued both US and IOA. I just really expected for these parks, since they are national and international vacation destinations, would be more like Disney (in cleanliness, friendliness, etc.), but saw that they were more like a day at Six Flags or some other regional park.

I know that some people here really like US/IOA, so I hate to sound so negative about it, but I think it's just not for us.

Just to address a couple of things that I saw in someone's reply to my original post:

-- I like to think that we are "in the know" about what the parks have to offer. We had visited before, I had purchased the Unofficial Guide before our trip, and have read up on several discussion boards to know what to expect. I am one of those super-planners so I make sure to do the research before we travel anywhere.
-- Yes, I am sure that the B.O. was not from the people in line with us. We went up to these two employees to ask questions and were nasally accosted.
-- We did tell the timeshare and marketing people we weren't interested. However, like other people have commented on this thread, it gets annoying to have them come up to you numerous times.
-- Believe me, we did not go with an "attitude" or preconceived notion about what it would be like and therefore "radiated it" to the employees. My husband and I were both excited about going to US/IOA since we had not visited those parks in several years. If you knew us, you would know that we are great fun and act like big kids most of the time anyway!

I certainly didn't say that we didn't have fun in the parks the days that we were there. The crowds were light, we were able to ride all the rides and attractions that interested us, and we even got to be balloon handlers in the parade! I also didn't post to try to discourage other people from visiting the parks or to compare it point by point to Disney. I was just outlining the "annoyances" that I saw as a "non-regular" to US/IOA, since that was the topic of this thread.

 

[phamton]

3. The staggered opening times. Park opens at 9 but some of the areas and rides don't open till 11:00? Ugh. And there was certainly not enough to do to fill up that time.

I think this is common at all the themeparks in Orlando. Two examples at Disney would be Jungle Cruise and World Showcase.

4. The slovenly appearance of many of the park employees. Huge baggy uniform shirts with huge baggy jeans (Twister), strong body odor (not one but two employees at Shrek and Jimmy Neutron).

You know, I was once on stage at the Adventurers Club in Pleasure Island and one of the actors was sweating profusely and had a strong body odor. I have never given it another thought until today and did not think to post it on the DisBoard when it happened. I just figure, it's Florida and it's hot.

5. Trash on the streets, even though the park has just opened... most of it confetti and candy from the parade the day before.

I've never seen candy but have seen confetti. They do vacuum the streets and sweep every night but that darn confetti does tend to drift. I even found some in my own backyard at home one night last week.

6. Hardly any smiles or kind words from any employee. They all seemed to be radiating boredom.

I can assure you that the team members I work with are not sourly or bored. We have tons at fun at work and everyone I work with seem to love what they are doing.

that they were more like a day at Six Flags or some other regional park.

The owner of the DisBoard is a big fan of Universal. He writes wonderful reports about his visits. I am very familiar with Six flags park and I see nothing that even remotely resembles that at Universal/IoA.

I hate to sound so negative about it, but I think it's just not for us.

That's fine. Different strokes for different folks. My least favorite park is Animal Kingdom but many people love it.

I haven't even been to Universal/IOA yet, and I agree with the OP and the thread above.

I can't imagine forming an opinion of any park if I had never been.

I wish Universal would see this thread...
I would even consider contacting them myself personally.

It seems a little unusual to send a complaint to a place that you haven't even stepped foot into.

Obviously, they just don't give a darn.

I can assure you that they do give a darn about guest comments but I would at least wait until you go before contacting them with a complaint.

They will continue to cater to the lowest common denominator...

That statement is insulting to me and all the other posters here who are frequent visitors to Universal/IoA. The same people you see at Universal are the same people you see at Disney. Some are rude and slovenly and some are friendly and classy.

I agree with the others. If you are dreading your visit to Universal Studios, then I would skip it because it is often impossible to see the magic when you are expecting a substandard park.

Universal Orlando was voted the world's leading theme-park operation. The 15th annual World Travel Awards presented this prestigious award to the resort. The Universal award was the only worldwide honor involving a Central Florida business. The award was based on the votes of thousands of travel agents and industry professionals. (Disneyworld won last year.) http://www.travelb2b.eu/news-from-t.../163-world-travel-awards-the-winners-are.html

 

[coasterj]

thanks for defending us some of those match my thoughts exactly

 

[phamton]

thanks for defending us some of those match my thoughts exactly

I meant to add this personal story but I lost my train of thought so I'll just give it here.

I was raised on Disney. I went to Disneyland for the first time in 1957 and then went yearly and sometimes more for the next 20 years. It was our family vacation when I was a kid. I continued that family tradition with my 5 kids. We alternated Disneyland with Disneyworld yearly. My husband and kids developed a love for Disney that they caught from me. Finally I retired from teaching in Texas and I encourage my whole family to move to Orlando to be close to the mouse. (My husband hadn't retired from teaching so he continued to teach high school in Orlando after our move.)

The first thing we did after moving here was to get Disney annual passes. We had little to no interest in going to Universal as I thought the standards were way lower than Disney themeparks. We reluctantly purchased 2 year annual passes for Universal/IoA when they had a special for 2 years for the price of one. We considered ourselves Disney snobs and went to Disney every weekend. One day, my son mentioned that we ought to use our Universal annual passes since we had had them over 6 months and hadn't gone once. None of us wanted to give up our weekend at Disney but finally decided to try Universal. We fell in love with the parks. We began going to Universal nearly every weekend and only going to Disney once a month. Universal and Islands of Adventure were now our favorite parks.

After being retired 2 years, I decided I would like to work a few days a week. I looked into working at either Disney or Universal. I found out that the pay for team members at Universal was higher than the pay for Disney. I decided to work at Universal. The first co-worker I had was a retired school principal who also chose to work for Universal over Disney. I know I could be doing the same job at Disney but now I have no desire to work there. (Too many horror stories of how the castmembers are treated by management--overworked and underpaid and often poor morale.)

I absolutely love my job! It is so much fun to help people enjoy their vacation. I still remember living in Texas and planning our vacation. We would circle the day of our trip on a calendar with a big red marker. We counted the days until we arrived in Orlando for our vacation. Even now, everyday, I look at the thousands of guests entering the parks each day and imagine that many of them were just like me and had the big day circled on their calendar. They enter with anticipation and excitement and I remember...yes, I remember. I try to do everything I can to make their vacation the best ever. So I do make a little magic everyday and I observe my fellow coworkers and see them doing the same thing to help our guests enjoy their day.

I am so proud of the fact that I work for such an exciting and inspiring company and I can't wait to come to work each day and make a little magic for my guests.

 

[Tinker-tude]

Phamtom,

Our story is very similar. I grew up addicted to Disney and went every year. After I married, I got my hubby and son addicted to it. Last year we tried Universal for the first time, expecting it to be less than Disney. But we prepared beforehand by watching movies and cartoons that the attractions were based on, and WE FOUND MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We may go back to visit WDW again someday, but now it's the "other" park(s) for us. Our countdown calendar is at 19 days now! Thanks for helping UO/IoA guests find the magic all through the universe. I look forward to possibly meeting you!

Where do you work? PM me, if you like.