Really Really Angry

[damo]

Well we aren't sure how they are treating us yet but during the Simpsons they had an event for passholders and this is even bigger so I would hope they would do the same for this.

Well hopefully it lasts for 3 weeks like this package deal does --- considering they told passholders not to book the package just the accomodations for the same benefits.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Well hopefully it lasts for 3 weeks like this package deal does --- considering they told passholders not to book the package just the accomodations for the same benefits.

idk who was told that personally because I got nothing in writing from Universal saying I would get this if I booked w/o package. I will say though its not like the package is that impressive...its a special ticket and breakfast at a place that will be open to public anyway.

In the end I don't think its that big of deal. This will bring in money whether they make some ppl angry or not. When I looked at the package I never got the impression that the new ride would be open and as far as I know it never made that impression to anyone.

Its a shame the circumstance the OP and others are in but I don't think I fault Universal for anything on this one.

 

[Lewisc]

Well hopefully it lasts for 3 weeks like this package deal does --- considering they told passholders not to book the package just the accomodations for the same benefits.

The package includes a breakfast at Three Broomsticks, a commemorative ticket and early admission to the park. Are you suggesting a Universal employee told you AP holder would get those benefits.?

Unfortunately phone representatives sometimes give out wrong information. Instead of saying they don't know they try to be helpful.

Do you have anything in writing that says AP holders will be able to enter HP prior to 6/18? The vacation package language made it clear the opening date for HP was to be determined.

That said I don't see Universal opening the gift shops and restaurant just for the people who booked a HP vacation package. Sounds like a soft opening for the HP vacation people and others.

I agree with the PP. Some kind of AP party is possible (if not likely).

edited to add I understand some posters are disappointed. Did anyone really think Universal gave inside information to a small group of telephone representatives? Told that select group of employees to share the information with selected callers? That kind of information is about as accurate as the Disney bus drivers with the plans for monorail expansion. That information is about the same as an internet rumor.

People who make vacation plans based on rumors should be prepared to be disappointed.

 

[glocon]

Okay- I thought that even though the Grand Opening is June 18, that the WWoHP would be open before that like many other new rides before. Opening does not mean Grand Opening-right?

 

[wijkowski]

Universal has a PR issue on their hands as of today.

Not letting AP holders take part in the 5/28-6/18 time frame allowed for "Harry Potter Package" holders is frankly insulting to the AP holders, especially holders that have booked hotels/transportation assuming they would be allowed access from 5/28 on. I am not an AP holder.

In addition, stating Spring 2010 as an opening date for months and now confirming a June 18th grand opening is borderline deceitful. Technically, the opening is two days before summer (summer officially starting at 7:23 on June 21), but it still seems shifty.

My wife and I were die hard Universal fans from 1999-2004, but have since stayed away from Universal since 2004 due to several issues related to Universal. We booked our vacation for the last two weeks of May hoping Harry Potter would be open and hoping the issues we have with Universal have been addressed. Sure, we understood Spring ends June 20th, but come on.

Universal's attendance has declined. I am sure Harry potter will not only stop that decline, it will drive a significant boost in Universal's attendance. For us however, this announcement justifies our opinion of Universal Orlando and we will continue to leave Universal Orlando out of our yearly vacation plans.

Ron

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Okay- I thought that even though the Grand Opening is June 18, that the WWoHP would be open before that like many other new rides before. Opening does not mean Grand Opening-right?

It means Grand Opening in the sense that there will most likely be tons of press and tons of ppl there and stuff like that. It doesn't necessarily mean that it won't be running before that.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Universal has a PR issue on their hands as of today.

Not letting AP holders take part in the 5/28-6/18 time frame allowed for "Harry Potter Package" holders is frankly insulting to the AP holders, especially holders that have booked hotels/transportation assuming they would be allowed access from 5/28 on. I am not an AP holder.

In addition, stating Spring 2010 as an opening date for months and now confirming a June 18th grand opening is borderline deceitful. Technically, the opening is two days before summer (summer officially starting at 7:23 on June 21), but it still seems shifty.

My wife and I were die hard Universal fans from 1999-2004, but have since stayed away from Universal since 2004 due to several issues related to Universal. We booked our vacation for the last two weeks of May hoping Harry Potter would be open and hoping the issues we have with Universal have been addressed. Sure, we understood Spring ends June 20th, but come on.

Universal's attendance has declined. I am sure Harry potter will not only stop that decline, it will drive a significant boost in Universal's attendance. For us however, this announcement justifies our opinion of Universal Orlando and we will continue to leave Universal Orlando out of our yearly vacation plans.

Ron

Other then their newest coaster disappointment and lack of AP holders event I have few negative things to say about Universal and never understood the negativity towards them from some ppl.

I don't understand how this is a disappointing announcement...They announced the date 3 months ahead of time giving ppl the opportunity to make travel plans or change any dates they may have previously had. This is more then I can say for the last coaster that just randomly started running someday.

I actually am fairly satisfied with their timeframe they have announced and its still in Spring like they promised and are having cool vacation packages for those interested in an added bonus experience.

 

[glocon]

I am hoping and praying that we will be able to see FJ in early June. I think I too will e-mail my thoughts to Universal. It is expensive to take a Universal trip any time, much less in these troubled times- and the disappointment of not being able to experience the whole WWoHP when it is the main reason many of us are going then is extreme. Universal should really let those of us that did not book the HP package, or buy APs let us know exactly what we can expect, so that we may change our travel plans if possible. The sooner the better.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

We booked our Universal holiday last year,we streched ourselves by upgrading to club level.When I saw the HP package i called and they said it would be an extra £150 to upgrade agian, it just wasnt possible.Now i feel really dissapointed,all the way from England and we might miss itWe are there May 30th-June 4th.I am feeling a little hard done by at the moment.I know we might get soft openings but,still,its all very frustrating.

