Universal-Is it really that bad?

[Art 1]

My sons like Universal but I don't and we haven't been back since HP. I think they deliberately manage their hours and capacity to keep the lines long. We bought annual passes one year and even at times that were very slow, the lines built up ridiculously fast. We would go in first thing in the morning and hit a few rides, but I'm not sure I'd bother again.

Sheila

I agree with you 100%. We had passes for one year and will never get them again. The lines always seemed to be long. The fact that people staying on property get first access to some rides. ( I forget how that worked). The line to get through the turn style is always long. There are times where only two turnstiles are open with long lines in each, usually manned by teenagers or people who have limited english. The parking is terrible. Too long of a walk. There were times that we got there early and were parked at the far reaches of the top level. We are very unhappy with how Universal runs things and don't care to go back.

 

[donaldduck352]

I agree with you 100%. We had passes for one year and will never get them again. The lines always seemed to be long. The fact that people staying on property get first access to some rides. ( I forget how that worked). The line to get through the turn style is always long. There are times where only two turnstiles are open with long lines in each, usually manned by teenagers or people who have limited english. The parking is terrible. Too long of a walk. There were times that we got there early and were parked at the far reaches of the top level. We are very unhappy with how Universal runs things and don't care to go back.

Well its youre loss not EVER going back to Universal..

Oh you want to talk about park managment.Stayed at POR last visit to DW.They had are ressies so messed up,it took us 3hrs to get our room.Lets talk about there on-site transportation,the BUSSSES.Wate in line for 45min to get on a bus that took another 30min to get us too Epcot.Employees,yeah everyone that works at DW speaks english don't they??

 

[duffietc]

Wow, very helpful replies. Thanks a lot.

 

[TotoToo]

I agree with you 100%. We had passes for one year and will never get them again. The lines always seemed to be long. The fact that people staying on property get first access to some rides. ( I forget how that worked). The line to get through the turn style is always long. There are times where only two turnstiles are open with long lines in each, usually manned by teenagers or people who have limited english. The parking is terrible. Too long of a walk. There were times that we got there early and were parked at the far reaches of the top level. We are very unhappy with how Universal runs things and don't care to go back.

I'd agree with everything stated IF it was being said about the Disney parks! Parking especially is SO much better at Universal - easy walk in a covered garage with all three areas (IOA, Citywalk & the original park) all right there not miles of wasted travel time on crowded buses/monorail/trams as at Disney. Fast pass works but usually isn't needed as the queues are entertaining and move along quickly. Plus the attractions themselves are SO much better and up to date as compared to Disney (which has some great classics but little exciting that is new or state of the art).l

As someone else said - it's your loss. We'd pick Universal over Disney any day. Thanks for giving us your spot in line!

 

[donaldduck352]

I'm sorry for my post.I just don't like comparing the two.They both have there flaws,but alot of posters like to point the worst other then the good.

I LOVE DW (Epcot is my fav place in Orlando),but I love Uni also.

SO EVERYONE THAT COMPLAINS ABOUT FLAWS IN OTHER PLACES THEN WHAT THEY LOVE-I"M GONNA CALL YA ON IT.

I'm sorry and thank you.

 

[mill4023]

Considering the thread title, I guess it's not that surprising that the Universal fans are getting defensive.
But let's be serious. I don't think anyone claimed that Disney doesn't have lines.

I'm not one of those people who love Disney and hate Universal. I love both of them. Universal doesn't have as much to offer younger children, but for teens and adults, they have some of the best attractions in Orlando and IMO, the theming is just as good as Disney.

One thing Disney does have that Universal doesn't, is a completely free system for minimizing the amount of time spent in lines. At Universal, you can either stay on-site, which is not cheap. Or you can pay extra for Express passes that can only be used once on each ride. And those Express passes are priced based on how badly you need them. So during the most crowded times of year, they can get really spendy.

So as far as having to wait in long lines, unless you want to spend a lot of extra money on a Universal hotel or Express passes, Disney has the advantage. I can spend a day at Disney during spring break and never wait in a line longer than 15 minutes.

The thread probably wouldn't have had so much contention if it was titled "Universal - are the lines really that bad?"

 

[hammie59]

Considering the thread title, I guess it's not that surprising that the Universal fans are getting defensive.
But let's be serious. I don't think anyone claimed that Disney doesn't have lines.

