Our First, Last and only visit to Universal...yuck!

[nerdboyrockstar]

Count me among the "gangsters" who love IOA.

I seriously laughed out loud with that! Count me in too!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Shades of Green on Disney property charges for parking as do many hotels everywhere. It's just a matter of time before Disney does too.

Yeah, the hotels don't charge for parking because they're Universal. It's because they're Loews and they charge for parking at all their hotels. Insult to injury, blah blah blah... If you've stayed at hotels around the country, you'll find this is the norm. And $10 is less than I've seen at a lot of hotels. (Obviously I'm not talking about Best Western..)

 

[sha_lyn]

heck there is a holiday Inn in Ft Lauderdale that charges for parking

 

[ChrisFL]

I must be a gangster too, I've even considered doing illegal things, like tearing the tag off of the mattress at the RPR!!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

No doubt about it, I'm a gangsta too!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

OP, I agree with you.

I've visited Universal twice (1995, 1999) and IOA twice (1999, 2002) and I don't plan on going back. I enjoy the restaurants at City Walk, but for many of the reasons you mention (level of clientele, atmosphere, rides, cleanliness, etc.) I do not plan on going back any time soon. I am glad I tried it, and I am glad that there is an "alternative" park for those who aren't "Disney" people. The FOTL passes also angered me as guests should not have to pay extra to be able to ride more than four or five rides a day. Fastpasses allow me to ride 15 or more rides easily in one day without feeling like I was cutting anyone off, and I could even give out unused fastpasses! I hope Disney never changes this.

The amount of unsupervised children running from the exit to the entrance and being allowed on six or seven times, before anyone from the standby line was allowed on, spoke volumes about the values of the park. (Magic vs. entertainment; guest vs. paying customer, etc.) It didn't seem fair and I know I couldn't have run on a ride that many times while watching others wait for hours. It just goes against my beliefs/inner nature. It's just not for me. Everyone's different.

 

[Jay Foster]

You all should really go read the OP's trip report from the trip she is complaining about. It is quite amusing. Not knocking the OP, because, yes she is entitled to her opinion. However, her trip report is a prime example of how you want to look at things and if you choose to look positively or negatively, that is the experience you are going to get. Many of the same things that happened at Universal to her also happened at WDW, yet the OP chose to make the best of the stuff at WDW and become irritated at the stuff at Universal.

First of all, she complains on this board about unsupervised kids at Universal. But then she readily admits that her kid steals the life vest from under the plane seat and stuffs it into his backpack. Without her knowing. With her sitting next to the kid. Uhhh, you don't get it? Supervision?? So, it does happen to ALL parents eventually. Kids are quick, kids are active, kids are not always 100% perfect.


Here is the description of the view of her OKW room. Can you imagine the rant we would have seen here if RPR, HRH or PBH had given her a room overlooking 6 airconditioning units?


Hmmm, she valets the car at WDW. Why not at Universal? And I didn't realize that Valet parking was free, since she stated that she NEVER paid for parking at WDW.


Ok, this just says it all. Running old ladies and gentlemen over?


Ohhh...didn't think she ever had to wait at WDW
But waiting almost an hour for Spiderman was not?

Too bad she couldn't have been so magnanimous when a helpful local sent her to the "wrong" park at Universal. Obviously it happens in Disney too


Day 5 and still doing Valet. I still want to know how to get that free valet!
.

OP's DH commenting to a person behind him on Buzz. Yep - those are the kind of people who make WDW a more family oriented place.


There were many more examples. And she also did some nice things, such give her CT reservations to another family who had lost theirs while in line. But she also talks a lot about being "the first in line", the first to wake up Tink, etc. Eyeing other "maniac" parents in order to get to Tink first, etc.

But her trip report for WDW just goes to show that she viewed WDW with Rose Colored glasses and had pre-conceived notions about Universal, as she encountered many of the same things at WDW that she did at Universal. She just chose to deal with it two different ways.

This has to be one of the clearest displays of bias by the original poster I think I have ever seen. I literally laughed out loud when I read the unbelieveable differences in opinions of the very same things happening at Disney v. Universal. Goofy, I definitely don't want you on my bad side!

