Policy changes for FOTL for hotel guests!!??

[zaxmom]

Well, I don't like that they changed things after I bought season passes and booked my room, but I don't think it is all that bad. We are not ones to ride things over and over, we pretty much go around the park and then hit things we want to do again afterwards. Thank goodness this does not apply to Unicorn and Woody, though, my kids want to do it 3 times in a row every time. It should not affect the baby swap as long as you are actually doing it and not just sending them in the Express Line while you wait outside. They let the children re-ride with the parents because they realize that is the main reason they bring the kids here, to watch them enjoy it. They are probably going to swipe the cards at the entrance to the line. I still think it is a major perk to guests staying on site. I do agree we should voice our displeasure over this so that they do not continue to make changes, especially after people are paying.

 

[rlduvall]

I actually understand why they are doing this. BUT, they should have given a warning that the new policy would begin January 1st or something. Not so immediate. We were going to go July 31st for 4 nights, but I couldn't get good airfare and I cancelled. I would never go to a themepark in summer, except with FOTL. Maybe the rooms will go down in price because there won't be quite as high of a demand. Seriously though, I still intend to stay on-site. The resorts are beautiful, convenient and once a day and then after three for unlimited rides is still not too bad.

 

[FloridaMom]

One of the main reasons that I am so upset is because I have a two year old, who obviously does not ride everything. He loved the Cat in the Hat ride last time, and we kept going back just because it was really the only ride he enjoyed. And my four year old loved to ride Spider man. We went on it at least three times in a row with her. Basically my husband is the one who goes on the Rollercoasters, I don't like to ride those. (I love the Mummy... I am the one who wants to ride that one many times over. ) So, we go to these parks for the kids, and there are a limited amount of rides that they can go on....

Yes, we can still ride as many times after 3 pm, but resort guests have paid for this privilege for the whole day. There are a lot of ways around this change, we can get the express ticket on the ride early in the day, and use it for an extra ride in the morning, we can buy a booklet, etc. But the whole point of staying onsite is the FOTL all day access...
Without that a lot of people would choose to stay offsite.

Does anyone know if the Popeye Barge ride is included in this policy? That is the one we love to go over and over on our "wet" park day....

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by IOAFreak13

If you see anyone under the age of 13 post at IOACentral, please let me know, as it is a requirement you be atleast 13.

Oops, maybe I was wrong about the 11 year old. Possibly he is a 13 year old who acts like an 11 year old.

Originally posted by IOAFreak13

As for the topic at hand, it has been deleted.

Thanks.

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by palmbeachguy
If this stays the same, I will stay at Disney. My friend and I go twice a month and stay usually at the Portofino Bay. Well Disney can take my money then, if Universal doesn't want it. I will get FOTL all day during my trip. Trust me!

Stay at WDW, pay more for a room and wait in long lines all day and night! Great plan!!
I'll still take the after 3 thing, works for me.

 

[h20jag]

I think alot of us expected on-site Express limitations one day. Sad that the day has come, but it probably needed to happen ASAP (sounds crowded down there now!).
Don't expect it to be much longer before Universal is closing their gates mid-day when 50K people are showing up daily!

Still our favorite getaway at UO, staying on-site is so much more for us than just Express.

 

[Antonia]

Hey, I'm going for 5 nights and can't wait!

I just went to WDW in June and while I love WDW, I did not love standing in those long lines in the heat.

I'll be happy to stroll into the parks after sleeping in and ride several different rides with FOTL. Then we'll take a break for lunch and hanging out by the pool. After three we'll be happy to return to the parks and use unlimited FOTL.

I really don't see the big deal. Universal, here we come and happy to be there!

 

[gschmerl]

Here's the response I got from Guest Services:
Thank you for visiting Universal Orlando Online.

"We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with us. As
our guest, your comments are very important.

There are only five attractions at each park which will be restricted
before 3pm: Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Men In Black, Back to the Future,E.T,
Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure,
Dudley
DoRight's Ripsaw Falls, and The Cat In the Hat. Guests are certainly
not restricted from riding these attractions more than once before 3pm, you
may
do so by waiting in the regular queue line after you have used your
Express
Access once. All programs, promotions and prices are subject to change
without notice as stated on our website and advertisements. Please be
assured that your comments will be shared with proper management for
their
review.

Once again, thank you for sharing your remarks.

Please keep watching us here at www.universalorlando.com, as we will
have
many exciting and new developments in the next few months.

Best Regards,

Darlene
Guest Services

 

[cboudre1]

We went to US only because of FOTL. I really wanted to spend the entire trip at WDW. I knew the lines would be long there so I ended up agreeing to split the vacation. I am glad we did because We really enjoyed FOTL last week. We had not been to US in 10 years. We only used it to reride Mummy and MIB (and MIB was after 3pm.) Because we hadn't been in so long we wanted to make sure we got on everything at least once so we didn't reride in the beginning. If you haven't been before or if it has been a long time the no reriding before 3 pm probably won't be a problem. It would effect a repeat visit for us a little. I worry that more will be eliminated from the program in the future.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I was a little upset about this change yesterday, but after reading other posts from people like Barry who provided alternate plans, I can honestly say that I am fine w/it now. Especially after I realized that it didn't affect Popeye. That is my DH fave ride. We rode that 5 times in a row for him last time! Anyway, I had forgotten about the shows. If we ride all of the things that are not limited by this new change, then eat lunch, watch shows, take a nap, whatever...then it will be after 3 in no time!
I was thinking about staying offsite if this policy didn't change by the time we go, but now I am thrilled about staying onsite! I now realize this won't affect our plans in any way. I just hope they do not make any more serious changes before our next trip. Or at least I hope they give everyone notice before they do it.

