My letter to Universal (re: Sept. closures)

[SpideyHulk24]

I feel your letter is well written, to the point and professional. You did not let emotion take over.

In all honesty, I don't think it will change anything, but I still think you did the right thing.

Keep us posted!!!

 

[RedFish123]

I thought it was a great letter! I have to agree in there being too many closures anymore. On our last trip in the fall (2 weeks after 9/11, 2001) EVerything was open at IOA and US. The week afterwards they had closure due to the lack of tourists, but while we were there nothing was closed. In our first trip for HHN in 2000 nothing was closed except for Kong, but that was being used for Nightmare Creatures on HHN. I honestly don't remember there ever being this many shut downs. A few eateries and that was about it. Needless to say I'm kinda sad about our upcomming trip this Oct., I sure hope Popeye will be open then...

 

[alvernon90]

Originally posted by MrNonacho
They did run this way for a short while during the cutbacks that took place soon after the terror attacks. They would run one side for about an hour then switch to the other.

I called Guest Services to ask about this today, and the woman said she had neither seen nor heard anything about running DD one track at a time. She said that she saw only one track running when she walked by it this morning, but that was probably because not enough people had made their way back there to open both yet.

Hopefully we will get reports on this in the next couple of days. I missed it entirely on the last trip, and I'd really like to ride this month.

 

[TigerLaw]

Damo,

I guess we can agree to disagree? As I tried to get across in my letter and when calling, I think it is unfair to count three kid zones which a big guy like myself has no business in as areas I can still visit. Further, as to the Flyers, I am not coming w. any children, so that's another one I can't do. Lastly, (and again, its just my opinion) I think its crazy to call the fountain an attraction like it issomething that people think about and go "you know what, they have the fountain there too, so lets pay $50+ bucks to go to IOA" that's like calling the hat at MGM or the fountains at Epcot a separate attraction-sorry, I just don't see it. (I also think its worth noting that I am not subtracting one fish and carosuessel, both basically kid's rides) so by my math, its approx. one third closed down. again, agree to disagree. As to your off season comments, isn't that why hours are reduced? I think the point you're missing, s hours have been reduced to low levels AND all these attractions are closed, not for rehab, just b/c of "its the slow season" Maybe I wanted to take the time to really look at the discovery center for example when I wouldn't have had the time during the summer months b/c of the crowds?

alvernon:

I hope you are right. As I have said before, this was the deal breaker to me. I can live with everything else, I just want to finally experience DD as it is meant to be-with dragon dueling! If they do it, my hope is now that they won't on the weekends, so that I stll may have a chance.

 

[maria1234]

Originally posted by Whoville_Nut
Popeye has closed every September since the park opened, so it's not something anyone could say was unexpected.

It this is true, why did they tell me a week ago that it would be open??

TigerLaw,
Just to let you know, I registered a complaint with guest services and they said it would go right up to the managers. I think the thing that put me over the edge was that they suggested I go to Wet-n-wild if I wanted to experience a water ride.

 

[damo]

We've ridden Pteranadon Flyers, 2 adults and 2 teens, first thing in the morning before the line got long. As long as there is no big line the ride ops don't mind. It's worth checking out since it is a lot of fun! We were disappointed when it was closed when we were there in early May. The ride is really only closed to adults because it is a low capacity ride and the lines do get long quite quickly. To be fair to the little kids, they restrict ridership. It isn't a safety issue.

There are lots of attractions that really aren't rides. Discovery Centre is one of them, so is the Triceratops and the interactive play areas, the character shows, the restaurants.

Don't get me wrong, I don't disagree with you about it being unfair that things are closed. I'm just trying to say that you should still go and have fun. We've experienced very similar circumstances and still had a ball. I guess I have a real soft spot for the two parks and when people don't think it is worth going because a few attractions are closed it disturbs me since there are still so many absolutely amazing things to see and do. Even with the closures the parks are great and well worth the admission. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the many attractions that are open because they are so mad that few things are closed!

