I agree… I think Universal will be great theme wise while waking through the park… but the Attractions are not getting me very excited… the only ones that have my Interest is the one main attraction in both Monsters and Harry Potter
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Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025
- Thread starter Bob Harlem
- Start date
Epcot81Fan
Well-Known Member
I mean, sure it looks OK, but it's not this:
Drew the Disney Dude
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
Photos from yesterday.
trr1
Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Aerial photo of a large crane placing the highest frame on top of Celestial Carousel in Epic Universe.Paint has started on the adjacent pond floor. Recently added rock work at the base is ready for paint.
In this aerial photo of Dark Universe 1 Paving at the portal 2 Scaffolding down this side of the village 3 Scaffolding mostly down at gated entrance to the featured attraction in the manor 4 A wagon is uncovered at the Curse of the Werewolf queue
A straight-down aerial photo of part of the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster and The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial photo of a large crane staged to place the barrel on top the lift hill of the Donkey Kong roller coaster in Super Nintendo World.
Aerial photo of the barrel that will be placed over the lift hill of the Donkey Kong roller coaster in Super Nintendo World.
@bioreconstruct
Aerial photo of a large crane placing the highest frame on top of Celestial Carousel in Epic Universe.Paint has started on the adjacent pond floor. Recently added rock work at the base is ready for paint.
In this aerial photo of Dark Universe 1 Paving at the portal 2 Scaffolding down this side of the village 3 Scaffolding mostly down at gated entrance to the featured attraction in the manor 4 A wagon is uncovered at the Curse of the Werewolf queue
A straight-down aerial photo of part of the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster and The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial photo of a large crane staged to place the barrel on top the lift hill of the Donkey Kong roller coaster in Super Nintendo World.
Aerial photo of the barrel that will be placed over the lift hill of the Donkey Kong roller coaster in Super Nintendo World.
European1992
Active Member
How will this park compare to the Shanghai Disneyland on the opening day? Amount of rides, space, theming and so on?
trr1
Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Apr 6
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
Aerial overview of Terra Luna construction South of Epic Universe.
Aerial look at construction of the raised traffic circle in the Epic Universe area.
Aerial photo of Celestial Carousel in Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of Starfall Racers and How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. In Epic Universe.
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of construction of an electric bus depot near Epic Universe. Buses for Universal resort guests travelling to the park.
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
@bioreconstruct
Apr 6
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
Aerial overview of Terra Luna construction South of Epic Universe.
Aerial look at construction of the raised traffic circle in the Epic Universe area.
Aerial photo of Celestial Carousel in Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of Starfall Racers and How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. In Epic Universe.
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of construction of an electric bus depot near Epic Universe. Buses for Universal resort guests travelling to the park.
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
SJN1279
Well-Known Member
I agree the attractions arent drawing me in yet.
When Islands of Adventure opened, I couldn't wait to check out Popeye and Dudley Do-Right. I don't have the same feeling yet for Epic.
Last edited:
Rich Brownn
Well-Known Member
The show in Dragon, if it is even close to Beijing, will put every theme park show in Orlando to shame
BrianLo
Well-Known Member
BrianLo
Well-Known Member
I'm a bit late to this, but a large part for me is really about pacing. Universal's Beijing's JP ride makes it 7 seconds into the opening serenity scene before things turn. Compare and contrast to River Journey.
The inability to ramp up or downward smoothly is often compounded by the 'great job' at the end with people clapping for us trope that lasts another few seconds or just the immediate dump off into unload. It's whiplash.
TalkToEthan
Well-Known Member
Back in turn of the century rides like those reached their zenith and were expected menu items at highly themed out parks……but over the years they have become old hat and out of fashion.
I’m very happy Epic will not recycle the tired and over tried circular “white water” raft down a trough trick nor use the cliche flume through the show scene to end in a splash drop……..those two conveyances should be retired.
WDWFREAK53
Well-Known Member
you say that but I'd take a Splash Mt quality attraction like that over most of the attractions at Epic
TalkToEthan
Well-Known Member
The better water conveyance is expressed by Navi, Sindbad and Pirates, not the “let’s get the guest soaking wet” approach
Tom Morrow
Well-Known Member
People are always going to enjoy rides that get you wet on hot days. I don't think that will ever go "out of style".
Actually, just compare to Jurassic Park River Adventure (or is that what you meant?). Attraction pacing is absolutely something Universal has often not gotten right in their more recent efforts, more often opting to hit you with chaos right from the start (though this is obviously fine for roller coasters). Pacing is what separates experiences resonating with you vs. feeling like whiplash. For instance, Spider-Man has pretty solid pacing, whereas Transformers is amped up from the beginning. Spider-Man always scores higher and resonates stronger with first time riders than Transformers. I DO like Transformers a lot, but I had to ride it a few times before I appreciated it.
