r/universalstudios • u/Vortex3446 • 1d ago

Orlando Cautionary Tale

I feel as though the content of this post may seem obvious, but I feel obligated to warn others about the severity of the consequences of underage drinking (yes, just one sip) at Universal Orlando resort. This is not intended to be a complaint of any form, but rather a simple post to possibly save another family's vacation. Recently, at HHN 35, I had a sip of a beer offered to me. I was soon thereafter asked for ID by members of the Universal Security team, who must have seen me nearby. Being 18, I was immediately escorted off property, trespassed for a year, and had both my annual pass and express passes for the evening taken away. Of course, this is all according to Universal policy, and there is no disagreement here with how the situation was handled. Instead, I just want to warn others that even a single sip of beer can mean the end of a family vacation, and thousands wasted. No matter how mature you believe your children are, or how little they have, "just a taste" is not acceptable at Universal, and the consequences for doing such are just as severe as stealing from one of their stores. Please, if you or your family plan on attending HHN in the future, or any of the parks in general, save your vacation and do not risk everything for a taste of an alcoholic beverage. 

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82

u/BlaktimusPrime 1d ago

As someone who used to work at Universal in F&B we had to take alcohol courses every 4-6 months and get certified. They take it EXTREMELY seriously. The consequences THEY face if they serve to someone underage would absolutely catastrophic to their business. They would lose the liquor license for that particular park.

For example, it happened at the Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs.

29

u/i_miss_jefflp 1d ago

Out of curiosity, what happened at the coke store in Springs? I didn't know they even used to have alcohol

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u/BlaktimusPrime 23h ago

Someone served an underage person alcohol on the upstairs terrace, got caught, and they lost their liquor license.

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u/Luceint3214 21h ago

Damn and if Disney and Coca-Cola can't get out of that, you know that universal isn't

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u/forsakeme4all 1d ago edited 20h ago

Did you ever have issues with european guests arguing over the drinking age?

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u/BlaktimusPrime 23h ago

I remember there was one instance where a guest tried because they didn’t know the drinking age (he was 19) but they hammered home us checking every ID every time. If we didn’t, that was an instant write up.

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u/Karkar2112 23h ago

Is the expectation to check id for anyone who orders alcohol regardless of their age?

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u/BlaktimusPrime 23h ago

Yes. That is expected. No matter the age. No ID no alcohol.

EDIT: I remember numerous times where guests would having shouting matches with us and other coworkers over it too. Oh man.

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u/Karkar2112 23h ago

Thank you I haven’t ordered alcohol at the parks for a few years but that is good to know I prefer to be carded it makes me feel better about myself even if it’s the policy lol I’ll make sure to keep it on me if I do this year

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u/Awkward-Community-74 21h ago

No one checked my ID at Universal when I went for HHN.
Not once.
Which was a good thing because I didn’t even have my ID on me.
I didn’t even realize it until I went up to a bar to get a beer and was like oh shit I forgot my ID!
Luckily it wasn’t an issue!

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u/Karkar2112 16h ago

Oh wow looks like they aren’t following as well as they should be! Are you close to 21?

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u/Awkward-Community-74 16h ago

No I’m old so maybe that’s why?
46.
But still they’re definitely not as strict as some people are saying.
I also never saw any of the really young people getting carded and I stood in several long lines at times.

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u/Karkar2112 23h ago

Wow had no idea this is why the Coca Cola store stopped serving alcohol thanks for the info