Pigeons in Richters 'restaurant'

[kazzie]

I don't know if anyone alse has noticed the pigeons in Richters restaurant?

I really liked it in there and made a point of going there each trip but last October went in and very much regretted it also remebered the same thing happened the year before and I vowed not to go in there again.....andd forgot!

I have quite a phobia about pigeons anyway(and there are many in London ) since I saw the Film the Birds as a child.Apart from that I see them as vermin and they make me feel sick.In Richters they are flying about in the actual restaurant ( the roof must be open I think?) They are also many sitting along the girders IN the restaurant above the help-yourself salad section ( that is the raeson I liked this place so much)

How unhygenic is that.

How can Universal allow this to happen?Should I have complained? Am I the only person that has seen this and that it sickens?

 

[dogg2727]

Personally if you complianed, I really don't think they would care because I eat there all the time and love it. They would probably just say if you don't like it, go to another restaurant. The burgers they have there are common to the theme parks so they could easily just say go to another one of the restaurants. As for the pigeons, I can't see how the employee's would be cleaning the park up and then worry about getting the birds out, I think they think the birds gives the restaurant a little something extra. I think you should try to get over that fear of the pigeons because remember, they are scared of you and you have the upper hand. Just walk up to one and they scurry away. They really are harmless. Maybe I am wrong because I don't know what it feels like to have this phobia. I can tell you I have had other phobia's that I have eventually overcome!

 

[Darwineffect]

I have been going to the studios for a long time now and that is one of my favorite restaurants in the park. The pigeons have been there for some time and if you just ignore them it really isn't a problem. They are not in the food or anywhere too near it so it isn't really a health concern. They are just as close to you as they would be if you sat at an outside table at any theme park restaurant.

 

[dogg2727]

you know last time I went up, We were sitting INSIDE at the table in ricter burger and out of no where, and dragonflies wing flew into my drink. Now that is some freaky s***.

 

[rocketman23]

Budget Cuts + Pigeon Problem = Delicious New "Alternative Burgers"

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

LOL rocketman!!!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

They want your leftovers, but won't attack you for it. I am sorry you have this fear, but hopefully it won't ruin your whole Universal experience.

 

[dogg2727]

Yeah this really isn't a joking matter. If everyone laughed and poked fun of people with phobia's or problem's, I would rather kill myself then live in a ****ty world like that. People do have feelings inside. The problem with the pigeons maybe can be overcome. If you just don't look at them, then they aren't there. Yeah that is easier said then done. This isn't like if you don't see the robber pointing a gun at your head, then he is not there. THe pigeons are actually friendly and don't want to bother you at all. I feed them bread there and watch them all gather around me. Also I think it depends when you go there because they aren't there all the time. Whatever can get you back in that restaurant would make me happy because it is a nice place with good food.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Just to clear things up, I wasn't poking fn at the phobia. I have PLENTY of phobias where in NO WAY will I even TRY to overcome.

 

[DocBosch]

You should NEVER feed the birds. You say they wont attack or bother you, but when you feed these wild animals, they become dependent and eventually violent.

When they get used to regularly getting their food this way, they will begin to take liberties when people aren't as giving. They will jump on your table or take food out of your hand. They may not be this way now, but if people keep on feeding them, they eventually will be.


And dogg2727, I would've though you more then anybody would agree with this person's complaint. Just because she's afraid of birds she shouldn't be able to enjoy this particular restaurant? Is it fair that she has to skip this part of the park because of something she can't help. Don't you think Universal should make special accommodations so she can comfortably enjoy the entire park, despite what her situation may be?

I figured this would be your position, based on your other thread.

-Kevin

 

[dogg2727]

Wow now you are taking my thread and throwing it everywhere else. Stick to that thread about that topic. I am not talking about other spots. Plus why does Universal have to anything about it, the birds aren't always there. Why does she have to skip this area. There is nothing wrong with the area. Birds are everywhere. What should we exterminate them all.

 

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by dogg2727
Wow now you are taking my thread and throwing it everywhere else. Stick to that thread about that topic. I am not talking about other spots. Plus why does Universal have to anything about it, the birds aren't always there. Why does she have to skip this area. There is nothing wrong with the area. Birds are everywhere. What should we exterminate them all.

