Beware of Universal

[A Mickeyfan]

actually, Disney began the Fastpass program in 1999, the same year IOA opened. Universal didn't start the Express Passes until early 2001.

DUHHH I should have read your post before doing my search I knew when Disney did their's ... as I said, I worked for them when it was started. I wasn't sure when Universal started but did think it was after Disney.

 

[DizziDezi2]

FastPasses are not always 50 bucks. It depends on the season you go- We are going in late November and its only an extra 15 dollars- well worth it. 50 dollars is worth IMO to bypass the lines and really get to enjoy the park. I do think though- that yes its all really expensive when it adds up- the park tickets- fast passes- parking- food- Especially expensive for me! Young=student=broke~

 

[tinaluis]

I seriously have never waited in line for longer than 5 minutes at Cedar Point and I've gone there every year since 1978, except the first year of any new ride and even then it was 20 minutes at the most. That is, in my WDW loving opinion, THE BEST AMUSEMENT PARK in the world! I think it is so spread out that people get better filtered than at other parks so the lines are shorter, or maybe they just run the rides better??? WDW is the best THEME PARK...I have never been to Universal and never plan on going...it seems like an amped-up Six Flags to me. I can get that anywhere, and I've been to almost every top amusement park in the US.

You're really missing out if you think that US/IOA are like amped-up Six Flags parks. I could see if you felt that way after visiting, but to never visit and feel that way is a shame. I don't understand why people who love WDW are so anti-US/IOA. You can love both for very different reasons. We do!

 

[damo]

I think all of this is much ado about nothing.

As for comparing the $50 pass with Disney's FP, there is no real comparison because you can use it at your leisure, ride to ride, without having to run all over the park and wait for your times. It would be the equivalent of being handed a FP good all day long for every ride in the park when you enter a Disney park. Many would be willing to pay for that, but if you are not one of them, fine, just employ the strategy above and there should not be an issue.

Exactly. I think I've actually gotten to use a fastpass two or three times in one day except for the time when I went to Disneyland and got the AAA enhanced fastpass since I booked my hotels and tickets through AAA. That system allowed you to hold unlimited fastpasses. You still had to go by the times stated on the fastpasses though and if there were no fastpasses left, you were out of luck. The purchased express passes at Universal are much, much superior to the free passes at Disney. I think Disney will convert to a paid system eventually.

 

[LOLA2]

I have been going to Disney every year sine I was a child and about 10 years ago started going to Universal. One of the resons I go back every year is the value. The hotels are outstanding and way less expensive than Disney.
We actually don't stay on site anymore that much at Disney we usually rent a house for the week then go to a Universal for the last 2 nights. Staying in a beautiful place, getting to go to the front of the line as much as I want throughout the day and never having to get in my car. It is so relaxing.

The waiting line ques (SP) are fantastic nothing at all compared to Disney, and all waiting is inside bulidings or under cover which is super nice under the hot sun. The rides are top notch and my kids love it (DS loves Seuss and DD loves Spiderman ride)

We always have such a great time my husband refuses to go to Disney if we don't go to Universal as well. No twisting my arm

I would not buy the express pas, why when you can stay there and have front of the line?

 

[damo]

I seriously have never waited in line for longer than 5 minutes at Cedar Point and I've gone there every year since 1978, except the first year of any new ride and even then it was 20 minutes at the most. That is, in my WDW loving opinion, THE BEST AMUSEMENT PARK in the world! I think it is so spread out that people get better filtered than at other parks so the lines are shorter, or maybe they just run the rides better??? WDW is the best THEME PARK...I have never been to Universal and never plan on going...it seems like an amped-up Six Flags to me. I can get that anywhere, and I've been to almost every top amusement park in the US.

You waited for five minutes at peak time for Dragster this year? I guess I better go next year if the lines are down that much. We waited an hour and a half for Millenium Force.

Unless you have been to Universal, you can't really compare it to anything, now can you?

 

[damo]

That probably depends on who you ask. From what I've read (written reports that were presented to upper management), the main goal of FP was to address the most common source of guest dissatisfaction: having to wait in long lines for attractions. Certainly, making more money is always a primary goal of any business, Universal and Disney included. It just seems that they have different strategies. To me, it seems that Disney attempts to increase revenue by making their guests happier, which increases attendance and gets people to stay longer and spend more money. In contrast, Universal's recent policy changes seem designed to get more money out of the people who can afford it, without regard to whether or not this alienates some guests. Regardless of the motives, I prefer the Disney approach.
And I'm not saying that everyone at Disney has more pure intentions than everyone at Universal, but I do firmly believe that Walt's vision and legacy make a difference in the attitudes of the employees and the way the companies are run.

