LOUSY valet parking policy & manager

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

We just got back from 11 days in Orlando. We had a great trip -- but, I had to tll you about the valet parking area of Universal Studios. Here's the story...

We opted to spring for the $16 valet parking as a special treat. First, we discovered you don't save much shoe leather by using the valet. The people movers take just a couple of minutes more to drop you where the valet stand is located.

Regardless, we decided to go off property for lunch and return in the afternoon. When I told the valet in passing, "we're just going for a couple of hours" -- he said, "you know, it will be another $16 when you come back".

I couldn't believe it. Especially when the garage is only $8 and has the opposite rule (pay one price for the DAY and you can come and go). I asked to speak to the manager about this silly rule. The manager, John Somebody, was a young guy who was not interested in discussing the issue -- but, rather curtly told me "we provide a 'different' service here". I was then informed that in order to avoid the extra $16 we could park in the garage upon our return. I found the policy and the manager insulting. Further, I was incensed that there is nothing posted to inform guests of this ludicrous rule upon arrival (and before shelling out 16 outrageous dollars).

Anyway, we were so pissed at Universal, we opted to spend only one day in their parks (we still have another day on our passes). We just didn't feel like giving them any more money when they were willing to have such a guest-unfriendly rule.

I know it's a silly thing -- but, man, it's yet another reason I think Disney tops Universal -- Disney knows how to make policies that both make sense and favor the guests.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent!

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by Eric, Julie and Hailey
I know it's a silly thing -- but, man, it's yet another reason I think Disney tops Universal -- Disney knows how to make policies that both make sense and favor the guests.
Anyway, thanks for letting me vent!

It is silly. Disney doen't even have valet parking at their parks, I think that is silly! Oh & what do you get for staying on their property, not unlimited express passes, that's for sure! Just long lines and bad service. too bad you missed out on your second day at a great park!

 

[damo]

I agree CPM. To me it seems like Universal is the park that knows how to treat its guests. In addition to the express passes, when was the last time you stayed at a deluxe resort for $99/night? When was the last time you could get an annual pass for $109? It certainly wasn't at Disney.

And if the Disney parking is so fair then why is the hotel valet parking using all the areas that are closest to the hotels and the self parking is way the heck at the back?

 

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

In addition to the express passes, when was the last time you stayed at a deluxe resort for $99/night?

They wouldn't have to offer these promotions if they were treating their guests right in the first place!

I will never, for a minute, agree that Universal treats their guests better than Disney.

By the way, I used to work for Universal -- so, believe me, I know how lousy their management can be!

 

[damo]

Here's a thread that might be of some interest
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=317478

 

[h20jag]

If you can afford $16 for a "couple hours", you can afford it later too. (I'd think anyway.)
Promotions are given for various reasons, thankfully! Keeps us there about monthly for a week-end. I think we've only done Disney one day the past year.
Sorry you couldn't cut the mustard as a Uni employee. (J/K of course!)
Jim

 

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

damo - The link isn't working for me.

CPM - My point is that their policy at valet and in the garage is inconsistent. If the garage (for $8) allows you to come and go why wouldn't the valet (for $16) allow the same thing. And, more importantly, why wouldn't they tell you in advance?

(For the record, I left Universal (in 1993) because they were so crappy to their employees!)

 

[damo]

Sorry, the link is fixed. And yes you are right, the policy is inconsistent. But Disney has been very inconsistent in its policies by changing privileges constantly, much more than Universal. What about the early entries that they dropped without any warning when so many people were staying on-site just for that? How about their refillable cups? How about their hours and parades that can be changed at the drop of a hat? I just think you chose a petty reason to state your preference of Disney over Universal.

Last time I was at Disney we stayed at the Beach Club with a "water view room" at $350/night. The water view was of the quiet pool at the back. Now there's an inconsistency.

 

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

OK, we'll have to agree to disagree.

The valet issue was indicative to us of an entire attitude we feel at Universal each time that we go. That doesn't mean everyone feels the same way, though. I respect your opinion - and I know many more feel the same as you.

Just avoid the valet if you want to leave during the day!

 

[Muushka]

Hey, come on guys! We are sounding like the Disney people defending their turf!
Universal lovers don't need to do that!

I, for one, appreciate info like this so that myself or others may not make the same mistake. If I opted for valet at their park and wanted to leave for a few hours, I would not expect to have to pay again either. I think that US should (if they don't already have it written somewhere) tell guests prior to parking that they have that policy.

Having said all of that, let me say this: Overall, I believe that US treats their guests better than Disney. It is refelected in their AP price and AP promotions, their hotel discounts, their AP/AAA/FanClub discounts throughout the park.


Universal Rocks!!!!

