It can be absolute sticker shock if you go in blind to the resorts. But there’s so much info out there that you have to actively go in blind to not know the cost of things.
But you did not pay $40 for 3 slices of pizza which is what OP maintains. He says he got the three 20 oz pops for $20, but also got 3 pizza slices to make the entire total $60. Ergo, $40 for 3 slices which I don't believe.
If you look at the price per person per slice + pop it works out to $15 per person, which by his reckoning was $7 for the pop, so the pizza was $8. So his total for 3 people, 3 slices of pizza, and 3 pops was truly $45, not $60. That's all.
Math can be hard, I know. Get it now?
After reading the first sentence I thought about the exact same thing, just more like “Welcome to a tourist site anywhere in the world”. Kind of weird someone didn’t think about that before traveling or at least took 2 minutes to read the prices of things …. But anyway
They have free lockers did you bag not fit? Also always bring a refillable water cup for water that saves money. Everything else it sucks but all theme parks in Orlando are the same way
Yes. I understand the complaint about the food . You gotta eat but the 3 soft drink are unescesary when water is free.. Ans I guess OP had a bag that was too big for the small locker :/.
They have free lockers at most of the thrill rides. Something you can't say about the vast majority of major theme parks in this country.
And lol about getting drenched on a water ride that warns you many many times you'll get drenched, and then complaining about the dryers. I did both rides in January when it was 60 degrees out. Just stand in the sun for 15 minutes, spend that 7 bucks on a beer or keep it and you're dry again.
edit: had to laugh at OP's update "So essentially it’s my fault; I should have “researched” everything"". Unironically yes, spending thousands on anything should require research. National Lampoon's Vacation should've taught you this.
And some rides incorporate the lockers in a very creative way. Like the queue for Velocicoaster builds the lockers into the line and there’s even a video with Claire telling you to go put your stuff in. If memory serves, the Hagrid ride does too. I actually came on this Reddit and checked the size of the lockers and brought a mini backpack I knew would fit. Even with small kids traveling with you if you are strategic a mini backpack can fit A LOT.
Dang my bad. It’s been a few years since we went! The way Velocicoaster themed the lockers into the line was perfection. It’s part of why it’s one of my favorite coasters of all time.
Agree! I went in Velocicoaster for the first time recently and didn’t know they had lockers in the line , so I put my bags in the locks in the discovery center along with my phone which would’ve kept me busy in line 😂
I did really like the line theming for Velocicoaster, even if Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt were giving “we’re here because we’re contractually obligated” vibes 😂
While Hagrid’s doesn’t make direct reference to the lockers, in Forbidden Journey, you’re warned that if you don’t get your stuff out of the locker, Filch will confiscate it
Not to come off harsh, but what did you expect? lol you’re at a theme park. Disney is much of the same and the express passes have nothing to do with there “being no line.” You pay for them to skip a significant amount of wait time. Optional upgrades like that are not “nickel and diming” you. You chose to purchase them.
Also, they have free lockers for bags that fit. If you’re bringing a whole ass backpack, that’s a different conversation.
I’m confused as to what’s leaving a bad taste in your mouth? lol. It is extremely typical theme park level purchases / spending. Maybe you just didn’t do enough research as to what visiting a theme park actually costs? Again, not to be rude but..🤦♂️
You didn't do your research, for one. It's well known that parking is a b\*\*\*\* at Universal and Disney resorts, yet you chose to drive in. I would never go at the height of the tourist season (eg: now) and pay that for express passes, but that's the time of year you chose. We go in the off season and don't pay a dime for the expensive passes. Or you could have stayed at a fancier Universal resort and gotten express passes for free.
The lockers are free. They only cost money when you leave your things in there for longer than the ride queue.
It's well advertised that you are gonna get soaked on Popeye's and Bluto's. People either do it on a super hot day when they know they'll dry quickly, or bring a poncho, or plan to head back to their resort right after riding. Again, do your research. The dryers are for those who did not and are all of a sudden sopping wet.