Kong is a more recent example of them getting pacing right, but only if the ride uses the outside portion, which it has been skipping for quite some time. Without it, you use a lot of narrative setup and buildup and, like many other attractions, go straight into peril.
Actually, just compare to Jurassic Park River Adventure (or is that what you meant?). Attraction pacing is absolutely something Universal has often not gotten right in their more recent efforts, more often opting to hit you with chaos right from the start (though this is obviously fine for roller coasters). Pacing is what separates experiences resonating with you vs. feeling like whiplash. For instance, Spider-Man has pretty solid pacing, whereas Transformers is amped up from the beginning. Spider-Man always scores higher and resonates stronger with first time riders than Transformers. I DO like Transformers a lot, but I had to ride it a few times before I appreciated it.
Kong is a more recent example of them getting pacing right, but only if the ride uses the outside portion, which it has been skipping for quite some time. Without it, you use a lot of narrative setup and buildup and, like many other attractions, go straight into peril.
TalkToEthan
Well-Known Member
It’s(the flume with drench drop and “white water” round rafts) most definitely on a downward trend from its high water mark from 2000 to 2010.
Do you really believe if IOA were created today it would have had 3 drenchers(2 drop flumes and 1 rapids)?
trr1
Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
At center of this aerial photo is the extended queue of the featured attraction in Epic Universe. Pavement seems complete and landscaping continues. The berm at left recently got a lawn.
Aerial look at the village in Dark Universe. Classic Universal monsters land in Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of workers adding pavement stone lines to concrete in Epic Universe. Note also the scale in this area between the village and the gate to the featured attraction in the land.
Aerial look at the portal of Dark Universe and the village. In Epic Universe.
A nearly straight-down aerial look at colorful patterned concrete in front of the portal of Dark Universe.CelesTiki bar to be at the circular frame just to the right of the colorful circle.In Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of where a W Hotel is planned. 400 rooms, 22 floors. At Universal Blvd and Destination Pwy.At top left is Stella Nova resort.At top center is Helios Grand Hotel and Epic Universe.
Aerial look at the trees and landscaping so far near The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial look at landscaping of the terraced hillside at The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial look at the extended queue of the featured attraction in Dark Universe. Behind the manor.Arrow at a themed crypt in the queue.
At center of this aerial photo is the extended queue of the featured attraction in Epic Universe. Pavement seems complete and landscaping continues. The berm at left recently got a lawn.
@bioreconstruct
At center of this aerial photo is the extended queue of the featured attraction in Epic Universe. Pavement seems complete and landscaping continues. The berm at left recently got a lawn.
Aerial look at the village in Dark Universe. Classic Universal monsters land in Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of workers adding pavement stone lines to concrete in Epic Universe. Note also the scale in this area between the village and the gate to the featured attraction in the land.
Aerial look at the portal of Dark Universe and the village. In Epic Universe.
A nearly straight-down aerial look at colorful patterned concrete in front of the portal of Dark Universe.CelesTiki bar to be at the circular frame just to the right of the colorful circle.In Epic Universe.
Aerial photo of where a W Hotel is planned. 400 rooms, 22 floors. At Universal Blvd and Destination Pwy.At top left is Stella Nova resort.At top center is Helios Grand Hotel and Epic Universe.
Aerial look at the trees and landscaping so far near The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial look at landscaping of the terraced hillside at The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe.
Aerial look at the extended queue of the featured attraction in Dark Universe. Behind the manor.Arrow at a themed crypt in the queue.
At center of this aerial photo is the extended queue of the featured attraction in Epic Universe. Pavement seems complete and landscaping continues. The berm at left recently got a lawn.
trr1
Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Aerial look at the manor in Dark Universe. Scaffolding has returned at left. A crane is also at work at top back of the roof.
Aerial photo of theming in progress at base of the manor in Dark Universe. The featured attraction in the land.
Aerial look at the manor in Dark Universe. The featured attraction of the land is in the show building at right.
Aerial look across the village in Dark Universe. Workers at top center are etching pavement stone lines in concrete.
Aerial look at one side of the street in the village at Dark Universe.
Aerial look at one side of the street in the village at Dark Universe.
Aerial look at the portal of Dark Universe and the village. In Epic Univers
Aerial overview of the portal to Dark Universe. Just to the right of the tower is a crypt with an inscription. Gravestones line the path into the village. Many trees were recently placed here.Exit from the land is at left.
A nearly straight-down aerial look at colorful patterned concrete in front of the portal of Dark Universe. CelesTiki bar to be at the circular frame just to the right of the colorful circle. In Epic Universe.
