Guest Treatment from Team Members - Bad Experience

JRocker;2453793 wrote:
Maybe I will need to see it for myself next month, but this latest news has me questioning whether or not I want to.

I mean, it's one thing to post a big red and yellow sign and tell me that all contents of my pockets must be stowed (again, inconvenient, but I'll get over it). Another sign telling me eyewear must also be stowed, though I have to wonder how much I would enjoy spiderman if I can't see it... But to have me go through a check point, because as some here would insist, I am probably lying to you?

No, no. It's the "other" people who are lying...:sick:

I thoroughly enjoy our visits to Universal, almost as much as our trips to Disney. But, somewhere, there is a better way to address this issue. I am hoping they find it. Otherwise, my trips will get a few hundred bucks cheaper.

I think I fall into this camp. I was considering adding Universal Annual passes this years but for me having fun and going through a metal detector just don't feel like they go together.

And yes the same thing could be said about FP+, planning , crowds etc but for some reason this just bugs me more.

AgentC;2453934 wrote: I think I fall into this camp. I was considering adding Universal Annual passes this years but for me having fun and going through a metal detector just don't feel like they go together.

And yes the same thing could be said about FP+, planning , crowds etc but for some reason this just bugs me more.

I am the opposite. Planning the Disney vacation has gotten so taxing, it has sucked the fun out of the time leading up to vacation. I had to stay up 6 nights in a row past midnight to apply for fast passes. Then couldn't get them for some attractions and other attractions had times spread out so far apart that we weren't going to be in the parks that long. Then lines for attractions that used to be a 10 to 15 minute wait were over 60 to 120 minutes.

I don't think going through the metal detectors will bother me, but I guess I won't know until I do it.

IMO the way Disney checks bag is just silly and a waste of time. Half the time they don't even look in my camera bag.....that goes for Universal too.

AgentC;2453934 wrote: I think I fall into this camp. I was considering adding Universal Annual passes this years but for me having fun and going through a metal detector just don't feel like they go together.

And yes the same thing could be said about FP+, planning , crowds etc but for some reason this just bugs me more.

I understand what you're saying, Cindy. Metal detectors are kind of a killjoy, whether they're necessary or not.

One way to look at it in deciding about the UO passes is that they have only using metal detectors on the three roller coasters--Hulk, Rip Ride Rocket and Dragon Challenge. If the kids aren't into those intense type of rides yet, but would enjoy the other attractions, it still might be worth it.

At the very least they could theme the metal detectors. They didn't even do that.

NJGIRL;2453955 wrote: I am the opposite. Planning the Disney vacation has gotten so taxing, it has sucked the fun out of the time leading up to vacation. I had to stay up 6 nights in a row past midnight to apply for fast passes. Then couldn't get them for some attractions and other attractions had times spread out so far apart that we weren't going to be in the parks that long. Then lines for attractions that used to be a 10 to 15 minute wait were over 60 to 120 minutes.

I don't think going through the metal detectors will bother me, but I guess I won't know until I do it.

IMO the way Disney checks bag is just silly and a waste of time. Half the time they don't even look in my camera bag.....that goes for Universal too.

I totally get where you are coming from Rita but I don't do anything of the things you mentioned for planning at Disney World so they don't bug me.

I almost always book my FP at 30 days or less. I've been able to get most of what I want. we went to AK on Good Friday and I had to book same day and it was fine. If I don't get them, it doesn't bother me but I think that is probably the local factor. We go enough that there is always another time. If I went once every couple of years and had to do certain things, it probably would bother me.

Lines and crowds are another story but there is nothing to really do about. The people aren't going away so you live with or you don't do.

MNNHFLTX;2453959 wrote: I understand what you're saying, Cindy. Metal detectors are kind of a killjoy, whether they're necessary or not.

One way to look at it in deciding about the UO passes is that they have only using metal detectors on the three roller coasters--Hulk, Rip Ride Rocket and Dragon Challenge. If the kids aren't into those intense type of rides yet, but would enjoy the other attractions, it still might be worth it.

I was mainly considering it for me, Beth. The kids won't ride enough. I might get them Legoland passes since they are super cheap.