Wet 'n' wild is right around the corner from Universal and is considered to be the water park associated with Universal. I would assume that if someone really wanted water rides, it would be a good place to go.

 

[maria1234]

Originally posted by damo
Wet 'n' wild is right around the corner from Universal and is considered to be the water park associated with Universal. I would assume that if someone really wanted water rides, it would be a good place to go.

Sorry Damo,
I think you misunderstood me. I was discussing the water rides at IOA that would be closed and she suggested I go to Wet-n-wild instead. If I wanted to go to Wet-n-wild, then I wouldn't be calling IOA guest services and asking about their rides. I don't have the kind of money to buy more tickets just because they closed their rides. Sorry, but I don't like the fact that they are trying to get me to go to another park, especially when we are staying on site so that we don't have to rent a car.

 

[MrsMud]

I said I was going to stop complaining, but I can't seem to! I am upset about this situation on many levels:
I think people's feelings about these closings (the Dueling Dragons thing an exception) may be directly related to the ages of their kids. Mine are 5 1/2 and 71/2. They are not big enough for the rollercoasters, and probably a little too big to fully enjoy the rides in Seussland. Not long ago, Universal was known as a park(s) for older kids and adults. I had reservations about doing the Universal parks at all with my kids at this age, as I felt they would still get more out of Disney, but as I looked into it I saw that these parks DID have a lot of things they could enjoy. Well many of them will NOT be open during our trip.

But what really made up my mind was the good deal of the 5 day Bonus Passes. I just couldn't justify spending so more more money for WDW. Well, that was when I thought we could spend at least 3 or 4 days at US/IOA. With the current refurbs, I doubt if we will spend more than 2. That means I still have to spend money on other things to fill up those days, and I'm back to the same price I would have spent on WDW.

Also, we chose Oct. because of the weather and LOW crowds. One issue that hasn't even been adressed is how these closings will affect wait times. Assuming that most of the people visiting these parks are NOT DISers and don't know in advance about the closings, that means longer lines for all the attractions that ARE open.

So that means that on 3 levels (appropriateness for my kids, value, and crowds) Universal is coming up short. In all honesty if I could get a refund or sell my tickets, I would do so in a heartbeat. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but that's just how I'm feeling right now.

 

[damo]

I am trying my best to reassure people that they will still have fun!!!

There is a free shuttle from Universal Hotels to Wet 'n Wild but yes there is an additional cost just like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. I'm not sure of the price.

There are only a few things closed that would affect a 5 and 7 year old. First off they are definitely not too old for Seussville! Every ride in Suessville is great---Cat in the Hat is similar to the Pooh, Peter Pan, Snow White rides at Magic Kingdom but a fiestier ride. One fish, two fish is like Dumbo but with some water excitement thrown in, the Caro-suess-el is well, like the Carossel at Magic Kingdom but with Suess characters. I suggest that you make sure the kids are familiar with the Cat in the Hat story and other Suess favourites.

The Discovery Centre that is closed consists of a restaurant, a gift shop, some Dinosaur statues and a few interactive booths similar to what you find on the exit queues of some rides at Epcot. It is mostly empty space. The Triceratops is kinda neat, but is really just another Dinosaur statue at the end of a winding path. Not something that the kids would spend more than 5 minutes at in the whole vacation. The Storm Force Acceletron is the same as Tea Cups. If your kids like the Tea Cups, then yes this is one ride they would miss but it is really a typical amusement park ride. Popeye is a major attraction and it is too bad that it will be closed. They will be also able to ride Flying Unicorn many times since there is rarely a line.

I think, as far as closures are concerned, if I had to choose, the Discovery Centre and Triceratops or the Pteranadon Flyers (which they usually close) I would certainly close the Discovery Centre and Triceratops. The 5 and 7 year old will love the Flyers, get there early and they should be able to ride multiple times.

The kids will love Camp Jurassic and can probably spend hours there. I'm not sure of the extent of the play area closures in Universal since that area is very, very large with many components.

