Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens 2025

[bwr827]

VB also suffered issues at opening, so Universal still has that freshly ingrained into their minds lol

There's 3 new hotels, along with the current 8 hotels, that are depending on Epic's success to keep them full and occupied.

For the most part, outside of Donkey Kong, all of the other attractions will have decent capacity when operating correctly. Too early to start offering touring plans for EU... but I can guarantee that either Donkey Kong or the Sky Fly flat ride at HTTYD will need to be your first attraction based on the expected capacity of those two.

I’m not up to speed on Donkey Kong other than the promo video. Why do we expect it to have low capacity?

 

[Andrew25]

I’m not up to speed on Donkey Kong other than the promo video. Why do we expect it to have low capacity?

4-passenger vehicles.... possibly dispatching somewhere in the ~20-sec range... 720 guests an hour without any operational issues.

I'm hoping Universal can surprise us by dispatching trains closer to the 15-sec range (approx. 960 riders an hour)... but we haven't really seen a coaster w/ intervals like that in a grand scale.

 

[cheezbat]

Not really, Universal wants people to add Epic in order to sell more nights at the hotels. Replacing USF for Epic doesn't accomplish that.

BUT, that will probably happen as they've kind of left USF with dud after dud and no significant changes. The parade/nighttime show will be a short-term solution to keep USF afloat.

Yes they want people to add to their stays, but they do not mind the idea of an attendance dip at Studios. They expect it. There is a major plan for redos and expansions over the next handful of years at the park. They know they have a few duds and will need all the capacity and headlining attractions Uni Studios can take to really make guests stay for a week.

 

[trr1]

 

[ToTBellHop]

How much longer can it possibly be before they release 2025 resort packages?!

 

[Jon81uk]

Not really, Universal wants people to add Epic in order to sell more nights at the hotels. Replacing USF for Epic doesn't accomplish that.

BUT, that will probably happen as they've kind of left USF with dud after dud and no significant changes. The parade/nighttime show will be a short-term solution to keep USF afloat.


Yes, Universal has "gotten away" with increasing pricing over the years because they've "justified" increased prices through expansions and changes to the resort.

It does bother me that Universal gets away with things like removing 3D from rides, reduced park hours when the Disney community will be up in flames.

We shall see what happens, but I wouldn't put it past Universal to pull another SWGE-Disneyland style stunt and restrict APs all summer long while pushing 1-day tickets only.

In a way they shouldn’t have the same issue as the Star Warst at Disneyland one, there people already had an AP giving access to the park. Whereas at Universal Orlando existing AP holders have only paid for access to two or three parks, they currently have no right to admission for Epic Universe. Therefore I expect it will be an additional ticket purchase anyway and Uni can adjust that AP ticket upgrade price depending on how busy regular sales are.

4-passenger vehicles.... possibly dispatching somewhere in the ~20-sec range... 720 guests an hour without any operational issues.

I'm hoping Universal can surprise us by dispatching trains closer to the 15-sec range (approx. 960 riders an hour)... but we haven't really seen a coaster w/ intervals like that in a grand scale.

I don’t get why they didn’t just install two tracks for DK, yes sightlines might have been harder to ensure riders on the second track don’t see the “real” track of the other coaster, but it would make it a lot more fun seeing other carts flying past you as well as increasing capacity.

 

[Andrew25]

In a way they shouldn’t have the same issue as the Star Warst at Disneyland one, there people already had an AP giving access to the park. Whereas at Universal Orlando existing AP holders have only paid for access to two or three parks, they currently have no right to admission for Epic Universe. Therefore I expect it will be an additional ticket purchase anyway and Uni can adjust that AP ticket upgrade price depending on how busy regular sales are.

I think Epic should open with AP-access, but certainly w/ additional blockouts and a temporary reservation system for APs. Would be silly (IMO) to complicate the ticketing structure next year with various types of APs.

As a current AP, I'm not expecting any sort of admission to AP preview with just the current APs offered... but I would like to upgrade instead of playing this game of whether or not I have to purchase individual tickets before an AP is offered w/ Epic.

I don’t get why they didn’t just install two tracks for DK, yes sightlines might have been harder to ensure riders on the second track don’t see the “real” track of the other coaster, but it would make it a lot more fun seeing other carts flying past you as well as increasing capacity.

It's one of those questionable decisions the parks make that don't take into account operations. (I'm hoping I'm wrong).

 

[rd805]

How much longer can it possibly be before they release 2025 resort packages?!

It may be for a bit, so they don't have to DELAY anything. Although having reservations made for end of 2025 or beyond seems like it would be pretty safe of them to start backloading. Helios has a ways to go though still.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photo of construction of the portal and tower at entrance of Epic Universe. Called Chronos. There are celestial bursts on the tower frame.

Aerial photo of the park side of the portal into Epic Universe. Look close, and celestial burst theming can be seen.The horizontal yellow poles are likely temporary. Stabilizing Chronos during construction.

Aerial photo above Epic Universe, looking toward the entrance plazas.

Aerial photo of the Epic Universe entrance plaza.

Aerial photo of domes on top of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe. Underlayment recently completed on the large dome. Sunburst theming recently added.

Aerial photo of construction so far on Chronos. The tower and portal at entrance of Epic Universe.At top is Luna Overlook, and a cascading water feature.

Aerial photo of the most recently placed dome on top of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of the in-park hotel of Epic Universe. Helios Grand Hotel.

Aerial photo of one of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel. In Epic Universe.

