improving the parks

[fboy9287]

What are some easy things that would make the park even better? What would you like to see changed?

I would like to see the express line in the hulk be themed and cleaned up.

 

[Captbligh]

We have been to USF parks many times over the years as they are our favorites. However when we were there last Aug. I was irritated by the choice of music in US. IOA has great theming music for each area that fits in perfectly for each land that you visit. US however was a different story. After leaving MIB, as soon as you get to Wild West Stunt show area we were greeted by BLARING rap music. This plays all throughout the Amityville section. It doesn't fit the "seaside village" atmosphere. Even my teens were getting a headache from it. We opted not to sit outside at Lombard because the heavy rap music was deafening. IMHO it spoils that whole section.

 

[MrNonacho]

I don't understand USF's music either. Why on earth is MC Hammer played in front of MIB??

 

[BarryHom]

The music in front of MIB used to sound a lot like the Universe and You music.

 

[Dznefreek]

Everytime I have walked by M.I.B. I here Michael Jackson's "Scream" and it makes me want to.

 

[USO2003]

Single rider lanes for all the rides I go alone all the time and I have to always wait in long lines to ride.

Express Passes without 1 hour wait after tickets used to get another one.

More show times with 2 shows a day for most shows, people can't see the shows they want.

Quit the survey's I have been offered to participate in surveys at least 3 time every time I go. I got all the questions memorized by heart now.

Bring back Kong!!! That was a joke.

Get employees who love working there, and not rude or employees who don't know how to do their job. Tuesday at IOA, I waited 15 minutes in line to get a refill in a Grinchmas Sipper; I was the only one in line. I paid, I was sent to the next window and I waited and waited and the person at the register went to the back, I think it was about 10 minutes in I yelled to the back, to give me my drink bottle and money back and I'll go elsewhere. Finally she came out and got my drink, no apology for the wait or nothing. I see alot of employees who are rude to guests; I seen employees make fun of guests when they walk by. I seen employees start fights with guests, I seen employees who don't know how to do there job. Lets not forget the employee who rapped that girl at Spider-Man, I seen it all and I hate to see that go on at Universal.


That would be what I would change.

 

[pheneix]

I'm going to limit this to ideas that haven't already been posted:

1. Although guest service has dramatically improved this year, there are still far too many employees who don't care about the guest experience or what kind of treatment the guests recieve from them. They should be cleaned out and replaced with people who do. Give management a good house cleaning too.

2. There is a lack of parades and end of day entertainment at both parks during the year for the most part. Next week this problem will be solved with both Macy's and Shooting Stars at the Studios and Island Blast at IOA, but this kind of entertainment should be offered year round at Universal, and not be reserved for special events. If Universal were to offer a blowaway parade like Disney used to and then cap it off with a REAL nighttime spectacular (forget Dynamite Nights, lets bring in a show that puts Illuminations on it's knees), the profits and guest satisfaction ratings will follow.

3. It is definitely not feasible to keep the parks open late at night
during the week, but one of the parks, if not both of them should be open till at least 11PM on Friday and Saturday, and much later than that during the bysy seasons. Put a "Date Night" marketing campaign around it or something, you already have the $79 FL Seasonal Passes out there. Disney is obviously unwilling to keep their parks open late, so Universal should keep their's open and let the locals spend their evenings in a Universal theme park.

4. Citywalk doesn't have enough major events, so start holding MAJOR concerts at least once a month there. Screw the sports arenas and bring the U2's and Eminem's of the music world to Citywalk on a regular basis. Universal has the brands and marketing muscle to make this work, and if they were to bring in 1st rate musicians regularly, Citywalk will have redefined the "nighttime entertainment complex" in no time. Oh, and don't put these in that "Hard Rock Live" facility where only several hundred people can see them, put them out on the stage where several THOUSAND people can see them. Hard Rock may get
pissed at first, but once their name is plastered on an Eminem
concert that brings 20,000 people to Universal I doubt there will be much complaining.

5. For the love of God, fill in the Herculies & Zena building with
something. While your at it, get something permanent in the
Pandimonium theater too. Leave the "Empty Building" crap to Disney.

6. Get production into the studio at all costs, even if you have to
give the soundstages away! A soundstage that has filming in it is
always better than an empty building.

7. Put in a guest behavior policy that is strict as hell and enforced
to a "T." If someone is cutting in line, boot their *** out of the
park without a refund, no questions asked. Wanna start a fight? I'll see you in jail.

