Universal has announced next hotel

[Planogirl]

I have somewhat less of an issue with the hotel "classes" (more expensive hotels include FOTL), and also am OK with on-site versus off-site benefits. It's more the fact that I have to pay $100+ a day to go to the park, but if I want to wait in shorter lines, I have to pay yet another fee. Meanwhile at Disney, I can stay on-site, off-site, show up that day and still have option of taking advantage of FP+.

I can't believe anyone is seriously saying that that PAYING for FOTL privileges is BETTER than having a difference between a 60 day FP+ window (for free) and a 30 day FP+ window (for free).

If Disney did the EXACT SAME THING (Free FP+ at Deluxe resorts, and a $20 a day fee for moderates, values and off-site) people would be COMPLETELY filling out.

I'm one who is saying that - sorry to shock you. I don't have to pay for either but again if I want it at Universal, it's there. We have visited Universal several times without needing to buy anything extra. Maybe I would feel differently if we ever did need the Express. However I feel comforted when I remember that it's there and available if it becomes needed.

The price of all of this is worked into high park pass rates so saying that anything is free is untrue. Yes, it's less obvious but everyone ends up paying in one way or the other.

 

[amberpi]

It looks like they're going aggressively at the convention business, as part of this. Doing some searching, it looks like RPH is starting a major expansion of it's convention center and this new hotel is going up next to RPH along with an extension of the canal to it.
The search seems to show that the permits have been filed for the new waterpark and too many rumors to count about Park expansion.

Loews must be very comfortable with their long term expansion plan and guest estimates to go forward right now with the new hotel. I remember seeing somewhere that BB and TL each get about 1.7-1.9 mil visitors each year, so a quality themed waterpark in walking distance should be a good bump for them.

There's even the (very unsubstantiated) rumor from several different sites about rumblings that Uni/Comcast is in due diligence phase of buying out the holding group for BG which would net them SeaWorld.

With SeaWorld's issues - easy to see how that rumor would start. Absolutely no serious substantiation, however - but interesting to contemplate.......

I'd post the links but I'm never sure which sites are the ones the Mods don't allow. Easy to find them with Google, though.

As far as Cabana Bay, I'd heard that too. Some say much of that's due to the timing of the phased opening and the fact that much of it opened mid-high season - including some of the pool complex. Watching what happens with occupancy the next full year of being open will be a much better indicator.

They do seem to be feeling/finding their way a bit around rates at CB. As ks13 pointed out, they started out too low which brought a party element to it. Sad that would happen, but in hindsight, that pool complex and great rate seems a bit of a perfect storm for that to happen......

At least among my peer group, if they buy Seaworld, we (most people I know) will not visit again. Seaworld has become pretty defisive these days and I can't imagine anyone would want there properties except for bottom basement pricing which is born out of their stock prices...

I have NO issue with a class structure for fol access, but if they throw their lot in with Seaworld, I'll just put those days we would have stayed at the Portifino or RP into days at the Waldorf or Omni...

 

[clsteve]

At least among my peer group, if they buy Seaworld, we (most people I know) will not visit again. Seaworld has become pretty defisive these days and I can't imagine anyone would want there properties except for bottom basement pricing which is born out of their stock prices...

I have NO issue with a class structure for fol access, but if they throw their lot in with Seaworld, I'll just put those days we would have stayed at the Portifino or RP into days at the Waldorf or Omni...

Who's to say SeaWorld would still be SeaWorld...??

It would seem to me, if there're any legs to that rumor- it's the land, the infrastructure, and proximity (plus getting the excellent BG Parks) that would be the driver.

I'd be shocked if they kept SeaWorld in it's present form......

 

[rteetz]

It looks like they're going aggressively at the convention business, as part of this. Doing some searching, it looks like RPH is starting a major expansion of it's convention center and this new hotel is going up next to RPH along with an extension of the canal to it. The search seems to show that the permits have been filed for the new waterpark and too many rumors to count about Park expansion. Loews must be very comfortable with their long term expansion plan and guest estimates to go forward right now with the new hotel. I remember seeing somewhere that BB and TL each get about 1.7-1.9 mil visitors each year, so a quality themed waterpark in walking distance should be a good bump for them. There's even the (very unsubstantiated) rumor from several different sites about rumblings that Uni/Comcast is in due diligence phase of buying out the holding group for BG which would net them SeaWorld. With SeaWorld's issues - easy to see how that rumor would start. Absolutely no serious substantiation, however - but interesting to contemplate....... I'd post the links but I'm never sure which sites are the ones the Mods don't allow. Easy to find them with Google, though. As far as Cabana Bay, I'd heard that too. Some say much of that's due to the timing of the phased opening and the fact that much of it opened mid-high season - including some of the pool complex. Watching what happens with occupancy the next full year of being open will be a much better indicator. They do seem to be feeling/finding their way a bit around rates at CB. As ks13 pointed out, they started out too low which brought a party element to it. Sad that would happen, but in hindsight, that pool complex and great rate seems a bit of a perfect storm for that to happen......

I agree with everything you said. Loews has to feel comfortable they have filed permits for three new hotels this being the first. I have also heard the hinges about the royal pacific expansions. Universal also seems to have more plans coming as they have been filling for name trade marks and of course the permits for the water park.