I think my thing is metal detectors remind me of airports, courthouses etc. Probably not rational but I can't shake the feeling. I'll be going in May so we'll see if I feel differently after.

BrerGnat;2453961 wrote: At the very least they could theme the metal detectors. They didn't even do that.

This is a brilliant idea:thumbsup: Why not scan everyone looking for Terminators or Decepticons?

AgentC;2453988 wrote: I totally get where you are coming from Rita but I don't do anything of the things you mentioned for planning at Disney World so they don't bug me.

I almost always book my FP at 30 days or less. I've been able to get most of what I want. we went to AK on Good Friday and I had to book same day and it was fine. If I don't get them, it doesn't bother me but I think that is probably the local factor. We go enough that there is always another time. If I went once every couple of years and had to do certain things, it probably would bother me.

We had been going on a yearly (before I started to get fed up) basis for a while so I wasn't overly concerned about doing everything every trip. My problem is the value. To me spending hundreds of dollars for each person and only getting to do four or five attractions at park is the problem. I have no problems with the MK because they have so many attractions. It is a problem at the other three parks because they have so many less. I can see where it wouldn't be a problem for a local with an annual pass because the value is still there.

In general I do not have consumer loyalty. I generally shop and spend my money where I feel I am going to get the most for it, so that is why I don't have a problem cutting back our Disney vacations for Universal. I would feel the same way if Universal was making the same changes that Disney has.

Rita (aka NJGIRL)

 

NJGIRL;2454000 wrote: To me spending hundreds of dollars for each person and only getting to do four or five attractions at park is the problem. I have no problems with the MK because they have so many attractions. It is a problem at the other three parks because they have so many less. I can see where it wouldn't be a problem for a local with an annual pass because the value is still there.
.

Yep, there is was more value being a Florida resident. My kids don't really think of any of the theme parks as something special. Its just another one of there activities.

BrerGnat;2453961 wrote: At the very least they could theme the metal detectors. They didn't even do that.

conan617;2453993 wrote: This is a brilliant idea:thumbsup: Why not scan everyone looking for Terminators or Decepticons?

That is a fun idea. ;)

BrerGnat;2453713 wrote: You cannot wear glasses on the rides like Hulk, Rip Ride Rockit, or Dueling Dragons. I really don't know how that works with people who HAVE to wear them to see? Regardless, ALL sunglasses must be removed but last time I went (last October) you were allowed to hold them in your hand. My friend accidentally forgot to leave hers in the locker and boarded dueling dragons with them. She held them in her hand. Probably won't be allowed these days.

I wear glasses FT. I have never had any problems with wearing them on any ride at Universal

AgentC;2454007 wrote: Yep, there is was more value being a Florida resident. My kids don't really think of any of the theme parks as something special. Its just another one of there activities.

That's funny. Kids never realize how good they have it. My 17 year old still doesn't.

Rita (aka NJGIRL)

 

joanna71985;2454025 wrote: I wear glasses FT. I have never had any problems with wearing them on any ride at Universal

And you will continue to not have issues wearing them... Spoke to someone yesterday... People who wear glasses are still allowed to wear them on rides...

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

DizneyFreak2002;2454087 wrote:
With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

Oh good grief! That's just sad

DizneyFreak2002;2454087 wrote: And you will continue to not have issues wearing them... Spoke to someone yesterday... People who wear glasses are still allowed to wear them on rides...

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

Well, to play devil's advocate, people do use phones to keep in touch when splitting up at the parks. This is particularly true with families with small children who cannot or will not ride every attraction. Parents don't generally like to be "incommunicado" or unreachable when separated. Also, some people do need to be able to be reached for other reasons or they may have to conduct work while spending idle time in line.

Not everyone uses their phones for mindless tasks.

I'm sorry OP had a bad experience at universal. I have never had a negative TM encounter there. Ever.
As for their rules, I'll do what they need me to do. It's definitely not their favorite either, but rather a necessary evil.

As for snippy treatment, you're very lucky if you haven't been treated like that at Disney. I can give many instances where I have been. And many instances when I get the "military treatment" being yelled at with commands. Exiting MK after Wishes definitely comes to mind.

Neither is perfect.

Hopefully you will give it another try.