USH Price Increase!

[smoaT]

I took a break from this forum because I didn't renew my annual pass so I wasn't in tune with everything that was going on in the park. In March when we suspected that the AP would change I couldn't afford to renew my Premium Star Pass so I have to say I am pretty screwed. I love Universal but it really doesn't justify such a huge price tag. I am even considering buying Disneyland's pass instead. I mean, Universal is nowhere close to have the value that Disneyland has. Disneyland has this annual passes options because even Disneyland being Disneyland it has to survive in the off season. It is not like Orlando that they get people from around the world all year long. In the off season Disneyland survives from the locals, that is why they have so many options. I have no idea what Universal thinks they are going to get in the off season. it is not the most popular park and certainly it won't be now with the huge price tag. People will get out disappointed because they will spend a ton of money for 4 good rides and the tour, and that's it. Even in Disneyland you get to ride more things even in peak season. We haven't seen yet the price bump that the single day ticket will get when Potter opens. I really don't know what the hell the management is thinking. Yeah, Potter will be popular when it opens and in the summer, but once that is over the park will be dead. it is just to damn expensive and not worth it. CA market is so different and Universal doesn't really get a lot of attention because truth be told there is not much to do. Even Disneyland gets that. So many things that they can afford to do in Orlando they wouldn't dare to do them here. The top tier pass doesn't even get a decent perk, just fewer black out dates, what the hell is that? No early entry to Potter, no parking, no priority boarding to the tour, something for the love of God. We kept going because the Premium Star Pass was a steal, but now it is just an insult. They burned the brand loyalty we had. We got offended when people said "well that's it? nothing else to do?" you would respond "you can ride this again and well you got an annual pass!" now there is no justification for such a high price and few attractions. People will be mad and rightly so. Lets hope this is a Netflix PR fiasco. When they were planning to spinoff the streaming service and change prices there was an uproar and Netflix backtracked and now customers are happy, no one remembers that mishap and there a fierce brand loyalty to Netflix. Lets hope

 

[JPLA]

Hi all,

I'm not thrilled with the new pass prices, either.  Universal's decision doesn't have anything to do with any of us as individuals, though.  What's important to Universal is what this will do overall and only future attendance will prove these prices smart or overly ambitious. 

Some folks have criticized Universal's price point as it compares to a Disney resort pass.  I want to offer a different perspective when considering the comparison.  In no way am I trying to contradict anyone or sway anyone to my point of view.  I'm only sharing BECAUSE I have a different view.  Perhaps some will see that Universal can still be a good value to certain demographics rather than think Universal's move is completely without foundation.

For me personally, Universal is still a much better deal than Disney.  First, Anaheim is more than an hour further away, possibly two in traffic.  I love to drive but not THAT drive.  Ugh.  I can be at Universal in 15 minutes using surface streets.  Not only is it more convenient but it's so much easier to have impromptu visits along with friends when it's so close.  A trip to Disney feels like a major commitment of time and resources to me.

Second, and this one sometimes gets me in trouble, I don't like Disneyland.  To someone going down a theme park checklist I can easily see why it's probably the best park in the country.  And there's a ton I would change at Universal, for sure.  But for my personal taste Disneyland is just boring.  Well done but boring.  Disney's California Adventure is better but on crowded days, of which there are many, I think I'd vote for Knott's Berry Farm over DL or DCA.  

Again, I only share this opinion to help explain why, perhaps, Universal is doing what it's doing.  Yes, Universal is going to alienate some fans.  And on a side-by-side comparison of course Disney looks like a better value.  But when factoring in what's important to me--convenience, stress level, spontaneity--Universal is the only choice and it's one I'm willing to pay for.  Are there enough people like me to make the pass prices successful, we'll see. 

Thanks for letting me offer a different perspective.

 

[Jon Fu]

^ I think that's completely fair. After all, commute and location obviously have a large bearing on whether or not someone will visit a park as often as they do.


Oh, and chalk me up as another person that's not completely enamored with Disneyland. I understand people's emotional attachment to the park, but I much prefer Disney California Adventure.


Thanks for offering a new perspective.