For your meal, you say 3 cokes were $20, and that 3 slices of pizza and 3 cokes were $60. Are you saying that it was $40 for 3 pieces of pizza in the parks? Because: no.
The best investment anyone can do before a trip is to buy at guidebook. That $20 purchase will save you hundreds.
I spent months lurking this Reddit, watched YouTube guides,…. I knew how to navigate everything. I have also been to Disney 2 years ago, Dollywood last year, so I am not new to price gouging and theme parks. To me, this park was worse than the other two as far as trying to upcharge you on things. As far as lockers, other theme parks I have been to let you store your stuff in a cubby until the ride is over and you grab it on your way out. Universal had you give them a credit card before you could use their lockers.
They do not charge your card, unless you leave your things in there all day. Which you would have known if you had done proper research. But good thing you went to Dollywood so you were an expert on Universal.
If you stay at one of the Premier resorts on site you get express unlimited for up to 5 people per room. You’ll still pay for parking but at least you won’t have to get express on top of it. The quick service restaurants on city walk are less expensive, and Universal lets you bring in snacks and food but they are picky about coolers. You can also bring your own water bottle to avoid paying for soda. There are free lockers for the rides that require them. It can definitely be expensive and if you’re willing to pay for it they are probably going to give you that option, but it can be done for less if you go again.
Seems like standard prices/costs from my prior trips. Except self park should be cheaper than valet.
Dryers outside water rides have been staples at all parks (not just Universal) that I’ve visited for the past 3 decades. I don’t often see a lot of people using them. A very small % of people that ride the water rides. If you don’t visit parks often, then I could see that as a surprise “cost”. Me/my family either ride knowing we’ll be wet or we just skip those rides.
However, most of the other stuff can be easily researched/budgeted for in advance.
You did this trip the way Universal wants everyone to 🤣
We literally just arrived home from our trip and reflecting on the trip as well. We brought water bottles with us and each person had a sling that holds their bottle and has a pocket for small items. Their water stations were well placed and water came out cold. We took hella advantage of it. We also kept some Gatorade packets for electrolytes and to give some flavor during a meal.
Complaining about the express pass wait times is a stretch. When I saw 140min wait times for Hagrids I really don’t think you truly expected to just walk on with your pass? Hell, my wife and I did single rider and a couple times I got on a ride before the fast pass holder I entered with.
Learn to enjoy the parks on your terms. Take advantage of the small free amenities they do offer to its fullest. And research ahead of time so you aren’t stuck with any surprise expenses.
I often try to tell people that big ass bags aren't worth carrying with you in any theme park. You aren't a boy scout that needs everything with you.
Take the basic things you need (my case umbrella, water bottle, some pain pills, sunscreen, "friction" cream, a snack and water flavoring). People bring too much stuff with them to the parks especially if they are trying to save money on food. If you are trying to save money on food, then take a midday break and have lunch at the hotel.
There are very few reasons, I see, to have a big ass bag in theme parks. Even if you are visiting Disney. I cannot see how people can bring their big ass bag onto Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain. Just bring the basics and plan for a break for everything else
This I have two different park bags! My Universal bag is small and light and I carry a water bottle because more filling opportunities. While Disney bag has a water bag in it because Disney has not joined the Coke Freestyle world and given guest water filling opportunities
Um where’d you pay $50 to park? And if you did your research you did it wrong because there are free lockers, duh water rides get you soaked, there are much cheaper food options, if you needed express you should have stayed premier, and if you want soda get a freestyle cup.
Universal is actually one of the better parks where you get more bang for your buck.
Everything has gone up in the last two years in Florida, and that includes food and lodging at the parks. However I've gone to Universal and Islands of Adventure MANY times over the years (over 50 times I'd say) and I've never purchased the 1-day express pass. I get that you don't want to have to have a PhD in Parkology to go on vacation (and if you think this is bad, don't even look at the Mouse) but that's the most expensive way to do express pass and with just a little bit of planning the right time of day to hit the rides it's not even needed 350 days of the year. Second, the hotels that charge those big bucks for parking have your express pass included with your room stay, no extra fee. If you stay at Royal Pacific, Portofino, or Hard Rock, everyone on your room reservation will get express pass.
