Universal's Lack of TV Ad's

[Sir Robin Hood]

Just realized it has been way over a year since I have seen a single television commercial advertising Universal parks. I used to see them all the time up here (I live in TN). We used to hear radio ads about The Mummy ride when it first opened, but nothing on The Simpsons. We still see Disney & Sea World TV commercials (especially on Travel Channel) pretty much habitually year in & year out. But Universal has vanished
The only mention of Universal these days are short clips of park rides/coasters on the overall Orlando & Kissimmee commercials. Has anyone else noticed this?

Speaking of Travel Channel. Universal needs a new TV special to run like Disney has. Perhaps Universal is patiently awaiting the opening of Harry Potter, or tourism to rebound before they start shelling out $$$ for this type of marketing like back in the day.

 

[ChrisFL]

Just realized it has been way over a year since I have seen a single television commercial advertising Universal parks. I used to see them all the time up here (I live in TN). We used to hear radio ads about The Mummy ride when it first opened, but nothing on The Simpsons. We still see Disney & Sea World TV commercials (especially on Travel Channel) pretty much habitually year in & year out. But Universal has vanished
The only mention of Universal these days are short clips of park rides/coasters on the overall Orlando & Kissimmee commercials. Has anyone else noticed this?

Speaking of Travel Channel. Universal needs a new TV special to run like Disney has. Perhaps Universal is patiently awaiting the opening of Harry Potter, or tourism to rebound before they start shelling out $$$ for this type of marketing like back in the day.

Thats what I'm thinking. They don't have much new things open right now, but very soon they will, with the Rip Ride Rock-it Coaster and then HP.

One other thing is maybe they are waiting since so much is under construction right now.

 

[minniejack]

I noticed same--get excited with the 1 second viewing on the California commercials!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Just realized it has been way over a year since I have seen a single television commercial advertising Universal parks. I used to see them all the time up here (I live in TN). We used to hear radio ads about The Mummy ride when it first opened, but nothing on The Simpsons. We still see Disney & Sea World TV commercials (especially on Travel Channel) pretty much habitually year in & year out. But Universal has vanished
The only mention of Universal these days are short clips of park rides/coasters on the overall Orlando & Kissimmee commercials. Has anyone else noticed this?

Speaking of Travel Channel. Universal needs a new TV special to run like Disney has. Perhaps Universal is patiently awaiting the opening of Harry Potter, or tourism to rebound before they start shelling out $$$ for this type of marketing like back in the day.

I have seen a cpl over the past years but not many. From the Surveys they have been asking it looks like they will be focusing heavily on ads on the internet. But you are right once Potter opens I am sure they will spend a great deal on marketing in all aspects to get that information out.

 

[Sir Robin Hood]

it looks like they will be focusing heavily on ads on the internet.

Yeah I've seen the ads on MySpace telling about the 7-day, both-parks deal. It's just a shame that without looking online or living in Fla, many folks wouldn't even know about The Simpsons ride. Mummy was all over the screens & radios here when it opened. I'm sure the marketing dept will have a field day with Potter.

One of the pp's mentioned the construction factor. That theory makes a lot of sense too. Spending all that money on luring people into parks with sections torn apart would not be wise, and might alienate future visitors.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Yeah I've seen the ads on MySpace telling about the 7-day, both-parks deal. It's just a shame that without looking online or living in Fla, many folks wouldn't even know about The Simpsons ride. Mummy was all over the screens & radios here when it opened. I'm sure the marketing dept will have a field day with Potter.

One of the pp's mentioned the construction factor. That theory makes a lot of sense too. Spending all that money on luring people into parks with sections torn apart would not be wise, and might alienate future visitors.

Yea it could. Although I cant rly imagine that affecting because obviously construction needs to be done and wont go on forever I understand that might affect some peoples opinion of the park. Last survey was talking about blogs and stuff so its a route they will probably go with ads on the net. Chances are it is cheaper and since they target teens its actually a pretty good idea.

With times changing I dont even remember the last time I actually saw a commercial. I change the channel when they come on and with Tivo I am sure most ppl skip right past them. Internet is a good way to get attention.

