Onsite guests go in HP if booked pre 3-25

[DumGuestTricks]

don't get what the fuss is.
You bought a package to stay at Universal that happens to fall between May 28th and the day of the Grand Opening for Potter. Why do you think you are being jipped? When you booked you were NOT guaranteed it would be open AT ALL. They happen to announce these dates and you all seem to be getting your pants in a wad because you have a smaller chance of experiencing The WWoHP.
Unless you booked the specific Potter package, you should not be upset, IMHO
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See, that is where you are wrong. When I booked I was told that 1)since I was going to be onsite I was going to be able to enter HP, get early admission but not the breakfast 2) I did NOT need the vacation package if I had my own tickets and didn't care about the breakfast

This is what has gotten people upset. Many of us booked onsite because that is what we were told. From the looks of things MANY of us were told that. If I knew this was going to happen I would have booked the package.

Unless it was mentioned in your package itinerary I don't see why it should be guaranteed to be working during your stay for you to experience. I just feel like it's a buyer beware situation and people want to get things they didn't pay extra for.

 

[Indy Denise]

In addition, maybe the problem isn't with us but with Universal.

They shouldn't have lied to us. They still can't get their crap together and they are telling each person that calls a different thing.

No wonder people are mad and upset. The fact that most of us are even on these boards proves that we are planners and probably pretty anal about our vacations. I bet most people researched and weighed package versus onsite and picked onsite. We are a thrifty, smart bunch and it saved some money to do it that way...plus you get to stay in a really sweet hotel using the super saver rates.

I don't think we are to blame. Blame guest services who work for Universal. Blame the Universal Hotel reservationist. Blame, simply put, Universal.

 

[Indy Denise]

I don't get what the fuss is.
You bought a package to stay at Universal that happens to fall between May 28th and the day of the Grand Opening for Potter. Why do you think you are being jipped? When you booked you were NOT guaranteed it would be open AT ALL. They happen to announce these dates and you all seem to be getting your pants in a wad because you have a smaller chance of experiencing The WWoHP.
Unless you booked the specific Potter package, you should not be upset, IMHO.


I think the only people that should worry are those that bought packages specifying they would eat and enjoy the new area. And they've been told that they would get everything promised in their package.

Hey, I think I found a Universal employee !!!

 

[DumGuestTricks]

In addition, maybe the problem isn't with us but with Universal.

They shouldn't have lied to us. They still can't get their crap together and they are telling each person that calls a different thing.

No wonder people are mad and upset. The fact that most of us are even on these boards proves that we are planners and probably pretty anal about our vacations. I bet most people researched and weighed package versus onsite and picked onsite. We are a thrifty, smart bunch and it saved some money to do it that way...plus you get to stay in a really sweet hotel using the super saver rates.

I don't think we are to blame. Blame guest services who work for Universal. Blame the Universal Hotel reservationist. Blame, simply put, Universal.

How did they lie when you bought a package that wasn't specifically tied to WWoHP and there wasn't a date officially released saying when it would be open? Again, it was buyer beware. Just be lucky any attraction is open and operating when you stay because they never guarantee any ride will be operating when you go.

 

[DumGuestTricks]

Hey, I think I found a Universal employee !!!

Nope. Just someone smarter than you that bought the Harry Potter package and feels better than you in confidence me and my sibling will have fun on their vacation.

 

[ckey]

Nope. Just someone smarter than you that bought the Harry Potter package and feels better than you in confidence me and my sibling will have fun on their vacation.

Nope, just someone NOT as smug as you to think you were SMART booking the HP package when there was NO guarantee stated that YOU would get to experience HP if it weren't open.

And I am someone who has now been told TWICE by guest services that since I booked a hotel room onsite prior to 3/25 (not HP) that I WOULD get to experience HP if it were running.

Neither one of us is SMART, we are LUCKY. I acknowledge that Universal never guaranteed me it would be open, but neither did they guarantee you as a purchasers of HP packages, either.

I still stick by the fact that SPRING may technically end 6/21, but they know as well as everyone, that Memorial Day commonly marks the beginning of summer, which is why when they started selling the HP packages 5/28, we all thought we were safe. Universal can be "technically" correct, but still anger many patrons by being misleading.

 

[DumGuestTricks]

Nope, just someone NOT as smug as you to think you were SMART booking the HP package when there was NO guarantee stated that YOU would get to experience HP if it weren't open.

And I am someone who has now been told TWICE by guest services that since I booked a hotel room onsite prior to 3/25 (not HP) that I WOULD get to experience HP if it were running.

Neither one of us is SMART, we are LUCKY. I acknowledge that Universal never guaranteed me it would be open, but neither did they guarantee you as a purchasers of HP packages, either.

