Universal Closing time is 6 PM on 6/3/15?!?! Any idea why?

[wm49rs]

You are wrong - these early close downs are not on the exact same dates every year. So unless you suggest you avoid a full month? I'm sure Universal would love your advice for consumers to stay away from them for a month if you aren't happy they might close early.

Nice.

No, but trying a little research before going on a trip wouldn't hurt. Might even save you having to post (or begin threads of) more of the same p&m b#ll#cks....

 

[maxairmike]

That's easy, maintain a predictable consistent schedule. Customer service and satisfaction wise, that is a no brainier.

Put it another way, constantly and randomly shifting your operational hours seems inappropriate.

Logical would be to host these private parties during extra hours or hours when parks are normally closed. ...not normally open.

I'm not all that hung up on the topic and could almost care less, but implying that this random scheduling is somehow better than static schedules is flaky, and should be stated as such.

They do maintain a pretty predictable, consistent schedule, considering the seasonal and fluctuating nature of their business. This is hardly random scheduling, especially considering that hours are available months in advance. Not only are hours a very seasonal thing, these parks are also event spaces, and those events cost (and make, if the bars aren't a free for all that was already paid for) a ton of money relative to their time spans. For the majority of these events the parks are closing one, maybe two, and sometimes 0 hours earlier than they otherwise would have, making all the complaints even more lacking. For the relatively few times they're actually cutting into park time (I'm excluding HHN, as that has been a consistent since year 1 or 2), you can probably have a comparable list of dates at DHS. In other words, this isn't just Universal, this is also Disney as well, yet I don't see the angst over DHS (or occasionally MK) closing early.

Look at the calendars, and don't assume when planning an expensive trip. It really is that simple. We all know what happens when you assume, right?

 

[BuddyThomas]

Related: Several years ago, we were at Disneyland and they closed the park super early to host Miley Cyrus' birthday party. We had no idea they were closing early until we were being herded out the front gate. When we got back to the resort, we asked the front desk what that was all about. Not even a complaint- just a request for information. They explained it, and then gave us two free park passes that we had not even asked for. We had a great night at the pool and went back to the park for free the next day. Worked out great for everyone.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Didn't know Miley may enough money for something like that??? Can't be cheap.

I'm pretty sure Disney threw her the party. Here's a link to a story about it:

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-10-06-cyrus-birthday_N.htm

Anyway, didn't mean to derail the thread. Back to the regularly scheduled arguing.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Not if you had booked a year in advance like a fair few do.

Who does that?

Honestly, why? You can't take advantages of flight and room deals that way.

Also, you have no idea of what rides are under maintenance, which parks are open late, and what attractions are planned to open.

Seriously, why would you book a year in advance? An eager trigger finger, perhaps?

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Ok, me and Mike are the biggest Unitards here, and I'll be the first to say the Grad Bash schedule this year was wack. It should never go past Memorial Day. Period. That's the tourist time.

Yes, schedules are posted online. And these things happen in the off season at Uni and Disney. And Disney has TONS of upcharge parties (MNSSHP $ MVMCP) that close the #1 theme park on the planet early just to charge them to come right back in. Brilliant! But to close UOR early after the travel season has started (Memorial Day) is a faux pax. And it shouldn't happen again.

 

[GLaDOS]

Universal got a lot of complaints this year concerning the early closing times. They are going to have to rethink this. It absolutely can not happen after Memorial Day again.

This is one of those growing pains in moving into being a destination resort.

It didn't happen on Memorial Day though...?

 

[GLaDOS]

And i'm still waiting for the link to say the parks wasn't hired out for the privilged folk - but just normal average graduated - WHERE'S THE LINK?

So you didn't read the one I posted above?

 

[JordanNite]

Who does that?

Honestly, why? You can't take advantages of flight and room deals that way.

Also, you have no idea of what rides are under maintenance, which parks are open late, and what attractions are planned to open.

Seriously, why would you book a year in advance? An eager trigger finger, perhaps?

What is it you how i book my vacations? I'd ardent a bet a vast majority of people book their vacations a good long time out, and i can guarantee both Disney and Universal have well over 25% of their bookings for next year already.

FYI when you have commitments, children to bring with you, other family members who go along, and living in a city with only one direct flight to Orlando then it pays to book early.

So let's get this clear - Universal are blameless, and it's completely good form to turf your guests out at 6pm during peak days when queing for rides is at over 2 hours, and close both parks to them, and then let a select group of other people on numerous nights during my stay, not just one day but numerous times. It's actually my fault for wanting to stay at a Universal resort and wanting to be around the surroundings of Universal for as much time as i can, it's my fault for being unhappy i was turfed out at 6pm and i should chill, it's my fault i paid for full day tickets but was kicked out early, it's my fault not waiting till a few months out so i can see Universals schedule, it's my fault for having the audacity to try and prepare for a trip early and be organised and try to get a good deal, it's actually all my fault - because had i just waited to book later on, take an indirect flight adding a good 6 hours on my journey, pay more - then i would have known Universal closed early those days and i could have booked to stay at Disney.