 

[inkkognito]

They seem to do a lot of local advertising. I watch Fox Orlando a lot and it seemed like I couldn't go 15 mins. without seeing a Simpsons ride commercial. Then it switch to HHN (which I was perfectly fine with...I love everything about HHN including the commercials). Now they're back to bombarding the Simpsons ads.

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

I said that on here before about the Travel Channel needing a new show
Now they can plug The Mummy, The Simpsons, etc...

 

[donaldduck352]

I said that on here before about the Travel Channel needing a new show
Now they can plug The Mummy, The Simpsons, etc...

I think they are holding out for the big stuff!!

Imagine when they open HP what kind of adv they are going too do!!

 

[Metro West]

I think they are holding out for the big stuff!!

Imagine when they open HP what kind of adv they are going too do!!

That certainly makes sense.

 

[keishashadow]

Commercial airtime is expensive as is programing development, Disney owns many media outlets & is king at promotion.

fyi, Cox Communications owns The Travel Channel/Travel Media Inc (bought remaining interest from The Discovery Channel) & offers ABC on their Video on Demand service, sure wouldn't be a stretch to think that Disney is providing TTC with 'free' programing re their parks. I luv both parks, yet think the recent caliber of TTC disney related shows has been little more than a thinly disguised informational as opposed to entertainment.

To be fair, NBC does tout the Universal parks on The Today show frequently too, Al Roker a frequent visitor.

OT, yet just for fun I've dug into some of the outlets Disney owns (we r small stockholders). Among other things, they control the following, appears as though there are lots of potential in-house advertising/programing opportunities:

Film Walt Disney Pictures Touchstone Pictures Hollywood Pictures Miramax Films Pixar Broadcast Television ABC Network Owned and Operated Television Stations WLS - Chicago WJRT - Flint KFSN - Fresno KTRK - Houston KABC - Los Angeles WABC - New York City WPVI - Philadelphia WTVD - Raleigh - Durham KGO - San Francisco WTVG - Toledo Cable Television ESPN (80%) ESPN2 (80%) ESPN Classic (80%) ESPNU (80%) ESPNEWS (80%) ABC Family Disney Channel Toon Disney SOAPnet Lifetime Network (partial) Lifetime Movie Network (partial) Lifetime Real Women (partial) A&E (partial) A&E International (partial) Jetix Europe (partial) Jetix Latin America The History Channel (partial) Lifetime Real Women (partial) Radio ABC Radio WDWD – Atlanta WMVP – Chicago WLS – Chicago KESN – Dallas KMKI – Dallas-Forth Worth KRDY – San Antonio WCOG – Greensboro, NC WRDZ – Indianapolis KABC – Los Angeles KLOS – Los Angeles KDIS – Los Angeles KSPN – Los Angeles KDIZ – Minneapolis - St. Paul WKSH – Milwaukee, WI WEVD – New York City KDZR – Portland, OR KWDZ – Salt Lake City KIID – Sacramento KMKY – Oakland KQAM – Wichita KKDZ – Seattle WSDZ – St. Louis WWMK – Cleveland KMIK – Phoenix KDDZ – Denver WWMI – Tampa KMIC – Houston WMYM – Miami WBWL – Jacksonville WBYU – New Orleans KDIS – Little Rock WWJZ – Philadelphia WWJZ – Philadelphia WMKI – Boston WDZK – Hartford WDDZ – Providence WDZY – Richmond WGFY – Charlotte WDYZ – Orlando WMNE – West Palm Beach WEAE – Pittsburgh WDRD – Louisville WDDY – Albany, NY KPHN – Kansas City WQUA – Mobile WBML – Jacksonville WFDF – Detroit WFRO – Fremont, OH WDMV – Damascus, MD WHKT – Norfolk Radio Disney ESPN Radio (syndicated programming) Music Walt Disney Records Hollywood Records Lyric Street Records Publishing Book Publishing Imprints Hyperion Miramax Books ESPN Books Theia ABC Daytime Press Hyperion eBooks Hyperion East Disney Publishing Worldwide Cal Publishing Inc. CrossGen Hyperion Books for Children Jump at the Sun Volo Michael di Caupa Books Disney Global Children's Books Disney Press Disney Editions Disney Libri Global Retail Global Continuity Magazine Automotive Industries Biography (with GE and Hearst) Discover Disney Adventures Disney Magazine ECN News ESPN Magazine (distributed by Hearst) Family Fun Institutional Investor JCK Kodin Top Famille - French family magazine US Weekly (50%) Video Business Quality Wondertime Magazine Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Imagineering Disneyland Resort Walt Disney World Resort Tokyo Disney Resort Disneyland Resort Paris Hong Kong Disneyland Disney Vacation Club Disney Cruise Line Other Disney Theatrical Productions Disney Live Family Entertainment Disney on Ice The Disney Store Club Penguins ESPN Zone Disney Toys Disney Apparel, Accessories and Footwear Disney Food, Health and Beauty Disney Home Furnishings and Decor Disney Stationery Disney Consumer Economics The Baby Einstein Company Muppets Holding Company Disney Interactive Studios Walt Disney Internet Group