And by the way, Damo, you can get a 10 day pass for WDW for just over $200, making the per day cost around $20 per day. You can also stay at a hotel like Port Orleans, which IMO, is a much nicer environment than RPH, for as low as $99/night.

I am taking my daughter and sister to Disney for a week at the end of January. Do you recommend Port Orleans as the best moderate?

 

[kaytieeldr]

We were just at Universal and I saw a lady, no she wasn't a lady, She was screaming at the Universal employee because she had paid $50.00 for her fast pass and it didn't include the kiddie Dinosaur ride in back of the park. This is also listed that it is not included.

That's kinda funny - given that this specific attraction has NEVER been eligible for FOTL (any version) and that it was so poorly designed - or rather its popularity so underestimated - that there's a height range restriction to try to reduce the number of Guests riding it

I'm not saying that I think it's a good policy. I've stopped into Guest Services and written a letter and a few e-mails. I don't think any company should take a formerly free service and begin charging for it.

They didn't. Universal originally had THREE versions of Front of the Line:
(1) A Fastpass-like system
(2) A pay-for-one-FOTL-access to each attraction
(3) Relatively unlimited FOTL access for onsite Guests
So they haven't taken a formerly free service and started charging for it, they've simply eliminated one of the three options.

Even when Uni had free FOTL, on peak days they were gone for the major attractions (Hulk, Spiderman) by 10 a.m. Even today, if you show up before 10 a.m., the lines are generally not that bad.

And if you show up at IOA at 9 AM on a drizzly February morning and head right instead of left, you could easily ride BOTH sides of Dueling Dragons with little or no wait - possibly even with no other passengers!

US/IOA charges their hotel guest for parking. Disney does not.

Oh yeah - that one gets me. US/IOA even charges its Guests for parking at the hotels

 

[MaMa3Princess]

You're really missing out if your think that US/IOA are an amped-up Six Flags. I could see if you felt that way after visiting, but to never visit and feel that way is a shame. I don't understand why people who love WDW are so anti-US/IOA. You can love both for very different reasons. We do!

I whole heartedly agree with this statement. There is room enough for both. As a mother of 3 girls and only 1 young man. My son and Hubby would have a fit if we only went to Disney . They are both parks with different themes. THis is AMerica and people are in the business of making money.

No one came over hear and broadcast the news when US/IOA did the eat all day passes which saved my family BIG TIME or what about when you bought adult tickets and kids eat free. They know that the summer time is their biggest money making opportunity and the law of supply and demand drives that. We have prefer to go off peak and we have always been impressed at the programs they run when the park is not so busy. We have never had to buy Fast pass because we usually walk up to rides or either have a 20 minute wait at the most.

There is room for Disney and Us/IOA lovers !!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I am taking my daughter and sister to Disney for a week at the end of January. Do you recommend Port Orleans as the best moderate?

Coronado Springs is also nice, if you aren't there when there's large groups staying there. Neither are equal to RPR, IMO. I don't think you'd go with the mindset of comparing one to the other though. You'll have a great time at either.

 

[damo]

US/IOA charges their hotel guest for parking. Disney does not.

...

Well, Disneyworld doesn't but Disneyland -- another park smack dab in the middle of the city -- does. There is a resort fee of $10/day.

Thanks for the Coronado advice, Tarheelmjfan. I'll check into that one as well.

 

[vellamint]

That probably depends on who you ask. From what I've read (written reports that were presented to upper management), the main goal of FP was to address the most common source of guest dissatisfaction: having to wait in long lines for attractions. Certainly, making more money is always a primary goal of any business, Universal and Disney included. It just seems that they have different strategies. To me, it seems that Disney attempts to increase revenue by making their guests happier, which increases attendance and gets people to stay longer and spend more money. In contrast, Universal's recent policy changes seem designed to get more money out of the people who can afford it, without regard to whether or not this alienates some guests. Regardless of the motives, I prefer the Disney approach.
And I'm not saying that everyone at Disney has more pure intentions than everyone at Universal, but I do firmly believe that Walt's vision and legacy make a difference in the attitudes of the employees and the way the companies are run.