And finally,

8. Fire the marketing department and start all over again, because the current team is a disaster in every since of the word.

 

[h20jag]

Wow pheneix, tell us how you feel!
I was just gonna suggest letting AP holders have 3 Express at a time (again).
Maybe some EE for on-site & AP also.

One thing 'bout Marketing, they sold us on another year!
Jim

 

[damo]

Adding a few more rides at IOA would be great. I know that's not an easy thing but it's about the only thing I can think of.

Oh ya and turn the spinning off at the end of MIB!

 

[chris mcfly]

Originally posted by pheneix
I'm going to limit this to ideas that haven't already been posted:

8. Fire the marketing department and start all over again, because the current team is a disaster in every since of the word.

What's wrong with the marketing department? I would say it was a disaster a few years ago.. but now?

 

[All Aboard]

Just a few little nitpicks and some thoughts.

1. In agreement with the music at USF. It's fantastic at IOA, it really grows on you, you walk from island to island expecting to hear certain music that fits the theme, and it's there for you. However, it's a disaster at USF. What does "Smells Like Teen Spirit" have to do with Amity?!?

2. Theme ruining prizes in The Lost Continent. They've gone to such great lengths to magnificently theme the island only to have it ruined by giant yellow Sponge Bobs hanging as prizes at the games. Same for the giant Spider-man dolls there.

3. Agreed the "day ending entertainment" is needed. Dynamite Nights, some laser/fireworks spectacle, even a mega-show (ala Fantasmic) would be greatly appreciated.

4. Don't abandon the dark ride concept at USF. "Ride the Movies" is a great theme, I hope it continues. We lost Kong, I hope Mummy is filled with sights and sounds and not just a rapid ride through the dark with little to see. I'm betting that it will be great.

 

[BarryHom]

I'm imaging the Mummy ride like the part dark ride/coaster/water ride at Dollywood. The name escapes me now, but it has to do with fire. It isn't the Tennessee Tornado. It's Burning...something.

 

[pheneix]

>>>What's wrong with the marketing department? I would say it was a disaster a few years ago.. but now?<<<

Yes. Their Christmas campaign is absolutely terrible, especially compared to the commercials that Disney has produced.

>>>Wow pheneix, tell us how you feel!<<<

My left ankle hurts...

>>>Theme ruining prizes in The Lost Continent.<<<

I had forgotten about that, but you raise a very good point. While on the subject, I think that all of these games are pretty garrish and have no place in an area like the Lost Continent. In an area where they reinforce the theme like Amity they are fine, but not in LC.

 

[robvia]

The marketing is late.
I'm in South Florida and just saw the Grinchmas commerical for the first time today. Talked about 2 for 1 tickets, and some other details I didn't catch.
Do you think people will see that commercial and plan a trip in a few days? No way. The Grinchmas ads should have been running last month. I plan my trips months in advance.
For Mardi Gras, the ads should run right after the holidays.

The other thing I'd like to see is a major thrill ride at IOA, that is not contigent on how the park does this year. The "it's up in the air" or "it depends on attendance" attitude of the suits is depressing. They need to commit to the big thrill rides, and announce, so everyone can get excited.

 

[USFFan8814]

1.Improve the rides at USF.Twister is a little boring.I suggest turning that into a ride.The scene where the twister attacks could be the pre-show.
2.Open the BTTF ride store once again.I do not know why they closed it.
3.Don't close Back To The Future next.Close Wild Wild Wild West Show.

 

[All Aboard]

Close Wild Wild Wild West Show.

Why? It plays to a full house all the time.

 

[USFFan8814]

Because it is a stupid and corny show.

 

[Metallicat]

Everytime I'm at MIB I hear "get down with o.p.p." over by the coca cola misting place. that, I don't mind but, I detest that moulan rouge song. don't know the name of it but christina agulara (sp?) sings in it. I just hate that!

the most depressing song is played at amity which is boys of summer. (yawn)

My biggest gripe is WHY they have monster cafe closed on halloween? that is the one day it should be open!

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I agree the music has got to go and the park employees could be friendlier but other than that I really have no complaints. Universal is doing a bang up job, they just need to keep it up and continue to forge ahead. One day quite possibly the second most famouse rodent could become number one, well... at least his theme parks could. Does anyone really remember Fievel? lol

 

[USO2003]

The one song you would think you would hear out front of MIB would be Will Smith's Men in Black, I doubt think I have ever heard it there. I always hear like someone else said Michael Jackson.