What is Universal Orlando's biggest flaw?

[jtopicz1]

Well, there hasn't been too much to talk about lately, but i'm sure everyone will have an opinion on this. What do you think is Universal Orlando's biggest flaw or worst feature?

I would have to say the only thing I find to really annoy me about Universal Orlando, is the lack of expansion within IOA. IOA is my favorite park and every ride and show rates highly in my opinion, however there simply is not enough to do to make the park worthy of a two day stay. Opening Storm Force and the Flying Unicorn definatly helped, but another major attraction or two would really help.

Below I have listed some common complaints that come up on these boards.

 

[apanopio]

I would like to see a parade or fireworks/laser light show at either park. Also, I would like to see some more movie magic-audience participation shows at the Studios, like Hercules/Xena.

 

[cotye]

By some strange act of coincidenc, whenever I go to USF, Jaws is always down. The first time I went in 1990, it was closed cause it wasn't ready. Rumour was that they had to do some major overhaul. In 1993, I think it still wasn't open (not sure). 1995, finally got to go on it once. 2000, down again. Geez, this ride doesn't like me!! LOL...

Other than that US, has been pretty good.

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<font size=4 color=blue>Kevin</font>

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<font size=2>"I Will Be Alright, If I Can Find That Rainbow's End." - Mariah Carey</font>

 

[Quentin Disney]

If their is one thing that must be improved is the way UO does its character greetings. Unorganized lines is one thing, but having to pay to get a picture with the Grinch is something I don't approve.

Funny you mentioned Jaws cotye. The last time I went to USF, Jaws was under a rehab!

-Quentin-
"That guy who likes Minnie Mouse.*"

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</A>

 

[degenerationxwwfwdw1]

Well my vote for Universal's biggest flaw would have to be all of Universal Studios Flordia (except for MIB, Twister, and T2-3D). I know everyone knows I can make a post without bashing USF! I do enjoy IOA and those three rides. I like that they have came up with Fast Track but I think I like the way Disney does it better. The line to get one can be REALLY long. I also didnt like the fast food resturants at UO as good as WDW's. But that really isnt a big deal. But as you know with me for every negative that has to be a positive. I enjoy the themeing at IOA. And the singles lines (if they only had them all the time!) and Express.

"Why would you waste your time with USF when you could go to WDW or IOA!"

 

[Bork]

I agree about IOA needing more to do. This is especially true if you don't want to get soaked. We went in November when it's not quite as warm. We didn't want to get totally soaked, but that really limited our choices at IOA. We barely spent a day there (We left and rode MIB about 20 times before closing)

The rides are great, they just need more of them (preferably without water).

 

[Jane E.]

I dislike the long walk from the parking garage thru Citywalk to the parks. I loved it when we used to be able to park right in front of Universal and go right in. Its too bad they didn't plan the use of trams to transport people. For now, we use the valet parking.

 

[minijeanie]

I am in agreement with the other DIS fan who says they need a parade or some sort of hoopla. That small rendition with Popeye, Beetle Bailey, Olive Oyle, et el. just starts to get me in the spirit of things. They need a major parade or night show. Other than that I love both parks. Lucky for me the 4 times I've been there, Jaws was up and running.


minijeanie

 

[WebmasterBarry]

Actually, Universal does have parades. IOA has a Marvel Super Hero Parade daily. USF has parades during Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.

Barry aka usagi
Moderator, Universal and Sea World Boards

 

[Margie J]

I have three gripes:

Long lines at attractions - It just seems that every time I'm at USF/IoA, even at "slow" times of the year, the lines are so long. Maybe it's a ride loading problem, don't know.

Alcohol served while you are in line - I know when it's hot and the line is long that many people would love a "cold one" but Hello, there are kids around. I'm not anti-alcohol (I just finished a glass of wine) but I find there is too much alcohol served here, especially USF.

Rude Guests - I find most of the workers fine but some of the guests are another story. Maybe it's related to the alcohol use, don't know. However, rude guests = rude employees, IMO.

 

[NHLFAN]

I also agree with the other posts...The walk from the parking to IOA/USF or back is way too long.
Maybe they should hand out 3D glasses and enclose the walkway and feature some cool 3D effects to pass the time and then you just deposit the glasses into a barrel at the end.
PS...The Travel Channel tonight (12/20/00) rated USF/IOA the #1 theme park in the World!