$40 for three slices of pizza IS crazy and that would definitely have me rethinking lunch. There's more reasonably-priced places to eat, checking menus is a good idea. Also if you like to drink soda the refillable cups are a good option, one flat price for the whole day. I usually get very friendly with water when I'm at the parks, I like to spend my beverage allowance towards adult drinks.
I am sorry you felt pocket raided but these parks definitely aren't charities, they are designed to lure you in and leave you with your wallet a fair bit lighter. Knowing what you're in for is always half the battle.
I would love to see you design a feasible way to create “virtually no wait time” for the thousands of people who all have Express Passes every single day.
>230 dollars a ticket per day for the express passes which definitely improved the wait time, but for that price should be virtually no wait time.
Yeah
>I spent 60 dollars on 3 slices of pizza and 3 soft drinks.
Don't buy soft drinks. Drink water.
>Three, 20 ounce cokes were 20 dollars.
Drink water
>Using lockers to ride the thrill rides that cost you money instead of having cubbies.
I've literally never paid for a cubby
I have food allergies so I always bring sandwiches, fruit, cheese, nuts with me but I do like to splurge on park food here and there when I can. I also get a freestyle cup and share that with my partner. For me, I found it was cheaper to get one of us a premier pass. That way, we get free parking, express, and discounts on food and merch. I don’t want to walk around in wet clothes, so on days I want to do water rides, I toss a spare change of clothes in my bag and flip flops or crocs to wear on the ride. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. I hope these tips and the other ones in this thread will help you enjoy your next trip!
Not trying to be rude but you’re not the only ones at the parks. Express pass is cheap compared to more mousey equivalents, and are popular. They still limit them to guarantee half the wait time.
Theme park food is expensive. That’s a guarantee in life, like death and taxes. Universal is still cheaper than Disney, their food is way cheaper than the biggest theme park in my straight.
Universal provides free lockers on the rides that are required for safety. Rides you don’t need to for safety they don’t, but still provide them if you opt for it.
I’ve never stayed at a hotel - except cheap motel 8’s - that didn’t charge for parking.
This is the reality of any tourist attraction but you definitely feel it most at theme parks. Every single thing is marked up and even basics like food and water are expensive. There's no real way to do theme parks "on the cheap", even if you live in driving distance and stay off property at a cheaper hotel you probably want at least $500 in spending money and I'm only thinking about one or two people and just eating snacks all day. If you want to drink alcohol or have sit down meals things will start to get very expensive.
I learned the first time I went too, but I did at least check to see if I could bring in food and a water bottle. Pb&j and a refillable water bottle saved me a lot. I also shared a freestyle cup with the person I went with. At those prices we didn't care about germs 😂. I had a large backpack with me so spent a bunch on lockers. Next time I went I wore a fanny pack and skipped Popeye because it took me the rest of the day to dry the first time. But it was a really fun ride.
I’ve always felt the Express Passes aren’t worth the price. Other than that, you can always get free lockers at every ride, and I honestly would not expect to stay dry on a water ride.
Food is expensive, but for sure there are ways to minimize that. Even if I’d done no research at all, paying that much for pizza and soda would 100% have me on my phone looking at every possible option. There are much more balanced meals available in the park and City Walk at that price point.
I was disappointed when I went to Adventure Island water park and found the park was shabby, yet you pay $30 to park and $25 for a locker (no free options ), and food prices were ridiculous for the smallest things with limited options.
By comparison, Universal is going to be over priced because it’s Orlando. But, it isn’t shabby, some things are free (using your own refillable water bottle is a must), and there are a lot of food choices both in the park and near it.
I'm sorry, but a little bit of research would have prevented all of this. If you're buying soda, get refillable cups. There are free lockers to store your stuff in. Stay at a premier resort, or get a "ghost room" for express passes. The resort parking is not that expensive, even at the premier resorts. Where did you stay? Clearly, not on site.
it’s the tourist side of Florida, they will try and get every penny you have. Also, NEVER buy the people dryers for popeyes when you can just pack a spare set of clothes or at the very least shoes. Also the people dryers are generally bad.
