May 19, 2008
Sundance Vacation’s uncovers possible ticket scam
The word scam is tossed around a lot. What is a scam? According to dictionary.com- scam means a fraudulent scheme to make a quick profit.
I think the phrase intentional should be part of the definition.
We recently visited Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. The popular Orlando theme park offers an upgraded ticket for avoiding long lines, Express Pass Plus. In addition to their admission, thrill seekers spend up to $45.99 to have the Express Pass Plus option added to their admission.
We found the wait times to be grossly exaggerated at each attraction. Could it be that you can’ t sell expensive extras if the wait time is only 5-10 minutes? That’s where I think the phrase “intentional” is important. I don’t know if Universal execs are trying to under promise and over deliver or if there is an intentional exaggeration of wait times in order to “make a quick profit” on the Express Pass Plus sale.
Even though the wait was posted as 10 minutes we walked right on the Flying Unicorn. But the peculiar event that raised my suspicion was that the line was so short we were tempted to ask the attendant if we could stay on and ride again. We chose to exit and walk around because there were a handful of people(about 10) waiting to get on. When we got around to the posted wait time it was being changed to 25 minutes! We knew it was bogus so we entered the queue and walked back on. We experienced a similar exaggeration at Spiderman.
In closing, while visiting the Disney theme parks (where they do not charge extra for the Fast Pass option) we found the wait times to be very accurate. We were asked on two occasions to carry timer cards to the ride attendant so wait times could be measured accurately.
So you decide, intentional scam or inept measurement. Either way, enjoy your next Sundance Vacations’ trip to the Orlando area.
I recently visited Universal Studios and purchased tickets for both parks. Since it was a Tuesday and they were calling for rain we didn’t purchase the additional Express Pass. We did notice that the wait times were not accurate at all. The wait times were significantly shorter than the times posted. I commented that I was glad we didn’t waste our money on the Express Pass. But, I believe there has to days that the Express Pass would be benificial. Had it been crowded and filled to capacity I would have been thrilled to be moved ahead in line infront of everyone else!! So, I’m going to say that I don’t think the Express Pass was intended to be scam, people might just feel scammed if the park isn’t as crowded as expected.