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

[flatline]

I'm not sure what you are saying here. I have never seen "tailgating" at WDW before a concert. I've seen it multiple times at Universal.

Anne

and I've seen it numerous times at Wide World of Sports.

 

[ducklite]

and I've seen it numerous times at Wide World of Sports.

Which is maybe a more appropriate and expected place for it. I suspect you see more families and traditional "tailgating activities."

The difference is that it's in broad daylight in a wide open parking lot, as opposed to five underaged kids in a not very well lit parking deck passing around a bottle of tequila trying to get as wasted as they can before going club hopping.

Anne

 

[flatline]

I suspect you see more families and traditional "tailgating activities".

once again, you're wrong. you see it before Braves spring training and Bucs training camps. people drinking as much as they can before entering the gates. and I don't have a problem with it, I've done it myself.

as far as UO's parking deck, it's far from poorly lit. and unlike WDW, there are emergency call boxes everywhere. at WDW, you have to find and flag a security van if you need help. I've driven through the parking booths at the MK and walked around the TTC after park hours and not been approached by security.

and I may be an old guy at 36, but I sure remember sitting in parking lots with my friends drinking before a concert despite the venue. I'm quite certain it happens in the West Side before concerts at the HOB.

 

[ducklite]

once again, you're wrong. you see it before Braves spring training and Bucs training camps. people drinking as much as they can before entering the gates. and I don't have a problem with it, I've done it myself.

I don't understand why anyone needs to drink themselves silly before a game or a concert.

as far as UO's parking deck, it's far from poorly lit. and unlike WDW, there are emergency call boxes everywhere. at WDW, you have to find and flag a security van if you need help. I've driven through the parking booths at the MK and walked around the TTC after park hours and not been approached by security.

But you can't get to those call boxes if someone's grabbed you. I've been approached by security around DTD late at night several times, and I'm happy about it.

and I may be an old guy at 36, but I sure remember sitting in parking lots with my friends drinking before a concert despite the venue. I'm quite certain it happens in the West Side before concerts at the HOB.

I'm a lot older than you, and I know for a fact that WDW security doesn't allow this practice and patrols particularly heavy on concert nights.

Anne

 

[calgarygary]

I've been enjoying this thread for the past several days and have finally decided to wade in. First some background - as we travel a great distance when we go to Orlando, we make a point of visiting both WDW & Universal (have only gone to SeaWorld on our first trip). On our upcoming trip, it will be 7 nights Disney, 5 nights Mayan Riviera, 5 nights Universal. I thought I would give the thread some new direction with these quotes:

This morning, while waiting in line ... a woman took a small child behind the concrete wall near the stage entrance and had him urinate.

we were walking out of the ... show and there was a girl in front of us in like a tank top and only her underwear.

There was a family with a teenage daughter (age about 13 or 14)who's dad kept trying to pull down her top and bikini bottom to expose her hiney.

I was in line for .... and this lady was attempting to shove by people and move up the line. I didn't move out of the way for her, so she kicked me. KICKED me.

2 teenaged boys were sitting on the bench next to me outside ... They were feeding the grackles (black birds) when one boy smashed a bird with his souvenir popcorn bucket. The bird flopped around like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off.

All of the above are just a few of the quotes from the shocking things that people have seen at Disney according to this thread. I seem to remember being taught something when I was young, what was it? Oh yeah, it had to do with glass houses.

Despite what others say, I enjoy both parks and expect to have a great vacation - even if I see some surprises along the way.

 

[flatline]

I don't understand why anyone needs to drink themselves silly before a game or a concert.



But you can't get to those call boxes if someone's grabbed you. I've been approached by security around DTD late at night several times, and I'm happy about it.



I'm a lot older than you, and I know for a fact that WDW security doesn't allow this practice and patrols particularly heavy on concert nights.

Anne

once again - same parks, different experiences. we've been to Universal and WDW parks numerous times this year. if they weren't evenly matched in our minds, we'd probably drop AP's for one or the other.