 

[damo]

So now Universal is telling people that as long as you booked onsite during that time frame, you will get into the area. That is what they originally told people.

 

[phamton]

It sounds like Universal has some question if HP will be fully operational by 5/28. Makes sense to first accommodate guests who purchased a HP vacation package.

I agree with this. I am absolutely sure that they will do something special for passholders. As I mentioned in another thread, IMO, I believe the first priority will be vacation packages and the next priority will be onsite guests. Possibly they need to assess the numbers who are booking the packages before deciding how much access that onsite guests (without the package) will get. That would include AP holders who are staying onsite.

I also think that AP holders will probably have some special gift and special time to view the park and rides at WWoHP which will be a different time than the onsite guests and vacation packages.

I think it is premature to be angry and assume that you would miss out simply because you didn't get a vacation package. It is just not guaranteed that you will get early admission without a package. I think it is probable that onsite guests will have some type of early admission.

 

[Metro West]

I agree with this. I am absolutely sure that they will do something special for passholders. As I mentioned in another thread, IMO, I believe the first priority will be vacation packages and the next priority will be onsite guests. Possibly they need to assess the numbers who are booking the packages before deciding how much access that onsite guests (without the package) will get. That would include AP holders who are staying onsite.

I also think that AP holders will probably have some special gift and special time to view the park and rides at WWoHP which will be a different time than the onsite guests and vacation packages.

I think it is premature to be angry and assume that you would miss out simply because you didn't get a vacation package. It is just not guaranteed that you will get early admission without a package. I think it is probable that onsite guests will have some type of early admission.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Universal has a PR issue on their hands as of today.

Not letting AP holders take part in the 5/28-6/18 time frame allowed for "Harry Potter Package" holders is frankly insulting to the AP holders, especially holders that have booked hotels/transportation assuming they would be allowed access from 5/28 on. I am not an AP holder.

In addition, stating Spring 2010 as an opening date for months and now confirming a June 18th grand opening is borderline deceitful. Technically, the opening is two days before summer (summer officially starting at 7:23 on June 21), but it still seems shifty.

My wife and I were die hard Universal fans from 1999-2004, but have since stayed away from Universal since 2004 due to several issues related to Universal. We booked our vacation for the last two weeks of May hoping Harry Potter would be open and hoping the issues we have with Universal have been addressed. Sure, we understood Spring ends June 20th, but come on.

Universal's attendance has declined. I am sure Harry potter will not only stop that decline, it will drive a significant boost in Universal's attendance. For us however, this announcement justifies our opinion of Universal Orlando and we will continue to leave Universal Orlando out of our yearly vacation plans.

Ron

You booked your vacation without Universal having confirmed the grand opening date, as did I. And you're mad at Universal because...?

Plus, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought letting only package holders inside the WWOHP was as ridiculous as it sounded. Which is why I would wait more than a few hours before even having any opinion on some information from the, sadly, usually less-than-informed telephone reservationists on the first day of the announcement.

Have a little patience, Ron, and maybe you too can enjoy the WWOHP one day.

 

[damo]

See I don't think it is right to only accommodate guests who purchased the package. I think it is right to accommodate the people who have supported the parks throughout the year...the annual pass holders. Hopefully they just don't have a one or two night party that most people won't be able to attend like they usually do. I think if they are making the area available to package holders for three weeks, it should also be available for passholders.

Just to clarify, I have nothing booked during this time so have no stake in this argument. I just think that would be the proper thing to do.

 

[LJF]

Damo- Can you tell me more about your 4:50 post? Is this what they're now advising?

 

[damo]

Damo- Can you tell me more about your 4:50 post? Is this what they're now advising?

Some people are being told if you booked your onsite before today, you will get access.

Some people are being told all onsite will get access.

Who knows.

Time will tell.

 

[illini2002]

So now Universal is telling people that as long as you booked onsite during that time frame, you will get into the area. That is what they originally told people.

Where did you hear this? I called Guest Services this afternoon and I was told that since we didn't buy the package we won't get to see WWoHP, but because we are staying at the RPR we will be let into the park 30 minutes early to ride the Hulk and Spiderman. What a consolation

 

[dizcrazee]

That's what I was told too, illini. It sounds like maybe the reservationists are giving out inconsistent information.

 

[wijkowski]

You booked your vacation without Universal having confirmed the grand opening date, as did I. And you're mad at Universal because...?

Plus, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought letting only package holders inside the WWOHP was as ridiculous as it sounded. Which is why I would wait more than a few hours before even having any opinion on some information from the, sadly, usually less-than-informed telephone reservationists on the first day of the announcement.

Have a little patience, Ron, and maybe you too can enjoy the WWOHP one day.

Oh, I am not mad. I never get mad, life is way to short to eat yourself up being mad.

I booked my vacation as late as I could to possibly enjoy Harry Potter (with the Spring 2010 advertising in mind) and in no way will the June 18th opening detract my wife and I from our vacation. Universal will not be part of this vacation as we had hoped.

My post is an opinion and I was very clear "Universal has a PR issue on their hands as of TODAY" (today being the key word). I do stick by my statement that the "Spring 2010" advertising is borderline deceitful.

Ron

 

[damo]

Sounds like they received calls from a lot of angry people and are now changing their tune.

If they are going to have it open for softs anyways, why tick off so many people by not letting them in when you told them before they could get in?