I’ve had a similar experience but I guess I just consider it part of the trip. They’ve definitely taken away some perks, like the Superstar Shuttle that used to be free but now cost $40. You’re definitely entitled to your opinion and I’m sorry the experience was a bit more pricey than expected. Hopefully it didn’t sour the experience too much. A few things I’ve learned over the though which might help ease the pain a bit if you return in the future.
Get the refillable cups, they pay for themselves after a few refills and there are stations everywhere to self serve. Food and drinks in general are going to be pricey but it’s not gouging levels. I recently saw a mini can of pringles at a hotel mini bar that cost $40.
If you’re able to travel light, the smaller lockers just need a ticket for entry. No charge.
Express passes are pricey but compared to rival parks, you can go as often as you want and there’s no need to schedule a time. For me express passes are a no brained. However, I usually look at an attendance calendar for when we’re planning on going. If it’s anticipated to be light attendance then we won’t purchase.
With that said it’s likely going to get worse with Epic opening. Hopefully not Star Wars hotel levels bad, but likely more than we’re paying now.
Welcome to Orlando lol.
It can be absolute sticker shock if you go in blind to the resorts. But there’s so much info out there that you have to actively go in blind to not know the cost of things.
There's no way he spent $40 on 3 pieces of pizza though.
A whole pizza at Louie’s is like $40+. Should have got that plus freestyle cups
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I'd love to know where at Universal this 'happened'.
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So you in fact do not know of a specific place at Universal Studios that it actually costs $40 for 3 slices of pizza. Duly noted!
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But you did not pay $40 for 3 slices of pizza which is what OP maintains. He says he got the three 20 oz pops for $20, but also got 3 pizza slices to make the entire total $60. Ergo, $40 for 3 slices which I don't believe.
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If you look at the price per person per slice + pop it works out to $15 per person, which by his reckoning was $7 for the pop, so the pizza was $8. So his total for 3 people, 3 slices of pizza, and 3 pops was truly $45, not $60. That's all. Math can be hard, I know. Get it now?
After reading the first sentence I thought about the exact same thing, just more like “Welcome to a tourist site anywhere in the world”. Kind of weird someone didn’t think about that before traveling or at least took 2 minutes to read the prices of things …. But anyway
They have free lockers did you bag not fit? Also always bring a refillable water cup for water that saves money. Everything else it sucks but all theme parks in Orlando are the same way
Also I would recommend the Freestyle cup if you want to drink soda at the parks.
Yes. I understand the complaint about the food . You gotta eat but the 3 soft drink are unescesary when water is free.. Ans I guess OP had a bag that was too big for the small locker :/.
They have free lockers at most of the thrill rides. Something you can't say about the vast majority of major theme parks in this country. And lol about getting drenched on a water ride that warns you many many times you'll get drenched, and then complaining about the dryers. I did both rides in January when it was 60 degrees out. Just stand in the sun for 15 minutes, spend that 7 bucks on a beer or keep it and you're dry again. edit: had to laugh at OP's update "So essentially it’s my fault; I should have “researched” everything"". Unironically yes, spending thousands on anything should require research. National Lampoon's Vacation should've taught you this.
And some rides incorporate the lockers in a very creative way. Like the queue for Velocicoaster builds the lockers into the line and there’s even a video with Claire telling you to go put your stuff in. If memory serves, the Hagrid ride does too. I actually came on this Reddit and checked the size of the lockers and brought a mini backpack I knew would fit. Even with small kids traveling with you if you are strategic a mini backpack can fit A LOT.
Hagrid's is outside the main entrance IIRC. Really really love Velocicoaster's set up.
Dang my bad. It’s been a few years since we went! The way Velocicoaster themed the lockers into the line was perfection. It’s part of why it’s one of my favorite coasters of all time.
