Universal won't let rain dampen its park experience
By Todd Pack
Sentinel Staff Writer
July 22, 2002
Universal Orlando drenches guests on rides such as Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, but it doesn't want a little rain to spoil anyone's day.
So, it's become the first of Orlando's Big Three to give out rainchecks.
SeaWorld Orlando gives guests second-day tickets good for admission within seven days, even on sunny days. Walt Disney World doesn't give out rainchecks.
Universal's rainchecks are good after 4 p.m. and must be used within three days.
Universal Orlando dismissed the raincheck idea in April, when its sister park in Southern California, Universal Hollywood, began offering a free day to rain victims. Park officials said at the time that a rain policy wouldn't be practical in Central Florida because it rains almost every afternoon in the summertime.
But "we've had a different kind of rain the last 30 days," spokeswoman Susan Lomax said. Instead of the usual brief showers, this summer has seen torrential rains that can last for hours.
Ironically, Central Florida has been mostly dry since Universal put up signs explaining the policy on July 13.
Todd Pack can be reached at 407-420-5407 or tpack@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...072202jul22.story?coll=orl-business-headlines
By Todd Pack
Sentinel Staff Writer
July 22, 2002
Universal Orlando drenches guests on rides such as Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, but it doesn't want a little rain to spoil anyone's day.
So, it's become the first of Orlando's Big Three to give out rainchecks.
SeaWorld Orlando gives guests second-day tickets good for admission within seven days, even on sunny days. Walt Disney World doesn't give out rainchecks.
Universal's rainchecks are good after 4 p.m. and must be used within three days.
Universal Orlando dismissed the raincheck idea in April, when its sister park in Southern California, Universal Hollywood, began offering a free day to rain victims. Park officials said at the time that a rain policy wouldn't be practical in Central Florida because it rains almost every afternoon in the summertime.
But "we've had a different kind of rain the last 30 days," spokeswoman Susan Lomax said. Instead of the usual brief showers, this summer has seen torrential rains that can last for hours.
Ironically, Central Florida has been mostly dry since Universal put up signs explaining the policy on July 13.
Todd Pack can be reached at 407-420-5407 or tpack@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...072202jul22.story?coll=orl-business-headlines
