Universal Orlando doesn't give itself enough credit as a .....

[counselormom]

week -long vacation. Does anyone else agree? We spent 8 days staying at Hard Rock a few years ago and
never left the Universal area. We are headed back in October for another week and plan on doing the same.
However, IMHO they don't make it easy and are losing out on profits. I just received a pin code for a discount stay at Portofino and thought I would call and see if we could save some money by moving from HRH. The weekends are blacked out, which I expected, but they would not let me book for a week even if I paid full price for the black out days. I just think that is silly! Take my money!

I also think that:


1. They should offer more than 4 day tickets on their website , basically what they are saying is "we don't expect anyone to come to our parks for more than 4 days". We get our tickets from UT, I've just never understood why they aren't available on the UO website.
2. They should provide transportation from the airport. If you don't have to rent a car you are more likely to
spend all your money on site, Disney clearly has this figured out.
3. Get your meal plan together ! If you are staying on site and can't use the meal plan for food at your resort
you aren't likely to purchase the plan and many will go offsite for food. I would love to purchase a meal plan.
4. It really is time to move away from paper tickets. For profit sake I would think you would want people to charge to a "Universal Band" or card , especially if staying on site.

Don't get me wrong we LOVE Universal and can't wait to go. I just think especially with the new waterpark coming they should think of themselves as the fabulous full week vacation destination they are. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[macraven]

I stay I sit for two weeks and never leave
Do my meals there and love the long stay
I can truly have a relaxing, no rush vacation
Never found it a problem for me and never planned to eat offsite

If I am with friends for a day and they have a car, have tagged along for going to teak to eat or similar places in order to visit longer

I tried the ME for Disney once and it wasn't my thing
Changed to private car service and less stressful

Do not feel transportation is necessary for UO to provide
They do have the star shuttle which is $35 rt if you want to use that

UO is pushing AP purchase which is why at the present only have the 4 day passes

Maybe after the new water park is up, the ticket pricing and structure will change?

Please, no magic band set up for the darkside

What works for some companies doesn't mean it will work for another

Above you said something that I'm not clear on
You buy your tickets with UT but can't on the UO site for 4 day tickets as it is unavailable

No coffee in me yet today so it could be I'm not thinking clearly.... Lol

 

[wookiebeck]

It might be that the TOURISTS don't give it enough credit. Uni has continued to add to the entire resort since they first opened the Studios. Comcast probably thinks they are a week long destination.

There are still many vacationers who think that USO and IOA is just an add-a-day-to-a-Disney-vacation type of place. I think we here on the boards do a pretty good job of trying to change that perception.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have stayed 8 nights and booked it just fine. I booked well in advance, though.

And heck, I haven't even gotten that Portofino email. Be glad you got it!

1. They should offer more than 4 day tickets on their website , basically what they are saying is "we don't expect anyone to come to our parks for more than 4 days". We get our tickets from UT, I've just never understood why they aren't available on the UO website.

Once you're over 4 days just get an AP. Why make a ticket the same cost as a power pass?

And why would you want to buy a ticket from UO when you know it would be more expensive? They create the tickets that resellers sell, after all. So they are making them, and they want people to get them for a bargain. Why ask them to charge you more money?

Get your meal plan together ! If you are staying on site and can't use the meal plan for food at your resort
you aren't likely to purchase the plan and many will go offsite for food. I would love to purchase a meal plan.

Who needs a meal plan? I only go offsite to Sweet Tomatoes, and I do the same at WDW. Have you really looked at the meal plans they have available (there are two, as far as I know)? They offer me nothing useful, personally.

It really is time to move away from paper tickets. For profit sake I would think you would want people to charge to a "Universal Band" or card , especially if staying on site.

This is the third similar post in about 3 days. Many of us here have NO interest in Universal copying WDW's nonsense.

I spend exactly the same using a CC as I do when I have a room charge. You DO know that you can charge to the room, right? No band needed? Anyway, my needs and wants don't change just b/c I can charge to a room.

They should provide transportation from the airport. If you don't have to rent a car you are more likely to
spend all your money on site, Disney clearly has this figured out.

I leave Disney ALL THE TIME. I have no interest in being trapped. I'm happy paying the small extra cost for transportatoin rather than have to subsidize, while renting a car and paying for parking, all the others who don't want to do those things. At WDW we ALL pay for DME, the buses and monorails and boats, AND for the parking lots. I'd rather just pay for what I use, personally.

We are headed back in October for another week and plan on doing the same.
However, IMHO they don't make it easy and are losing out on profits. I just received a pin code for a discount stay at Portofino and thought I would call and see if we could save some money by moving from HRH. The weekends are blacked out, which I expected, but they would not let me book for a week even if I paid full price for the black out days.