I don't believe 75% of the claims Universal detractors have posted in this thread. and I'm quite certain many of them couldn't find Universal property in the first place because 528 has to exit I-4 on the way back to MCO before they even see the parks.

 

[ducklite]

You are all missing my point.

I'm not talking about the "Class" (or lack thereof) of people in both places. Because lately it seems like half the people in WDW parks have crawled out of some sewer.

I'm talking about the perception of a lack of security in the parking deck and the area where you enter the Universal complex. I'm talking about security people who are nasty instead of pleasant and helpful. I'm talking about a LONG walk from the far reaches of the parking deck to the attractions.

All I'm asking for is more security presence in the parking deck and entry area. That in itself would solve most of my other issues.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

once again - same parks, different experiences. we've been to Universal and WDW parks numerous times this year. if they weren't evenly matched in our minds, we'd probably drop AP's for one or the other.

I don't believe 75% of the claims Universal detractors have posted in this thread. and I'm quite certain many of them couldn't find Universal property in the first place because 528 has to exit I-4 on the way back to MCO before they even see the parks.

For the record if you read my posts, I've had many complaints about WDW as well. I think the quality of both has gone downhill both in terms of the management of the facilities and the tupe of people that gravitate to them.

And BTW--I get to Universal by taking the FL Tpke to I-4 Westbound for a couple of exits.

I've been extremely honest with my remarks, even by stating I haven't been to US in over ten years, and IOA ever. My criticisms are based on my observations during various and regular visits to Citywalk over the past year, not just in peak season, not just on weekends, but on various days of the week, in various weather conditions, and during various seasons.

And for the record, the best hotspot in Orlando isn't at WDW or Universal it's found downtown at Wall Street Plaza.

Anne

 

[babieemelly]

Everytime I was at Universal there was plenty of security in the parking decks. PLENTY. Mayve you just didn't see them? And I also just think it's crazy that WDW fans who make heir way over to Universal are afraid of people wearing FUBU, or "hip-hop" clothing? WHAT?! That's not only hypocritical (I guarantee people are wearing the same things at Disney), but also pretty racist. I just don't understand what you're saying, maybe it's me. I come from the big city, and am used to people wearing all different typed of things. I always see people walking down the street in FUBU... and, well, I usually don't even notice what brand they're wearing. And if they were wearing "hip-hop" clothes, then I would assume that's their style, who cares? For it to scare people away is so sad... broaden your horizons, people! It's just clothes! (And no, ducklite, I'm not directing this only to you, so don't take it personally).

I do agree that downtown Orlando has better clubs at restaurants than CityWalk and Pleasure Island.

 

[sha_lyn]

Is anyone else getting tired of reading about these descriptions of Universal's guests? Thugs...gangstas...maffia hit-men...maybe even a terrorist or two - and all because of the manner in which someone chose to dress or the language that they used.

You bet I am, especially considering my family visits USO several times a years. One trip (last June I believe) a Christian youth was calling my DS names because he was wearing all black, including a Manson 666 Tshirt. I bet a $ to a donut, you'd rather be around my "thug" teen who opens doors for ladies and talks respectfully to adults instead of that rowdy group of loud mouth "nicely" dressed teens.

 

[rubberband1293]

I've seen all of the noted behaviors - tailgating, thugs, drunkedness, near-nudity, rudeness, near-fights, and a urinator at Wal-Mart and Target stores over the years. Come on people! We're talking about theme parks that are very popular with millions of visitors and there's bound to be a few hundred (thousand?) "less desirable" traits, customs, behaviors that will set others off. This thread has gotten out of hand (but I'm enjoying it!).

