Universal...I was really disappointed

[STEPHILL]

We just came back from a wonderful week and Disney and one day at Universal.

Here is what I saw: First of all, it rained. Second of all the park was pretty much empty. We had to wait for at least 20 minutes for everything. I think they were making the stand-by line long on purpose becasue they didn't want to make the people who paid "extra" for the "fast pass" angry. Disney's parks were more crowded, and we walked on everything. I think we got one fast pass for the entire week.

There was hardly anyone in these parks and the wait was just too long for us. They've got some decent rides, but no one there is willing to go the extra mile to make your visit more enjoyable. For example, we were waiting in line for TWISTER, which was lame, and it was raining. An attendant was just watching all of these people wait in the rain. There was lots of extra space roped off, but no one offered to get the people behind us out of the rain.

I preferred IOA over US. We were only in IOA for a couple of hours, but it seemed to be better than US. Now, I do think Universal has better food choices than Disney.

It's been ten years since I've been to Universal, and it will probably take me another ten to go back. At the end of the day, I guess I'm still just a Disney girl.

 

[goofy!]

We just came back from a wonderful week and Disney and one day at Universal.

Here is what I saw: First of all, it rained.

and it was raining.

wait in the rain.

Ah, the secret powers of Universal. The ability to control the weather. Those bad, bad superheros are working overtime again. Causing it to rain. Off to the naughty mat with or them

But in all seriousness, sorry you did not enjoy yourself. I would give it another chance when the weather is better. Bad weather tends to put a damper on even the best of times. I know I have a hard time enjoying either WDW or Universal when it is wet and dreary. It just plain puts you in a bad mood.

 

[damo]

We just came back from a wonderful week and Disney and one day at Universal.

Here is what I saw: First of all, it rained. Second of all the park was pretty much empty. We had to wait for at least 20 minutes for everything. I think they were making the stand-by line long on purpose becasue they didn't want to make the people who paid "extra" for the "fast pass" angry. Disney's parks were more crowded, and we walked on everything. I think we got one fast pass for the entire week.

There was hardly anyone in these parks and the wait was just too long for us. They've got some decent rides, but no one there is willing to go the extra mile to make your visit more enjoyable. For example, we were waiting in line for TWISTER, which was lame, and it was raining. An attendant was just watching all of these people wait in the rain. There was lots of extra space roped off, but no one offered to get the people behind us out of the rain.

I preferred IOA over US. We were only in IOA for a couple of hours, but it seemed to be better than US. Now, I do think Universal has better food choices than Disney.

It's been ten years since I've been to Universal, and it will probably take me another ten to go back. At the end of the day, I guess I'm still just a Disney girl.

You do realize that people who stay at the hotels don't "pay extra" for the "fast pass" right? Universal likes to go the extra mile to treat their hotel guests well.

 

[robvia]

People who visit Universal and don't stay onsite usually think it's just "ok."

You don't get the entire experience when you drive over.

What time did you arrive? At 11am? That's the worst time to show up. You have to arrive the parking garage at 8am, that gives you a couple hours to beat the crowd.

Anyway, the onsite hotels at Universal are like a luxury hotel at Disney. The pools are great, you can walk from your hotel, and you get the UEPs.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

You can also easily walk from one park to the other - I disagree about Twister, it's a great film and a good attraction too.

 

[vacation dreamer]

It's been ten years since I've been to Universal, and it will probably take me another ten to go back. At the end of the day, I guess I'm still just a Disney girl. [/QUOTE]


I'm going with an open mind. We are Disney freaks but the children want to experience US/IOA. Can you offer any good tips?

 

[damo]

I'm going with an open mind. We are Disney freaks but the children want to experience US/IOA. Can you offer any good tips?

It is really great to stay on site for at least one night so you can take your time and enjoy everything.

Eat at Mythos. Do all the water rides. Try not to squish two parks into one day. Enjoy the little details instead of running from ride to ride. Take time to do the playgrounds and the water areas. Do all the shows.

 

[macraven]

sometimes when you don't have the experience you expected, you just want to lump it in a catagory and say, " tried that, it stunk......never doing that in a long time."

i have had unpleasant times at many places at one time or another.
six flags, busch gardens, universal and disney.

but, i went back to each of them and found it wasn't as unpleasant as the first time. now i regularly go to the theme parks and really enjoy them and the time i spend there. especially at the on site hotels at universal.

give it another shot in the future.
and don't compare it to disney.

you say you are a disney girl.....you can still be that and enjoy other theme parks.

many of us here do both theme parks
we just adore universal in a different way.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Sorry, you didn't enjoy UO. I really wish everyone could stay onsite for their 1st visit. It's a totally different experience. I actually prefer WDW, if we're not staying onsite. Comparing staying onsite at WDW vs. staying onsite at UO, IMHO UO wins hands down. Personally, I don't think staying in a WDW resort impacts your overall experience even close to as much as staying at one of UO's resorts. FWIW, I think you need more than a 1 night stay to get a true feel for how great staying onsite really is.

 

[Amity 3]

We just came back from a wonderful week and Disney and one day at Universal.

