Just Back - 3PM Policy Change not that bad

[karmom]

Just back from a week @ RPR and the 3PM policy change really did not have a negative impact on us.

Two days before our departure was the first I heard about the change and I could have cried:-(

We waited so long for this vacation and decided to stay on site for the major benefit of the Universal Express.

First, let me report that every Universal or RPR employee I spoke w/ about the change said it was JUST for the summer.

More than once, I was told that they did it because the crowds and lines were longer than expected and the Express lines @ some rides/shows were getting too long.

The ONLY ride/show where our room keys were "scanned" electronically was at The Mummy - and Mummy was the longest line we experienced in the Express lines - at times almost 30 min. long - at other times little or no wait - and at still other times approx. 15 min.

Dueling Dragons had a "Re-Ride" entrance and we never had to leave the building until we were ready to move on.

I've never been to Universal before, but it seemed VERY crowded to us. Thank Goodness for the Universal Express

And yes, SHREK has no Universal Express sign, but ask the Attendant where it is - each time they sent us over to the next attendant who let us right in

Just wanted to share our experience - I went from being SOO upset about the 3PM policy change before our visit . . . to a statisfied customer upon our return. We had a GREAT vacation and the 3PM policy really didn't make any difference to us!

 

[mes7282]

Thanks for the info., I was getting nervous too, I leave Sun., but its good to know that you had a good experience and I am glad you told me about Shrek and asking the attendant., thanks.

 

[laurajetter]

I'm new to this particular forum--what is RPR and what is the 3PM policy?

thanks-

-Laura

 

[themepark]

Thanks for reporting on your trip. It's good to hear that the new express rules are working out. It was shocking to hear (especially when you were on the verge of leaving I'm sure) but I suspected that when actually in the parks, it wouldn't be a big deal.

laurajetter, RPR is the Royal Pacific Resort and the 3pm policy is that on certain rides onsite hotel guests can only ride them once using the Express line until 3pm. After 3pm, onsite hotel guests can have unlimited rides using express. There are several other threads devoted to this discussion.

 

[Patch'sD]

RPR= Royal Pacific Resort, Universal's newest Hotel. FOTL which is Front of the Line Access for On-Site Hotel Guests. This was available to Hotel Guests all Day Long to visit attractions as much as they wanted. The new rule that went into effect on July 1 was to limit On-Site Guests to one FOTL access for some rides until 3:00 PM. After 3:00 PM the restrictions are lifted and you can ride as much as you want. I don't know the exact list of rides effected but here are some; Hulk, Spiderman, Dudley Do Right's ripsaw falls, Popeyes and Bluto's Bilge Raft Barges, Jurassic Park, Cat in the Hat, Men in Black, Mummy, Shrek, and Jimmy Neutron, and Back to the Future. Hope this helps

 

[ricflack]

I just spoke with Universal and the list of rides with the restriction is:

US: Shrek, Revenge of the Mummy, Men In Black, Back to the Future, ET

IOA: Spiderman, Hulk, Jurassic Park, Dudley Do Right, Cat In The Hat

Ric

 

[Prince Eric1]

Glad to hear it went well. Thanks for the info.

 

[rlduvall]

Recently called about making a September on-site reservation. The new policy would not make me not want to stay on-site, but I still asked about it and the CM (or whatever they call themself there) said this policy is only in effect at peak times. It will not be in effect when we are there. I do think it is a fair policy, though. I'm just glad it won't effect us, lol.

 

[BarbaraMB]

We found no problem with the new FOTL policies. I guess if you want to do the same ride over and over again then you might be disappointed. If you work your way around the park doing everything, 3pm rolls around pretty quick.

 

[Tinkbell]

The only ride I could tell that the policy was being enforced was The Mummy. You could reride the others and I don't think anyone would care. In fact, MIB became my new obsession. I rerode that many times before 3 and one of the attendants always greeted me with a wave and a smile and even asked if my score was improving. I thought the staff on that ride was great!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear it did not effect your plans!

 

[eljojo]

where is the attendant for the Shrek line? Do you have to wait in a long ling before you can ask the attendant about FOTL?

 

[gschmerl]

As you approach the theater for Shrek you will see the attendants. Go toward the left --the hotel guests enter there.