 

[ahoyle]

At least among my peer group, if they buy Seaworld, we (most people I know) will not visit again. Seaworld has become pretty defisive these days and I can't imagine anyone would want there properties except for bottom basement pricing which is born out of their stock prices...

I have NO issue with a class structure for fol access, but if they throw their lot in with Seaworld, I'll just put those days we would have stayed at the Portifino or RP into days at the Waldorf or Omni...

Just out of curiosity, I assume the Blackfish documentary is why you wouldn't associate with SeaWorld? Do you still go to Epcot? Or do you skip the Living with the Seas exhibit only?

 

[rteetz]

Just out of curiosity, I assume the Blackfish documentary is why you wouldn't associate with SeaWorld? Do you still go to Epcot? Or do you skip the Living with the Seas exhibit only?

Living with the seas is just a giant aquarium they have them all over the world and many have aquariums in their homes. I don't see a problem with living with the seas. SeaWorld may be under fire from blackfish but SeaWorld does do a lot of great work with rescuing animals in danger or ones that are hurt etc. SeaWorld does a lot of conservation work, I think a better comparison would be animal kingdom, that is just a giant zoo when you come down to it and animal rights activists don't like zoos either.

 

[Figmentforever24]

Living with the seas is just a giant aquarium they have them all over the world and many have aquariums in their homes. I don't see a problem with living with the seas. SeaWorld may be under fire from blackfish but SeaWorld does do a lot of great work with rescuing animals in danger or ones that are hurt etc. SeaWorld does a lot of conservation work, I think a better comparison would be animal kingdom, that is just a giant zoo when you come down to it and animal rights activists don't like zoos either.

I promise the only people worried are the people. The animals live the lift of luxury getting meals all the time plus a recreated habitat. People who are all SAVE THE ANIMALS really REALLY bother me.

 

[ArwenMarie]

You can get it and cheaper than buying an express pass. Book a campsite and you can have it for around $50.

You can buy extra FPs as well...just buy an extra set of tickets. Or a VIP Tour

One thing I have been hearing since this news has broke is cabana bay has supposedly been not been full and people are wondering why they are building another resort when they aren't filling the current one. I can't confirm with numbers maybe someone can but it's just what I'm hearing.

This must be for convention business.

If Disney did the EXACT SAME THING (Free FP+ at Deluxe resorts, and a $20 a day fee for moderates, values and off-site) people would be COMPLETELY filling out.

They were going to have a tiered system at Disney within their own hotels and offsite (well that was the rumor, it was even in the Unofficial Guide last year). I think that once testing got underway they realized that they didn't have enough good FPs to use as incentives at all, without decimating the system. At a minimum, I believe they would be selling them ala carte, if not using them to reward Deluxe stays.

 

[amberpi]

I saw Blackfish and thought it had a grain of truth was but mostly propaganda. I just don't enjoy exhibits and entertainment centered around captive animals. It may be why AK is my least favorite WDW park. Most of my friends agree, without being crazy members of PETA.

I enjoy Universal about every 2-3 years (or every 5-6 visit) and I'd be really disappointed if they headed the way of Seaworld. I just don't want captive animals as a main point of my travels. I guess if they were seperate that'd be ok, but it just kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

My comment wasn't some politically laced indictment. I'm more just sad to see any animal in captivity (and yes, its been a long while since I went to Living with the Seas).

We can all choose to do what we want on vacation and we're pretty blessed to do so

 

[ahoyle]

Living with the seas is just a giant aquarium they have them all over the world and many have aquariums in their homes. I don't see a problem with living with the seas. SeaWorld may be under fire from blackfish but SeaWorld does do a lot of great work with rescuing animals in danger or ones that are hurt etc. SeaWorld does a lot of conservation work, I think a better comparison would be animal kingdom, that is just a giant zoo when you come down to it and animal rights activists don't like zoos either.

Sorry, I shouldnt have even brought this up here. I just have a problem with people singeling out SeaWorld, when they are probably the best in the world in the care of their animals. I respect peoples opinions that are against all animals in captivity, even though I disagree, or even against all intelligent animals (although I think thats a thin line), but that doesn't fit the agenda. The reason I brought up Epcot is they have dolphins, or AK has gorillas, elephants, etc...

I find the I hate SeaWorld crowd that goes to Disney or other zoos ridiculous.

 

[tup1830]

Umm, disney has the class system already in place...just not in the world. Disneyland Paris gives guests saying at the Disneyland hotel much more benefit for their fastpass system than it does those guests saying in the second tiered hotels.

Universal is no different...disney has been doing this for a while now.

 

[jon18uk]

Umm, disney has the class system already in place...just not in the world. Disneyland Paris gives guests saying at the Disneyland hotel much more benefit for their fastpass system than it does those guests saying in the second tiered hotels.

Universal is no different...disney has been doing this for a while now.

Do they?!?

I visited Disneyland Paris both as a day guest and a Disney hotel guest and the only difference as getting early entry. FastPass worked exactly the same both trips.