 

[FloridaMom]

I am so glad that Popeye is not included on that list, that is also my kids favorite ride at IOA. The last day of our stay in June, we went prepared to get wet, and rode that ride at least 10 times before the kids had enough. My dd(10) does not like Duddley Do Right, too intense for her, so she will be fine only staying at Popeye's.

 

[LIFERBABE]

But I have been an AP holder for 3 years. We visit every year. This is the first year that I was seriously considering not renewing because of the FOTL given to guests.

We went in early June and the lines were horrible! Shrek was 120 min. and then some. Jimmy Neutron the same. Dudley Do Right was so slow moving that we got out of that line.

US/IOA needs it's day guest to survive. Everyone cant stay onsite and not because they are too cheap but because demand exceeds supply. With unlimited FOTL, they were making 3500 guest room occupants very happy, at the expense of thousands of day guests, many who are AP holders and visited US when everyone else thought it had the plague. It wont hurt that they will sell more Express books either.

I love WDW, but I am also a very strong US/IOA supporter and tell everyone I meet how great it is. Their perks are great for AP holders too.

I didnt complain when I was there, but they needed to do
something for the other 99% of their guests who were not enjoying their experience at all.

Last year FOTL was not nearly as popular as it has become this year and I have never seen such long lines at US/IOA as I have this year.

I do understand about being upset about the policy change, but the restrictions are workable and were needed.

 

[Bob O]

Has the park said at all what they are going to do during slow periods of the year when the park is only open till 600pm????
If this policy stays the same at reduced hour periods of the year then FOTL is usleless and there is no reason at all to justify the expesne of staying on site at all, especially when i visit in early Dec. of this year!!!!

 

[BarryHom]

Well, upon further pondering, the restriction is up until 3 pm. During peak periods, the park stays open until around 10 or 11 pm, so you have about 7-8 hours to have fun. You can sleep in and have a nice lunch or swim at the resorts and then head over to the parks for a good time. Besides, after 3 or 4 pm (or whenever it rains), people usually start heading out of the parks. You'll probably encounter less people and less heat during the late afternoon.

And remember, like I said before, FOTL is not the only reason to stay at the resorts. They're nice places to stay at, FOTL or no. I like to check out the cute women at the pool, er, I mean, drink coffee by the water.

 

[BarryHom]

Originally posted by Bob O
Has the park said at all what they are going to do during slow periods of the year when the park is only open till 600pm????
If this policy stays the same at reduced hour periods of the year then FOTL is usleless and there is no reason at all to justify the expesne of staying on site at all, especially when i visit in early Dec. of this year!!!!

Well, the change was for the peak times. IMHO, I think Universal will look at how the change has affected things and make another decision. Personally, I think it will return to unlimited usage during slow periods, but you don't really need it during slow periods.

 

[cocowum]

I am not happy about this new policy. We just went down to USO for a quick trip and the reason we went to USO instead of Disney was FOTL. It was hot and crowded and we didn't want to wait in line so USO it was. We stayed at PBH and it was lovely but there is no way I would pay that much $$$$ without "unlimited" access to FOTL. When we were there last week we slept in and then headed on over to MIB which we rode over and over. Then we rode Jimmy Neutron about five times before we left. It was AWESOME!! we were there for three days and after the first day we just rode our favorites. I was thinking about another trip in Aug. for DD 10th birthday but if this rule is still in effect we will be going to Disney. If I have to wait in line I'd rather do it in WDW.

 

[d4est]

Originally posted by WebmasterBarry
Personally, I think it will return to unlimited usage during slow periods, but you don't really need it during slow periods.

Not to be a smarty pants, but what is the point of giving you something when you "really don't need it?"

I really do understand the purpose behind the change and if I were one of the poor souls waiting in regular lines for hrs in the summer heat, I would be a tad discouraged. Their timing just really stinks...as soon as I make my very first ressies for my very first trip!!

If they end up taking it away for good, I will just cry! No, really, I will....

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I would call this a Test. This policy is in effect for the peak season and depending on the results, may stay for peak seasons or may be discarded.

We shall see how things turn out...

 

[karmom]

Just my luck . . . We saved to stay on-site for the FOTL access, and 2DAYS before we leave I learn about the policy change:-(
Really not fair.
I called RPR today - they confirmed the change is in effect until further notice. I voiced my displeasure w/ a "supervisor" who said "Its really not that bad". Well, it is to my family when FOTL use was our main reason for staying on-site!

 

[Jiffy]

I'll never bother staying onsite anymore, if this comes to pass...I 'd only use FOTL before 11:00 AM...the only time of day I go on rides (due to seeing shows the rest of the day). UGH!!!

OOPS! This is Flyfly again!!!