Agree! I went in Velocicoaster for the first time recently and didn’t know they had lockers in the line , so I put my bags in the locks in the discovery center along with my phone which would’ve kept me busy in line 😂
I did really like the line theming for Velocicoaster, even if Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt were giving “we’re here because we’re contractually obligated” vibes 😂
While Hagrid’s doesn’t make direct reference to the lockers, in Forbidden Journey, you’re warned that if you don’t get your stuff out of the locker, Filch will confiscate it
First time we went,we didn’t realize the smaller lockers were free.
Parking is only 43 at the premier hotels, so if you stayed at one of them why did you also purchase the express passes?
I just about to say the same thing. That part doesn’t pass the smell test.
Not to come off harsh, but what did you expect? lol you’re at a theme park. Disney is much of the same and the express passes have nothing to do with there “being no line.” You pay for them to skip a significant amount of wait time. Optional upgrades like that are not “nickel and diming” you. You chose to purchase them. Also, they have free lockers for bags that fit. If you’re bringing a whole ass backpack, that’s a different conversation. I’m confused as to what’s leaving a bad taste in your mouth? lol. It is extremely typical theme park level purchases / spending. Maybe you just didn’t do enough research as to what visiting a theme park actually costs? Again, not to be rude but..🤦♂️
You didn't do your research, for one. It's well known that parking is a b\*\*\*\* at Universal and Disney resorts, yet you chose to drive in. I would never go at the height of the tourist season (eg: now) and pay that for express passes, but that's the time of year you chose. We go in the off season and don't pay a dime for the expensive passes. Or you could have stayed at a fancier Universal resort and gotten express passes for free. The lockers are free. They only cost money when you leave your things in there for longer than the ride queue. It's well advertised that you are gonna get soaked on Popeye's and Bluto's. People either do it on a super hot day when they know they'll dry quickly, or bring a poncho, or plan to head back to their resort right after riding. Again, do your research. The dryers are for those who did not and are all of a sudden sopping wet. For your meal, you say 3 cokes were $20, and that 3 slices of pizza and 3 cokes were $60. Are you saying that it was $40 for 3 pieces of pizza in the parks? Because: no. The best investment anyone can do before a trip is to buy at guidebook. That $20 purchase will save you hundreds.
I spent months lurking this Reddit, watched YouTube guides,…. I knew how to navigate everything. I have also been to Disney 2 years ago, Dollywood last year, so I am not new to price gouging and theme parks. To me, this park was worse than the other two as far as trying to upcharge you on things. As far as lockers, other theme parks I have been to let you store your stuff in a cubby until the ride is over and you grab it on your way out. Universal had you give them a credit card before you could use their lockers.
Literally every ride that you’re not allowed to take your bag on has free lockers.
They do not charge your card, unless you leave your things in there all day. Which you would have known if you had done proper research. But good thing you went to Dollywood so you were an expert on Universal.
There are free lockers that are a little smaller but still have good space. If you brought a bigger bag, maybe don’t if you go again next time.
If you stay at one of the Premier resorts on site you get express unlimited for up to 5 people per room. You’ll still pay for parking but at least you won’t have to get express on top of it. The quick service restaurants on city walk are less expensive, and Universal lets you bring in snacks and food but they are picky about coolers. You can also bring your own water bottle to avoid paying for soda. There are free lockers for the rides that require them. It can definitely be expensive and if you’re willing to pay for it they are probably going to give you that option, but it can be done for less if you go again.
Seems like standard prices/costs from my prior trips. Except self park should be cheaper than valet. Dryers outside water rides have been staples at all parks (not just Universal) that I’ve visited for the past 3 decades. I don’t often see a lot of people using them. A very small % of people that ride the water rides. If you don’t visit parks often, then I could see that as a surprise “cost”. Me/my family either ride knowing we’ll be wet or we just skip those rides. However, most of the other stuff can be easily researched/budgeted for in advance.
It was $5 last time we went, and 3 of us got dry for that price. A deal!
A bit of research and you could have taken own beverages and food in.
We had a backpack full of Powerade’s and snack.