I still stick by the fact that SPRING may technically end 6/21, but they know as well as everyone, that Memorial Day commonly marks the beginning of summer, which is why when they started selling the HP packages 5/28, we all thought we were safe. Universal can be "technically" correct, but still anger many patrons by being misleading.

Actually I was promised because I called about the package before booking it and GS (not someone at a hotel or other dept) said that it would be open no later than May 28th. That if you booked you will get everything it states. When news broke yesterday that it was having it's 'Grand Opening' I checked even further and they stated those with the package will be accommodated with the Hour of early entry with the rides operating and still be able to have a breakfast at the Three Broomsticks on one of our days. Those without the specific package are not 'promised' anything but entry to the park and access to everything only half an hour before the park opens.
Still I don't understand where this misleading is coming from.... no one seems to be able to explain.

 

[ckey]

Actually I was promised because I called about the package before booking it and GS (not someone at a hotel or other dept) said that it would be open no later than May 28th. That if you booked you will get everything it states. When news broke yesterday that it was having it's 'Grand Opening' I checked even further and they stated those with the package will be accommodated with the Hour of early entry with the rides operating and still be able to have a breakfast at the Three Broomsticks on one of our days. Those without the specific package are not 'promised' anything but entry to the park and access to everything only half an hour before the park opens.
Still I don't understand where this misleading is coming from.... no one seems to be able to explain.

Wow. Nice that you were promised when absolutely no one knew when it would actually be open. You must be very special. Especially since the current packages being sold for AFTER 6/18 have this disclaimer:

◊ Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal's Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Current offer valid 7 days a week for travel 6/18/10 - 12/31/10; valid only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and The Cat in the Hat™. If technical problems arise or the opening of an attraction is delayed another Universal's Islands of Adventure attraction will open for Early Park Admission.

 

[DumGuestTricks]

Wow. Nice that you were promised when absolutely no one knew when it would actually be open. You must be very special. Especially since the current packages being sold for AFTER 6/18 have this disclaimer:

◊ Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal's Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Current offer valid 7 days a week for travel 6/18/10 - 12/31/10; valid only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and The Cat in the Hat™. If technical problems arise or the opening of an attraction is delayed another Universal's Islands of Adventure attraction will open for Early Park Admission.

Wow. What a loser to take the time to find that out. Way to go. I feel so let down. I will now whine about it on these boards. I will be so unhappy. My life has forever been altered. Oh noes......
My vacation, a material item, has been ruined due to my jumping of the gun vacation plans-I shall make sure all of the internets knows such!!!!

 

[John316]

Hey All! Here is an excerpt from a email from a Senior Director at the Hard Rock that I recieved today....

After checking with the Universal Team we received the response that since
you booked you reservations prior to the date change (March 24th), you will
be able to attend an exclusive preview during your stay. You will be
provided with more information upon check in with the details. During the
daily preview, you will be able to fully enjoy the new Wizarding World of
Harry Potter.

Hopefully this gives you more comfort that you will have an outstanding
stay with us and that you will be able to be one of the first to experience
the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If I can assist you in any other way,
please feel free to let me know. Have a great weekend & Rock On!

-------

So this is comfort enough for me. But then again it can all change. Take it as you will

Blessings!
John316

 

[illini2002]

Luckily Universal has much more to offer than just Harry Potter and even if it isn't open we'll still enjoy our vacation to the fullest extent. Like others who have posted we, too, considered the Harry Potter Vacation package but in order to get our Loews upgrades we were told to book everything separately and that we'd get the same benefits as those who did book the HP package. THAT'S where the discrepancy lies, any person with minimal knowledge of customer service knows it's wrong to tell a customer one thing and then change their minds about it; hence why Universal has opted to include those staying at on-site hotels to receive the same benefits as those who booked the HP package (minus the breakfast and commemorative ticket). They recognized their mistake and did what they could to fix it.

 

[Metro West]

Luckily Universal has much more to offer than just Harry Potter and even if it isn't open we'll still enjoy our vacation to the fullest extent. Like others who have posted we, too, considered the Harry Potter Vacation package but in order to get our Loews upgrades we were told to book everything separately and that we'd get the same benefits as those who did book the HP package. THAT'S where the discrepancy lies, any person with minimal knowledge of customer service knows it's wrong to tell a customer one thing and then change their minds about it; hence why Universal has opted to include those staying at on-site hotels to receive the same benefits as those who booked the HP package (minus the breakfast and commemorative ticket). They recognized their mistake and did what they could to fix it.

 

[LJF]

Hey, I think I found a Universal employee !!!

Lol, Indy!!! That is EXACTLY what I have been thinking with each post....probably a phone res agent

 

[damo]

Lol, Indy!!! That is EXACTLY what I have been thinking with each post....probably a phone res agent

There are many Universal employees on this board -- all are very nice and not rude to posters.

