UniversalParksBlog News for December 4th, 2022
Are you ready to escape to from Universal Studios? The time is almost here for something fans have wanted for a while.
We’ll discuss this and the new Universal Studios customer service initiative in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Photo:universal
The Escape Room Opens This Week!
A few months ago, I mentioned Universal’s Great Movie Escape, a long-desired attraction coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando.
Well, I’m happy to report that the time is almost here! Universal’s Great Movie Escape opens on December 9th.
Photo: Comicbook.com
Starting on that date, visitors may participate in two different themed escape rooms based on beloved Universal properties.
One is Jurassic Park while the other is Back to the Future. So, the wheels in your head should be spinning regarding potential escape room premises.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a claustrophobic room with murderous dinosaurs. But that may be preferable to spending an hour with Biff Tannen.
Photo: Universal
Universal revealed the names of its new escape room experiences, and that made me want to do this even more.
Guests will have their choice of Back to the Future: OUTATIME and Jurassic Park: Escape.
Tickets are now on sale for these two escape rooms. Both experiences start at $49.99 per person plus tax.
Photo: Universal
However, you can (and maybe should?) rent out the whole room for $300 per group. So, if there are six or more people in your party, that’s a no-brainer.
Please be aware that Universal limits the capacity of each escape room to eight guests.
About the Escape Rooms
Photo: Universal
Look, I’m confident that you’re familiar with the concept of escape rooms. The difference this time is that Universal park strategists were involved with the design.
As such, you can safely expect two of the best escape rooms ever.
Also, having visited a tourist trap near me the other day, I can tell you that $50 per person is a great price.
Photo:skillastics.com
As for the experiences, here’s the description for OUTATIME:
“Great Scott – Biff’s at it again! He’s stolen Doc Brown’s newest time travel device to sabotage the timeline for his gain.
Photo: Travel Pulse
Follow Doc’s clues to find the prototype, track down Biff and save the day before you’re outatime.
Pricing and availability vary depending on the time, date, and product selection. All pricing is ages 3+. Restrictions apply.”
So, I guess that I should add that the price may be higher, depending on your visitation date.
Photo: USA Today
Anyway, here’s the Jurassic Park description (without the legalese):
“Find yourself in a secret genetics lab on Isla Nublar and use your wits to solve a serious problem: an apex predator has broken free and is headed your way.”
Sometimes, I worry that maybe humanity wasn’t intended to hang out with dinosaurs. The plot of every Jurassic Park movie is basically them trying to eat us.
Photo: Attractions Magazine
Anyway, each experience lasts 30 minutes. The operating hours for booking windows start at 11:00 a.m. and then the last group enters at 10:30 p.m.
Also, I’ve saved the best for last here. Christopher Lloyd will appear as Doc Brown in the Back to the Future room! How great is that?
Customer Service Kiosks Pop Up
Photo: TravelSavvy
For many years now, Walt Disney World has utilized customer service tents as a means of keeping park traffic flowing properly.
In the past, Disney parks faced a strange oddity wherein the guest services hubs would experience overcrowding during peak times of the day.
Generally, those instances occurred first thing in the morning as the parks opened and then early in the afternoon when crowds were the fullest.
Photo:DVC SHop
Disney eventually negated these problems with the tents, places that worked as multi-location customer service centers.
Guests no longer needed to walk to the front of the park and then wait in line for help.
Why am I talking about Disney so much on a Universal Studios blog? It’s because UO has adopted the same approach.
Photo: Inside Universal
In recent days, Universal Studios employees have stood at portable podiums and assisted customers.
Think of a lecturer’s podium on wheels, and you’ve got the gist. The wheels ensure that Universal can move the customer service stations to various hotspots.
Sometimes, an attraction closes for an undetermined period. By having a customer service kiosk in this area, the worker can answer questions quickly.
Photo: Universal
Similarly, when a ride shuts down for refurbishment, guests may need help with alternative entertainment suggestions.
Moreover, you never know when a guest will have a technical problem with the Universal app, their admission tickets, directions, or their Express Passes.
For this reason, Universal is currently testing the portable kiosks. However, I must stress that they’re not permanent, at least not yet.
Photo:Universal Orlando
Universal could decide that its existing customer service works just as well as these pop-up hubs.
We’ll keep you updated if Universal makes these stations permanent…which is definitely my hope!
Park Miscellany
Hey, I’ve seen some of you complaining about the hotel water taxi service not operating lately. Apparently, something went wrong with the dock. The issue required immediate refurbishment.
Photo: Universal
Thankfully, you won’t need to walk to the parks for much longer. Universal has indicated that water taxi service should return later this week.
Management is currently saying December 8th. However, if you’re staying at one of the official Universal resorts, you should keep asking the staff each day.
Photo: Universal
Universal could feasibly reopen the water taxi service earlier if repairs go quicker than expected.
Finally, I’m happy to report that one of the remaining hurricane-related closures is over.
Thunder Falls Terrace was operating at half-capacity due to storm damage. Hurricane Ian wrecked the roof enough to cause a recurring leak.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Mayhap that tiki roof design was a tactical error with the benefit of hindsight?
Anyway, management has thankfully fixed the issue and reopened the rest of the dining room, thereby doubling the available seating.
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Feature Photo: Universal
