Some Disappointment in US/IoA

[PlutoLuvr]

Thanks for sharing! We went to WDW/IOA/US a month ago and noticed a little of what you're talking about. I do think the group you're with has a large impact on how much you enjoy (or don't) a park. If you're arguing with each other and crying on the curb outside of Finnegan's, it's not surprising you'd be irritated wherever you are. I know I've been to the parks with family I love in the real world but didn't jibe well at theme parks, and it was not a positive experience (MGM in particular).

Hopefully you'll have a better experience with a smaller party.

We go to Orlando a few times a year and visit all the parks. I've come across lukewarm CMs and TMs. The nastiest customer service I've ever seen at a theme park was a bag-checker at Epcot a couple years ago. He was beyond rude. I also witnessed a CM cashier at the store outside of the Haunted Mansion go down -- like faint. Her boss wouldn't let her take a break, she was pasty white, covered in sweat, in very obvious distress. We witnessed all of it. A minute later, she was on the floor. This was a couple years ago at Christmastime. It's no secret how Disney treats its employees, so I guess I'm just not shocked when a CM isn't all full of "pixie dust."

I'm with you 100 percent on why we need lockers at MIB, as well as the cheeseburgers at Margaritaville. I'm a parrot head and a drinker, but I've never had a good meal there. Whatcha need to do next time is go to O'Brians, get a hurricane and a burger in the back patio (the burgers there are much better than Margaritaville's). When you're finishing off your last bite of your burger, order another hurricane. Drink about a third of the second hurricane and ask for a to-go cup. Take that tasty beverage over to the beach chairs outside of Margaritaville, sit back and enjoy the people watching and tunes.

 

[phamton]

Butterbeer is horrid! Not a single person in my group of 7 could choke down more than a sip.

If you like Cream Soda then you will love Butterbeer.

However, Pumpkin Juice made butterbeer seem like ambrosia. VILE stuff. Everyone in my group spit it out the second they took a swig.

It tastes like spiced apple cider to me.

Line wait times were GROSSLY underestimated. Waits were routinely double-triple what was posted. Should've bought express passes.

I haven't experienced that but I am sure it happens.

This business of having to put your stuff in a locker is nonsense. Disney manages without mandatory lockers, so what makes USO so special? It was a total time-suck.

Disney should have you use lockers on Space Mountain as there have been numerous reports on Theme Park Insider about people being hurt by flying objects (usually cameras). As far as MIB, they used to let you put the stuff in a mesh holder inside the car while you rode but after multiple incidents where things have fallen on the tracks and messed up the ride, they stopped that. One day several years ago, I was there to ride MIB and the ride was down for the entire day because a towel got caught in the track and totally messed up the track and destroyed the wheel mechanism on a car. My guess is that towel probably cost the company several thousand dollars.

We ate at Finnegan's. A great big meh.

Finnegan's isn't my favorite but they do have some amazing soup and salad.

We were constantly...CONSTANTLY harassed by those morons from some tv survey something-or-other to waste my vacation watching and rating some tv pilot. Apparently "NO" once wasn't good enough. I had to say it a dozen times...to each one of the team we came across.

If you do participate you get paid. My family and I used to collect money on surveys. Most pay around $10 per person.

There was also some guy in the parking garage trying to sell us on something too. Obnoxious.

Yeah, I hate those guys too. They are offering the Universal Amex card. You can get free things if you are approved such as express passes or discounts on tickets, food, and merchandise and a free Universal Studios backpack.

We paid for preferred parking but were still forever away from the park. The parking situation there is kind of stupid.

This has been mentioned several times on this board. Preferred parking is a waste of money unless you hate escalators or elevators. For a few bucks more, you can do valet parking which is totally worth it.



I'm sorry that you had issues with your traveling companions. Next time, give a holler to one of us. We'll meet you there and make sure you get the most out of your visit.

 

[damo]

I see....well I don't recall seeing any restrictions size-wise at Six Flags or Carowinds (since my super-sized cousin was able to ride everything there without a problem but would never fit at FJ). nor do any of them force you to put your stuff in a locker.

We had to use a locker at MiB. How exactly is that ride too intense to keep my purse on across my body?

I understand your desire to defend USO, just as I usually defend WDW from criticism. You and I happen to disagree and that's cool. The POSITIVE out of the things I found disappointing is that I'll know what to expect next time. Certainly nothing I found made me want to never go back.

While I'm at it, I should make mention that the cheeseburger at Margaritaville was unimpressive too. But I'm glad I at least got to try it.

Many rides at amusement parks let you leave your stuff on the deck at your own risk. That works if you get off the ride at the same place that you got on. That isn't the case with some of the Universal rides. They have a different entrance and exit to increase ride capacity.

