Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025

[MerlinTheGoat]

It’s exterior projection mapping.

This is using the technology Universal patented.

It's actually projection mapping on Victoria's face

Then i'm at a loss, because it doesn't really look like any face projection i've ever seen. They somehow got exterior projection to sync up seemingly perfectly with her dynamic and rapid head movement. It also reacts to the lighting and shadow changes of the surrounding scenery. Maybe it doesn't look quite the same in person (in my experience, projections can actually vary from better than in person to much worse depending on the camera used to record it) but in the videos i've seen it looks orders of magnitude better and more convincing than the best of what Disney has accomplished for projection tech.

 

[James Alucobond]

I’m not looking at any photos, in pure commentary only mode. But I assume you are referencing Connections rather than Docking Bay 7 or the Pandora Cantina? But I guess those are also supposed to be cafeteria’s.

My mind always goes to Be Our Guest for this.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Unfortunately it is, but there's nothing they can do about it. I've been saying since October that their ticketing strategy is not only confusing, but strict when it comes to flexibility for guests. It seems like they're sticking to their plan, but it's an awful one IMO.


I have the same thoughts. I was there this past week and I don't think there's enough shade (they added a lot of umbrellas, but it's very hot, especially in SNW). I know that is a result of construction still occuring, but felt bad for the TMs working the SNW games as they were out in the sun all day.

Regarding capacity, I agree that the park will desperately need it sooner than later. Initial capacity estimates:

• Stardust - 2,400 (at a 60-sec interval, they are aiming for 50-sec intervals)
• Constellation Carousel - 720
• Wing Gliders - 1,440
• Dragon Racer's Rally - 360
• Fyre Drill - 720 (could be lower or higher pending # of boats)
• Viking Training Camp - n/a
• Battle at the Ministry - 1,700
• Curse of the Werewolf - 1,100
• Monsters Unchained - 2,057 (7-sec intervals)
• Yoshi's Adventure - 1,200
• Mario Kart - 1,700
• Donkey Kart: Mine Cart Madness - 1,200

Total Epic Ride Capacity: ~14,600
Current DAK Ride Capacity: ~12,300 (includes ITTAB & Dinosaur, but not Triceratop Spin- with Tropical Americas it'll increase to ~14,400) *Excluding walkthrough exhibits*
IOA Capacity: ~20,400
USF Capacity: ~16,000

View attachment 852157
View attachment 852158
View attachment 852159

This is based off my Wait-Time model I continue to update based on Epic preview information and latest capacity updates.
*Battle at the Ministry will be very difficult to gauge initially

These numbers are low. Universal Studios Florida is really low.

 

[sedati]

Then i'm at a loss, because it doesn't really look like any face projection i've ever seen. They somehow got exterior projection to sync up seemingly perfectly with her dynamic and rapid head movement. It also reacts to the lighting and shadow changes of the surrounding scenery. Maybe it doesn't look quite the same in person (in my experience, projections can actually vary from better than in person to much worse depending on the camera used to record it) but in the videos i've seen it looks orders of magnitude better and more convincing than the best of what Disney has accomplished for projection tech.

Isn’t that how Lightning McQuuen talks? A projection mapped mouth tracking onto a moving animatronic.

 

[Andrew25]

Definitely. I just think of the broader implications for both resorts. It makes me wonder if there’s a finite audience for the Orlando resorts and if that’s why Disney has emphasized DCL.

Orlando hit a price ceiling, been saying for years. They took advantage of the post-Covid boom are trying to reel prices back.

Also, Monsters steakhouse is another cafeteria that looks like a cafeteria.

Not as bad as some of Disney's recent stuff, but still...

They're designed for capacity and efficiently getting people in and out with as few obstructions as possible, with leads to big, bright flat empty rooms and no sense of intimacy or variation in the space as far as scale, lighting and organization.

I'm sorry... are we looking at the same place? I ate there last week and the environment is one of the best quick service locations in Orlando for atmosphere. I eat QSR and TSR throughout the Orlando parks on a weekly basis and Das Stakehaus is a top contender.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

Isn’t that how Lightning McQuuen talks? A projection mapped mouth tracking onto a moving animatronic.

Lightning and Sally at RSR I think probably uses exterior projection for the mouths (eyes I think are internal). There are fixtures that jut up from the floor that I assume house projectors. But they don't move around nearly as much as the AA for Victoria, and the bumper surface it's projected onto is very large and allows for slight imperfection to the syncing. A smaller more detailed and more realistic human face is a much different and more difficult to use external projection on when there's a lot of motion involved.

The Lightning animatronic at DHS' stage show I believe was internally projected. It can move around much more than the RSR one, even spin completely around to face the screen behind him. The lighting conditions of this show are also much more varied and can get rather bright, and they even deploy fog effects in front of the figure. All things which would either massively wash out or obscure an external projection. It's clearer than the mouth projections at RSR as well, but there's also a slightly more visible seam around the edges (it's even more visible when the attraction would break down and stop during the show). Credit where credit is due, the DHS one is among the best face projection effects they've had on a moving figure. But it's still nowhere close to as insane as Victoria's if she really is face projected.

That said, how much of her face is projected? The entire thing, including all features and facial twitches? Or is it just mouth or eye movement?

