Universal loves to nickel and dime their guests don't they

[nile455]

have you read up on the changes at disney?

future changes where the beverage will be dropped from the ddp/ qcs.

at their resorts, changes beginning next month where you buy the "refillable" mug (if not on a ddp) and pay a rate on how many days it is valid for refills.
$8.99 first day up to $17.99 for 4 days + to be used at the resort eateries.

paper cups for soda needs will also have a rfid chip in it where it expires one hour after you purchase it.

at the darkside, the more revenue they make, you see the money put into the parks.
new rides, park improvements are the result of that.

Interesting, but I was talking about the parks not the hotels.

I can walk into the Electric Umbrella at Epcot and buy a small drink and refill it as much as I want. And I don't have to pay $10.99, and I don't have to give them a giant plastic cup that I was lugging around the park all day.

 

[damo]

Interesting, but I was talking about the parks not the hotels.

I can walk into the Electric Umbrella at Epcot and buy a small drink and refill it as much as I want. And I don't have to pay $10.99, and I don't have to give them a giant plastic cup that I was lugging around the park all day.

Not all places at WDW will let you do that. In fact, the majority of places will not. I can't think of any counter service at Magic Kingdom that allows free refills although I haven't eaten at BOG yet.


Also at Universal, the refillable cups are good year after year. At WDW that isn't the case. Your refillable cup is only good for your one visit.

 

[Metro West]

I can walk into the Electric Umbrella at Epcot and buy a small drink and refill it as much as I want. And I don't have to pay $10.99, and I don't have to give them a giant plastic cup that I was lugging around the park all day.

Doesn't the EU have self serve drink machines? That's why you can refill it...most restaurants don't have that set up.

 

[macraven]

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2013/07/rapid-fill-mugs-coming-to-walt-disney.html

rapid fill.........

just posting about the disney change in case you haven't read the threads on the motherland side.

 

[nile455]

Not all places at WDW will let you do that. In fact, the majority of places will not. I can't think of any counter service at Magic Kingdom that allows free refills although I haven't eaten at BOG yet.

Like I mentioned earlier, each of Disney's four parks has at least 1 restaurant that gives free refills. At Magic Kingdom it's Tortuga Tavern in Adventure Land.

 

[RAPstar]

Really? They just added it to the DDP last year. Seems strange they would already be removing it. But I'm sure they'll drop the DDP price to pre-2012 levels to compensate, right?

Probably not. Since when has Disney ever found a reason to drop prices. Yeah, you're losing inclusions, but they will justify it by saying something like the cost of the food went up and keep it the same price, or probably still increase it

Not all places at WDW will let you do that. In fact, the majority of places will not. I can't think of any counter service at Magic Kingdom that allows free refills although I haven't eaten at BOG yet..

BOG does have a self serve fountain set up where you can get refills while you're eating there. But I doubt you could go back whenever you wanted and refill your cup.

Also, when is Tortuga Tavern ever open? lol

 

[Bluer101]

Do you read threads before you post? Like I said, it's not the amount that bothered me. Nor am I implying that I was not told about it in the contract. My point is it's the principal of charging someone to park after they already bought an annual pass. Hence the phrase "nickel and diming".

I read the post just fine along with the non fine print that you did not. I saw you said the $15 was fine. It's not the principle that is the problem you did not read the terms before purchasing, that makes it your problem. Like I said your pass is not active until you go through the gates, so in reality you are not a AP holder until that time. You are basically pre paying your admission.


Sure you can. For years the three major theme parks have always tried to keep the same pricing. When one would announce an increase in their admission price, the other would follow suit within days. And not just for admission, but parking too. It's always been exactly the same. Only recently did Disney start experimenting with raising the price of MK a few dollars (but they balanced it out by lowering the price for Epcot, DHS, and AK). To me, the charging of a parking fee for first time AP when both Disney and Sea World do not is a glaring difference.

Sure you can compare them, but theme parks have different policies and pricing, so just that you assume one does parking different than the other does not make it their fault. You did not read again. If you really think there is an issue visit guest services or call Universal and speak to them. We cannot do anything for you as that's what the terms state, take it or leave it.



Not the same as buying a regular drink and getting refills.

I gave you 3 options, the last one is all sit down restaurants give free refills and a to go cup if you would like.

Someone else mentioned that Disney nickels and dimes too, it's just that they hide it in their prices. While that may be the same thing from the companies revenues standpoint, there's a difference in how it make the guest feel. The guest doesn't feel like he's getting nickel and dimed, and this is important.

Universal could take a page from Disney and Sea World and reward their new APs with the parking perk from the beginning. But their policy of "free parking after the first visit" just feels like a cheap way to squeeze an extra $15 out of the guests.

And for the record, yes I'm over it. Yes it's just $15. Yes I had a great time yesterday and I look forward to my next visit. Again, my venting was about the principal. It's not like I hate Universal now or anything.

