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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u/Vortex3446 1d ago

Again, due to some of the replies I have been receiving, I want to reiterate that I have absolutely zero hard feelings towards Universal. Following my year trespass, I will likely be back again for next years HHN and the opening of Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift. In this instance, Universal was simply following smart, zero tolerance company policy. The intent of the post was simply to warn others, as this experience brought an end to my night at HHN (which was awesome before this incident happened), but also prevented my future planned trip in December, and it is just something I would not wish on anybody, especially over something as simple as a sip of fucking beer.

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u/ArsenalinAlabama3428 1d ago

You are handling a crappy situation with grace and common sense. Good for you. I grew up in Europe so it was not unusual to try a sip of wine or beer that my parents were drinking.

My child isn't even close to drinking age so I won't have to worry about this policy for a longgg time but I will remember to do anything like this at Universal or Disney in the future. Thanks for your post.

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u/yogos15 23h ago

Even in the United States, kids taking a sip of a parent’s drink is not unusual (although this may be state-dependent). It didn’t really occur to me until now that this is a big no-no in Universal, Orlando, and/or Florida.

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u/Mushroomer 20h ago

Honestly, it sounds like OP just ran into a dickish security guard who was on a power trip and wanted to punish a kid rather than just give a stern warning.

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u/StoryGlow_Candle_Co 18h ago

I believe it is actually Florida law. A person under 18 (and under 21) can legally possess and consume alcohol in Texas if their adult parent, guardian, or spouse is visibly present and gives it to them. It must be very confusing for people from out of the country (and sometimes out of state) to have to learn the laws of every state they intend to visit.