Ask a Universal Team Member
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Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Welcome! Guess I'll start...
Are you optimistic about Comcast's ownership of NBCUniversal? And how have the recent changes (construction, Despicable Me, Potter) been received?
Are you optimistic about Comcast's ownership of NBCUniversal? And how have the recent changes (construction, Despicable Me, Potter) been received?
I have asked many of the other TM in the area that have been thru Universal to MCA to Seagrams and they are optimistic. I personally got hired a few months after comcast signed all the paperwork in 2010 but i did get the whole GE Spiel. Comcast seems more relaxed. The construction has made myself and many others excited about working at USH. I just wish they would give us more insight to ALL of the construction haha. I think we will once gibson closes in the fall.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
If you could, I would love to know what the general consensus was regarding General Electric's reign. I've heard different stories myself, but I always love new perspectives.
On a slightly unrelated note, do you consider the park too loud?
On a slightly unrelated note, do you consider the park too loud?
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Hope you don't mind, but I'll continue asking a few questions. Haha. I appreciate you taking the time to do this, and I' m surprised others haven't asked anything yet (now's your chance!).
What's your favorite thing about working at Universal? And if you're willing, a pet peeve?
What's your favorite thing about working at Universal? And if you're willing, a pet peeve?
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BruceTheShark
Contributing Editor
Is there any empty space left in the old Victoria Station building, or does House of Horror, Photoland, and the Globe Theatre kitchen take up the entire space? Can you think of any large empty spaces in the park that could acommodate a D-Ticket dark ride like E.T.?
What have been your favorite guest moments that you have witnessed or helped in? What about the worst guest moments you've experienced or seen?
last ones for the night, i got to be up early tomorrow for work.
biggest pet peeve: people telling me that they are handicapped and that they automatically get FOLs (everything is ADA accessable and GR has the right to give you the alternate entrance pass instead) also the guests who purposely try to get free things out of complaining. wish they wouldnt because it only holds out the other guests when they do these things.
Favorite thing about USH is the movie history. We have limited access (but still some) to walk around on the backlot. Still breathtaking thinking about the history there. I also love the guests that come in that have not been to USH in 20+ years and seeing them leave with smiles on their faces.
biggest pet peeve: people telling me that they are handicapped and that they automatically get FOLs (everything is ADA accessable and GR has the right to give you the alternate entrance pass instead) also the guests who purposely try to get free things out of complaining. wish they wouldnt because it only holds out the other guests when they do these things.
lets see. In my area, i am one of the highest paying areas that isnt a supervisor or salaried or isnt part of the tour. Not too sure about other areas, but ours have had some "lifers" for 5+ years.
funny story about the Victoria Station building: Annual Pass Center has this weird hallway connected there too. unfortunaly not too sure about the actual building. I still hope for some of the vision plan to build new soundstages and to make the older ones near transformers rides/shows/attractions ala USO
Does working at the park take away "the magic" of the park for you? Do you get worried that working there will make you tired of the park as a fan? Has working there changed your view of the park compared to when you were just "a fan"?
IDK if you can answer, but does the USH management feel pressure to expand to compete more with Disneyland Resort, just as USO is competing more with WDW now?
IDK if you can answer, but does the USH management feel pressure to expand to compete more with Disneyland Resort, just as USO is competing more with WDW now?
I have a question about the loud part. We had a discussion about The Mummy Ride... I am sure I have seen almost everyone there wearing earplugs, my reasoning was that the place is too loud and is a regulation to wear them, is any of this true?
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
No coincidence. One of the hallmarks of the Simpsons was the fact that it was done on the cheap. Was considered a "feature" for the top executive brass over at General Electric.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Despite what many think of it, I still believe King Kong quite literally saved the park. If we didn't have that boost in attendance in 2010, who knows where the park would be today.
I know from my perspective, things weren't looking good. Fast and Furious, Simpsons, Creature...
I know from my perspective, things weren't looking good. Fast and Furious, Simpsons, Creature...
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Haha I know, just poking fun at my faaaavorite ride
And I agree that Kong saved the park. I remember between 2008 to 2009/early 2010 before Kong opened, the park was always empty. It was quite odd. My family and I never waited in line and I laughed at any tourist who was tricked into getting a FOTL pass when everything has a 10 minute wait, IF that. I was shocked at the boost that Kong brought. Very happy
I think the park would've had a big boost and surge in attendance anyway eventually, but it would've waited until Transformers opened. Kong just had it happen earlier.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Really?! Maybe I'm more talkative now than I was in the past, but I simply can't get through one day without straining my voice whenever I'm at the park with a friend or guest.
I know for sure the Jurassic Park atmospheric music has been lowered. Used to be much louder (which was beautiful and I loved it) but yeah, i think it has indeed been lowered everywhere.