 

[Indy Denise]

I am glad there are many Universal employees here. Even though I am mad at Universal their employees are great. Its just the misinformation out there that has me seething. It's not their fault .Not at all.

If I have to reschedule my vacation I can do that . Just please oh please will someone at Universal just give me consistant info so I can make the decision and do exactly that!!

I appreciate the Universal employees that are here ..and especially the ones that are kind and nice.

 

[Metro West]

It's TWO months before May 28th arrives...I would imagine and expect many more announcements from Universal regarding this HP package mess between now and then. I'm sure this will be solved so just hang tight!

 

[damo]

I am glad there are many Universal employees here. Even though I am mad at Universal their employees are great. Its just the misinformation out there that has me seething. It's not their fault .Not at all.

If I have to reschedule my vacation I can do that . Just please oh please will someone at Universal just give me consistant info so I can make the decision and do exactly that!!

I appreciate the Universal employees that are here ..and especially the ones that are kind and nice.

It sounds to me like the employees were caught completely off guard by this date. Everyone may have been. Since the grand opening revolves around the stars of the movies, and their schedule revolves around their schooling (Emma Watson has exams until mid May) and filming that now continues until mid June, dates that were previously set may have been suddenly changed.

 

[shl1108]

Hey All! Here is an excerpt from a email from a Senior Director at the Hard Rock that I recieved today....

After checking with the Universal Team we received the response that since
you booked you reservations prior to the date change (March 24th), you will
be able to attend an exclusive preview during your stay. You will be
provided with more information upon check in with the details. During the
daily preview, you will be able to fully enjoy the new Wizarding World of
Harry Potter.

Hopefully this gives you more comfort that you will have an outstanding
stay with us and that you will be able to be one of the first to experience
the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If I can assist you in any other way,
please feel free to let me know. Have a great weekend & Rock On!

-------

So this is comfort enough for me. But then again it can all change. Take it as you will

Blessings!
John316

John,
Exactly what I got from them via email. They are calling it a preview for those HP package holders and for onsite guests that had already booked prior to the Grand Opening announcement.
Someone earlier on this thread said we are LUCKY...and I completely AGREE. Totally lucky. I booked back in January with cancelation rights until a few days before our trip June 5-10th.
Believe me, if people knew they would have a special access preview if they bought HP package or reserved a room onsite for dates of 5/28-6/17 it would be a frenzy.
What happened is that with a huge undertaking as this $260 Million Dollar HP addition, advertising (during the Superbowl no less) and all greater factors than can be imagined. They (Universal) jumped the gun and started selling these packages a few weeks ago. Now they are using the guests that booked onsite prior and th HP package holders as the preview guests.
LUCKY is all I can say.

 

[Amandaj0831]

John,
Exactly what I got from them via email. They are calling it a preview for those HP package holders and for onsite guests that had already booked prior to the Grand Opening announcement.
Someone earlier on this thread said we are LUCKY...and I completely AGREE. Totally lucky. I booked back in January with cancelation rights until a few days before our trip June 5-10th.
Believe me, if people knew they would have a special access preview if they bought HP package or reserved a room onsite for dates of 5/28-6/17 it would be a frenzy.
What happened is that with a huge undertaking as this $260 Million Dollar HP addition, advertising (during the Superbowl no less) and all greater factors than can be imagined. They (Universal) jumped the gun and started selling these packages a few weeks ago. Now they are using the guests that booked onsite prior and th HP package holders as the preview guests.
LUCKY is all I can say.

We are in pretty much the same boat, booked in January before there even WAS a HP package to my knowledge. Was told we WOULD have access to HP. We chose the first week in June because Disney had a package that ended the first week so regardless of wheather we knew the opening dates those were the only dates we could go. If we cant get in Im not going to cry or throw a fit, just hold onto my tickets for next year. I just hope they can figure out exactly what is going on soon so I can change reservations if I need to...

 

[Indy Denise]

I received a phone call from Universal today. The rep confirmed my reservation and confirmed that onsite guests will be allowed to enter HP..those that booked pre-March 25 2010. The plan is to have everything open..but no attraction is guaranteed. (( of course a tech issue can and will happen on any ride anywhere ))
Also, the " preview" isn't a one time deal..you are allowed to enter each day of your reservation. I think the word " preview" is being used to say " before
Grand Opening" not in a " preview - quickie take a look thing".
In talking to the rep about changing my plans until July he pretty much said that would be a huge mistake. Bigger crowds..much bigger crowds and more expensive for onsite stays . He said I was lucky with my reservation. I would probably enjoy a more personal and less stressful visit in early June because I wouldn't have to fight crowds when roaming around.
I have a feeling that even onsite guests who book now will be allowed in..and part of me says that even after the early admittance each day the area will be open for everyone. I don't know why I think that...just a feeling. .....