 

[donaldduck352]

Commercial airtime is expensive as is programing development, Disney owns many media outlets & is king at promotion.

fyi, Cox Communications owns The Travel Channel/Travel Media Inc (bought remaining interest from The Discovery Channel) & offers ABC on their Video on Demand service, sure wouldn't be a stretch to think that Disney is providing TTC with 'free' programing re their parks. I luv both parks, yet think the recent caliber of TTC disney related shows has been little more than a thinly disguised informational as opposed to entertainment.

To be fair, NBC does tout the Universal parks on The Today show frequently too, Al Roker a frequent visitor.

OT, yet just for fun I've dug into some of the outlets Disney owns (we r small stockholders). Among other things, they control the following, appears as though there are lots of potential in-house advertising/programing opportunities:

Film Walt Disney Pictures Touchstone Pictures Hollywood Pictures Miramax Films Pixar Broadcast Television ABC Network Owned and Operated Television Stations WLS - Chicago WJRT - Flint KFSN - Fresno KTRK - Houston KABC - Los Angeles WABC - New York City WPVI - Philadelphia WTVD - Raleigh - Durham KGO - San Francisco WTVG - Toledo Cable Television ESPN (80%) ESPN2 (80%) ESPN Classic (80%) ESPNU (80%) ESPNEWS (80%) ABC Family Disney Channel Toon Disney SOAPnet Lifetime Network (partial) Lifetime Movie Network (partial) Lifetime Real Women (partial) A&E (partial) A&E International (partial) Jetix Europe (partial) Jetix Latin America The History Channel (partial) Lifetime Real Women (partial) Radio ABC Radio WDWD – Atlanta WMVP – Chicago WLS – Chicago KESN – Dallas KMKI – Dallas-Forth Worth KRDY – San Antonio WCOG – Greensboro, NC WRDZ – Indianapolis KABC – Los Angeles KLOS – Los Angeles KDIS – Los Angeles KSPN – Los Angeles KDIZ – Minneapolis - St. Paul WKSH – Milwaukee, WI WEVD – New York City KDZR – Portland, OR KWDZ – Salt Lake City KIID – Sacramento KMKY – Oakland KQAM – Wichita KKDZ – Seattle WSDZ – St. Louis WWMK – Cleveland KMIK – Phoenix KDDZ – Denver WWMI – Tampa KMIC – Houston WMYM – Miami WBWL – Jacksonville WBYU – New Orleans KDIS – Little Rock WWJZ – Philadelphia WWJZ – Philadelphia WMKI – Boston WDZK – Hartford WDDZ – Providence WDZY – Richmond WGFY – Charlotte WDYZ – Orlando WMNE – West Palm Beach WEAE – Pittsburgh WDRD – Louisville WDDY – Albany, NY KPHN – Kansas City WQUA – Mobile WBML – Jacksonville WFDF – Detroit WFRO – Fremont, OH WDMV – Damascus, MD WHKT – Norfolk Radio Disney ESPN Radio (syndicated programming) Music Walt Disney Records Hollywood Records Lyric Street Records Publishing Book Publishing Imprints Hyperion Miramax Books ESPN Books Theia ABC Daytime Press Hyperion eBooks Hyperion East Disney Publishing Worldwide Cal Publishing Inc. CrossGen Hyperion Books for Children Jump at the Sun Volo Michael di Caupa Books Disney Global Children's Books Disney Press Disney Editions Disney Libri Global Retail Global Continuity Magazine Automotive Industries Biography (with GE and Hearst) Discover Disney Adventures Disney Magazine ECN News ESPN Magazine (distributed by Hearst) Family Fun Institutional Investor JCK Kodin Top Famille - French family magazine US Weekly (50%) Video Business Quality Wondertime Magazine Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Imagineering Disneyland Resort Walt Disney World Resort Tokyo Disney Resort Disneyland Resort Paris Hong Kong Disneyland Disney Vacation Club Disney Cruise Line Other Disney Theatrical Productions Disney Live Family Entertainment Disney on Ice The Disney Store Club Penguins ESPN Zone Disney Toys Disney Apparel, Accessories and Footwear Disney Food, Health and Beauty Disney Home Furnishings and Decor Disney Stationery Disney Consumer Economics The Baby Einstein Company Muppets Holding Company Disney Interactive Studios Walt Disney Internet Group