 

[Chris]

I agree the $299 price tag is a bit much, however, I am 30 minutes between Disney and Universal...slightly easier to get to Disney for me, but that is not the point.  I am a Universal fan...'nuff said.  I will enjoy the park, but the quiet days are soon to be over.  I am happy there are 2 So Cal options, but that doesn't mean I will choose them.  I would like to see a fourth pass with premiere options.  I would even pay $499 to keep the Studio Tour FOL, higher discounts, and Valet Parking.  I think USH has an opportunity to cater to very premiere passholders, but as we have seen in the past...they don't pay attention to that clientele.

I want to be a part of Universal history...in a way, I am.  But I would like to support my favorite backyard theme park and I would not mind if Universal gave us a chance to be noticed.

 

[Wesker69]

As I pointed out in my initial post... you don't really have to compare USH to Disney... but I did however compare it to Universal Orlando because... well... its another Universal Park and it has "more" to offer in every aspect. It has more rides (more variety of rides too). It has more shows and entertainment offerings. Soon an on-site waterpark. But for right now... what they offer at this moment for roughly the same price as these new passes here... its kind of gut-wrenching.

I think the problem that pretty much all of us has with Universal's blatant short-sighted pricing decision is the lack of value. We all love Universal, we will ALWAYS go to Universal until the day we die (and then haunt the park after death) no matter what they do, even if we have to purchase a 1-day ticket.

The main problem is that USH's higher-ups have no freakin' clue what the hell they are doing. If they did, certain things would've happened sooner rather than later. And a more thought out "vision plan" would've been created. It honestly seems like they are just pulling things out of their butt and hoping it "works".

 

[Freak]

The pass system is just a lazy way of dealing with Potter crowds that will hurt them in the long-run.

 

[Allia]

This is clearly wishful thinking, but do any of you think it is at all possible that Universal might come out with a more expensive "Platinum" pass that has parking?

 

[Wesker69]

Honestly... I have issues with a pass that is more expensive just so it can include parking (and hopefully no blackout dates)... Personally, all 3 passes should include parking considering the amount of blackout days. I'm just glad I live close enough I can either walk or take the Metro bus. Paying $!8 to park is just ridiculous. To answer your question, no, I don't think they will. I have a feeling the current AP situation will bite them in the ass resulting them in fixing it.

I still would like to know where exactly they plan to put all of the extra bodies the new parking garage will allow. Imagine if all 3 parking garages (JP, Curious George & ET) were completely filled.... and MOST of those people weren't there to spend their time in Citywalk (which really needs "more" & later hours).. The park, even with Potter won't be able to function.

Not gonna lie... it makes me want to get popcorn (preferably in the new Tie-Fighter popcorn bucket at Disney) and sit watching the chaos as the park implodes on itself

 

[Ryan]

At that rate, you could even have the fourth opened for guests while employees park on the backlot. That's, at least, from my understanding, the plan. So, yeah, I'm real curious on what it turns out to be because DAMN that's a lotta people! (speaking of which, anybody know how many spaces exactly the E.T. Parking garage has?)

Hi all,

I'm not thrilled with the new pass prices, either.  Universal's decision doesn't have anything to do with any of us as individuals, though.  What's important to Universal is what this will do overall and only future attendance will prove these prices smart or overly ambitious. 

Some folks have criticized Universal's price point as it compares to a Disney resort pass.  I want to offer a different perspective when considering the comparison.  In no way am I trying to contradict anyone or sway anyone to my point of view.  I'm only sharing BECAUSE I have a different view.  Perhaps some will see that Universal can still be a good value to certain demographics rather than think Universal's move is completely without foundation.

For me personally, Universal is still a much better deal than Disney.  First, Anaheim is more than an hour further away, possibly two in traffic.  I love to drive but not THAT drive.  Ugh.  I can be at Universal in 15 minutes using surface streets.  Not only is it more convenient but it's so much easier to have impromptu visits along with friends when it's so close.  A trip to Disney feels like a major commitment of time and resources to me.

Second, and this one sometimes gets me in trouble, I don't like Disneyland.  To someone going down a theme park checklist I can easily see why it's probably the best park in the country.  And there's a ton I would change at Universal, for sure.  But for my personal taste Disneyland is just boring.  Well done but boring.  Disney's California Adventure is better but on crowded days, of which there are many, I think I'd vote for Knott's Berry Farm over DL or DCA.  