By the way, I've been to Disney and Universal multiple times and I like them both.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Sadly, some people still see the need to prove their argument through being rude, obnoxious, and demeaning to others. You know that argument sounds a lot like the one that US/IOA has been making on some recent commercials. No wonder their business is dropping.

I totally agree. I can't believe some of the things I've heard. I go to Disney to get away from those judgmental/laugh-at-the-shortcomings-of-others/mock-the-kind/innocent/idealistic. I'd much prefer to be part of the magic.

 

[babieemelly]

I totally agree. I can't believe some of the things I've heard. I go to Disney to get away from those judgmental/laugh-at-the-shortcomings-of-others/mock-the-kind/innocent/idealistic. I'd much prefer to be part of the magic.

Do you not realize that that's exactly what you're doing - being judgemental? You mentioned in your post a few lines up that you didn't like Universal for it's clientel. What is that supposed to mean? If anything, I've met more fun, friendly, and helpful people at Universal than I have at Disney. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney. I just think it's very sad how "Disney fanatics" let a big name, multi-million dollar company feed them a bunch of crap. The same things that happen at Universal happen at Disney, and many times these incidents are multiplied at Disney. You're just blind to it.

I just think it's funny that most people who come on here and complain about Universal complain about it being too expensive. They say that they don't want to pay all that money to get into a theme park in which they'll get on three rides (we didn't use Express Pass at all last summer and got on everything multiple times), and they don't want to pay all the money to stay at a Universal resort...

...And then they complain about the "level of clientel" at Universal. Are you joking? You're complaining about the high prices, but these "low class thugs" can obviously afford to get in and have a great time. You're all contradicting yourselves. And then you speak of your "morals" and how the Disney morality is more your style. Have you heard about what goes on backstage at Disney? Or how Esiner basically stole all your cash? Disney isn't about morals. As much as I LOVE it, it's a company, and they're about money. Just like Universal. There's no morality to it.

And don't come on here bashing Universal and it's clientel, and then list your "morality" as a reason. Judging people by how they look and dress is obviously a far cry from the type of people you claim to be.

Remember last year when a man in a Tigger costume molested a young girl? Where did that happen again? Oh yea, Disney. Not Universal.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

...I am glad that there is an "alternative" park for those who aren't "Disney" people.

This is what I don't get. Why is it one or the other? I understand why you didn't like Universal, but why do you think it's only attractive to people who aren't "Disney people"?

I'm a "Disney person", but I still like Universal (well, US Hollywood and IOA, haven't been to Universal Orlando yet). Heck, (dare I say it? ), I even like my local Six Flags. It's not Disney (or US!), and yea, it's pretty dirty there , but they have some darn fun coasters and lots of kiddie rides that my little one loves. We have a blast when we go there.

The ability to enjoy other parks in addition to WDW (because a lot here seem to hate DL, too!) only means that we treat them the way most people treat any other entertainment venue. XYZ might be my family's favorite hiking trail, playground, golf course, ski area or restaurant, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some time or a meal at ABC or DEF once in a while.

 

[babieemelly]

This is what I don't get. Why is it one or the other? I understand why you didn't like Universal, but why do you think it's only attractive to people who aren't "Disney people"?

I'm a "Disney person", but I still like Universal (well, US Hollywood and IOA, haven't been to Universal Orlando yet). Heck, (dare I say it? ), I even like my local Six Flags. It's not Disney (or US!), and yea, it's pretty dirty there , but they have some darn fun coasters and lots of kiddie rides that my little one loves. We have a blast when we go there.

The ability to enjoy other parks in addition to WDW (because a lot here seem to hate DL, too!) only means that we treat them the way most people treat any other entertainment venue. XYZ might be my family's favorite hiking trail, playground, golf course, ski area or restaurant, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some time or a meal at ABC or DEF once in a while.

I completely agree! It makes no sense. People make it seem like Disney is Heaven and Universal is Hell I LOVE Disney, I always have and I always will. But it isn't the say all, end all. It's a THEME PARK! It's a form of entertainment, and we're all allowed to have fun at more than one place. For instance, I absolutely LOVE the Bronx Zoo and am a firm believer that it's the best zoo in the country (it's also the biggest). However, I always have a great time when we go to the Prospect Park Zoo or the Central Park zoo. These things are here for your enjoyment, you might as well take advantage of them all!