 

[djm99]

Ya know, I guess I'm so busy trying to enjoy myself at any theme park - I just haven't seen any thing out of ordinary at either park. I've only been to US/IOA once back in 2002 - but I don't remember anything. Are there people who under dress - yes. Are there people who have cranky children in the parks too long - yes? Are there individuals who have too many beers in both parks - yes? Are there excessive teenagers who use foul language? Yes. All that and it’s not anything I wouldn't expect at any theme park across America. And to be quit honest – I’d ignore this behavior. I really don’t invite anything in my “space” that could be a damper on my vacation – I at least try!!! I do realize that some things just happen right in front of you – but if no one is bleeding or hurt – it’s really none of my business. Why do some Disney craze individuals feel that Disney is immune to bad behavior? I love Disney and yes I do “feel” it’s more than a theme park – but in reality that’s all it is – a theme park!

I've seen this at theme parks but I've also seen this at every mall I've visited in America, every grocery store I've visited in America, every Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, etc.... can go on and on!! And to take it further - I've seen unruly children in the most upscale shopping areas in the states. So surely I'm not going to stereotype this shopping area (a very upscale mall in San Diego) because of the acts of visitors. I'm talking toddlers telling their mother to go to H. E. double hockey sticks. And the mother saying nothing. This is the mall with celebs and upscale locals walking around with Burberry dog purses/bags.

 

[zurgswife]

So someone who's never been in US or IOA "knows" what the clientèle is LOL. Did you ever consider the "gangs" you were around were there for the concert?

I did make an assumption that the people that were walking from the park area and walking around the shops and parking lot were the same people that might actually be in the parks. Maybe I made a mistake and the people in the restuarants and parking lots and shops are not the clinetele that are in the parks. My Bad.

I meant "gangs" as in large groups of teens and 20 somethings, very large 10-20 kids.

Believe me they were not the same groups that were in the concert area.

Universal/IOA is not for me. That doesn't mean it is not for someone else.

 

[zurgswife]

Gosh, those darn gangs. Well I hope you wore your bulletproof vest.

I didn't say I feared for my life I just felt overwhelmed by the large group of rowdy kids.

 

[zurgswife]

This kind of sounds like my parody post, which is a scary thing.

You didn't get out of the parking lot because you felt uncomfortable by the people you saw entering the parks, especially on the night of a concert?

I'm sorry, but did you actually think the were going to do something to you?

I just can't believe the narrowmindedness of some people......

Ok, I may get flamed for this, but geez! its like some people refuse to leave their little happy bubble.

UMMM>>>>where did I say I didn't get out of the parking lot. I never said I feared for my safety I just was overwhelmed. Talk about reading something into to a post that wasn't there.

Why because I felt over whelmed did not enjoy the large gang of kids milling around the citywalk area does that classify me as narrowminded.

I didn't enjoy it and feel it just isn't for me. I didn't slam anybody who enjoyes universal/IOA just stated my personal feeling.

I think your narrowminded for flaming my opinon. It was just that an opinion. Which you clearly read more into then was there.

 

[damo]

Actually, clientelle is one of the reasons we don't frequent Disney so much anymore. There are way too many little kids and strollers and babies. Parks that appeal so much to the little kids don't appeal so much to us so much now that our kids are in their late teens.

I don't see a problem with people not wanting to go to USF/IOA because the parks seem geared towards families with older kids and teenagers. Someday, their kids will want to go to Universal too and hopefully the parents will see past their fond memories of their kids as at Disney as little ones and let them move on to bigger and better things.

Just because there are teenagers hanging around, it doesn't mean that the parks are dangerous, though. That seems to be the impression that a few posters are giving off and it simply isn't true.

These posts remind me of the fear I felt after reading about Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. People of the Disboards warned against gangs, etc. etc. We encounted nothing of the sort and would have been really disappointed if we would have listened to these posts and stayed away. The park was an absolute joy and we've gone back and will continue to go back.

 

[Jason71]

Everytime I frequent CityWalk I see the gangbangers. Sipping $10 chocolate martinis at Red Coconut, singing along to Billy Joel songs at Pat O'Briens, sampling the roast duck with mango salsa at Emerils--it's epidemic, really.