 

[TDC Nala]

I went to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and they will let you take NOTHING loose onto the rides. They were worried about my passport pouch. They didn't want me to take it on the rides, but I would have had to take my shirt off to remove it, so they let me keep it but I could have only the passport in it, nothing else. And most of those rides are not even as wild as WDW's. They have some pretty neat storage spaces at some of them too. No technology involved but they're kept reasonably secure.

 

[Owlpost23]

Sounds like family issues colored your experiences! Sorry to hear that.We came back last week,and had an absolutely amazing time.Loved frozen butterbeer,TMs were terrific,weren't bothered by ANY salespeople,ate at Finnegan's twice.US/IOA isn't Disney-and hurrah for that! The three of us would be walking along, and comment "do you hear that?"-no meltdowns by little children!!!".Love Love Love US/IOA!!!

 

[Jennasis]

Disney should have you use lockers on Space Mountain as there have been numerous reports on Theme Park Insider about people being hurt by flying objects (usually cameras).

I agree! I thought I was going to come flying out of Space Mountain at a few points.





If you do participate you get paid. My family and I used to collect money on surveys. Most pay around $10 per person.

We were offered $15 per person. Still not worth the time away from my vacation.


This has been mentioned several times on this board. Preferred parking is a waste of money unless you hate escalators or elevators. For a few bucks more, you can do valet parking which is totally worth it.

Next time I will totally do valet!



I'm sorry that you had issues with your traveling companions. Next time, give a holler to one of us. We'll meet you there and make sure you get the most out of your visit.

It's a date!!

see bolded.

Sounds like family issues colored your experiences! Sorry to hear that.We came back last week,and had an absolutely amazing time.Loved frozen butterbeer,TMs were terrific,weren't bothered by ANY salespeople,ate at Finnegan's twice.US/IOA isn't Disney-and hurrah for that! The three of us would be walking along, and comment "do you hear that?"-no meltdowns by little children!!!".Love Love Love US/IOA!!!

No...just overwhelmed adults! I think I actually scared the little boy I crumpled next to on the sidewalk.

 

[Metro West]

I'm sorry that you had issues with your traveling companions. Next time, give a holler to one of us. We'll meet you there and make sure you get the most out of your visit.

You can count me in too...as long as my work schedule permits.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

2. The reason Universal has a no carry on rule is there is too much risk of someone getting hurt either riding or observing. It's also to cover Universal in case that would happen. Disney doesn't have the type of rides that require lockers at Universal and frankly...I'm surprised Disney hasn't had an incident where someone got hurt by something flying off of a rider. I would be thrilled if Disney required lockers for some of their more exciting rides but until someone is hurt, that won't happen. Hopefully that won't happen.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/walt_disney_world's_magic_kingdom/accidents/

 

[Metro West]

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/walt_disney_world's_magic_kingdom/accidents/

Thanks Darkie...I was talking about accidents from flying projectiles mainly but that's a good list though.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I see....well I don't recall seeing any restrictions size-wise at Six Flags or Carowinds (since my super-sized cousin was able to ride everything there without a problem but would never fit at FJ). nor do any of them force you to put your stuff in a locker.

We had to use a locker at MiB. How exactly is that ride too intense to keep my purse on across my body?

I understand your desire to defend USO, just as I usually defend WDW from criticism. You and I happen to disagree and that's cool. The POSITIVE out of the things I found disappointing is that I'll know what to expect next time. Certainly nothing I found made me want to never go back.

While I'm at it, I should make mention that the cheeseburger at Margaritaville was unimpressive too. But I'm glad I at least got to try it.

MIB use to allow bags on the rides, but they saw how the guest had to take extra time to store it or hang it. MIB tries to load you in fast & get you going.. they removed the bags I want to say to speed up the load time.. not that they will necessarily fall out.

 

[Planogirl]

Jennasis, I'm curious about something. Did your group try the frozen butterbeer or just the regular? The frozen is tons better IMO.

I was curious to see what Six Flags' policy on ride restrictions was. This is all I could find on their website:

RIDE RESTRICTIONS
Safety is our number-one priority. Guests with certain body proportions, or of certain heights and/or weights, may not be able to enjoy certain rides if the safety restraints will not operate as designed. Specific ride information is available at the ride and at Guest Relations. For your convenience, a one-time height check is available at Guest Relations so our smaller guests don't have to be re-measured at each attraction.

This seems really vague to me.

I had to laugh at your comment about defending Universal like you would WDW. I usually defend both and it's tiring!

 

[damo]

Jennasis, I'm curious about something. Did your group try the frozen butterbeer or just the regular? The frozen is tons better IMO.

I was curious to see what Six Flags' policy on ride restrictions was. This is all I could find on their website:


This seems really vague to me.