 

[YenSid1222]

I see all this discussion about parking inconsistancy...and I have to disagree. Think about it. When you pay for Valet Parking...you are not just paying for a place to park. You are paying for someone to take your car, and retrieve your car. The price is for that service. If you leave, you will have already used that service, so it only makes sense that if you want someone to do all that again...then you should have to pay for it. If this isnt in your plans, then the preferred parking is a better option for you.

And I also disagree with lumping all Universal Managment in some category...speaking as someone who does that job. I worked for Disney for 8 and a half years, and I will always love that place...but the way that they treat their Cast Members is NOTHING compared to how things work (currently at least, I cant speak for years ago) at Universal. I take pride in making those that work for me happy, as does most of the other managers that I know. So, lets not judge all from one. If I did that...well, just one manager from WOD would make me hate all of Disney.

I am truly sorry that you had a bad experience with parking, so write a letter...let us know. Thats how things are fixed when their are problems. Maybe its been a problem for a while, but if nobody has said anything, then the powers that be have no idea.

Sorry to ramble, but just felt that I had to put in my two cents as someone who takes personal offense to some of those comments.

 

[Muushka]

Atually YenSid1222, I thought that when you tipped for pick up/drop off, that helped handle the extra work for the valet people. I may be all wet though l.

 

[YenSid1222]

The tip would be what you would give that individual person for how they treated you and your vehicle. The fee that covers the amount they make, plus any other cost involved in the operation is in the amount you pay.

 

[Disney Debbie]

I agree that the policy is a ridiculous one. But I'm not going to make a Disney vs. Universal argument based on that! I love both parks and they both have thier pluses and minuses.

Thanks for the info - I'd never pay $16 to begin with! - but I would certainly have expected to be able to go in and out just like at the garage if I did.

 

[Peterd]

This past Nov., we were staying at the BW, we paid half price for the valet at Universal because we had the annual passes. My teenage son got a migraine, I explained to one of the cms at the valet area, that I would drop him off back at our hotel with his grandmother who stayed behind, then return for the rest of the family who were in the other park. When I returned in 40 minutes, they took my car again and didn't charge me. They were great. I'm not sure If I read if you asked them their policy before you paid the first time or not. We usually stay at Universal on the weekends, (express passes) and Disney during the week. When we stay at Disney, we always valet at Universal, never had a problem, lucky I guess.

 

[ProfesserBaxter]

1: Valet is a joke, it really is... why pay to have your car parked? Are we too lazy to walk?
2: since valet is a special service, its just like Express, you're given a certain amount of time and if you don't use your express yeah well... Its like going to a football game, once you get in the stadium you can't leave and re-enter
3: Universal DID have lousy mangement, but over the years it has gotten alot better, if the new mangement dosen't like what it see's they will sack that person and redo the entire staff, believe me cause it just happened.
4:The hotels are Loews not Universal's, so they make up the price
5: this is all I have to say, I work at Universal and love it.

 

[USO2003]

Originally posted by Eric, Julie and Hailey
We opted to spring for the $16 valet parking as a special treat. First, we discovered you don't save much shoe leather by using the valet. The people movers take just a couple of minutes more to drop you where the valet stand is located.

Had you been to my website I posted on my tips pages first sentence.

"Get to the park 30 Minutes before it opens. You will have a long walk to park so that extra time will allow you to get in first. You can also shorten that walk to the park if you pay $16 for Valet Parking. I would not suggest it but it is up to you."

Then on my Common Questions I posted

Is VIP Parking worth $16?

"I'll be honest, NO! it's really not you still have a long walk to the parks so NO. "

 

[Peterd]

"1: Valet is a joke, it really is... why pay to have your car parked? Are we too lazy to walk?"

Not lazy at all. It's a nice benefit to have. We like it and don't have a problem paying for it, you don't like it and don't pay for it, who cares?. Why complain about something you don't use?

Half price for valet is a great perk that comes with the APs., we use it, and no we're not lazy. You don't use it, and no I wouldn't label you as cheap, it's just your' choice.

 

[ProfesserBaxter]

In my opion valet was never really meant for theme parks, I believe it was design for CityWalk more then the theme parks. I'm not so sure. The first part of my last statement came out wrong also. I meant to say was, Why, pay to have valet and complain about it, nobody twisted your arm to get it, or did they?

 

[kellymonaghan]

Originally posted by Eric, Julie and Hailey
My point is that their policy at valet and in the garage is inconsistent. If the garage (for $8) allows you to come and go why wouldn't the valet (for $16) allow the same thing. And, more importantly, why wouldn't they tell you in advance?

I'm not sure the policies really are inconsistent. In the garage, you pay for a space. At valet parking you pay for a service. If that service is performed twice, then a second payment seems to be in order.

Also, you were informed of their policy when you announced your intention to leave. As angry as you are, how do you think you'd have felt if your weren't informed until you returned?

Still, you have performed a valuable service by alerting us to this policy. Thanks.