In all seriousness, the ONLY time I have ever had a problem at CityWalk was the evening of "Rock the Universe" (the Christian rock event)--and I have easily been there over 100 times. So perhaps the "gangs" and freaky concert goers are kind of harmless after all.

BTW, go to PI after 11 p.m. on a weekend or HOB when a "goth" band is playing and you'll see much the same things CityWalk's detractors are describing. (Not that I have ever been hassled by anyone at PI or HOB, but since we are judging people based on looks now...)

 

[Metallicat]

I'm a 45 yr old woman who gos to US/IOA with my 24 yr old daughter. sometimes DH is there, most of the time he is not. we have been to the parks at least a hundred times. probably more. I'm also a small town person who is not used to being around or seeing gangs, thugs etc.. but in all the times I have been, I have never, ever had a problem with any guest or felt threatened or overwhelmed in any way shape or form in the parking deck, citywalk or the parks. except once time at HHN when I THOUGHT I felt somebody trying to open my back pack. that made me mad, but I still go back but leave the back pack at home. I feel every bit as safe at US as I do at WDW.

I don't know what makes a person APPEAR to be a gangbanger. is it a certain tattoo or something? does it even matter if they are not messing with anybody? you see all sorts of people there and I think its kinda neat. I mean if everybody looked and dressed alike, the world would be a boring place. wouldn't it?

teens/kids are gonna be loud. thats what they do. it doesn't make them bad people. just annoying. I wish I had had the chance to go somewhere like that with my friends when I was a kid. I kind of envy them.

 

[rejobako]

Metallicat -- great post. It'd be nice if more people had your attitude. A lot of people tend to fear people who are different from them just because they can't relate. They convince themselves that their fear is justified, so it becomes judgmental.

I'm with you. I'm a generation older than teenagers these days, and I confess that sometimes, when I'm around a lot of them at the same time, their natural enthusiasm can be, as you put it, annoying. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that part of the reason I'm annoyed is that I'm beyond being able to revel in such youthful naivete.

 

[JLTraveling]

Okay people.... let's take this off on a little bit of a tangent. Take Universal vs. Disney out of the equation for a minute. Do any of you "scared of the 'thugs', don't approve of the 'clientele', overwhelmed by the 'gangs' of teens, can't believe they were 'tailgating in the parking garage'" people EVER vacation anywhere that's not a theme park? I'm proud to say I've been all over NYC (even...gasp...Harlem), lived in the French Quarter of New Orleans (and walked home alone at 5 am after spending the evening partying with "gutter punks"), roamed Washington DC (even east of the Capitol before gentrification) with a mixed group of guys and girls that I met there at all hours of the night, partied my butt off at Carlos and Charlies in Cozumel, etc, etc, etc. I'm a white bread, prep school educated, college degree holding skinny white girl from central Florida. And I'm FINE. I've met amazing people from all over the globe, I've had more experiences in 29 years than most people have in a lifetime, I'm street smart and capable and independent. I have been in exactly two encounters in my life that I would consider questionable or potentially scary. Neither happened anywhere near a theme park. One was in New Orleans during the Bayou Classic football game, when I was jumped late at night by a couple of guys. What happened? Nothing really. They were drunk, I wasn't, a couple of swift kicks from my steel toed boots and I was out of there without a problem. The other was in Atlanta on New Year's Eve. I was inside Underground, and the peach drop was outside in the courtyard. There was a bit of a stampede, owing to too few, too small doors to the outside. I stepped back and let everyone else run over each other trying to get out, then followed behind them and got outside in plenty of time to see the drop. Oh yeah, I also saw a purse snatching that night. Big friggin deal. All the traveling I've done, all the hanging out in "unsafe areas" with "unsavory people", and I've been part of two very minor incidents. Grow up people!! It's called life. Learn to look around, keep your wits about you, and don't do stupid tourist things like leaving your purse somewhere that you aren't or pulling out a wad of 100 dollar bills. And you'll be FINE anywhere. But "thugs" at the parks? Geez, I wonder what rock these people live under.