I'm not one of those people who love Disney and hate Universal. I love both of them. Universal doesn't have as much to offer younger children, but for teens and adults, they have some of the best attractions in Orlando and IMO, the theming is just as good as Disney.

One thing Disney does have that Universal doesn't, is a completely free system for minimizing the amount of time spent in lines. At Universal, you can either stay on-site, which is not cheap. Or you can pay extra for Express passes that can only be used once on each ride. And those Express passes are priced based on how badly you need them. So during the most crowded times of year, they can get really spendy.

So as far as having to wait in long lines, unless you want to spend a lot of extra money on a Universal hotel or Express passes, Disney has the advantage. I can spend a day at Disney during spring break and never wait in a line longer than 15 minutes.

The thread probably wouldn't have had so much contention if it was titled "Universal - are the lines really that bad?"

The title was meant to sum up the general idea of my original post based on my own overall impression of what I've read about Universal/IOA lines, having never been there. Not to start arguments on whether it's better than Disney, etc. I never asked that, but that also doesn't mean people can't compare the two when responding with an answer. The way I'm reading your post, it's as if you're implying that I'm trying to start something, and I resent that.

 

[keishashadow]

The title was meant to sum up the general idea of my original post based on my own overall impression of what I've read about Universal/IOA lines, having never been there. Not to start arguments on whether it's better than Disney, etc. I never asked that, but that also doesn't mean people can't compare the two when responding with an answer. The way I'm reading your post, it's as if you're implying that I'm trying to start something, and I resent that.

imo it's really not over-reading a statement that uses the phrase

Universal-is it really that bad?

and interpreting that you were stating that Universal is bad and were asking to what degree it is (even if it wasn't your original intent, thank you for clarifying). A matter of sematics perhaps, but Universal folks are sensitive, as there has been a lot of repetitive bashing here comparing the two parks and it's become a bit of a hot button topic ala mugs & pools.

Regardless, you've clarified your title and I hope by now have taken the advice to venture over to the Universal boards to obtain current information from it's fans, many of us who keep a foot in each camp.

additionally, if you have a Unofficial Guide or Passporter, each has a section devoted to Universal. Good luck planning your trip.

 

[rie'smom]

If you get a Preferred Annual Pass, you get big discounts on your room and then Front Of The Line Access is free. It's $219/year and can be paid for over the course of a year with auto debit. You only need 1 AP to book the discounted room and everyone in the room gets to use their room key for FOTL regardless of the type of ticket they have. When you figure that a 1 day express pass can cost $50 and multiply that by a family of 4, that's $200 so the pass is practically paid for plus you get food and merchandise discounts. A standard room at the Royal Pacific for our dates with the AP is $154/night. You have to realize too that these are very, very nice hotels. The staffs are outstanding as are the restaurants. Also, all 3 onsite resorts are w/in walking distance to the parks. There are complimentary boat launches for those who do not wish to walk. There are also bicycle rickshaws available for hire.

 

[shalom]

imo it's really not over-reading a statement that uses the phrase

Universal-is it really that bad?

and interpreting that you were stating that Universal is bad and were asking to what degree it is

I thought the title was implying skepticism -- that people had told the OP Universal was terrible, but they had serious doubts about that reality. So from my perspective, the OP was saying they didn't believe Universal is bad, but wanted someone who'd been there to support their suspicion. That's the way the term is used around here. Maybe it's a regional thing?

 

[hammie59]

imo it's really not over-reading a statement that uses the phrase

Universal-is it really that bad?

and interpreting that you were stating that Universal is bad and were asking to what degree it is (even if it wasn't your original intent, thank you for clarifying). A matter of sematics perhaps, but Universal folks are sensitive, as there has been a lot of repetitive bashing here comparing the two parks and it's become a bit of a hot button topic ala mugs & pools.

Regardless, you've clarified your title and I hope by now have taken the advice to venture over to the Universal boards to obtain current information from it's fans, many of us who keep a foot in each camp.

additionally, if you have a Unofficial Guide or Passporter, each has a section devoted to Universal. Good luck planning your trip.

No offense, but anyone who actually reads the original post shouldn't need further clarification that I'm not bashing Universal. It was simply a question on long lines and that was rather clear. If all I said in the entire post was "Is Universal that bad?", then I see where some might get defensive and that's totally different. That wasn't the case. It was in the title, which is meant to be concise.