And by the way, Damo, you can get a 10 day pass for WDW for just over $200, making the per day cost around $20 per day. You can also stay at a hotel like Port Orleans, which IMO, is a much nicer environment than RPH, for as low as $99/night.

I agree with this statement AND (dare I say it - donning flame resistant suit) I could not see my family spending 5 days at Universal. We would be done in two days (provided we were staying onsite with FOTL) maybe be able to stretch it out to three days.

While we DO enjoy Universal....Disney has much more to do and see so as for Universal offering us a deal on multi-day tickets doesnt do anything for us. We would not use all the days...... I think this is Universals way of getting people to stay in their parks longer, therefore, paying for more meals, snacks, drinks and possibly souveniers (and lets not forget the Express Pass if you are not staying on site. AND, truth be told, I simply cant work a budget around my family......even with the AAA rate of $159 per night x 2 rooms = $318 plus tax, parking?. Thats before buying tickets. Did I see that you can get a 5 day ticket for $75...okay X that by 6 = $450. Total = $768 for my family to stay one night with FOTL for two days. That seems a bit much to me.

 

[spiceycat]

I don't understand why people who love WDW are so anti-US/IOA. You can love both for very different reasons. We do!

I am not anti us/ioa - but when I travel with mother - it is wheelchair. there are very few things to do at US/IOA that can easily be done in the wheelchair.

they should be sign out front - we only want people in the teens, twenties and thirties and no wheelchairs..... then I would have know not to buy tickets..

when we paid as much as everyone else did - but mother can only ride 10% of their rides..... I felt riped off.

there should be more rides for the elderly and little ones. US/IOA chooses not to do those rides. then you want to blame me for hating them. Sorry, I feel that US/IOA hates anyone over the age of what 39....

Yes, it was designed for the younger group - but they could still have stuff to do for the older groups so that instead of spending 2 hours and leaving because that was all mother could do - how about at least 4 hours of stuff.

It almost took us longer to walk back and forth to the parking lot - than the time we spend in US/IOA.

I would never take mother to a 6 flags. but US/IOA advertisment is for families not just young adults .... they need to change and be more honest.

 

[damo]

Does your mom need to remain in the wheelchair during the ride or can she transfer. I think all of the queues except two are wheelchair friendly and most of the rides in USF (probably with the exception of Mummy, Back to the Future and maybe the ride part of Earthquake) accept wheelchairs.

 

[patsal]

I am taking my daughter and sister to Disney for a week at the end of January. Do you recommend Port Orleans as the best moderate?

I'd say no, PoR and PORFQ are nice, but not that nice--Coranodo SPrings is what I would call Deluxe Lite. For a moderate price you get more deluxe like amenities. Check prices though because for a few $$ more you may be able to get Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge which are considered deluxe.

 

[damo]

I'd say no, PoR and PORFQ are nice, but not that nice--Coranodo SPrings is what I would call Deluxe Lite. For a moderate price you get more deluxe like amenities. Check prices though because for a few $$ more you may be able to get Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge which are considered deluxe.

We've stayed at Wilderness Lodge on a ground floor room and it really wasn't my idea of a deluxe (compared to Yacht Club or Poly or GF) or worth the big bucks we paid (over $300/night, about 7 years ago). I'll check out Coronado Springs. Thanks for your opinion! I like to make informed decisions!

 

[firemanx]

i just returned from universal this weekend, and the express pass is one of the few things i wish disney would adopt. There onsite free or pay for it would be a great addition to disney insted of FP (Flame suit on) Also when you break it down we are a family of 5, and we all stayed in one portifino bay room. 2 queen beds, and a roll away. It was about 250$ a night so if you take away the 250$ per day for Express pass we stayed for free. Now i know that every family isnt a family of 5, but it still would work out cheaper for most to stay @ one of there hotels , and get free express pass insted of staying offsite and paying.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I am not anti us/ioa - but when I travel with mother - it is wheelchair. there are very few things to do at US/IOA that can easily be done in the wheelchair.

they should be sign out front - we only want people in the teens, twenties and thirties and no wheelchairs..... then I would have know not to buy tickets..

when we paid as much as everyone else did - but mother can only ride 10% of their rides..... I felt riped off.

there should be more rides for the elderly and little ones. US/IOA chooses not to do those rides. then you want to blame me for hating them. Sorry, I feel that US/IOA hates anyone over the age of what 39....