Like you said, I also love Six Flags. We've gotten season passes to Great Adventure in Jersey for the past ten years, and I couldn't imagine not going. They have Kingda Ka, the tallest and fastest steel coaster in the world, and El Toro, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the world. There's no way I would pass that up! I also love Hershey Park, Busch Gardens, Coney Island, and even the small theme parks along the Jersey shore. All these theme parks are around for us to have fun, and I'm definitely going to take advantage of them without bringing myself down by always saying, "This isn't Disney." No, it's not Disney, that's why it's not called Disney. Let it go and move on, and allow yourself to have fun!

 

[rubberband1293]

"...But I can assure you, I am NOT racist in any way shape or form,..."

It's always amazed me in my 12+ years of Human Resources Management, that when people have been accused of harassment or discrimination (racial, sexual, age-related, etc.), invariably they begin talking about how much of a racists they are not. The thought that has always crossed my mind was - are they trying to convince me, or themselves? If you have to tell someone that you are not prejudiced, or how smart you are, etc. etc., then you have doubts yourself. A person will never have to explain to others that they are not a racist/prejudiced because others will know it by what you say and by your actions. As grandma used to say, your actions speak louder than words.

I'm not flaming the poster or anyone else, but that line just strikes a cord in me everytime I hear it. Hope your next vacation is well-thought out and planned, and hope it is a better one for your family!

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

As much as all of us would like it to be so, I don't think any park in the world, be it amusement or theme, is immune from rude guest behavior. I think the better ones try their best to keep the parks clean, but it's not like Disney and Universal have a sensor that alerts them to every piece of trash lying in a place other than the trash can.

 

[damo]

OP, I agree with you.

I've visited Universal twice (1995, 1999) and IOA twice (1999, 2002) and I don't plan on going back. I enjoy the restaurants at City Walk, but for many of the reasons you mention (level of clientele, atmosphere, rides, cleanliness, etc.) I do not plan on going back any time soon. I am glad I tried it, and I am glad that there is an "alternative" park for those who aren't "Disney" people. The FOTL passes also angered me as guests should not have to pay extra to be able to ride more than four or five rides a day. Fastpasses allow me to ride 15 or more rides easily in one day without feeling like I was cutting anyone off, and I could even give out unused fastpasses! I hope Disney never changes this.

The amount of unsupervised children running from the exit to the entrance and being allowed on six or seven times, before anyone from the standby line was allowed on, spoke volumes about the values of the park. (Magic vs. entertainment; guest vs. paying customer, etc.) It didn't seem fair and I know I couldn't have run on a ride that many times while watching others wait for hours. It just goes against my beliefs/inner nature. It's just not for me. Everyone's different.

You didn't pay for express passes until 2005. The express pass system was the same as Disney's except you could hold two express passes at one time.

 

[djm99]

The OP will never give her "honest" opinion again - I bet she regrets she wrote this post. Come on people - lets give her a break. This is as funny as the big argument over "cups" at Disney.

 

[damo]

I completely agree! It makes no sense. People make it seem like Disney is Heaven and Universal is Hell I LOVE Disney, I always have and I always will. But it isn't the say all, end all. It's a THEME PARK! It's a form of entertainment, and we're all allowed to have fun at more than one place. For instance, I absolutely LOVE the Bronx Zoo and am a firm believer that it's the best zoo in the country (it's also the biggest). However, I always have a great time when we go to the Prospect Park Zoo or the Central Park zoo. These things are here for your enjoyment, you might as well take advantage of them all!

Like you said, I also love Six Flags. We've gotten season passes to Great Adventure in Jersey for the past ten years, and I couldn't imagine not going. They have Kingda Ka, the tallest and fastest steel coaster in the world, and El Toro, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the world. There's no way I would pass that up! I also love Hershey Park, Busch Gardens, Coney Island, and even the small theme parks along the Jersey shore. All these theme parks are around for us to have fun, and I'm definitely going to take advantage of them without bringing myself down by always saying, "This isn't Disney." No, it's not Disney, that's why it's not called Disney. Let it go and move on, and allow yourself to have fun!

We're going to Great Adventure this summer and can't wait to use their Fastlane!!!

 

[babieemelly]

We're going to Great Adventure this summer and can't wait to use their Fastlane!!!