So book them separately. Do the PIN code booking then book the other nights separately. Exactly like what you would do at WDW if the deal was only for certain days.

 

[counselormom]

I stay I sit for two weeks and never leave
Do my meals there and love the long stay
I can truly have a relaxing, no rush vacation
Never found it a problem for me and never planned to eat offsite

If I am with friends for a day and they have a car, have tagged along for going to teak to eat or similar places in order to visit longer

I tried the ME for Disney once and it wasn't my thing
Changed to private car service and less stressful

Do not feel transportation is necessary for UO to provide
They do have the star shuttle which is $35 rt if you want to use that

UO is pushing AP purchase which is why at the present only have the 4 day passes

Maybe after the new water park is up, the ticket pricing and structure will change?

Please, no magic band set up for the darkside

What works for some companies doesn't mean it will work for another

Above you said something that I'm not clear on
You buy your tickets with UT but can't on the UO site for 4 day tickets as it is unavailable

No coffee in me yet today so it could be I'm not thinking clearly.... Lol

That makes sense in the context that they are pushing AP's.
I'm wanting to buy tickets for 7 days, but can only do that with the 14 day tickets on UT

 

[counselormom]

It might be that the TOURISTS don't give it enough credit. Uni has continued to add to the entire resort since they first opened the Studios. Comcast probably thinks they are a week long destination.

There are still many vacationers who think that USO and IOA is just an add-a-day-to-a-Disney-vacation type of place. I think we here on the boards do a pretty good job of trying to change that perception.

Yes, I agree with that, most tourist don't think of it as a full week vacation but UO doesn't do much to change that perception and I believe they should. I think that if they started providing no cost transportation, with the new park opening and a little advertising of it being a destination instead of a 1-2 day stop they could change that.

 

[counselormom]

I have stayed 8 nights and booked it just fine. I booked well in advance, though.

And heck, I haven't even gotten that Portofino email. Be glad you got it!

"I was glad I got it, I just wish I could use it. I booked 7 nights at HRH 5 months ago and it wasn't a problem either. But to use the code you can only stay 4 nights, even if you are willing to pay more for the blackout dates. Otherwise it would mean having 3 separate reservations , 2 for the weekend stays and 1 with the discount."



Once you're over 4 days just get an AP. Why make a ticket the same cost as a power pass?

And why would you want to buy a ticket from UO when you know it would be more expensive? They create the tickets that resellers sell, after all. So they are making them, and they want people to get them for a bargain. Why ask them to charge you more money?

"That is a good point, I've not done it before bc I knew we wouldn't be back within a year and even a little bit of an extra cost seemed wasteful. I'm fine with getting them from UT, I was just making a point that UO is giving the impression that they are not a week long destination by only selling up to 4 day tickets."


Who needs a meal plan? I only go offsite to Sweet Tomatoes, and I do the same at WDW. Have you really looked at the meal plans they have available (there are two, as far as I know)? They offer me nothing useful, personally.

"I understand that some people will never want a meal plan and that's okay, everyone is different. My family relaxes a great deal (especially my husband) when everything is paid for in advance and they can order whatever they want. I've looked at both plans and I agree there is nothing useful about it in its current form."



This is the third similar post in about 3 days. Many of us here have NO interest in Universal copying WDW's nonsense.

I spend exactly the same using a CC as I do when I have a room charge. You DO know that you can charge to the room, right? No band needed? Anyway, my needs and wants don't change just b/c I can charge to a room.

"I'm just now realizing that magic bands are a controversial topic. We've only used them once but had a good experience , I'm sure I would feel differently had we not."

I leave Disney ALL THE TIME. I have no interest in being trapped. I'm happy paying the small extra cost for transportatoin rather than have to subsidize, while renting a car and paying for parking, all the others who don't want to do those things. At WDW we ALL pay for DME, the buses and monorails and boats, AND for the parking lots. I'd rather just pay for what I use, personally.

"Good point ! As a customer that is very true, but from the standpoint of a business you want people to be trapped but happy about it. Maybe Universal doesn't want to compete with Disney for week long vacation money but if they do, IMHO, they are going to have to make it easier for people to do that ."



So book them separately. Do the PIN code booking then book the other nights separately. Exactly like what you would do at WDW if the deal was only for certain days.

Would it have to be 3 reservations? The person I spoke with on the phone said if I wanted to use the code I would not be able to book for the week.

 

[schumigirl]

Some of us already do use Universal as a total vacation place.

We stay 18 nights every year. We do go offsite for half/full days out, other activities and restaurants as we always have a car.......we have plenty of time for park and resort time.

Have no interest in dining plans or wanting everything consolidated in one card/band.