IT'S ALL MY FAULT !!!!!!

 

[Mike C]

What is it you how i book my vacations? I'd ardent a bet a vast majority of people book their vacations a good long time out, and i can guarantee both Disney and Universal have well over 25% of their bookings for next year already.

FYI when you have commitments, children to bring with you, other family members who go along, and living in a city with only one direct flight to Orlando then it pays to book early.

So let's get this clear - Universal are blameless, and it's completely good form to turf your guests out at 6pm during peak days when queing for rides is at over 2 hours, and close both parks to them, and then let a select group of other people on numerous nights during my stay, not just one day but numerous times. It's actually my fault for wanting to stay at a Universal resort and wanting to be around the surroundings of Universal for as much time as i can, it's my fault for being unhappy i was turfed out at 6pm and i should chill, it's my fault i paid for full day tickets but was kicked out early, it's my fault not waiting till a few months out so i can see Universals schedule, it's my fault for having the audacity to try and prepare for a trip early and be organised and try to get a good deal, it's actually all my fault - because had i just waited to book later on, take an indirect flight adding a good 6 hours on my journey, pay more - then i would have known Universal closed early those days and i could have booked to stay at Disney.

IT'S ALL MY FAULT !!!!!!

yes

 

[danpam1024]

Incidentally i am not the only one on here to complain - a few other posters on here have complained, only for you to tell them to 'get over it'. I suppose a holiday is an emotive subject, you pay good money to travel, and want to enjoy it - and what may appear minor to you is actually quite insulting to the next person.

I'm just curious, if you're so upset, why spend your holiday there? I was upset with the state of WDW and the decline in the condition of the resort overall- so we spend our money elsewhere. I can be as upset as I want to be- the fact is, people still think it's the greatest thing in the world. Good for them- I hope they have a fantastic time!

 

[wm49rs]

What is it you how i book my vacations? I'd ardent a bet a vast majority of people book their vacations a good long time out, and i can guarantee both Disney and Universal have well over 25% of their bookings for next year already.

FYI when you have commitments, children to bring with you, other family members who go along, and living in a city with only one direct flight to Orlando then it pays to book early.

So let's get this clear - Universal are blameless, and it's completely good form to turf your guests out at 6pm during peak days when queing for rides is at over 2 hours, and close both parks to them, and then let a select group of other people on numerous nights during my stay, not just one day but numerous times. It's actually my fault for wanting to stay at a Universal resort and wanting to be around the surroundings of Universal for as much time as i can, it's my fault for being unhappy i was turfed out at 6pm and i should chill, it's my fault i paid for full day tickets but was kicked out early, it's my fault not waiting till a few months out so i can see Universals schedule, it's my fault for having the audacity to try and prepare for a trip early and be organised and try to get a good deal, it's actually all my fault - because had i just waited to book later on, take an indirect flight adding a good 6 hours on my journey, pay more - then i would have known Universal closed early those days and i could have booked to stay at Disney.

IT'S ALL MY FAULT !!!!!!

Who said anything about Universal being blameless? All I'm seeing are people telling you stop with the incessant p&m routine and try doing a little research first....

 

[JordanNite]

Who said anything about Universal being blameless? All I'm seeing are people telling you stop with the incessant p&m routine and try doing a little research first....

You keep reiterating this point about research - and i answer it, and then a few days later you come back and repost this same post, without ever commenting on my reply.

Now for the final time - when i booked the Loewes resort, and my Universal tickets they did not release the park hours. So what research did you want me to do? Or should i just block out ALL OF MAY? Universal only release their park hours 6 months in advance.

And furthermore, it's also an oversight of many to not even suspect Universal will close both parks down early multiple times during the course of a week to let rich people in.

I'm just curious, if you're so upset, why spend your holiday there? I was upset with the state of WDW and the decline in the condition of the resort overall- so we spend our money elsewhere. I can be as upset as I want to be- the fact is, people still think it's the greatest thing in the world. Good for them- I hope they have a fantastic time!

That's rite because no one is allowed to complain, not ever. FYI i love Universal, and what they are doing with the parks is great - but they dropped a massive clanger here. Turfing out your guests so early in the day, closing both parks - then letting some rich folk in to have the park for themselves, all the while the regular guests who had paid for all day access can see the park open and rides going on.

 

[danpam1024]

You keep reiterating this point about research - and i answer it, and then a few days later you come back and repost this same post, without ever commenting on my reply.

Now for the final time - when i booked the Loewes resort, and my Universal tickets they did not release the park hours. So what research did you want me to do? Or should i just block out ALL OF MAY?

And furthermore, it's also an oversight of many to not even suspect Universal will close both parks down early multiple times during the course of a week to let rich people in.