@bioreconstruct
Aerial look at the manor in Dark Universe. Scaffolding has returned at left. A crane is also at work at top back of the roof.
Aerial photo of theming in progress at base of the manor in Dark Universe. The featured attraction in the land.
Aerial look at the manor in Dark Universe. The featured attraction of the land is in the show building at right.
Aerial look across the village in Dark Universe. Workers at top center are etching pavement stone lines in concrete.
Aerial look at one side of the street in the village at Dark Universe.
Aerial look at one side of the street in the village at Dark Universe.
Aerial look at the portal of Dark Universe and the village. In Epic Univers
Aerial overview of the portal to Dark Universe. Just to the right of the tower is a crypt with an inscription. Gravestones line the path into the village. Many trees were recently placed here.Exit from the land is at left.
A nearly straight-down aerial look at colorful patterned concrete in front of the portal of Dark Universe. CelesTiki bar to be at the circular frame just to the right of the colorful circle. In Epic Universe.
It's too bad Disney wouldn't.
PizzaSpringRoll2017
Member
At Epic Universe, just on opening day there will be:
In Dark Universe:
An e-ticket Monsters dark ride, like Forbidden Journey but all physical sets instead of screens and with the benefit of 14 years of technology improvements.
A spinning family coaster very similar to Cosmic Rewind featuring show scenes and a massive Werewolf animatronic.
In How to Train Your Dragon:
A really fun looking and well themed family coaster with a water section.
A competitive shooter/boat ride hybrid with water cannons.
A high capacity flat ride, not super interesting but will add lots of kinetic energy and take a ton of guests.
In Super Nintendo Land:
Mario Kart: one of a kind, really fun, and extremely re-rideable.
Yoshi, a cute slow moving dark ride.
Donkey Kong, a highly themed coaster with dark ride sections and a completely unique ride system.
In Harry Potter:
An E+ Ticket ride. Details are light right now, but it's being billed as "Universal's answer to ROTR". IMO ROTR is missed potential, and from the way they talk about this ride and the budget it had, I could see this being the literal greatest ride in the world, or at least top 5.
In Celestial Park:
An incredible looking coaster, likely on par with Velocicoaster with completely original elements.
A carousel, just a carousel but definitely a cool looking one.
This isn't mentioning that each land will have walk-around characters and meet and greets running from opening to close, constantly. Also not mentioning playgrounds, all of the stuff there is to do at Nintendo, the world class theming in the lands, and the fact that they all have dedicated full size restaurants.
It really seems like there will be something for everyone at Epic. I also really can't wait for the HP dining hall and Luigi's Mansion additions
In Dark Universe:
An e-ticket Monsters dark ride, like Forbidden Journey but all physical sets instead of screens and with the benefit of 14 years of technology improvements.
A spinning family coaster very similar to Cosmic Rewind featuring show scenes and a massive Werewolf animatronic.
In How to Train Your Dragon:
A really fun looking and well themed family coaster with a water section.
A competitive shooter/boat ride hybrid with water cannons.
A high capacity flat ride, not super interesting but will add lots of kinetic energy and take a ton of guests.
In Super Nintendo Land:
Mario Kart: one of a kind, really fun, and extremely re-rideable.
Yoshi, a cute slow moving dark ride.
Donkey Kong, a highly themed coaster with dark ride sections and a completely unique ride system.
In Harry Potter:
An E+ Ticket ride. Details are light right now, but it's being billed as "Universal's answer to ROTR". IMO ROTR is missed potential, and from the way they talk about this ride and the budget it had, I could see this being the literal greatest ride in the world, or at least top 5.
In Celestial Park:
An incredible looking coaster, likely on par with Velocicoaster with completely original elements.
A carousel, just a carousel but definitely a cool looking one.
This isn't mentioning that each land will have walk-around characters and meet and greets running from opening to close, constantly. Also not mentioning playgrounds, all of the stuff there is to do at Nintendo, the world class theming in the lands, and the fact that they all have dedicated full size restaurants.
It really seems like there will be something for everyone at Epic. I also really can't wait for the HP dining hall and Luigi's Mansion additions
You did a great job and bring up good points with that list. I just wanted to add.
I don't consider it just a carousel. It is of course definitely a flat ride. But a fairly unique one. Carosuess-el was unique for its time and is still a unique beautiful spin on the tradition.
This is going to have two turntables and I believe the attraction figure 8's them.
The center fountain I think will really be impressive in scale and a Fountain of Nations times 20 and be quite a beautiful venue in itself.
And the park is opening with one large scale show in that How to Train your Dragon venue.
If ready opening day, Potter will have a live show as well.