I struggle to find what people recently are finding so difficult in having seperate tickets??? Someone recently (not you OP) complained of having to "dig tickets out" as they don't use lanyards.......dig them out of what?? Pockets? A bag?? It's hardly climbing Kilimanjaro.

Not quite sure Disney do have everything figured out right now judging by the number of complaints about several things happening in the parks. Can't comment as we have no interest in Disney, but lots of grumbles on several boards.

In the UK we have plenty of TV adverts for Universal as a destination. I assume you are saying they don't do that in the US?

 

[snoopboop]

That makes sense in the context that they are pushing AP's.
I'm wanting to buy tickets for 7 days, but can only do that with the 14 day tickets on UT

....or you can buy an annual pass. The whole point is that once you go past 4 days, it's cheaper to buy the pass. Why would you WANT to buy a 7-day pass and spend MORE than you would if you purchased an AP???

 

[counselormom]

....or you can buy an annual pass. The whole point is that once you go past 4 days, it's cheaper to buy the pass. Why would you WANT to buy a 7-day pass and spend MORE than you would if you purchased an AP???

Because then you have to deal with the blackout dates or its $309.00 plus tax. An unlimited is $254, if I'm buying 4 tickets then that's an extra $200 plus for a family. Am I looking at it wrong ? It's possible I am

 

[counselormom]

Some of us already do use Universal as a total vacation place.

We stay 18 nights every year. We do go offsite for half/full days out, other activities and restaurants as we always have a car.......we have plenty of time for park and resort time.

Have no interest in dining plans or wanting everything consolidated in one card/band.

I struggle to find what people recently are finding so difficult in having seperate tickets??? Someone recently (not you OP) complained of having to "dig tickets out" as they don't use lanyards.......dig them out of what?? Pockets? A bag?? It's hardly climbing Kilimanjaro.

Not quite sure Disney do have everything figured out right now judging by the number of complaints about several things happening in the parks. Can't comment as we have no interest in Disney, but lots of grumbles on several boards.

In the UK we have plenty of TV adverts for Universal as a destination. I assume you are saying they don't do that in the US?

I love your trip reports Schumigirl! We love Universal and have sworn off Disney bc of many of those issues.
Every time I get a chance I sing their praises and encourage people to vacation there. I just think that Universal
could easily move to the next level and really compete with Disney for vacation dollars.

As far as tickets when I'm just worrying about me it's no big deal keeping track of all my cards , it's when I'm also keeping track of the kids' cards that it's gets a little time consuming . But it's not really a big issue for us, just a minor annoyance.

Yes, I'm just thinking in the US, glad to hear they get you in the UK!

 

[RAPstar]

Even before Potter, I enjoyed doing long trips at Universal. My very first "adult" trip, we did a week at the Doubletree across the street, and my friends who are theme park junkies were questioning my decision since it wasn't Disney. But it's just so easy, if you get bored in one park you can take a quick walk to the other. City Walk is right there. Even staying across the street was easy, it was a little bit of a walk but even that was easy. Honestly, the way Disney is going recently I'd much rather spend my money at Universal, mostly cause you can see the money you spend actually being used at Universal. Instead of on glitchy tech, and a whole themed land based on an outdated IP (Avatar).

 

[tinydancer09]

Because then you have to deal with the blackout dates or its $309.00 plus tax. An unlimited is $254, if I'm buying 4 tickets then that's an extra $200 plus for a family. Am I looking at it wrong ? It's possible I am

I thought you said you were going in October though? If that's true the power pass is the best option for you. There are no blackout dates in October. If you end up wanting to come back during a black out period you can upgrade your annual pass and it would be right around the same price as purchasing two different sets of tickets. Universal knows that a 4 day ticket is pretty much the same price as an annual pass so why provide more days when you could get an entire year?
My marketing brain says: 4 days = power pass. If they go ahead and buy a power pass they are more likely to come back for a second trip OR renew at the cheaper price and come back at least every year. Therefore they continue their stream of revenue instead of just cutting it off by ripping you off with a 14 day ticket. Makes sense to me.

If you come at least once a year for a 7 day trip I think you should go ahead and bite the bullet and get an AP. The renewal rate is very friendly.

I think universal does give themselves enough credit and they are continuously growing. They have come so far in the decade I've been doing there. I do think they try to be different enough from Disney as all businesses do with their competitors. Competitive edge. What makes them different? What makes them draw in Universal people VS Disney people. For me it's that I never have to leave the property. I park my car and then say bye to it. I can afford it. I get benefits for staying onsite. I can drink and walk "home." If I ride the water rides I just walk 10 minutes to the hotel, change, and go back out. I love my lanyard, express pass, and annual pass. I get to keep my express pass in my memory box with my picture on it as a "oh yeah I went there on those dates. Ew look at my hair!" I don't enjoy the tan line I get from a magic band that's for sure! Wet N Wild is currently testing a virtual wait for Volcano Bay... So if you ever visit there you will get your "magic band."