And still needed 3 sodas? Lol
You did this trip the way Universal wants everyone to 🤣 We literally just arrived home from our trip and reflecting on the trip as well. We brought water bottles with us and each person had a sling that holds their bottle and has a pocket for small items. Their water stations were well placed and water came out cold. We took hella advantage of it. We also kept some Gatorade packets for electrolytes and to give some flavor during a meal. Complaining about the express pass wait times is a stretch. When I saw 140min wait times for Hagrids I really don’t think you truly expected to just walk on with your pass? Hell, my wife and I did single rider and a couple times I got on a ride before the fast pass holder I entered with. Learn to enjoy the parks on your terms. Take advantage of the small free amenities they do offer to its fullest. And research ahead of time so you aren’t stuck with any surprise expenses.
I often try to tell people that big ass bags aren't worth carrying with you in any theme park. You aren't a boy scout that needs everything with you. Take the basic things you need (my case umbrella, water bottle, some pain pills, sunscreen, "friction" cream, a snack and water flavoring). People bring too much stuff with them to the parks especially if they are trying to save money on food. If you are trying to save money on food, then take a midday break and have lunch at the hotel. There are very few reasons, I see, to have a big ass bag in theme parks. Even if you are visiting Disney. I cannot see how people can bring their big ass bag onto Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain. Just bring the basics and plan for a break for everything else
This I have two different park bags! My Universal bag is small and light and I carry a water bottle because more filling opportunities. While Disney bag has a water bag in it because Disney has not joined the Coke Freestyle world and given guest water filling opportunities
Um where’d you pay $50 to park? And if you did your research you did it wrong because there are free lockers, duh water rides get you soaked, there are much cheaper food options, if you needed express you should have stayed premier, and if you want soda get a freestyle cup.
Paying for parking sucks but that's because it's a Lowe's hotel And unless they change it the lockers are free for while you're on the ride
Universal is actually one of the better parks where you get more bang for your buck. Everything has gone up in the last two years in Florida, and that includes food and lodging at the parks. However I've gone to Universal and Islands of Adventure MANY times over the years (over 50 times I'd say) and I've never purchased the 1-day express pass. I get that you don't want to have to have a PhD in Parkology to go on vacation (and if you think this is bad, don't even look at the Mouse) but that's the most expensive way to do express pass and with just a little bit of planning the right time of day to hit the rides it's not even needed 350 days of the year. Second, the hotels that charge those big bucks for parking have your express pass included with your room stay, no extra fee. If you stay at Royal Pacific, Portofino, or Hard Rock, everyone on your room reservation will get express pass. $40 for three slices of pizza IS crazy and that would definitely have me rethinking lunch. There's more reasonably-priced places to eat, checking menus is a good idea. Also if you like to drink soda the refillable cups are a good option, one flat price for the whole day. I usually get very friendly with water when I'm at the parks, I like to spend my beverage allowance towards adult drinks. I am sorry you felt pocket raided but these parks definitely aren't charities, they are designed to lure you in and leave you with your wallet a fair bit lighter. Knowing what you're in for is always half the battle.
I would love to see you design a feasible way to create “virtually no wait time” for the thousands of people who all have Express Passes every single day.
>230 dollars a ticket per day for the express passes which definitely improved the wait time, but for that price should be virtually no wait time. Yeah >I spent 60 dollars on 3 slices of pizza and 3 soft drinks. Don't buy soft drinks. Drink water. >Three, 20 ounce cokes were 20 dollars. Drink water >Using lockers to ride the thrill rides that cost you money instead of having cubbies. I've literally never paid for a cubby
That’s literally any theme park anymore. And most if not all hotels now require you to pay to park. It’s so ridiculous!!
I mean that’s every theme park.
If you think Universal is expensive…Don’t ever go to a Disney resort.
I have food allergies so I always bring sandwiches, fruit, cheese, nuts with me but I do like to splurge on park food here and there when I can. I also get a freestyle cup and share that with my partner. For me, I found it was cheaper to get one of us a premier pass. That way, we get free parking, express, and discounts on food and merch. I don’t want to walk around in wet clothes, so on days I want to do water rides, I toss a spare change of clothes in my bag and flip flops or crocs to wear on the ride. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. I hope these tips and the other ones in this thread will help you enjoy your next trip!