 

[trr1]

https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photos of work so far on the portal and entrance plaza of Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of sections of a tower crane lowered today at Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of the raised traffic circle in the extension of Kirkman Rd. Eases left turn traffic flow. Epic Universe day guest parking is at left.

Aerial photo of Epic Universe May 18, 2024• Chronos tower continuing to rise, with celestial burst theming• One of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel• Peek at the carriages of Curse of the Werewolf• Service building behind Dark Universe has exterior

Aerial photo of construction of the portal into Epic Universe, called Chronos.At bottom is Luna Overlook, which will have a view spanning across all of Celestial Park to Helios Grand Hotel.

 

[JoeCamel]

I wasn't aware they were putting Hello Kitty in this park too....

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial look at the front of Epic Universe. Portal of the park at center.As guests enter there will be a view across Central Park. Including through the meandering lines of fountains in the ponds at top right.

Aerial photo of work so far on Chronos, the tower and portal of Epic Universe.Similar ornamentation is on both sides. Celestial bursts.Additional arched park accesses will be at left and right.

Aerial photo of work so far at the entrance areas of Epic Universe.

Aerial look across the entrance areas of Epic Universe. At center is current height of Chronos, the tower at the park portal.In foreground is Luna Overlook, which will have a view across the length of Celestial Park to the Helios Grand Hotel.

Aerial photo of the entry plaza of Epic Universe. Chronos is the name of the tower rising above the park's portal.

Aerial photo of Luna Overlook and the current height of Chronos tower. At entrance of Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of a spiral staircase under construction at the entrance of Epic Universe. It's believed that the second floor here is the park's VIP room. Seems like painting has started at nearby rockwork.

Aerial look at the front of Epic Universe.At center is a half circle, Luna Overlook. There will be a view across Central Park, including through the meandering lines of fountains in the ponds at top center.

Aerial overview of the front of Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of the security and admissions buildings at Epic Universe.

 

[trr1]

https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photo of colorful pavement and landscaping so far at the entrance of Epic Universe. Admission sales at top right. Security and admissions through the pair of curved buildings at top left.

Aerial photo of landscaping and paving so far at front of Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of the front of Starfall Racers in Epic Universe.Scaffolding has returned to the stylized comet theming. Supports are away from the green and yellow tracks, allowing testing to continue.

Aerial overview of the front of Epic Universe. Large building is the Untrainable Dragon theater in The Isle of Berk.

Aerial photo of Helios Grand Hotel and Celestial Park in Epic Universe.

Arrow in this aerial photo at the extended queue under construction at Starfall Racers in Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of the Super Nintendo World portal and Atlantic restaurant in Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of Celestial Park landscaping so far at base of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.

Aerial photo showing that Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts are within walking distance of Epic Universe. Most guests will use shuttles.Clearing at top left is site of Catchlight Crossings. Affordable housing being developed by Universal.

Aerial photo of the portal into Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photo of first beams placed for the raised traffic circle at Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of Super Mario Land in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.

Aerial look at Terra Luna and Stella Nova resorts under construction near Epic Universe.

Aerial look at what is believed to be fireworks launch site for Epic Universe. Behind Helios Grand Hotel.

Aerial look at road construction near Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts. Guests will access these resorts from Epic Blvd, at left. Kirkman Rd runs between the resorts.A raised traffic circle in progress at left. Universal Blvd at right

Aerial photo of first beams placed for the raised traffic circle at Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of Helios Grand Hotel. The in-park hotel of Epic Universe.Access road for resort guests is top right, from Kirkman Rd. It's believed that the peninsula at right will be fireworks launch site. Projections on the hotel tower, and fountain show.

Aerial photo of Epic Universe day guest parking. A section is being freshened. Eventually the construction staging area at left will be paved for more day guest parking

Aerial photo of one of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel. In Epic Universe.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

In foreground of this aerial is site of Universal's electric bus depot near Epic Universe 1 Parking garages for Universal Studios Florida/Islands of Adventure 2 Sand Lake Rd/Kirkman Rd interchange 3 NBC Universal technology hub 4 Access road for Helios Grand Hotel from Kirkman

Aerial overview of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.(Roof frame is being added to the extended queue of Ministry of Magic. Bottom left.)

Aerial overview of roads near Epic Universe. Arrow at Dr Doom's Fearfall in IOA.Electric buses will transport Universal Orlando guests in exclusive lanes in the median of Kirkman Rd. A raised traffic circle is under construction at center. Day guest parking out frame at right.

 

[trr1]

Orlando Informer
@OrlandoInformer

PIC UPDATE A Universal Epic Universe Preview Center will open this June at Universal City Walk! The new space will feature a model of the park that can be brought to life through augmented reality on compatible devices, exclusive merchandise, and themed photo ops!

 

[Jedijax719]

Orlando Informer
@OrlandoInformer

PIC UPDATE A Universal Epic Universe Preview Center will open this June at Universal City Walk! The new space will feature a model of the park that can be brought to life through augmented reality on compatible devices, exclusive merchandise, and themed photo ops!
View attachment 788195

I hope they have some features available to view on Youtube.

 

[trr1]

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Signage above entrance of the Epic Universe preview center.Centered with portal theming below. Semicircle likely to continue behind the signage.

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

I heard we have an "Early 2025" release window for Epic Universe. Not officially, but from one of the (if not the) park's Creative Director. How do we feel about that?

Can't wait to check out the Preview Center next month. Hoping they have a Mario photo opportunity.