Here is what I saw: First of all, it rained. Second of all the park was pretty much empty. We had to wait for at least 20 minutes for everything. I think they were making the stand-by line long on purpose becasue they didn't want to make the people who paid "extra" for the "fast pass" angry. Disney's parks were more crowded, and we walked on everything. I think we got one fast pass for the entire week.

There was hardly anyone in these parks and the wait was just too long for us. They've got some decent rides, but no one there is willing to go the extra mile to make your visit more enjoyable. For example, we were waiting in line for TWISTER, which was lame, and it was raining. An attendant was just watching all of these people wait in the rain. There was lots of extra space roped off, but no one offered to get the people behind us out of the rain.

I preferred IOA over US. We were only in IOA for a couple of hours, but it seemed to be better than US. Now, I do think Universal has better food choices than Disney.

It's been ten years since I've been to Universal, and it will probably take me another ten to go back. At the end of the day, I guess I'm still just a Disney girl.

if the park was pretty much empty, every cycle of guests would have fit under the awning outside of Twister. no one would have waited in the rain. that part of the queue holds hundreds of people and it doesn't get roped off this time of year. I haven't waited uncovered in that queue ever.

 

[ChrisFL]

People who visit Universal and don't stay onsite usually think it's just "ok."

You don't get the entire experience when you drive over.

What time did you arrive? At 11am? That's the worst time to show up. You have to arrive the parking garage at 8am, that gives you a couple hours to beat the crowd.

Anyway, the onsite hotels at Universal are like a luxury hotel at Disney. The pools are great, you can walk from your hotel, and you get the UEPs.

You mean the parking garage that keeps your car and yourself sheltered from all of the rain also? wow

 

[vacation dreamer]

Eat at Mythos. Do all the water rides. Try not to squish two parks into one day. Enjoy the little details instead of running from ride to ride. Take time to do the playgrounds and the water areas. Do all the shows.[/QUOTE]

I just had someone tell me Mythos was bad.......anyone out there want to break the tie? lol We love to take our time and smell the roses.

 

[ChrisFL]

I just had someone tell me Mythos was bad.......anyone out there want to break the tie? lol We love to take our time and smell the roses.

Mythos is awesome, been going there a few times a year for 7 years and never had a bad meal

 

[MIB999999]

Mythos is awesome, been going there a few times a year for 7 years and never had a bad meal

I live in Clermont FL and i try to go eat at MYTHOS at least twice a month. With all the other Orlando choices i know of and can go to. Give me MYTHOS any day.

 

[Stinasmom]

OK, We are WDW fans but are going to try US/IOA for the first time and follow it up with 4 nights on DCL's Wonder.
I really am hoping for good weather, but I have been to WDW when it was so HOT and WET (thunderstorms) that you never actually dried. It was miserable and wonderful at the same time! Can't control the weather!
I am looking forward to our first US/IOA experience with great hopefulness...and many of you on this forum have boosted my confidence that we will enjoy ourselves. I love reading about which restaurant to go to, and which rides are best...etc.
For anyone else out there discouraged by some poster's bad experiences, try, like I am, to weigh all the information, not prejudge what may happen, and be realistic about conditions.
That said, I better have a d@#n good time or you'll all be hearing about it too!

 

[macraven]

stinasmom, hope you are staying on site at universal.
it is an experience that makes the trip and time there very special.


any info you need, just ask us here.
there is always someone around to answer questions or give opinions.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

If visiting Universal you need to go there with an open mind, it doesn't have to be Disney V. Universal all the time, they are both totally different experiences.
People do and can enjoy both.

 

[QueueCT]

There's really no comparison to be made, Disney and Universal are very different parks. Disney is more theme oriented, Universal more ride oriented. Let's be honest, Universal has some of the best rides in Orlando (and I'm exluding the great coasters for those who don't like them). Spiderman was classic, especially if you're in the front row. There's nothing comparable at Disney. Shrek was a riot and far outpaces ITTBAB, Muppet 3D or HIStA.

On the other hand, the lines are longer at IoA, the crowds ruder for the most part, and most of the rides are of the "thrill seeker" variety. If I were between 10 and 25 years old, I would choose Universal hands down. Being older, I tend to prefer Disney but have to have one day at US/IoA for the kid in me (and to get my coaster fix).

 

[macraven]

i am well past 25 and don't see it as universal appeals mainly to the under 40 set at all.

there are more than "thrill, coaster" rides at universal.

the details to the buildings as you walk down the studios streets or walk thru IOA is marvelous.

universal is more than just rides.

each year you see more families there.
i stay on site at the hotels and there are many activities for the kidlettes.

not everyone that stays there are between the ages of 21 to 30.

there is no way i could only spend one day at universal and see it all.
i need multi day stays to absorb it all in.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I just had someone tell me Mythos was bad.......anyone out there want to break the tie? lol We love to take our time and smell the roses.

Mythos has always been on our "must do" list. Unfortunately, our last visit in July was a huge disappointment. I've heard good reports since then though, & am hoping it's returning to it's former glory. We'll definitely be giving it another try, but for lunch this time not dinner. IMHO, it's not the best restaurant on UO property, but is a unique experience. The theming is great!!!