Yes, it was designed for the younger group - but they could still have stuff to do for the older groups so that instead of spending 2 hours and leaving because that was all mother could do - how about at least 4 hours of stuff.

It almost took us longer to walk back and forth to the parking lot - than the time we spend in US/IOA.

I would never take mother to a 6 flags. but US/IOA advertisment is for families not just young adults .... they need to change and be more honest.

Spicey..you and I are on the same playing field most of the time & I really hate to seem like I am arguing with you.. I am not, so please don't take it that way. When you say IOA should make a sign, stop and think.. they have the brouchures outside with what rides are in there. If someone is going for the first time to that park, they should check out what is in there first. That is like saying that someone took their 8 yr old to HHN & was terrified, then blames Universal. I am going to be 50 this year & love IOA. I go on every coaster there is.... so if there were a silly sign, then they would be saying they didn't want me???? That park is a thrill riders dream..those that are not thrill riders maybe should think twice about it. Yes, there are attractions & rides that non thrill seekers can do, but for the most, it is thrills...Universal Studios is on the tamer side, more like a Disney park... People just need to do homework before going to the parks... they cannot just assume (and we all know what that word means) that everything is for everyone...
Again.. I am sorry to disagree with you & hope no you realize no harm is intended... I know my 13 yr DD really isn't thrilled with going to IOA, she isn't a coaster rider... which was why we waited until she was older to start buying pass's to there... this way she was able to sit with one of my other children while me & my other child rode the rides... now she is old enough to just sit by herself & that is what she does...

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I agree with you Bella. We've encountered so many rude CM's at US/IOA. We finally decided to skip US/IOA all together.While, we love the Mummy and Spiderman, It's just not worth it for us. We actually have unactivated AP's the my mom gave to us as a gift.

Yes, we have encountered a few rude CM's at Disney but on the whole our experience with Disney CM's has been wonderful. They really make our trip so much better.

First let me address all the people who think I did not PLAN this trip.I have been to these parks each summer for the past 20 years!! I am on these boards asking questions and check all that needs to be checked. I might have missed the stoppage of Express Pass but let me tell you I am NOT the only one. AS to the people who work there....years ago Universal was noted for its rude staff IMHO. I stopped going!! I just returned about 9 years ago and was pleasantly surprised. I have noticed this year especially the lack of courtesy from staff. SORRY fans but I have visited at a variety of seasons and I do not CARE what anyone says on this board whether they said it discourtesly or not ,...there is no room in a service industry for rude people. I worked in a service industry for 18 years and learned to smile and kiss butt for the most obnoxious people. I expect that when I am being served.If the incidents I experienced were due to rudeness on my husband's part or the part of the people on the jAWS Ride then I would still say that they employee needed to suck it up.BUT they were not!! THese were everyday courteous people being met with discourtesy!! I am not saying that this does not happen at WDW but I think that the over all aura at WDW is more pleasant their park was built on standards and has been noted for this. I will not bother to return to Universal next year.

A sign posted at the entrance of each park explaining the policy was all that was needed. When I asked at Pr/Guest Services they said no notification had been made to ap holders etc. In other words the policy was changed in the middle of the night so to speak. Lines were long and hot yes but if one is prepared for it then it is not a disappointment. Whenyou take away a perk and then turn around and charge 50.00 for it you must be prepared to hear the hue and cry of unhappy people.

NOt all of us WANT to stay at HRH and many of us own timeshares in the area.

IMHO UNiversal is optional.....and I will NOT be taking that option next time. I simply think that those who feel as I do should be warned so as not to ruin a precious day or two at a park that employs rude people and tries to charge extra for the experience.

 

[dizneydiva2005]

Universal charges for fast passes? is that what I read?? Are you flipping serious????

Well, just one more reason to add to my long list of why we DON'T go there. It's Disney 100% of the time. To be honest, IF Universal was free we wouldn't go~ We went one time ever when my daughter was 2 years and 10 months old... the 'worker' at the gate gave me a hard time and said she needed a ticket. After 5 mins and talking to a few other rude 'workers' and me losing my temper, we were HONORED to go through the gate without a ticket. Mind you, she was FREE to begin with!!!
anyhoooo... right there gave me a nasty taste for Universal and I'll never go back. Disney never questioned my children's ages.
I dislike the Universal TV commercials.... just listing a few of my reasons on my 'list'