No one is saying you hate Universal. Just think the next time you go you will be aware of the drink situation and now you will get free parking. Also you can use your AP for discounts everywhere you go. You will make back that $15 in no time.

 

[Bluer101]

Enjoy 365 days of unlimited park-to-park admission to both Universal Studios Florida & Universal's Islands of Adventure with no blockout dates.

In addition, the 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass includes:
Free self-parking* after first visit
10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the front gate (up to 6 people)
Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras, Summer Concert Series & Holidays
Special discounts on separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
10% off at Universal Orlando® owned and operated merchandise stores and carts (restrictions apply on select merchandise)
10% off at select restaurants (excluding food & beverage carts and alcoholic beverages)

All benefits and blockout dates are valid on a calendar year basis and are subject to availability and to change without notice.

* Free self-parking is not valid on your first visit to the parks. On-site hotels parking not included

Pass is valid for one (1) year from date of first use for one (1) guest admission during regular theme park operating hours. All benefits subject to availability and to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts, and discounted renewed passes. Does not include admission to separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe or venues within either theme park, Universal CityWalk®, or on-site hotels. Parks, attractions, or entertainment may: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice. You are required to comply with Universal’s safety rules and all warnings. You agree that Universal may refuse entry or expel any person whose conduct is objectionable and claims against Universal shall be litigated only in Orange County, Florida. This pass is a revocable license and admission may be refused. Valid photo ID required. Additional restrictions may apply. Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be copied or resold.


This whole thread could have been avoided.

 

[Senator Tressel]

They should just refund the parking fee. I paid for parking with my Disney AP the first time and asked for a credit when I picked the AP up and they did it. I think I was staying onsite when I first got Universal APs, so I didn't have to worry about it. But there's really no reason to not refund the fee. You paid for the perk, you should get the perk. I realize it says right there on the page it doesn't kick in until after the first visit, but that's a silly policy.

The worse policy is the AP replacement. My friend lost his AP and had to get a new one. They said the next one is a $10 fee (or something). I said "even if he loses it in ten years, he doesn't get another free one?" Nope. Now THAT is silly nickle and dime crap. Just replace the stupid thing or make it more than once per year. I've never lost my AP, but if I ever had to pay that fee, I'd probably just cancel it. Poor customer service.

 

[housemouse]

My son and I took a cab from RPR to AK to ride Everest around when it opened. When we went through the toll booths we were told that we had to pay the parking rate to be dropped off. I was livid. I went to guest services because I thought that surely this was a mistake. They told me that there was no mistake and that I really shouldn't be upset by this charge.

A few years later we took a cab from RPR to the Contemporary for a short stay there and we had a chat with the cabbie. He told us that there are alternate places where savvy cabbies can drop you off to avoid the fee at MK, but that it is a problem at the other parks.

Wow! I always thought a parking fee was so you could, you know, park!!
I'm loosely planning a one day trip to EPCOT on next years US vacation. So, I'm glad I read this in advance so I know. I'll make sure not to go to EPCOT's main gate to get in. I always wanted to see the Swan/Dolphin up close anyways.

 

[fizbobunny]

I don't fly to Disney, but the cost of dme is worked into my room pricing. Id rather just pay for the services i use.

 

[Rip]

They should just refund the parking fee. I paid for parking with my Disney AP the first time and asked for a credit when I picked the AP up and they did it. I think I was staying onsite when I first got Universal APs, so I didn't have to worry about it. But there's really no reason to not refund the fee. You paid for the perk, you should get the perk. I realize it says right there on the page it doesn't kick in until after the first visit, but that's a silly policy.

The worse policy is the AP replacement. My friend lost his AP and had to get a new one. They said the next one is a $10 fee (or something). I said "even if he loses it in ten years, he doesn't get another free one?" Nope. Now THAT is silly nickle and dime crap. Just replace the stupid thing or make it more than once per year. I've never lost my AP, but if I ever had to pay that fee, I'd probably just cancel it. Poor customer service.

Someone gave your friend bad info. They have never charged me any sort of replacement fee for printing up a new AP and I have had to do it several times between the four of us.

 

[Senator Tressel]

I was at the window when she told him. Have you ever replaced the SAME one twice though? Have you lost them every time or just had them replaced? I think they treat it differently. I hope you're right and it seems like they would have mentioned that to you one of the times.

Anyone else ever been told that?

 

[Bluer101]

I have had to replace mine a few times due to the water rides fading the print and cannot read bar code. The last time the guest service told me there would be a $10 charge after the first replacement. I have yet to pay that so maybe if you abuse it then they charge.

The thing they should do is charge an extra $5-$10 for a plastic photo AP like they used to issue. Heck I would even pay $20.