The attractions at Universal each take about 10 - 20 minutes to experience (not including the line). So even though there may not seem to be as many attractions as at Magic Kingdom, the attractions take much longer to experience and really require multiple visits to be able to experience them to their fullest.

I suggest that people see the movies Jurassic Park, ET, The Grinch, Men in Black, Shrek, Twister, Jaws and Terminator before they go since many rides are based on the movies.

I really hope that you guys start getting a little more excited and believe me when I say that the closures really are not going to affect your vacation to the extent that you seem to believe!!!

When we were at IOA in the Spring of 2002 you could fire a cannon off for the first two hours and last two hours of the day. Universal really doesn't have much choice about the closures. Perhaps you could try to encourage more people to visit the parks so that the attendance will increase and more attractions will be open. That's what I am trying to do.

Oh and Mrs. Mud, we spent 6 days there in the beginning of May and still could have stayed longer!!!

 

[h20jag]

Poor damo! You're a fantastic crusader, but this thread is destined to breed more negativity than anything else (losing battle?).

Love being at both parks Sept. & Oct.
We worry ourselves more with hurricanes this time of year, not ride /show closures. Now that's a "wet ride" you don't want!

 

[strawberryblonde]

I'm not trying to focus on the neg., just venting now so I can be positive for my kids on our vacation.

Of the 4 playlands between the 2 parks, 3 will be closed. Not boarded up so the kids don't see them and ask to play in them, no, they will be in view. From the pictures/video we have seen of US/IOA, my kids were looking forward to Curious George the most of anything. Fievel's and Olive playlands get 4 stars in the unofficial guide from preschoolers (which my 3 yr old is) and sound easy to keep an eye on your little ones. Camp Jurassic (the only playland left open) only rates a 3 stars for pre-sch'rs because it is geared to older kids, guide says the layout is confusing. CJ is also in IOA were most of the kiddie rides are. We really, really will need a playland for use for the kids while we swap off on the intense/adult attractions at US.

This is just going to make our touring harder. We bought the 5 day passes (for my sister's family, we will be buying the 5 day mil. special passes) because they were a good deal and planned on spending our days there are a leisure pace, letting the kids play in the playlands a great deal. That is why I am major dissapointed. I expected some rides to be down (like Jaws will be, that's a bummer but we adults can take that) but didn't expect them to "tape" off all the playland save one.

To add insult, when I was stating my concern to guest services, I was told they were shutting down the water playlands for my children's safety and health because of how cold it would be end of Sept.early Oct.. and they tell another customer to go to Wild and Wet for water rides (shouldn't WNW be a threat to their health? ). If they are going to make these cuts, call them cuts not favors

 

[damo]

Sounds like nobody wants to go now!!!

According to Universal Vacations (1-800-447-0665) and their computer, Curious George water play area and the fievel water slide are closed but the rest of the fievel play area is open. The Woody Woodpecker coaster is open. Barney show and play area are open. At IOA, If we ran the zoo and and camp jurassic are open. Sinbad show is still open through the middle of the month.

 

[Molokai Gram]

Aloha.
This is directed to Strawberryblonde and others with small ones.
I too would be disappointed by the seemingly unfair closure of so many things the younger ones enjoy. We went to UO when our grandsons were small and I personally think the Fievel's Playland is greatly underrated by most guides. They removed the one at UH and I hope they are not planning to do the same at UO. (However, it did have a lot of places that our then 3 year old GS found to hide and duck away from a panic'd grandma, who could hear him, but not see him. )
BUT you will still have a wonderful time with small ones, even with the closures. The playarea in Seuss Landing is terrific and has a lot of interactive spots. I only wished we had read more of the Seuss stories to the boys before we went. We spent a great deal of time in the Seuss Landing area.
And is the Ball Factory at Curious George closed? It may be that they are just turning off the water at CG. I hope so. The ball area will probably be more appreciated by the small kids than the wet CG area. And it is a good place for total family interactive play. Trust me, it is hard to get the kids (and some husbands) out of there.
And Barney's has a play area in addition to the show.
I haven't been there since they got Shrek and Jimmy Neutron, but I think these are geared towards kids.
We also found that when the boys were small, we spent more time at all of the shows and less on the rides. (However, it seems that the shows are uncomfortably loud for some kids and after we bought him ear plugs, my youngest GS enjoyed them alot better )
To tell you the truth, we did not go to any of the JP attractions or play areas (our youngest GS did not like the "sounds" in the area)or the Olive play area even though they were open during our 3 day visit and we still had an absolutely terrific although tiring time. I know your kids will be just as happy with their visit.
UO should be more balanced in shutting attractions, but don't let their mistakes stress you out. Even though you will know what is missing, the kids will soon be focused on what is open and will find their favorites that they will want to repeat and repeat and repeat...(with one GS it was the ball factory and the 3 year old was enchanted with the Beetlejuice Revue-go figure!)
Have a wonderful time.

