D.H.K.
Manhattan,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 17, 2012
I understand that the costs associated with a vacation to Universal Orlando are quite pricey. I feel horribly for the families that can't afford the express pass.
However, sir, it's good to remember that the internet, as well as pre-planning, are your friend.
There are specific times of year in which Universal and Disney are not crowded. Your report was filed in January. I'm guessing you went around the holidays, which is one of the busiest times for Orlando theme parks in the entire year. I know you didn't go early January, because January/early Febuary is one of the slowest times in Orlando theme parks.
Your complaints are all justified, as a former attractions employee I saw people like you every day. Most of the time if you were nice to us, we let you ride again or don't scan the express the first time you go in, however if we let guests into the express line without valid express passes or twice on the same express pass without the unlimited option, it's technically 'stealing from the company' as they see it.
Your best bet for next time if you want to save money is to buy two unlimited express passes and switch off. You won't all get to ride together, but you'll have two so that nobody will have to ride alone. Who talks on rides, anyway? The express line usually goes pretty quickly, and the extra ten-fifteen minutes you'll spend switching off will have saved you hundreds of dollars.
Surprisingly, I still prefer the Universal express pass over the Disney fast pass, and I've also worked in Disney attractions, so I understand them both. I'm also confused as to you saying Disney is more magical - I disagree. Disney is just as much out for your money, they're just more sneaky about it.
Either way, sir, I give you this - google search is your friend. There are many, many ways to save money and avoid all of the hassle you had to deal with. All it takes is a little pre-planning.
A few words of advice -
1. September and January are the slowest months for Orlando theme parks. However, what you get in lack of crowds you make up in the fact that those are the times they close some attractions for maintenence.
2. Any deal can be taken advantage of if you have patience and are sneaky enough.
3. Single riders lines are your best friend, because you don't talk to your family while on the ride anyway.
4. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE ATTRACTIONS WORKERS. All it takes is being nice to them, joking around with them, appealing to their better nature. Tell them your sob story, tell them about your family, SYMPATHIZE to what they go through on a daily basis. Some will ignore you, but others will be so grateful that a guest was finally friendly and supportive that they will let you through the express line of their ride. Sometimes if you're really nice and you really made a connection, they will also get you on one or two other rides as well, sometimes ones that are hard to get to. They all have access to special passes that they give out to guests that are angry, that allow you onto one ride without waiting. Also, they have the ability to call other attractions and get you onto rides without waiting by just walking up to the greeter and telling them your name. I used to get families onto Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ( which does not take express passes ) all the time just for being nice to me. If you yell at me, you get nothing. If you're nice to me, I would give you the world.
You can't EXPECT such treatment though, that's the thing. If guests ASKED me if I had passes to other rides, or the ability to get people on other rides, I would outright lie. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!
I hope you don't let that one experience ruin Universal for you for good. They've got some pretty awesome stuff rolling out in the next year. I hope your next trip is better, and remember - plan, plan, PLAN!
Goober
Florida,#3Consumer Comment
Sat, April 21, 2012
I literally have no idea what the complaint is. Youre upset with Universal for turning a profit and you should be upset with yourself for not researching the purchase. As someone who visits this park every year, its the best purchase I make. You mean I get to skip the line at the best rides for $60?! Absolutely worth it. I also visit Disney about 4 times a year and find it hilarious you say theyre out to make a magical experience. As if turnin a profit is a side notion that they just happen by in the process of being mahical. Next time you go on a trip, do some research. Next time youre about to make a $60 impulse buy, ask some legitimate questions. You should be mad at yourself not the park. Most people dont go back? Thats obvious by how packed it is every day right?
loki_
jacksonville beach,#4Consumer Suggestion
Tue, March 06, 2012
You traveled as near as makes no difference 1,000 miles from St Louis to Orlando to go to the Universal Orlando parks. I'd assume you would take a few minutes to research the parks before spending that kind of money. Universal has all of the "small print" regarding their Express Pass clearly listed on their website.
Every business is out to make a profit, that goes without saying. Universal is able to use the demand for shorter wait times to market their Express Pass (as well as an on-site hotel perk). Its the consumers responsibility to be informed. If you don't like their policy, protest by not throwing your tourist dollars at them.
That being said, my constructive rebuttal will be regarding trip planning. For this example, I'll only be using Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Upon doing a quick google search, I found that the average hours for IOA is 9a-8p, 11 hours. There are 28 rides, shows, and attractions (not including eating or shopping); which equals to 1 attraction every 23 minutes, for 11 hours solid, assuming you stayed all day. Lets think about that and think if it is realistic. In my opinion, its worth it to delay your trip to save up the extra money to get the Express Pass. You'll be able to see a significantly higher portion of the park as well as save the frustration and heat of queuing for hours on end.