Anyhow, I'm thankful for the helpful responses and have decided to take my son for one day.

 

[mill4023]

The title was meant to sum up the general idea of my original post based on my own overall impression of what I've read about Universal/IOA lines, having never been there. Not to start arguments on whether it's better than Disney, etc. I never asked that, but that also doesn't mean people can't compare the two when responding with an answer. The way I'm reading your post, it's as if you're implying that I'm trying to start something, and I resent that.

Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I wasn't implying that you were trying to start anything.

It's just that people tend to get very defensive about their favorite parks. Universal gets a lot of unfair (IMO) criticism on these boards from people who are Disney ONLY types, some of whom haven't even been to Universal because they have misconceptions about what it is.

Your title was vague (unintentionally, I'm sure), so I think when some Universal fans read the title, they saw it as more Universal bashing, whether it was or not.

 

[Brian Noble]

At Universal, you can either stay on-site, which is not cheap. Or you can pay extra for Express passes that can only be used once on each ride.

There is a third option, the Park-to-Park VIP ticket. This gives you unlimited Express access, as if you were staying onsite. It roughly doubles the price of admission, but (a) that's still comparable to a Disney parkhopper for the same number of days and (b) unlimited Express is significantly more convenient than Fastpass, because there are no time windows/capacity limits.

My wife and kids are spending this week at UO/IOA/SW. Because I expected the President's Week crowds to be significant, I got them VIP tickets for this trip, and they have found them to be remarkably convenient. But, they still get to stay in a nearby 2BR condo rather than having to pack into a single hotel room.

They have been going to WDW for the last six years running for their February trip. So far, they are *really* enjoying the Universal parks.

 

[donaldduck352]

OK,this thread has derailed from the OP's question.YES Universal's IOA Harry Potter is worth seeing,it's a not miss in Orlando,VERY WELL THEAMED.

PLEASE lets get off of the bashing of parks....

OP you and youre DS8,go see HP,it's worth it and you will enjoy it very much.I promise..

 

[mill4023]

There is a third option, the Park-to-Park VIP ticket. This gives you unlimited Express access, as if you were staying onsite. It roughly doubles the price of admission, but (a) that's still comparable to a Disney parkhopper for the same number of days and (b) unlimited Express is significantly more convenient than Fastpass, because there are no time windows/capacity limits.

My wife and kids are spending this week at UO/IOA/SW. Because I expected the President's Week crowds to be significant, I got them VIP tickets for this trip, and they have found them to be remarkably convenient. But, they still get to stay in a nearby 2BR condo rather than having to pack into a single hotel room.

They have been going to WDW for the last six years running for their February trip. So far, they are *really* enjoying the Universal parks.

Interesting. I didn't know about these tickets.

Although my point is still true, that there is a significant price premium if you want to take advantage of Express at Universal. A 3 day park to park is $145 + tax, while a 3 day VIP is $250 to $320 + tax (depending on season).

Fundamentally, I still prefer the level playing field that Fastpass offers. For travelers on a budget, when it comes to having an opportunity to avoid lines, Disney has the clear advantage.

 

[Hockeyman]

I love the Universal parks and have been an annual pass holder for years now. With some planning and an early morning start you can definitely get on the big rides and Potter and have an enjoyable day and not stress about the lines.

 

[Brian Noble]

Although my point is still true, that there is a significant price premium if you want to take advantage of Express at Universal. A 3 day park to park is $145 + tax, while a 3 day VIP is $250 to $320 + tax (depending on season).

Fundamentally, I still prefer the level playing field that Fastpass offers. For travelers on a budget, when it comes to having an opportunity to avoid lines, Disney has the clear advantage.

It is a level playing field---but one where *everyone* pays $290ish for a three day parkhopper. Essentially, you are forced to pay almost Universal's "all access" price, but FASTPASS is not quite as convenient. At least at Universal, you can decide which direction you want to go---pay $300ish for unlimited express, or pay half that for standby access only. I suppose the Disney guest can decide to forgo park hopping, but it's still $240ish for a three day ticket. And, based on some of the patents Disney has filed (and some of the things Staggs has mentioned about NextGen) Disney may be going farther down the pay-to-play road as well.

