UniversalParksBlog News for April 11th, 2022
Universal Studios has unofficially declared the end of the COVID-19 era, at least at American theme parks. I’ll explain what’s happened and discuss why park officials are whistling and not making eye contact right now.
This is a unique edition of UniversalParksBlog News.
Photo: Universal Orlando
It’s Over!
Frustrated theme park fans have stated a common idea during the pandemic. Many potential tourists felt strongly that they wouldn’t return to the parks until they were back to normal.
How would most people describe normal? I’m not confident there’s a consensus opinion here so much as a few points of agreement. Chief among them is the need for regular character interactions. I don’t mean the socially distant stuff wherei you wave and smile, and that’s it.
Photo: UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Instead, I’m referencing the only character greetings anyone knew before the start of 2020. Yes, I mean the ones where we hug the costumed characters and laugh about the joys of life. We speak closely and share private jokes about the characters’ eccentricities.
In short, we pretend like theme park illusions are real, at least for a time. But, sadly, we haven’t had those for more than two years. Until now!
Image Credit: Universal
Yes, costumed cast members are once again hugging and high-fiving at Universal Orlando Resort! Social media influencers have delightfully embraced the new change, walking up to their favorite characters and holding them close.
So, if that was what had kept you away from the parks, you can safely plan your next Universal visit with the experts at Let’s Adventure Travel!
Don’t Say…Anything
Photo: Vulture
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard that The Walt Disney Company has come under fire for a recent political issue.
The so-called Don’t Say Gay bill in Florida passed into law recently. Disney’s CEO (eventually) denounced it in the strongest terms. Afterward, some Florida state representatives started saber-rattling about ways they could punish Disney.
Meanwhile, public sentiment went against Disney for not coming down against the bill faster and more aggressively. As a direct descendant of the Disney family said, if Disney “doesn’t stand for love, what’s it for?”
Photo: Universal
Here’s the odd aspect of the situation, the part that impacts Universal Studios as well.
Critics attacked Disney for donating to the campaigns of the legislators who crafted the regrettable legislation. Meanwhile, Universal officials ducked for cover and have stayed in hiding recently. So they’re specifically not commenting on the bill.
Why does this matter? Those same critics have pointed out that Comcast/NBCUniversal has contributed to those same politicians. In other words, Universal Studios should face the same complaints about its donations.
Also, unlike Disney, Universal hasn’t even come out against the bill. To some, that’s an indication of tacit support for the legislation.
I certainly wouldn’t state that. Instead, I would argue that Universal doesn’t want to incur the wrath of the same politicians Disney just fought. Universal doesn’t have the power of Disney in Florida. For this reason, Universal has privately negotiated some stuff that hasn’t happened yet.
Photo: sun-sentinel.com
If Comcast or Universal officials stuck their neck out here, they might lose all hope of a Brightline station near I-Drive. Ergo, their plan has worked if you never hear anything about Universal/Don’t Say Gay. If you do, their theme park ambitions are in peril.
A Toxic Culture?
While we’re on the subject of Universal’s corporate behavior, this video recently leaked on the internet. What are you watching? Well, that depends on whom you ask. Universal executives state that these incidents happened several months ago. However, some of the people commenting on social media indicate that this issue has been ongoing for years.
The gist is that Universal Orlando Resort employees have complained about a toxic culture and failures in leadership. As you can see, executives have acknowledged the latter complaint as accurate.
Photo: Universalparks.com
Some of their comments have dismissed the toxic work environment part. But unfortunately, the high turnover rate in some sections supports this claim. Obviously, during the Great Resignation, it’s challenging to identify reasons for leaving.
Still, the Guest Contact Center’s turnover has proven so high that it’s impossible to ignore for other reasons.
The West Orlando News has discussed the situation in greater detail if you’re interested. Universal has promised to do better. Even so, this situation is regrettable, and some of the horror stories are heartbreaking. Treat your park workers better, Universal.
Park Updates
Speaking of workers and the Great Resignation, Universal has faced another issue akin to one at Disney. Both theme park operators have struggled with employment levels during the pandemic.
Photo:skillastics.com
Disney recently announced huge hiring bonuses for workers with specific skills. As a result, the culinary industry is especially in demand right now.
For this reason, Universal Studios has been forced to match with its offers. According to super reporter Ashley Carter, the starting pay for chefs is $16.50-$20 an hour!
JUST IN: Universal Orlando has announced new starting wage rates for culinary team members. The rates now range from $16.50 to $20 per hour based on position. pic.twitter.com/pSLQgxde7h
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 30, 2022
Finally, I’ve been tracking all the rooms about Halloween Horror Nights. Here’s an unexpected development.
I previously mentioned a crazy rumor that The Weeknd could appear at this year’s event in some capacity. Well, the performer himself is dropping strong hints that he has signed on. He has tweeted this:
https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/1510734203037515776
and this:
https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/1504207928688930819
I was inclined to ignore the mid-March post as him just playing along. However, the one from early April sounds like there have definitely been conversations.
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Feature Photo: Universal