 

[Loric]

I always found the walk interesting.. from the appropriate music played depending on your parking level, to the lively music that is played as you continue further. I just chat with my family/friends, look around (there tends to be some stuff to see) and just spend all my time too busy being excited about being there instead of wondering how long the walk is. Once i'm into CityWalk i have zero complaints.. You spend all day walking around the park, which i think it bigger, but you can't handle a tromp from the parking lot? A good idea might be to add some itneractive art or something, like they have at some airports.. it is a bit barren looking. I remember a giant hourglass in the circular area once, that was cool and all, it was counting down to IOA's opening.. I'm almost always parked in JP or Kong, not sure why.. I guess i like it, it's better than Epcot's parking from what i remember, and whenever i went to a park with a tram it'd always be leaving jsut as i showed up so i ended up walking anyways..
-Rob

 

[laksirvak6]

ok the walk from Terminator 2:3D and back to the future is way to long they should have something inbetweeen there worth riding!! I walked through here in pouring rain in a poncho! My brother wasn't as lucky, he got soaked and had to walk ALLL THAT way to MIB in the rain. He smelt funny afterward!

 

[DEE DEE]

How sad Universal does not want to make it convenient for all of their guests by providing
transportation to all of their guests!It kind of
puts a damper on your trip when you have to hoof it long distances in the rain.Or at the end of the day you face that long,long treck back to you car.I hope they wise up or someone else buys them that know what there customers want.

 

[WebmasterBarry]

The walk may be long, but it is also under cover. Even with the long walk, I'd rather park at Universal because of the covered parking garage. It beats coming out to a hot car sitting in a parking lot all day!

Barry aka usagi
Moderator, Universal and Sea World Boards

 

[Dznefreek]

Actually; ET, Animal Actors, Fievel, Woody WoodPecker's Kid Zone are all between T2-3D and BTTF; The Ride.

<a href="http://members.tripod.com/~dznefreek/IOAGuide1.html"><font color=royalblue>Visit the Unoficial Guide to Islands of Adventure!</a>

 

[swinginevilmike]

Quote

Alcohol served while you are in line - I know when it's hot and the line is long that many people would love a "cold one" but Hello, there are kids around. I'm not anti-alcohol (I just finished a glass of wine) but I find there is too much alcohol served here, especially USF.
--------------------------------------------------

I think that might be employees biggest concern too. I have dealt with too many intoxicated individuals especially at HHN's and they sometimes become violent when you tell them they can't do something stupid like jump up and down on the delorean car displayed at the front of BTTF the ride...I could go on for days about the stupid things people do when they drink too much in the parks.It puts guest and employees in danger..

Mike

 

[jonathansullivan]

Hi Guys! Please Celebrate my first post with me!!! Ok...on to the news:

My best friend is an athlete nut, and accordingly has a pedometer. Someone earlier recommended a pedometer and stop watch. Here are the results:

In order from Longest to Shortest: (Car Parked Mid Aisle to Tram/Walkway) This assumes you do not walk on Movable sidewalks and that you sit in trams/monorails etc.

Magic Kingdom - 2315ft (1/4 miles) 37 Minutes
IOA - 1802ft 14 Minutes
USF - 1718ft 12 Minutes
Sea World - 1200ft 15 Minutes
Animal Kingdom - 625ft 18 Minutes
MGM Studios - 616ft 15 Minutes
Epcot - 512ft 10 Minutes

Before Everyone Goes and Sounds Off...This is not terribly Scientific. This was done on 3 day on moderately busy days. Don't bother asking for recounts, this was to satisfy my curiousity. It is FYI.

Also in regards to the comment about long attraction lines at USF & IOA...I go at least once a week to Islands and they have the best loading procedures...Lines are not that long (compared to Disney)

Jonathan

 

[WebmasterBarry]

Wow, you must have had a long tape measure!

Actually, AK's walk seems very long, especially to the WDW buses!

Barry aka usagi
Moderator, Universal and Sea World Boards

 

[jonathansullivan]

It really is a walk to AK busses (MGM's too)

Remember that info prev post was based on walking from a parking space.

Personally, I think the best parking lot of all is Epcot. Even with out a tram, it is not all that far to the gate.

Universal from a marketing standpoint is very wise having you walk through Citywalk. Possibility for you to buy more. Or stop and rest and buy a slushi or ice cream cone!