 

[mill4023]

It is a level playing field---but one where *everyone* pays $290ish for a three day parkhopper. Essentially, you are forced to pay almost Universal's "all access" price, but FASTPASS is not quite as convenient. At least at Universal, you can decide which direction you want to go---pay $300ish for unlimited express, or pay half that for standby access only. I suppose the Disney guest can decide to forgo park hopping, but it's still $240ish for a three day ticket. And, based on some of the patents Disney has filed (and some of the things Staggs has mentioned about NextGen) Disney may be going farther down the pay-to-play road as well.

Fastpass isn't as convenient, but you are also getting 4 parks instead of 2. And you can get a 7 or 10 day pass for not much more than the 3 day, which completely changes the value you get. It's never straightforward to start comparing prices between Disney and Universal because there are so many variables.

Like I said, it doesn't bother me that people who pay extra get extra perks. But it does rub me the wrong way when those extra perks have a negative effect on the people who didn't pay for them.

As an example, EMH is a perk for those who are willing to spend more on a WDW resort. But having extra time for resort guests doesn't really affect the non-resort guests. Unlimited Express line access does have a direct negative effect on those guests who don't have the perk, by making their wait times longer.

We're getting off track from the OP's original question, but the only point I was trying to make is that at Universal, you have to pay extra if you want to avoid waiting in lines, while at Disney, everyone has the ability to use Fastpass to avoid lines. The OP's question was whether the lines at Universal are really bad if you don't pay the extra money for Express. My point was that when it comes to waiting in lines, without paying extra, Universal is definitely worse than Disney because there is no free Fastpass/Express sytem.

 

[rie'smom]

It is a level playing field---but one where *everyone* pays $290ish for a three day parkhopper. Essentially, you are forced to pay almost Universal's "all access" price, but FASTPASS is not quite as convenient. At least at Universal, you can decide which direction you want to go---pay $300ish for unlimited express, or pay half that for standby access only. I suppose the Disney guest can decide to forgo park hopping, but it's still $240ish for a three day ticket. And, based on some of the patents Disney has filed (and some of the things Staggs has mentioned about NextGen) Disney may be going farther down the pay-to-play road as well.

Don't forget too that Disney offers front of the line in the form of the Premium VIP tour. The difference is it can cost upwards of $400/hour. We booked it a couple of years ago during Spring Break because the crowds were so awful. One day cost $2800.00.

 

[rie'smom]

Fastpass isn't as convenient, but you are also getting 4 parks instead of 2. And you can get a 7 or 10 day pass for not much more than the 3 day, which completely changes the value you get. It's never straightforward to start comparing prices between Disney and Universal because there are so many variables.

Like I said, it doesn't bother me that people who pay extra get extra perks. But it does rub me the wrong way when those extra perks have a negative effect on the people who didn't pay for them.

As an example, EMH is a perk for those who are willing to spend more on a WDW resort. But having extra time for resort guests doesn't really affect the non-resort guests. Unlimited Express line access does have a direct negative effect on those guests who don't have the perk, by making their wait times longer.

We're getting off track from the OP's original question, but the only point I was trying to make is that at Universal, you have to pay extra if you want to avoid waiting in lines, while at Disney, everyone has the ability to use Fastpass to avoid lines. The OP's question was whether the lines at Universal are really bad if you don't pay the extra money for Express. My point was that when it comes to waiting in lines, without paying extra, Universal is definitely worse than Disney because there is no free Fastpass/Express sytem.

Sorry I meant to quote your post too:
Don't forget too that Disney offers front of the line in the form of the Premium VIP tour. The difference is it can cost upwards of $400/hour. We booked it a couple of years ago during Spring Break because the crowds were so awful. One day cost $2800.00. Believe me this can have a negative effect on Disney guests. The day we did the tour, there were several other families doing it also that we saw. I would imagine there were others we didn't see. With our group and the groups we saw, there were probably close to 100 people. We jumped ahead of even the FP guests. They were not happy.

Also, yes the EMH can and does affect non resort guests. Once they arrive there are already long lines for some attractions and if resort guests arrive 5 minutes before EMH is over, they can grab FPs first.

The best way to get FOTL at UNI is to stay onsite. Their nicest hotels cost the same as or are cheaper than Disney's "deluxe" rolleyes resorts plus you get true deluxe resorts and FOTL.