Universal Orlando Resort Reviews 55

I have visited Universal Orlando a few times previously, the last time over ten years ago and I was excited to take my teen children to show them this amazing place. We were so disappointed. Some of the rides are undoubtedly amazing. The Harry Potter section, the rides and the new Jurassic Park coaster are incredible. No doubt. However, the customer service in the park is not good. There was no 'magic', no smiles going in to the park - it felt stressful from the get go. The amount of people they allow in the parks feels way too many so it feels crowded and difficult to get anywhere. The queues for everything from rides, to drinks, to food - all ridiculously long. If you were not prepared to pay an eye-watering $900 dollars per day for a family of 4 for express line passes - yes in addition to the money you have already paid to get in to the parks - you can expect 60 minutes wait minimum for any of the rides, some of the popular rides were 2.5 hours long. On some of the rides we were completely ignored and kept waiting so that express pass holders could get attention, which is fair enough given how much money they had spent, however left us feeling like very much second class citizens. We spent the entire time queueing for long periods. We felt we were in a money machine where there was little magic or happiness. We could not wait to get back to the Disney Parks for some fun, organisation and happiness. I would not visit here again and I would urge any family thinking of visiting to really consider if you want to see the rides enough to put up with a really second rate and expensive experience.

Purchased 4 x Orlando Ultimate Combo tickets via a UK partner agent which include 14 day multi-day tickets to Universal.

The Universal tickets are supposed to give access to the 2 Universal theme parks AND Volcano Bay but you will not be able to use them at Volcano Bay. They are only allowing guests with day tickets to enter and appear to be selling these tickets in a volume that fills the park to capacity.
We've tried to enter 3 separate days now and been refused entry each time. Today we made it to the car park (charged $27 for that privilege) only to then be refused entry to the park.
After lengthy discussion with 2 team members, a supervisor, guest services and a security guard, we were told the multi-day tickets are worthless (actual words used) and were told we would need to buy a day ticket if we wanted to enter.

The park was filled to capacity at 10am and opens at...10am so impossible for multi-day ticket holders to enter.

They did say that we could go on a standby list and "may" gain entry after a 3 to 4 hour wait, but then again we may not.

If this sounds like these tickets are being missold, that's because the are.
Lots of annoyed guests at guest services today. The Italian gentleman next to us list his cool - a whisker away from being carted off by security. Understanable when you saved and spent your hard earned cash only to find you've been conned.
Universal will of course give you a standard scripted apology but do nothing material to remedy the situation.
Team members were insulting about these tickets. They seem to view guests with these tickets as the lowest of the low as they can't actually be purchased in Universal, only via agents.

Also refused to accommodate my disabled son unless we forced him to use a wheelchair, which he actually can't use due to issues with his back.

We ended up only going to the theme parks once as my son can't cope with a wait longer than 30 mins, which means very few rides we could go on.

Disabled friendly? No. Guest services will give you a really good pitch as to how they are whilst doing nothing to assist.

We are just leaving Universal early during Mardi gras. The company has disappointed us so badly after numerous visits. The disparity between the fast pass and the normal pass holders is so very bad. The queue times for the normal lines we at best a massive under estimation and at worst blatant lies. It appears that they were deliberately trying to make the normal pas holders queue so slow in an effort to force them to part with more money on the express passes. Very disappointing

Do not buy tickets. Social distancing and allowing less people in the park is a lie. Universal is selling more tickets than the park has capacity for. The amount of people in the park is ridiculous and aside from mask, the park is not doing anything to keep guest safe. Every adult ride had a 2-9 hour wait, while those without a virtual line were at capacity the entire day.

The virtual line is a joke. I attempted to sign up for several rides using this method. However every time I attempted to sign up. I was told the time slot was no longer available. The virtual line only allow you to attempt to check in at 11am. 2 and 3pm. All rides were “at capacity” the entire day.

Universal is scheming people out of money. Knowing the person will be unable to get into the park or unable to ride any rides, due to the extreme wait times.

I have waited 2+ hour for a ride before, but I did not have to wait an extended amount of time for every single ride. I had a wonderful time my first two visits in the park in 2018 & 2019, but after this. I do not think I will be returning

I bought 4 tickets and I can't validate them in the app

Always having the best time here with the family! It is the best place to spend the weekend with your loved ones and have fun like no other place in the world! Great customer service!

Great customer service. We were due to stay in October 2020. Due to the coronavirus uncertainty we decided to cancel our stay. Full refund received within 48hours, they didn’t even withhold the deposit like lots of other hotels. Thanks universal and we’ll see you in 2021.

Universal Orlando Resort has created misery to our family. All gone the fun memories, they are replaced with disappointment and anger. Be careful when you have annual passes. When the first year ends, they continue charging the credit card even though their own agent mentioned that we should not worry about being charged. Their own agent mentioned that if there is no valid ticket in your account that means that there is no more charge. But there is no valid ticket in the account and they keep charging. Their agents are deceitful and the customers have to pay for that

We had a great time visiting Harry Potter. The resort is very large and we walked all day but it was fun. We had lunch at the Hulk and rode the rice there. Also, the Minions is good.

Can't tell you enough how impressed I am by the Customer Service of UOR. We came home to Denmark after holiday in Florida - and after washing one of the mugs bought there, the decoration started peeling. I wrote a mail to Universal, and didn't hear back - but as it turned out, it was only because their response had hit my spam filter. They sent me another mail asking if I still needed help and as soon as we were in contact they provided me w a replacement and amazing service all the way through. Loved the visit, love the customer service even more!

Great Holiday Experience - second time visiting here in 2 years. My kids 11/9/6/3 all get to experience lots of rides. The whole experience starts when you arrive at the carpark. Those that have experienced Disney will get this, you leave you car in an secure open carpark, directly in the sun (ALL DAY), to return after a hot sticky day to a HOT car that burns your hands and legs... well not at Universal. Its all under cover and you dont have to take a daft train to security, you can take short walk under cover and with fans... security is quick an easy. Next you hit City Walk... shops and food places, you can go right to Studios or left to Adventure... both parks are amazing..

My tips:

1: Pay for refill cups, but think logically. We bought 3 for 6 people and shared them.

2: When eating in Universal theme parks, ask for childrens meal prices as they dont list them, but they do have them.

3: Dont order an adult meal, the kids meals are half the price but are exactly the same meal... only in the burger restaurants.

Came here for vacation two years in a row, without kids! Just my husband and I. There are 5 or 6 resort hotels to choose from, all with a different theme and vibe. Choose which one fits you best. You'd be happy with either. CityWalk has a slew of night clubs, shops, restaurants and dessert shops. So much stuff, you'll never be able to fully enjoy or experience it all within a typical vacation time period. All hotels and the CityWalk are within 5 minutes of each other. Complimentary shuttles run about every 5 minutes, if it even takes that long. They will take you between hotels and the CityWalk where the theme parks are. Volcano Bay water park opened recently, and you have the option of having the view of the waterpark in the Cabana Bay beach resort hotel. Beautiful view. Loews Portofino bay has an AMAZING spa with a slew of treatment options from facials to mani/pedis to massages... anything you can imagine, not to mention complimentary champagne, steam room, and jacuzzi usage. Everyone everywhere is so friendly. You'll feel right at home. Perfect vacation spot for a family or just a couple.

Love this place it's so cool

We really loved the parks. Doesn't feel too stressful and can easily spend all day managing the crowds. Great place!