 

[rteetz]

Sorry, I shouldnt have even brought this up here. I just have a problem with people singeling out SeaWorld, when they are probably the best in the world in the care of their animals. I respect peoples opinions that are against all animals in captivity, even though I disagree, or even against all intelligent animals (although I think thats a thin line), but that doesn't fit the agenda. The reason I brought up Epcot is they have dolphins, or AK has gorillas, elephants, etc... I find the I hate SeaWorld crowd that goes to Disney or other zoos ridiculous.

I agree I was just bringing up that I think animal kingdom is a better example of this than Epcot.

 

[rteetz]

I saw Blackfish and thought it had a grain of truth was but mostly propaganda. I just don't enjoy exhibits and entertainment centered around captive animals. It may be why AK is my least favorite WDW park. Most of my friends agree, without being crazy members of PETA. I enjoy Universal about every 2-3 years (or every 5-6 visit) and I'd be really disappointed if they headed the way of Seaworld. I just don't want captive animals as a main point of my travels. I guess if they were seperate that'd be ok, but it just kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth. My comment wasn't some politically laced indictment. I'm more just sad to see any animal in captivity (and yes, its been a long while since I went to Living with the Seas). We can all choose to do what we want on vacation and we're pretty blessed to do so

I agree with you as well. In my opinion AK is underestimated by a lot of people. Yes it's about animals but it's about conservation of animals. The details in that park rival any other park in the world. Just the tree of life alone is amazing with the detail that was put in it. There are areas that need something better (dinoland) but I think even more incredible details will come with avatar. Animal kingdom also doesn't have animals shows except for the one bird show but it's really just showcasing what amazing animals they are they don't do tricks and crazy stunts. Animal kingdom also has the safari which replicates as much as possible a real African savannah the only difference is there are hidden boundaries that keep the animals in certain location so they don't have lions killing zebras in front of guests etc.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I promise the only people worried are the people. The animals live the lift of luxury getting meals all the time plus a recreated habitat. People who are all SAVE THE ANIMALS really REALLY bother me.

This is definitely one for the tag fairy!

I'm not in this debate. Just couldn't let it pass.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I promise the only people worried are the people. The animals live the lift of luxury getting meals all the time plus a recreated habitat. People who are all SAVE THE ANIMALS really REALLY bother me.

Sorry. They have no freedom. Three square meals and a small space to live? Sounds like prison to me. You're probably right though. Freedom is totally overrated.

 

[Planogirl]

I won't get into the Orca debate but giving all animals total freedom is sadly not practical. If we want species to survive then there have to be breeding programs and creatures such as the rhino have to be protected. In a perfect world all creatures would be free but with poaching and encroachment on their land and so on, it just isn't possible. Plus people have been shown more willing to donate to animal causes if they are exposed to said animals. I'm not saying that they have to tricks of course. (Except maybe some dogs, I swear that some of them are hams.)

That aside, I also liked "I promise the only people worried are the people".

 

[jon18uk]

 

[amberpi]

I agree with you as well. In my opinion AK is underestimated by a lot of people. Yes it's about animals but it's about conservation of animals. The details in that park rival any other park in the world. Just the tree of life alone is amazing with the detail that was put in it. There are areas that need something better (dinoland) but I think even more incredible details will come with avatar. Animal kingdom also doesn't have animals shows except for the one bird show but it's really just showcasing what amazing animals they are they don't do tricks and crazy stunts. Animal kingdom also has the safari which replicates as much as possible a real African savannah the only difference is there are hidden boundaries that keep the animals in certain location so they don't have lions killing zebras in front of guests etc.

I've been to ak at least twice a year for the last 10 years. It's beautiful but I'm just not into captive animals regardless of the habitat...but I love the Asian portion and the silly dinosaur ride. No need to try to sell it to me. We go several times a year so it's no big loss if we miss the safari most of the time.

I also agree with the pp that's it's just a nice prison. That said, I'm not fond of zoos, aquariums, etc. I'll go diving to see creatures going in 3 weeks actually and will do a dive tour to do just that. Not all animal experiences have tobe with captive animals. Ever been on safari in Kenya? That's animal sighting.

 

[beer dave]

I've been to ak at least twice a year for the last 10 years. It's beautiful but I'm just not into captive animals regardless of the habitat...but I love the Asian portion and the silly dinosaur ride. No need to try to sell it to me. We go several times a year so it's no big loss if we miss the safari most of the time.

I also agree with the pp that's it's just a nice prison. That said, I'm not fond of zoos, aquariums, etc. I'll go diving to see creatures going in 3 weeks actually and will do a dive tour to do just that. Not all animal experiences have tobe with captive animals. Ever been on safari in Kenya? That's animal sighting.

Sorry but the group that has the funds to take safaris in africa is small. there are animal lovers (and children) all over the globe who enjoy seeing animals they would not have the ability to see otherwise. They go to the zoo.

Find me a prison where the entities running it study my life habits, desires, dietary needs and wants, give me a pool, a patio because I like that, a barbecue grille, a cool car to run some laps on in my compound occasionally, somewhere to go fishing, and constant medical service, and a mate that pleases me, and support for any offspring that I happen to create, and you can sign me up.