That's rite because no one is allowed to complain, not ever. FYI i love Universal, and what they are doing with the parks is great - but they dropped a massive clanger here. Turfing out your guests so early in the day, closing both parks - then letting some rich folk in to have the park for themselves, all the while the regular guests who had paid for all day access can see the park open and rides going on.

Last time I checked- High School grads are FAR from being "Rich Folks". It is a rite of passage for FL/GA grads. It is not new. It happens around the same time every year. Now you know- chalk it up to a learning experience and move on, it's not in any way worth being so upset about- life's too short

 

[wm49rs]

You keep reiterating this point about research - and i answer it, and then a few days later you come back and repost this same post, without ever commenting on my reply.

Now for the final time - when i booked the Loewes resort, and my Universal tickets they did not release the park hours. So what research did you want me to do? Or should i just block out ALL OF MAY?

And furthermore, it's also an oversight of many to not even suspect Universal will close both parks down early multiple times during the course of a week to let rich people in.



That's rite because no one is allowed to complain, not ever. FYI i love Universal, and what they are doing with the parks is great - but they dropped a massive clanger here. Turfing out your guests so early in the day, closing both parks - then letting some rich folk in to have the park for themselves, all the while the regular guests who had paid for all day access can see the park open and rides going on.

So, you decided not to check out the park hours a week, two weeks, a month, or even further out? Just riding that p&m train about how you booked a year out?

 

[JordanNite]

Last time I checked- High School grads are FAR from being "Rich Folks". It is a rite of passage for FL/GA grads. It is not new. It happens around the same time every year. Now you know- chalk it up to a learning experience and move on, it's not in any way worth being so upset about- life's too short

Give me the link it's for graduates and there is no corporate or rich folk involvment. Give me the link Universal do this out of the goodness of their hearts.

I saw the people going into the park, as i was stood right outside - and i didn't see teenagers, but grown adults.

 

[JordanNite]

So, you decided not to check out the park hours a week, two weeks, a month, or even further out? Just riding that p&m train about how you booked a year out?

Once you've booked your hotel, flights, tickets, there isn't much you can do. I was there for 5 days, a short trip and then onto another destination - and on numerous nights they were closed early. It was the first (and last) time i stayed on a Universal resort and i wanted to savour the parks - take my time, enjoy each show, eat food, take in the scenery, walk around at night, stroll - that was part of the reason i stayed on site.

However, even though i was at the park on opening - the rush was insane. 2 and a half hour wait on Harry Potter, the train journey queue was 45 mins, then the other Harry Potter ride over IOA was also a good 2 hours. Despicable me 2 hours - then you have men shouting at you to leave the park as it's closed.

You then leave, it's still early, the sun is out, and you see adults entering the park and having a whale of a time. And you are not allowed in.

MASSIVE OWN GOAL IN MY OPINION. Go look on Tripadvisor plenty of complaints about this issue over that month.

 

[JordanNite]

I still can't believe at worst some of you can't concede this is a bit of a rip off practise! Close both parks early to one set of paying guests, then get some new set of guests in and charge them. Do this quite a few time a month and you make some good money!

 

[wm49rs]

Once you've booked your hotel, flights, tickets, there isn't much you can do. I was there for 5 days, a short trip and then onto another destination - and on numerous nights they were closed early. It was the first (and last) time i stayed on a Universal resort and i wanted to savour the parks - take my time, enjoy each show, eat food, take in the scenery, walk around at night, stroll - that was part of the reason i stayed on site.

However, even though i was at the park on opening - the rush was insane. 2 and a half hour wait on Harry Potter, the train journey queue was 45 mins, then the other Harry Potter ride over IOA was also a good 2 hours. Despicable me 2 hours - then you have men shouting at you to leave the park as it's closed.

You then leave, it's still early, the sun is out, and you see adults entering the park and having a whale of a time. And you are not allowed in.

MASSIVE OWN GOAL IN MY OPINION. Go look on Tripadvisor plenty of complaints about this issue over that month.

You knew when you were going, right? Because if so, checking thing such as park hours some time out might be just a tad useful, be it at Universal, WDW, or even Six Flags. But I guess it's too hard to accep that sort of responsibility....

 

[JordanNite]

MAY 14TH
MAY 15TH
MAY 16TH

Three of my five days in Orlando - a Thursday, Friday and Saturday - all three days regular guests thrown out to make way for private events. Thursday and Friday closed Studios at 6 pm !!!!!!!!! The park was packed, and at peak times. On a Friday, the WEEKEND! !!!!! BOTH PARKS CLOSED! On a Thursday at least they allowed an extra hour in IAO.

Saturday always a parks busiest days, slightly later hours, but once again thrown out on the busiest day i've ever seen the Studios to make way for a new set of guests.

Disgraceful. First time i've ever felt the guest being cheated at Universal.