 

[Rip]

I was at the window when she told him. Have you ever replaced the SAME one twice though? Have you lost them every time or just had them replaced? I think they treat it differently. I hope you're right and it seems like they would have mentioned that to you one of the times.

Anyone else ever been told that?

I've replaced my own either 2 or 3 times, my wife's twice and each of children's once. I've never been told anything about there being any fee at any time. If it is their policy then it must not be enforced.

 

[Rip]

I have had to replace mine a few times due to the water rides fading the print and cannot read bar code. The last time the guest service told me there would be a $10 charge after the first replacement. I have yet to pay that so maybe if you abuse it then they charge.

The thing they should do is charge an extra $5-$10 for a plastic photo AP like they used to issue. Heck I would even pay $20.

Yeah I would pay extra for that as well. Just not the extra to upgrade to the premier or premium or whatever they call the top tier AP. My wife had one of those for a couple of years and hers was the plastic with a photo.

 

[bumbershoot]

Someone else mentioned that Disney nickels and dimes too, it's just that they hide it in their prices. While that may be the same thing from the companies revenues standpoint, there's a difference in how it make the guest feel. The guest doesn't feel like he's getting nickel and dimed, and this is important.

Once you know that they are hiding fees, you shouldn't still feel better about it, though. It's only when people don't think about it that they can feel happy.

Tomorrow, think about how every time you don't have a car, you're still paying for everyone to park. How if you DO have a car and don't use DME or the onsite transportation, you're still paying for the onsite transportation. The knowledge changes how you feel, or at least it does many people.


At Disneyland they used to have a resort fee that everyone paid. Now they don't; they now have a parking fee. Of course, the prices for the rooms have gone up, too, so they certainly just wrapped up the newspaper, pool, fitness center costs all up into the room costs, and then charged for parking for those with cars. Those without cars can feel good, though, because they aren't paying that extra cost when they don't have to.

The worse policy is the AP replacement. My friend lost his AP and had to get a new one. They said the next one is a $10 fee (or something). I said "even if he loses it in ten years, he doesn't get another free one?" Nope. Now THAT is silly nickle and dime crap. Just replace the stupid thing or make it more than once per year. I've never lost my AP, but if I ever had to pay that fee, I'd probably just cancel it. Poor customer service.

Which park are you talking about? You were sort of talking about WDW in the first paragraph and I am not sure which one you're talking about.

I haven't lost my Uni pass so I don't know. I know that at WDW it's free to replace. For now, at least. I keep a tight hold on ALL APs after having the utter joy of paying $40 to replace hubby and son's APs at DisneyLAND, because that is their policy. The bummer was that it was lost on a ride when the lanyard pouch plastic broke. Lanyard bought at Disneyland, lanyard pouch bought at Disneyland. Disneyland ride restraint caused the pulling and it snapped. Disneyland CMs failed to find the lanyard pouch with the APs in it. And we got to pay $20 each to get them replaced.

I bet WDW is going to go that route, once they realize that a plastic (like DLR uses) RFID card, or worse, a "magic" bracelet, is FAR more expensive to replace than a paper/Tyvek AP.

 

[damo]

RFID replacement fees...first will be free, second will be $50.

 

[DCTooTall]

After reading this, I must admit I'd prefer to pay a one-time parking fee rather than pay a parking fee for not even parking. Why does Disney feel the need to charge people coming in taxis? Ouch. That's not very fair for those with no cars.

Wow! I always thought a parking fee was so you could, you know, park!!
I'm loosely planning a one day trip to EPCOT on next years US vacation. So, I'm glad I read this in advance so I know. I'll make sure not to go to EPCOT's main gate to get in. I always wanted to see the Swan/Dolphin up close anyways.

From what I think i've read in the past in the transportation Forum, If you travel in a MEARS owned Taxi, you don't get charged the fee. If it's not a MEARS owned Taxi however, You get charged the "Taxi Drop off" fee. MEARS Cabs don't get charged due to the "exclusive Taxi of WDW" and other transportation deals the company has with Disney. (MEARS operates DME and helps provide extra capacity to the Disney bus system).

 

[damo]

From what I think i've read in the past in the transportation Forum, If you travel in a MEARS owned Taxi, you don't get charged the fee. If it's not a MEARS owned Taxi however, You get charged the "Taxi Drop off" fee. MEARS Cabs don't get charged due to the "exclusive Taxi of WDW" and other transportation deals the company has with Disney. (MEARS operates DME and helps provide extra capacity to the Disney bus system).

That's was I had read too but it didn't matter. The second cabbie that we took told us that every taxi is charged a daily parking fee for entering through the parking gates. So if a cabbie is just going to spend his day in the WDW area, it is worth his while to pay it himself. But if you are a cabbie that doesn't usually travel over to WDW, you aren't likely going to have paid the parking fee and will pass it off to the passenger.