Are you a moderator now? Don't tell people what to do, unless you are, ok?

Now, birds ARE everywhere, but this is an indoor restaurant, and frankly, I don't think it's alot to ask to not have to dine with flying vermin when you are indoors. When you eat ouside, we all know that you run the risk of a seagull or other bird swooping down and taking your fries, but if you eat indoors, you really should be able to expect to not worry about such things. I know the topping bar has a glass cover, but it isn't all that appealing to have pigeons roosting over your toppings, either.

Now you're saying there is nothing wrong with the area and you're invalidating the OP's concern, because for them, there IS something wrong with the area, and you seemed so caring earlier in the thread. WTG.

And feeding the birds is just rude, you might enjoy having them gather around you, but the people nearby (and you're in a theme park, so I'm sure there are usually people nearby) probably don't appreciate you bringing your flock with you wherever you go.
Plus, it does tend to cause them to become more aggressive. I hope you don't take that approach with gators too!

Karen

 

[dogg2727]

What do you have against. You are trying to make me look like some kind of devil who wants everyone to burn. I am a nice guy.

First of all in my personal opinion I don't find anything wrong with the pigeons. I am sure other people do and I understand that. The restaurant is still crowded if you haven't noticed so by the looks of that, it can't be that bad. Secondly, the pigeons aren't camping out all the time. If Universal wants, sure get rid of the pigeons. Shoosh then out. They are pretty harmless. Just walk up to one, they will start running, not you. Yeah I feel bad for the people who don't like this atmosphere, but heck if I have to deal with not having bigger seats on the hulk, then let other people deal with this. Like you said, they have to accomodate to most of the people, so I guess I can't have my way with the hulk. Oh well life moves on. What do you want them to do with the pigeons. They shoosh them out and they come back, well so much for that idea. I don't know why they don't close the doors, but look around, all the doors are open. This is one of those things you can't help like the coaster, right?

Third, I am feeding the birds. so what. You are telling me you have never seen that done in your whole life. This isn't that obscure. Plus I am very considerate of others. God I talk quietly, turn off my electronics. I am very respectful for others. When I was feeding the birds (WHICH ONLY HAPPENED ONCE) I feed them where no one is around. Even after doing that, there was a father with his kids who came over with their own bread and started feeding. I didn't influence anything. They just did. This isn't as bad as you are making it out to be. I don't believe the pigeons are creating an army and going to invade ricter burger anytime soon. Actually when I fed the birds, it was at that animal cracker place and everyone wasn't eating because they were at the animal planet live.

 

[damo]

I think the birds get in the restaurant since the back is open to the water. Unless they want to close that off, I see no way to control the pigeons. Pigeons are scavengers birds and if there is food on the floor, like crumbs, they will come.

 

[DocBosch]

Originally posted by dogg2727
Yeah I feel bad for the people who don't like this atmosphere, but heck if I have to deal with not having bigger seats on the hulk, then let other people deal with this. Like you said, they have to accomodate to most of the people, so I guess I can't have my way with the hulk... This is one of those things you can't help like the coaster, right?

Exactly. This was the point I was trying to make.

Noticed, I never said I agreed with her complaint. In my opinion, this is an open air type restaurant. One of it's attractions, aside from all the post-earthquake decorations, is being able to sit inside while enjoying the natural elements. If people don't like that, there are other joints that wont be like that. She is free to complain to Universal, and things could change if there are enough unhappy people, but for now, this is just a restaurant she’ll have to skip.

I just found it odd that in one thread you say it's not fair for you to have to skip an attraction because of something you can't help, yet in this thread you said that she should skip this attraction because of something she can't help. It just seemed a little contradictory. Regardless of being different threads, I was just trying to understand your stance on this subject.

Third, I am feeding the birds. so what. You are telling me you have never seen that done in your whole life. This isn't that obscure.

Just because other people do it don't mean it's right. I'm not crucifying you for feeding the birds. I'm saying that feeding the birds, in general, when done by anybody, is bad.