Thats the short list of what DW has there hands in!!

 

[keishashadow]

Thats the short list of what DW has there hands in!!

don't get me started on my half-baked conspiracy theories bioscans & all

 

[macraven]

my guess is that Universal only has the ads and commercials in regions of the country that have low attendance to the universal parks.


don't you think they would target the areas they wanted to beef up the interest for their vacation packages?

it's a given they advertise a lot for florida but only select areas in the rest of the states get the tv ads.

the chicago area had a lot of tv ads when the hulk was coming out for vacation packages.
since then, i have not seen much of an ad campaign, tv and newspaper, up here since 2004.

i would truly love to see more ads in my viewing area.

 

[madalynns mom]

I wish someone would do a travel show about Universal the way the travel channel does for Disney! I remember when I was planning my trip to Disney I loved watching those shows to get all excited about my upcoming trip.

 

[Sir Robin Hood]

I wish someone would do a travel show about Universal the way the travel channel does for Disney! I remember when I was planning my trip to Disney I loved watching those shows to get all excited about my upcoming trip.

The last time I saw Universal Secrets on Travel Channel was at least three or four years ago.
Speaking of. My local park still runs their hour-long special on Travel Channel every now & then. It's the Dollywood behind the scenes special. That thing really needs to be updated. It was filmed way back before Mystery Mine, Thunderhead, and other attractions were built.
I agree with the other pp's in that Universal will probably have a brand new hour-long show to run on TTC once the new Potter section & other rides open. The older one still mentions BTTF & Kong.

 

[macraven]

I wish someone would do a travel show about Universal the way the travel channel does for Disney! I remember when I was planning my trip to Disney I loved watching those shows to get all excited about my upcoming trip.

write to samantha brown and let her know.
she has some choice on the places she presents.

 

[madalynns mom]

write to samantha brown and let her know.
she has some choice on the places she presents.

I should!! I love her show but I'd like it even more if she'd go to Universal. I've only been to Hard Rock's resort ( 5 years ago ) but I'd love to see a show on all the Universal resorts. Maybe if we all send a massive amounts of emails to the travel channel they'll get the hint!

 

[macraven]

oh no.....that might be a very bad thing to do.
then everyone will want to stay there.


you think the rates run high there now, wait until everyone wants to stay there.
it will become outrageous.


fotl perks for onsite guests will have lines as long as the regular ones then

 

[Metro West]

oh no.....that might be a very bad thing to do.
then everyone will want to stay there.


you think the rates run high there now, wait until everyone wants to stay there.
it will become outrageous.