I had to laugh at your comment about defending Universal like you would WDW. I usually defend both and it's tiring!

If you google "too heavy at six flags", many pages of discussion boards come up with people's complaints of being too large on rides around the country. Being too heavy to ride is not just a USF issue.

 

[MangoChef]

FJ has modified seats now for 'LARGE' people and I believe Dragon Challenge does to so I don't understand what you saw, maybe they were moved to safer seats for their size as safety is paramount at these rides.

When was this? I was there last Wed. and I was to large for FJ. And was told "sorry, but you can't ride" The TM was very nice and took my 8 year old to the front of the line. But I was very disappointed. I fit in every ride at Disney including Space Mountain and Barnstormer, so I wrongly guessed that a brand new ride would fit me.

 

[damo]

When was this? I was there last Wed. and I was to large for FJ. And was told "sorry, but you can't ride" The TM was very nice and took my 8 year old to the front of the line. But I was very disappointed. I fit in every ride at Disney including Space Mountain and Barnstormer, so I wrongly guessed that a brand new ride would fit me.

That must be a brave 8 year old you have!!! Had you been waiting long before they told you that you couldn't ride?

 

[Brit_Jude]

When was this? I was there last Wed. and I was to large for FJ. And was told "sorry, but you can't ride" The TM was very nice and took my 8 year old to the front of the line. But I was very disappointed. I fit in every ride at Disney including Space Mountain and Barnstormer, so I wrongly guessed that a brand new ride would fit me.

Here is the info - there was a thread on here too but I can't find it.

http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog...ney-ride-seats-modified-to-fit-larger-guests/

Edit - found the threads:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2571151&highlight=seats
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2553333&highlight=seats

 

[brenalexacamp]

We just got back- my boys LOVED it- they are older- 20 and 17 but my 17 year old has down syndrome. No one takes care of him like Disney does! The GAC pass at Disney- LOVE it- When we go up to a ride at least my child "knows" he is getting on the ride- at Universal if the time is more than 30 minutes they give you a time to come back- try walking up to the attraction and the kid is pumped only to have to turn around and try to explain we have to come back. It happened on a few attractions- He loves his Disney magic but he also loved the Hulk, Mummy, Dueling Dragons- I found Disney to be more wheelchair friendly too- the turns on Harry Potter are tight! Loved the Beetlejuice show- asked the cast members where to sit (he LOVES Beetlejuice) they sat him near he stairs where he comes down- and the cast member at Fiona and Donkey! OMG- she was awesome- she came over to him and discovered he was nonverbal- she said she would be his "date" to meet Donkey- my fears someone would ask a question and he couldn't answer with all those people looking- I would have cried! He enjoyed it!

 

[Jennasis]

Jennasis, I'm curious about something. Did your group try the frozen butterbeer or just the regular? The frozen is tons better IMO.

I was curious to see what Six Flags' policy on ride restrictions was. This is all I could find on their website:


This seems really vague to me.

I had to laugh at your comment about defending Universal like you would WDW. I usually defend both and it's tiring!

I don't remember, but I know they got it from the cart outside, right next to FJ. I THINK it wasn't frozen. Freezing nasty flavor wouldn't have made it better. I don't enjoy cream soda, and I didn't enjoy the butterbeer.

 

[MangoChef]

That must be a brave 8 year old you have!!! Had you been waiting long before they told you that you couldn't ride?

We had got there early and we did not have any bags so the wait was only about 30 min. My daughter is a big HP fan and had read all 7 books. There was nothing that was keeping her off that ride.

 

[damo]

We had got there early and we did not have any bags so the wait was only about 30 min. My daughter is a big HP fan and had read all 7 books. There was nothing that was keeping her off that ride.

It's a real shame that you couldn't ride. We'd been hoping that most people could ride with the modified seats. Did you not get a red light outside or did you skip the outside test seats? It would be helpful if you could post over in the "who fits" thread, to help others wondering if they will fit in the ride.

 

[JenM]

I was curious to see what Six Flags' policy on ride restrictions was. This is all I could find on their website:

Last time I was at Six Flags (Great Adventure) I saw a woman get booted from Nitro because she didn't fit in the seat.

And when I was at IoA last month I did see someone get turned away at FJ. He was too big for the modified seat.

I hate the locker restrictions at Universal (because my friend's stuff was stolen from a locker when I was there in 2005), but I can understand why it's necessary on certain attractions like FJ and the Hulk. They are wilder than anything at Disney.

I had 3 frozen Butterbeers. Loved it. Also loved the pumpkin juice.

I was really turned off by Universal after the aforementioned stolen bag incident a few years ago...but I had a great time on this trip. Staying on property was fantastic, WWoHP was great. I love WDW, but I had just as much fun at Universal this time around too.