Anyways TL;DR version: Let universal be universal. Every business is going to have things you like to change. While I'm at disney I find myself going "universal does this so much better." and sometimes at universal I do the same. However, the fact that they are different is why I still go to both. My sister loves one and I love another. Let them be their own company with own ideas. I don't want a disney clone!!!

 

[schumigirl]

I love your trip reports Schumigirl! We love Universal and have sworn off Disney bc of many of those issues.
Every time I get a chance I sing their praises and encourage people to vacation there. I just think that Universal
could easily move to the next level and really compete with Disney for vacation dollars.

As far as tickets when I'm just worrying about me it's no big deal keeping track of all my cards , it's when I'm also keeping track of the kids' cards that it's gets a little time consuming . But it's not really a big issue for us, just a minor annoyance.

Yes, I'm just thinking in the US, glad to hear they get you in the UK!

Thank you......very kind of you to say

I think they are getting more than their share now. Many years ago few people from the Disney side came to visit Universal. I remember years ago a woman we shared an Illuminations Cruise with, recoil in almost horror at the prospect of visiting Universal........her comment was 'oh we don't go "there"' Over the years we have seen more and more posts from folks giving Universal a try. At first it was day trips.........people seemed to feel that was enough.

Slowly and surely we are now seeing more and more people spending their vacations at Universal to the detriment of Disney. Something 7 or 8 years ago was unheard of for self proclaimed Disney folk.

Yes, I know you didn't find the tickets an issue, I've just been amazed recently the amount of folk who seem to find it a chore and choose to come and complain about it. Don't quite understand that.

I'm surprised Universal don't have a tv campaign in the States. It is quite prolific over here. Potter is dominant in the ads, but they show the hotels and other rides too.

Glad you enjoy Universal...........

Even before Potter, I enjoyed doing long trips at Universal. My very first "adult" trip, we did a week at the Doubletree across the street, and my friends who are theme park junkies were questioning my decision since it wasn't Disney. But it's just so easy, if you get bored in one park you can take a quick walk to the other. City Walk is right there. Even staying across the street was easy, it was a little bit of a walk but even that was easy. Honestly, the way Disney is going recently I'd much rather spend my money at Universal, mostly cause you can see the money you spend actually being used at Universal. Instead of on glitchy tech, and a whole themed land based on an outdated IP (Avatar).

Us too Robbie.......not as long as some, but we remember the good old days when the parks were totally empty in September.......I miss that at times........lol.......

Yeah, don't quite get Avatar either........don't know anyone who does........all my opinion of course

 

[snoopboop]

I'm surprised Universal don't have a tv campaign in the States. It is quite prolific over here. Potter is dominant in the ads, but they show the hotels and other rides too.

[/QUOTE]
I still regularly see the "vacation like you mean it" ads - the ones that use "Come With Me Now" by Kongos... I love seeing them!

 

[schumigirl]

I'm surprised Universal don't have a tv campaign in the States. It is quite prolific over here. Potter is dominant in the ads, but they show the hotels and other rides too.

I still regularly see the "vacation like you mean it" ads - the ones that use "Come With Me Now" by Kongos... I love seeing them! [/QUOTE]

Yes, that's the one! Only it says "holiday like you mean it" over here.......all said in an American accent of course..............over here we go on "Holiday" not a vacation........lol......

 

[bchbetha]

I used my plastic room key to charge stuff and that was perfect.
I really would have loved transportation. We're a family of 4. $35 each is expensive for us. We used Uber (with a bit of shenanigans) for $35 total to Universal and $16 return. I don't think I knew it was $35 round trip (is it?). Uber, while annoying (and not legit), was really cheap and easy. Eta- mean that Uber X or XL can't pick up at airport. No problem taking you to the airport though.
I'd never buy a meal plan. We share meals, I eat light...it'd never make financial sense per the way we eat.

It really is a great vacation and I think it's clever to offer the unlimited express passes to guests at deluxe hotels!

 

[macraven]

I'm surprised Universal don't have a tv campaign in the States. It is quite prolific over here. Potter is dominant in the ads, but they show the hotels and other rides too.

if you lived in Georgia you would be getting those ads on tv
i see the same ones quite a few times each week.

i hope they show the hhn ads
my first year in Ga so don't know if the special event ads show here.

 

[schumigirl]

Uber, while annoying (and not legit), was really cheap and easy.

Uber aren't legit???

Why?

 

[tinydancer09]

if you lived in Georgia you would be getting those ads on tv
i see the same ones quite a few times each week.

i hope they show the hhn ads
my first year in Ga so don't know if the special event ads show here.

I see them but I get Florida broadcasting down here.