Ugh...Cancel Universal?

[shellyminnie]

Yer kill'en me

I know, I know...I'll go most likely, but I'm still PO'ed!! Don't get me started on those kool-ade drinkers on the Universal Board next....Shelly!! I need you!!

What do you want me to do?? I don't know anything about kool-aid!

 

[Poohbug]

Cancel and go next year.

I will not set foot in US for at least a year-maybe more. But I hate crowds-the only thing I hate more than crowds in waiting in line. I just saw Nemo at AK this year because I wouldn't wait in the line before.

Do something else with your 11 year old this year and hold off on US until next year.


Yes, great quantities of cool-aide being consumed.

 

[Anjiebaby]

Hey Don
I hear you on the 11 year old boy. We are going on the podcast cruise and then DD and I are heading back to Disney for MVMCP and I had to book a night at Universal so DH and DS11 could go to Harry Potter. I spent half a day on the Dis and the Universal boards learning the ins & outs of Universal and FOTL and early entry and everything. I think it will be fine, they will just go straight to WWOHP on Friday AM and ride FJ and that will have to do. They will still have FOTL for all the other rides.

Is your 11 year old going on the PCC 2.0?

 

[dmccarty]

I hate to tell you this....

Our trips to WDW this century, I love saying that, are all about the kids...

Since your 11 year old wants to see HP, I am refusing to say the other acronym since it is NOT a WORLD, I would bite the bullet and take 'em. But not go back to Universal or limit my stays. The 11 year old will remember you saying you would take 'em and then not doing it. Its not fair to punish the child for the .... ups at Universal.

I would spend as little as possible at Universal and send mail to complain. And tell them you are limiting your stays in the future because of their actions.

Universal has just mucked HP up to no end. I really do no see someone could not have for seen the crowds and then to revoke the FOTL passes is just daft.

I am sure Pete called them morons, or worse, on The Missing Rant(TMR).

Later,
Dan

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

So after checking out the Universal Boards a little, I just realized Universal took away the FOTL access (one per day) from hotel guest on the HP package. They are claiming it was never offered. I understand they can take it away (fine print of making changes) but to lie and say it was never offered? It WAS in the package details and they did not even let us know they took it away from us. I'm THIS close to canceling my trip trip to universal. My 11yo really really wants to go or I would have canceled already.

I'm confused... all of the initial DIS podcasts said that FOTL would not initially be offered at WWoHP.

I double checked the press release from February and FOTL was not offered for FJ - just early entry ... the press release read:

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks – along with a wide-range of benefits available only by booking through Universal Orlando Resort. Benefits include early park admission, allowing guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And by staying at an on-site hotel, guests get exclusive Universal Express Access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to bypass regular lines.

To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.

These vacation packages also include a series of on-site package benefits including:
* Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort
* Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)
* Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per person, per day)
* Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
* Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Good for travel beginning May 28, 2010

 

[dpuck1998]

In 20 years your child won't remember that you didn't go to Universal those 2 days either. It's not like it's your only shot at going.

Hey Don
I hear you on the 11 year old boy. We are going on the podcast cruise and then DD and I are heading back to Disney for MVMCP and I had to book a night at Universal so DH and DS11 could go to Harry Potter. I spent half a day on the Dis and the Universal boards learning the ins & outs of Universal and FOTL and early entry and everything. I think it will be fine, they will just go straight to WWOHP on Friday AM and ride FJ and that will have to do. They will still have FOTL for all the other rides.

Is your 11 year old going on the PCC 2.0?

Maybe we will just cancel one night and tough it out. He already knows we are going and he watched the HP special on TV. He has eaten up all the books and is reading them for the second time over the summer just for something to do.

I double checked the press release from February and FOTL was not offered for FJ - just early entry ... the press release read:

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks – along with a wide-range of benefits available only by booking through Universal Orlando Resort. Benefits include early park admission, allowing guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And by staying at an on-site hotel, guests get exclusive Universal Express Access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to bypass regular lines.

To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.

These vacation packages also include a series of on-site package benefits including:
* Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort
* Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)
* Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per person, per day)
* Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
* Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Good for travel beginning May 28, 2010

Unless you have the actual information that came out in Feb, I know what the website say now! When I booked it included, on the website, in print, FOTL access to FJ for each guest each day.

 

[NC Belle]

I think Don should hold the first Kool-Aid meet at WWOHP.

Of course that would mean that he gets to pick the official flavors and such details.


link to the official kool-Aid site (its a Kraft product) for some ideas: http://brands.kraftfoods.com/koolaid/products.aspx

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Unless you have the actual information that came out in Feb, I know what the website say now! When I booked it included, on the website, in print, FOTL access to FJ for each guest each day.

This was the actual information from the website in February/March

 

[derekburgan]

This was the actual information from the website in February/March

This is what I remember as well. Does the OP have proof otherwise, or could this be a case of a bad memory?

 

[MM32830]

Does one HAVE to stay on Universal property to go to WWoHP? I would cancel any stays at US but still go to WWoHP for your son.

Better yet, if you are REALLY sure the original offer was for FOTL access, call Guest Relations and make them aware how disappointed you and your 11 year old son are about the change. Then put your 11 year old on the phone and have them explain to him why they changed their policy.

Even better, email Universal Public Relations. They have lots more leverage than Guest Relations. Just keep your email clean and sincere. You'd be surprised the attention you'll get. You can find Public Relations contact information at their website. This really works if you know how to work it.





_________________
Armand

 

[dpuck1998]

This was the actual information from the website in February/March

You have the actual information from the site in Feb? Where does one get that information?

This is what I remember as well. Does the OP have proof otherwise, or could this be a case of a bad memory?

I have all the proof I need, I know for 100 percent certainty that it was indeed on the site and offered. There are dozens and dozens of others that have the same information.