 

[Whoville_Nut]

Originally posted by maria1234
It this is true, why did they tell me a week ago that it would be open??

TigerLaw,
Just to let you know, I registered a complaint with guest services and they said it would go right up to the managers. I think the thing that put me over the edge was that they suggested I go to Wet-n-wild if I wanted to experience a water ride.

Because they never know anything about whats going on in the park.

Universal publicly said WWWWSS was closing 9/1/03 and then I called and asked if anything special was planned for the it's closing on the 1st and they correct me and said it was the 5th.
Lets see they gave 2 dates for when Shrek would open.
They sent false information about Jimmy Neutron preview.

Do this call them 3 times and in 3 times you'll get a different story or different answer.

I have gone to IOA every year since 99, and every year in September Popeye is closed. Followed by Ripsaw Falls, it's clock work, they probably say no, to trick you to go to the park and spend money. It's not like your complaint would matter because they got your money. It's entrapment, say one thing and do another.

I can only speak for what I know, and I know every September since 99 it's been closed for rehab.

 

[TigerLaw]

Not that it matters, but I went in September of 2000, and nothing was closed for rehab, including all three water rides.

 

[strawberryblonde]

damo, I realize that Fievel is not closed YET but it will be from Oct. 1 on (at least, according to guest services). I didn't know that Barney had a playland as well as a show, that is good news ! When the kids beg to play at Fievel's I can lead them towards the Barney area which looks to be nearby. Thanks for that new info, you've made me happy .

Gram, thanks for all of your kind words and advice. I wish it was only the water part of Curious George turned off but it sounds as though the entire place will be closed (through Dec. if I'm remembering correctly) so I don't think we will be able to check out the balls. I think the kids will love what is open though. I'm very glad that as of now, the flyers are scheduled to be running. Good idea to refresh on Dr. Suess

 

[polkadotminnie]

I think there is a height maximum for the tiny Barney play area. My daughter who had just turned four in the spring was too tall to play at the time. She fell in love with Storm Force and has talked about nothing else except riding it again. My one year old even rode Storm Force and laughed. I am really mad that they are closing so much. She was not impressed with Flyers at all.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

The height restriction is not enforced at Barney and it is only for the train area in that section. If your kids are polite and don't trample the toddlers, they will be fine in there. My eight year old enjoyed the Barney play area very much, but he was mortified to be a the Barney show beforehand! LOL However, I loved it and thought it was an excellent show, and DD - 5 adored it.

 

[damo]

About the Fievel area being closed, I was told that ONLY the Fievel water slide would be closed in that area. Yes the entire Curious George Water area is closed but the Fievel play area (minus the big water slide) will be open. The Curious George area is tucked in behind and you should be able to keep the kids happy in the Barney and Fievel play areas. I think they just closed everything water related!

Glad to hear that some of you are starting to feel a little better. The anticipation of a vacation is half of the fun, it's a real shame if you can't look forward to a great time!

 

[maria1234]

Damo,
Quick question. When you refer to Fievel's slide, will this be closing Oct 1st, or is it closed already? I am sorry, but I got a little confused on the dates. Thanks