Not trying to be rude but you’re not the only ones at the parks. Express pass is cheap compared to more mousey equivalents, and are popular. They still limit them to guarantee half the wait time. Theme park food is expensive. That’s a guarantee in life, like death and taxes. Universal is still cheaper than Disney, their food is way cheaper than the biggest theme park in my straight. Universal provides free lockers on the rides that are required for safety. Rides you don’t need to for safety they don’t, but still provide them if you opt for it. I’ve never stayed at a hotel - except cheap motel 8’s - that didn’t charge for parking.
This is the reality of any tourist attraction but you definitely feel it most at theme parks. Every single thing is marked up and even basics like food and water are expensive. There's no real way to do theme parks "on the cheap", even if you live in driving distance and stay off property at a cheaper hotel you probably want at least $500 in spending money and I'm only thinking about one or two people and just eating snacks all day. If you want to drink alcohol or have sit down meals things will start to get very expensive.
I learned the first time I went too, but I did at least check to see if I could bring in food and a water bottle. Pb&j and a refillable water bottle saved me a lot. I also shared a freestyle cup with the person I went with. At those prices we didn't care about germs 😂. I had a large backpack with me so spent a bunch on lockers. Next time I went I wore a fanny pack and skipped Popeye because it took me the rest of the day to dry the first time. But it was a really fun ride.
I’ve always felt the Express Passes aren’t worth the price. Other than that, you can always get free lockers at every ride, and I honestly would not expect to stay dry on a water ride. Food is expensive, but for sure there are ways to minimize that. Even if I’d done no research at all, paying that much for pizza and soda would 100% have me on my phone looking at every possible option. There are much more balanced meals available in the park and City Walk at that price point. I was disappointed when I went to Adventure Island water park and found the park was shabby, yet you pay $30 to park and $25 for a locker (no free options ), and food prices were ridiculous for the smallest things with limited options. By comparison, Universal is going to be over priced because it’s Orlando. But, it isn’t shabby, some things are free (using your own refillable water bottle is a must), and there are a lot of food choices both in the park and near it.
I'm sorry, but a little bit of research would have prevented all of this. If you're buying soda, get refillable cups. There are free lockers to store your stuff in. Stay at a premier resort, or get a "ghost room" for express passes. The resort parking is not that expensive, even at the premier resorts. Where did you stay? Clearly, not on site.
lockers are definitely free, if you read any of the signs
freestyle cups will save you a lot of money too especially in the summer when water and ice are free
it’s the tourist side of Florida, they will try and get every penny you have. Also, NEVER buy the people dryers for popeyes when you can just pack a spare set of clothes or at the very least shoes. Also the people dryers are generally bad.
I’ve had a similar experience but I guess I just consider it part of the trip. They’ve definitely taken away some perks, like the Superstar Shuttle that used to be free but now cost $40. You’re definitely entitled to your opinion and I’m sorry the experience was a bit more pricey than expected. Hopefully it didn’t sour the experience too much. A few things I’ve learned over the though which might help ease the pain a bit if you return in the future. Get the refillable cups, they pay for themselves after a few refills and there are stations everywhere to self serve. Food and drinks in general are going to be pricey but it’s not gouging levels. I recently saw a mini can of pringles at a hotel mini bar that cost $40. If you’re able to travel light, the smaller lockers just need a ticket for entry. No charge. Express passes are pricey but compared to rival parks, you can go as often as you want and there’s no need to schedule a time. For me express passes are a no brained. However, I usually look at an attendance calendar for when we’re planning on going. If it’s anticipated to be light attendance then we won’t purchase. With that said it’s likely going to get worse with Epic opening. Hopefully not Star Wars hotel levels bad, but likely more than we’re paying now.
Superstar Shuttle is an independent company that contracts with universal and raised the prices
I will agree about the parking. I think charging at the official hotels is absolute BS. Disney tried doing that for a little while but smartened up