Again, I only share this opinion to help explain why, perhaps, Universal is doing what it's doing.  Yes, Universal is going to alienate some fans.  And on a side-by-side comparison of course Disney looks like a better value.  But when factoring in what's important to me--convenience, stress level, spontaneity--Universal is the only choice and it's one I'm willing to pay for.  Are there enough people like me to make the pass prices successful, we'll see. 

Thanks for letting me offer a different perspective.

It's nice to see someone with a differing taste, but I'm curious on what you failed to mention: paying $20 for parking every time you go. I know from your photo updates you visit quite often, and going, let's say, 100 days out of the year will rack you up $2,000. Now, of course, if $2,000 is easy, disposable income to you that's totally your right to spend it, but it's something I can not defend easily.

Hell, I feel sorry for some of the editors on IU, as some of them must be going at least twice a month to keep on photo updates, or even to media events. That's, what, $400, $500 bucks in parking alone all year?

I have less problems with the value, and more of the lack of a parking pass. They're basically whacking anybody who even dares to pay for the premium to go too often. No other park does that, it's absolutely inane.

 

[Freak]

^From what I heard, around 5,000 spaces.

 

[Goatmilk]

The pass system is just a lazy way of dealing with Potter crowds that will hurt them in the long-run.

how

 

[Ryan]

If you cut off the local market, they're unlikely to come back as easily in later years. It's pretty simple.

 

[Goatmilk]

I disagree

They'll still have potter which will always draw

They're gonna add more

All they need to do is add to the passes and they'd be back. Less blackout days, parking

But lets be honest, these passes will still sell. Especially the cotsco ones

 

[RyanTTD]

Universal is still going to do the Costco Pass?

 

[DonRaf]

All they need to do is add to the passes and they'd be back. Less blackout days, parking

This ^ once they bring back the parking and less to no blackout days on the top of the line pass, I and others will return.

To be fair I only go about 8 to 10 times a year, but I want to go when I want and not have to pay for parking on top of the most expensive pass.

The priority boarding on the tram was really nice too, I rarely got to use it as most of my friends had cheaper passes. But it made me feel like a baller that I had it. And it makes me really sad that the new passes cost more and has WAY less...

UNIVERSAL PLEASE MAKE A PASS THAT CATERS TO YOUR BIGGEST FANS WE BEG YOU. PREMIUM STAR PASS FOR LIFE!!

 

[Wesker69]

I find it incredibly & ridiculously stupid that they actually try to pass off Potter as an AP benefit...

Its as bad as them insisting on listing KONG 360 & Supercharged as separate rides/attractions even though both are part of the Studio Tour... I hate that USH tries to make it appear as if they have more rides/attractions than they actually do. Its misleading to guests who don't know any better.

But yea... back to my point, Potter should not be considered an AP benefit. Unless they plan to do the return time access for guests resulting in AP holders to walk right in, then sure... but still...

 

[Jon Fu]

But lets be honest, these passes will still sell.

Ding, ding, ding. How many of you are planning to renew? If you are, know that your complaints are resting on deaf ears. As long as you renew, you're still supporting Universal's bottom line regardless of whether or not you visit. If anything, the added parking fees might as well compensate for reduced trips.

 

[Freak]

Ding, ding, ding. How many of you are planning to renew? If you are, know that your complaints are resting on deaf ears. As long as you renew, you're still supporting Universal's bottom line regardless of whether or not you visit. If anything, the added parking fees might as well compensate for reduced trips.

But if you park at N. Hollywood Metro, it doesn't compensate anything. By having added parking, guests will have more incentive to buy more food and merch.

 

[DonRaf]

Ding, ding, ding. How many of you are planning to renew? 

Not me, my family, and 8 of my friends.

This took me from PREMIUM STAR PASS FOR LIFE! to looking at knotts and Disney for VALUE AND PARKING.

I think I will just go once a year to universal till they get their act together after my pass expires....

I refuse to support a company that does not value me.

 

[Wesker69]

Maybe its because I've had Potter available for the past 5 years, it doesn't justify the ridiculous pass prices for me...

So far, I'm not really planning on renewing my AP... maybe if I have extra money come next year, we'll see how I feel... but I think the fact that there are so many blackout dates for such a high price for one park... THAT is what is making my stomach turn... Also, for these prices, I think that ONLY 10% discount is a major rip off... sorry, but food/merchandise discount should be more like 15-25%...

USH (and other parks honestly) need to realize that if you're going to charge more, you need to provide more.