Have you been there before? It's great, you'll love it! When are you going? I want to hear all about your day when you get back!

 

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

What a milk toast! Mommy won't let me go to USO! You shouldn't go if you still drink your milk with both hands!

Obnoxious? Look at your photo. A grown man stood in line with a bunch of kids so his mom could take his picture with a princess.

give him a break about his mom, someone had to drive him to the park.

Personal attacks....classy

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Do you not realize that that's exactly what you're doing - being judgemental? You mentioned in your post a few lines up that you didn't like Universal for it's clientel. What is that supposed to mean? If anything, I've met more fun, friendly, and helpful people at Universal than I have at Disney. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney. I just think it's very sad how "Disney fanatics" let a big name, multi-million dollar company feed them a bunch of crap. The same things that happen at Universal happen at Disney, and many times these incidents are multiplied at Disney. You're just blind to it.

I just think it's funny that most people who come on here and complain about Universal complain about it being too expensive. They say that they don't want to pay all that money to get into a theme park in which they'll get on three rides (we didn't use Express Pass at all last summer and got on everything multiple times), and they don't want to pay all the money to stay at a Universal resort...

...And then they complain about the "level of clientel" at Universal. Are you joking? You're complaining about the high prices, but these "low class thugs" can obviously afford to get in and have a great time. You're all contradicting yourselves. And then you speak of your "morals" and how the Disney morality is more your style. Have you heard about what goes on backstage at Disney? Or how Esiner basically stole all your cash? Disney isn't about morals. As much as I LOVE it, it's a company, and they're about money. Just like Universal. There's no morality to it.

And don't come on here bashing Universal and it's clientel, and then list your "morality" as a reason. Judging people by how they look and dress is obviously a far cry from the type of people you claim to be.

Remember last year when a man in a Tigger costume molested a young girl? Where did that happen again? Oh yea, Disney. Not Universal.

I'm sorry, but I think you've confused my posts with other posts about this topic because you are citing many things I didn't mention.

Firstly, stating which park I prefer and supporting my opinion isn't "bashing" nor is it judgmental.

When I mentioned clientele, I meant that I hear much more foul language, see much more roughhousing and meet far fewer helpful employees at Universal in my experience. Manner of dress is not one of the primary criteria in determining this.

I also did not mention "low class thugs". I didn't see that in the OP either, so I'm not sure who that was. That particular phrase isn't one I would use.

I never complained about expense, so I don't know why you quoted me.
Morality? I certainly never mentioned morality. (Although ironically, ethics/morality was one of my minors in college) I *did* mention that I liked the values that were historically embedded in the rides, movies, etc. but this does not translate that one place is morally superior to the other, just that Disney does make an effort to target certain values, whereas Universal doesn't attempt to teach values, but rather to entertain.

I know what goes on backstage at Disney, though I don't think you do. I am a former CM! lol. It was never that exciting- mostly snacks, riding a bike, a lot of water-drinking to stay hydrated after being in the sun for 8 hours or so, maybe watching some tv during a break. I know of one inappropriate incident, and that very day both CM's were terminated.

I believe that the Tigger CM was acquitted, however, I never claimed that every single CM at Disney was fit for the job.

I don't stay at Universal resorts because I don't like them, not because I cannot afford to stay there.

I do not like FOTL passes, not because I don't want to pay extra, but because, as I said, I would feel guilty utilizing it the way I saw it used, and if I *didn't* use it, it would be a waste.

I realize I posted recently, and it was probably convenient to quote me and then state all of the thoughts that came to mind, but I thought it was important to mention exactly what I said and didn't say.

You seem very defensive. I haven't read all the posts, but I don't think you need to be- at least not because of my posts. I am glad I tried Universal even though I didn't like it. People can try every theme park in the world, just one or two, and go wherever they like to go. Everyone should have a place/places to go that they enjoy. I just thought to be fair to the OP, I would share my experience. She isn't crazy- some people had similar experiences. When I read a few of the comments to Jedi, I had to voice my opposition to the unwarranted personal attacks. They were uncalled for, and against DISboard rules.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

You didn't pay for express passes until 2005. The express pass system was the same as Disney's except you could hold two express passes at one time.

In 2002, those passes cost money. They weren't free.