Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Now Open!

[Gringrinngghost]

Any word on if they've been able to run the Ministry of Magic ride? Also, how about the Fantastic Beasts and/or Dragons stage shows -- are they up and running?

The shows are running, Ministry isn't due up for another week at the earliest.

 

[jrhwdw]

T

The shows are running, Ministry isn't due up for another week at the earliest.

No Fountains Shows yet I'm guessing? Certainly no Nighttime Spectacular yet, Sigh.....

 

[Gringrinngghost]

No Fountains Shows yet I'm guessing? Certainly no Nighttime Spectacular yet, Sigh.....

I have been to two Friends and Family Previews, and they aren't even open beyond this past weekend 6pm. The Park has opened at 10am and has closed at 5 and 6pm. They only recently started to program the fountains in. The park requires a lot of work still to be done.

 

[jrhwdw]

I have been to two Friends and Family Previews, and they aren't even open beyond this past weekend 6pm. The Park has opened at 10am and has closed at 5 and 6pm. They only recently started to program the fountains in. The park requires a lot of work still to be done.

Thanks! I was wondering what the Preview Hours were. Wonder when UOR will post EU Hours for May 22nd onward?

 

[Sir_Cliff]

View attachment 849694

Hmm, this is a strange choice.

Are there any other theme parks where you can see right to the back of the park from the entrance? Going right back to Disneyland, the effort is usually (and ironically, in this case) to create some kind of portal through which you pass at the entrance, often with some kind of big reveal once you pass through. Hollywood Studios is kind of an exception, though even in that case the Chinese Theatre isn't at the other extreme of the park.

 

[Gringrinngghost]

Thanks! I was wondering what the Preview Hours were. Wonder when UOR will post EU Hours for May 22nd onward?

I think they will have to do another round of previews for TMs to experience Ministry and nighttime.

 

[Gringrinngghost]

Hmm, this is a strange choice.

Are there any other theme parks where you can see right to the back of the park from the entrance? Going right back to Disneyland, the effort is usually (and ironically, in this case) to create some kind of portal through which you pass at the entrance, often with some kind of big reveal once you pass through. Hollywood Studios is kind of an exception, though even in that case the Chinese Theatre isn't at the other extreme of the park.

They also made it a photo op.

To not show myself lol

 

[Andrew25]

Hmm, this is a strange choice.

Are there any other theme parks where you can see right to the back of the park from the entrance? Going right back to Disneyland, the effort is usually (and ironically, in this case) to create some kind of portal through which you pass at the entrance, often with some kind of big reveal once you pass through. Hollywood Studios is kind of an exception, though even in that case the Chinese Theatre isn't at the other extreme of the park.

IOA & USF have similar front gates that you can see through the park.

I personally don't think it's a bad choice.

 

[Laura]

They also made it a photo op.


View attachment 849757

To not show myself lol

Here’s ours. I also blocked us out cuz I’m not looking so hot in the photo and the other 3 subjects haven’t given permission to share.

I actually love the view of Epic from this spot, which is just inside the main portal. It’s very unique.

 

[Laura]

While I was happy to see the rather generic entry arch from the original concept art replaced with the Chronos, there's a daytime photo of it from the entrance plaza floating around that is rather disappointing. It looks small and spindly and does little to obstruct Helios looming large in the distance. If this is our first portal of the day, why-is it surrounded by a barrier as opaque as a chain-link-fence? The approach looks less like beacon drawing us to a theme-park and more like we simply parked really far away from out hotel.

"Live the adventure..."
View attachment 849695

"Ride the movies..."
View attachment 849696

"I'm sorry, check-in isn't until 4:00..."
View attachment 849694

You cannot judge it from that terrible photo. Up close and in person it is large, impressive, and very exciting to walk through.

 

[UNCgolf]

Since the Helios functions as the centerpiece, they really should have built something better. It's so bland -- not much better than the Riviera. Even the concept art was significantly nicer.

 

[rd805]

The shows are running, Ministry isn't due up for another week at the earliest.

I haven't heard too much feedback regarding the Fantastic Beasts show -- hoping it is a lot of fun!

 

[BringMeTheHoriz]

A lot of you are going to be disappointed when you go to Epic and find the entry portal look/experience nothing like what you’re saying it is.

 

[UNCgolf]

A lot of you are going to be disappointed when you go to Epic and find the entry portal look/experience nothing like what you’re saying it is.

Why would anyone be disappointed about that? I mean, unless they're saying it's great and it isn't, but I don't think that's what you're suggesting.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Why would anyone be disappointed about that? I mean, unless they're saying it's great and it isn't, but I don't think that's what you're suggesting.

Some of us are well compensated for ragging on Universal.

 

[BringMeTheHoriz]

Why would anyone be disappointed about that? I mean, unless they're saying it's great and it isn't, but I don't think that's what you're suggesting.

Because those who enjoy being the contrarian will have a hard time being contrarian.

 

[Vclguy90]

How is the atmospheric music?

 

[Tom Morrow]

How is the atmospheric music?

Off of my one visit, I really enjoyed the music in Celestial Park and the main entrance (which extends into the parking lot). I'm not sure if it's all one loop or if there are different areas, but it sounds like, as one would except, a musical score to an epic adventure movie, also with a side of "modern Epcot".

Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country have the music that you would expect, but it's very loud and gives both areas a lot of energy.

I don't remember the music for the other three lands... yet.

 

[SamusAranX]

Isle of Berk music was good, especially on the flying wings coaster.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

The music for Celestial Park is, dare I say Epic. It is not "background music" it is the "soundtrack" for the land. Very cinematic. The addition of major sub-woofers is game changing.