When my 4 year old nieces were feeding the birds at Universal, I told them to stop. I didn't think it was right that because of their enjoyment now, somebody could get hurt in the future. I also didn't like the idea of coming back a year from now a having one of those birds possibly attack one of my nieces.

No, the birds aren't organizing a militia. There is no coalition between the pigeons and the seagulls to "liberate" Richter’s Burgers. But what you are forgetting is that these are wild animals. They may seem very friendly when your feeding them, but they're not really trying to be your friend. All they care about is getting the food, and once they start losing their innate fear of humans (thanks to all the non-threatening people feeding them) they will start to take more sever measures to get food.

This is not a theory of mine; this is something that happens. It may not be happening right now at Universal, but I’ve been to places where people can no longer sit outside without swarms of birds swooping down and stealing food from their plates.

Again, I'm not saying that you are the main cause of all this. If anything, your not accountable since you weren't informed. But this is something that people should not do.

-Kevin

 

[dogg2727]

Yeah I see what you are saying about feeding the birds. Eh, never really thought about it like that. Secondly, she could go in. First off the birds aren't always inside, whereas the hulk seat is not changing. Secondly, this is a phobia rather than a seat adjustment. She could get over it, whereas I can't get them to change the seats.

 

[MsDisney]

This is not a theory of mine; this is something that happens. It may not be happening right now at Universal, but I’ve been to places where people can no longer sit outside without swarms of birds swooping down and stealing food from their plates.

You haven't lived till you've had a giant seagull swoop down at your 2 year old child in his stroller and rip his churro right out of his hands!!!

And has anybody tried to feed the gators at SeaWorld or the seals at Seaworld? Darn birds don't give them a chance!!!


I guess I never thought of Richters as an open-aired place...I don't go in there enough, so I may have been off on that point, you feel like you're going inside, so I guess I can still see how it might not be expected to have to dine alongside the wildlife. I think part of the draw that was mentioned was the topping bar, since I very rarely eat at Universal Studios, can anyone tell me (us) where there might be another place that has a topping bar for your burgers...or that has fairly decent burgers and chicken sandwiches, for that matter. (esp. with a topping bar)?

Didn't you say, Dogg, that you can go on the coasters, but that they are just not comfortable for you? I am getting confused. The OP can certainly choose to go or not go to Richters and if she goes, and the pigeons are there, she's going to be uncomfortable...just in a different way. Mentally uncomfortable can be just as bad as physically.

Karen

 

[pnelson]

Yes, she could get over her phobia and then enjoy the restaurant. You could also lose weight and then you could enjoy the roller coaster. I think telling her to "get over it" is just about as sensitive as someone (me, in this case) telling you to lose weight. Her phobia is her responsbility and despite your claims, your weight is yours.

I don't see the difference. Universal can not be responsible for everyones phobias, and they can't be responsible for everyones size. It's not about what's "fair" its about running a business for profit. There are many other places to eat and there are many other rides to ride.

 

[dogg2727]

Yeah but what you failed to mention is that she can go to another restaurant and order the same meal. Just a different location. I can go on different rides, but they are still not roller coasters. Yes I can technically go on it. I can only go on it once because the seat is so tight, my legs bruise once I get off. That is why I am saying why can't they make the seats a little bigger. or if anything, makes the sides like stretchable, then everyone could have a grand old time on it.

 

[kazzie]

Hi,

I'm just back form a 5 day break to Universal Medierranea in Spain.Stayed onsite in Hotel Port Aventura it was fantastic as was the theme park and water park.I saw a group of American teenagers and would have liked to ask them if they were enjoying it there and what they thought of the park,but they might have thought I was barmy,so I didn't!

I looked to see if anyone answered the thread I started but hadn't checked as I went away.Wow! Sorry did not mean to make people argue

Apart from the fact I have a bird phobia,I still maintain it is disgusting and unhygienic to have birds near the food.In the UK pigeons are considered vermin like say rats.Are they considered differently in the US? I don't mean that sarcastically I genuinly mean are they considerd as birds and not vermin? In which case I can see why they are considered as 'part' of the restaurants atmosphere.

What I couln't understand was why they were left in the restauarnt I now understand why they are and will eat somehere else accordingly!