 

[Stripes]

Then i'm at a loss, because it doesn't really look like any face projection i've ever seen. They somehow got exterior projection to sync up seemingly perfectly with her dynamic and rapid head movement. It also reacts to the lighting and shadow changes of the surrounding scenery. Maybe it doesn't look quite the same in person (in my experience, projections can actually vary from better than in person to much worse depending on the camera used to record it) but in the videos i've seen it looks orders of magnitude better and more convincing than the best of what Disney has accomplished for projection tech.

The idea behind the external projection mapping was to reduce the seam and glow you get with internal projection mapping.

Her head movement is actually not very rapid but the technology has advanced in recent years to allow for this kind of thing.

Bear in mind, Rise of the Resistance is already 5+ years old. Technology moves very quickly.

Check out the Walt AA when it debuts at Disneyland.

 

[Stripes]

These numbers are low. Universal Studios Florida is really low.

I was in line at MCO TSA 2 days ago. Overheard someone say USF was EMPTY. They said it was crazy and shocking how barren and empty the park was.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I of course need to reserve judgment but I have not liked Victoria’s face at all so far. It seems to have the flatness of the new bride at DL Haunted Mansion. I think I’ll inevitably always dislike the projections.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I’ve seen Victoria’s face in person and I did not realize it was a projection. It’s well done.

 

[lentesta]

Hearing something kinda interesting, but not realistic given how early this is in its lifespan.
Are any of our actual insiders hearing any mumblings about the positive feedback MU is receiving putting Mummy in Hollywood on the chopping block?

I'm not buying this until it's been open to the general public, and is a hit for at least a year.
Also, why would USH invest in a large FF coaster, only to replace its existing coaster, regressing back to just a one coaster park?

I've not heard anything about this. My understanding is the next thing after the FF coaster replacing RRR is a Back to the Future re-do of the FF area. I could be wrong.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

But not the ride

So you admit the attraction wowed you at points?

 

[Agent H]

I've not heard anything about this. My understanding is the next thing after the FF coaster replacing RRR is a Back to the Future re-do of the FF area. I could be wrong.

That’s quite the bombshell.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I've not heard anything about this. My understanding is the next thing after the FF coaster replacing RRR is a Back to the Future re-do of the FF area. I could be wrong.

Universal seems to have started to realize that there’s some real benefit to properties that may not be current but have proven their longevity.

 

[lentesta]

Unfortunately it is, but there's nothing they can do about it. I've been saying since October that their ticketing strategy is not only confusing, but strict when it comes to flexibility for guests. It seems like they're sticking to their plan, but it's an awful one IMO.


I have the same thoughts. I was there this past week and I don't think there's enough shade (they added a lot of umbrellas, but it's very hot, especially in SNW). I know that is a result of construction still occuring, but felt bad for the TMs working the SNW games as they were out in the sun all day.

Regarding capacity, I agree that the park will desperately need it sooner than later. Initial capacity estimates:

• Stardust - 2,400 (at a 60-sec interval, they are aiming for 50-sec intervals)
• Constellation Carousel - 720
• Wing Gliders - 1,440
• Dragon Racer's Rally - 360
• Fyre Drill - 720 (could be lower or higher pending # of boats)
• Viking Training Camp - n/a
• Battle at the Ministry - 1,700
• Curse of the Werewolf - 1,100
• Monsters Unchained - 2,057 (7-sec intervals)
• Yoshi's Adventure - 1,200
• Mario Kart - 1,700
• Donkey Kart: Mine Cart Madness - 1,200

Total Epic Ride Capacity: ~14,600
Current DAK Ride Capacity: ~12,300 (includes ITTAB & Dinosaur, but not Triceratop Spin- with Tropical Americas it'll increase to ~14,400) *Excluding walkthrough exhibits*
IOA Capacity: ~20,400
USF Capacity: ~16,000

View attachment 852157
View attachment 852158
View attachment 852159

This is based off my Wait-Time model I continue to update based on Epic preview information and latest capacity updates.
*Battle at the Ministry will be very difficult to gauge initially

These seem like solid numbers and match well with what I have. Nice work. A couple of notes that might be helpful to you:

Fyre Drill cycle time is around 5:30 and they're planning on eight boats. I had 524 to 698 as the capacity range pending more data. Load/unload is going to be critical there.

I asked an IE about Dragon Racer's Rally, because 360/hour is more like a water park slide capacity than a theme park ride. They said they can vary the run time of the ride down to 60 seconds if needed. (I timed it consistently at 1:45 on my visits.) The unload/load time for that, though, was averaging 2:15 when I was there. They really, really need to get that down to 60-ish seconds.

Circus Arcanus capacity is 550, I believe, with a 23-minute runtime. Management wants up to 28 shows per day at an average of around 480 guests per show. I think that's almost impossible. I think they're at 16-20 shows now. So maybe 20 to 24 if everything works out. (The show is fantastic. Really liked it a lot.)

My estimates for Mine Kart are more pessimistic than yours. I'm thinking 930 to 1070 per hour. That's based on a 40-second load/unload and a 60-second load/unload. That's the range I observed over 40 minutes of watching.

I know a lot of this is still them trying to work through stuff. A lot is riding on that.

 

[lentesta]

That’s quite the bombshell.

I could be wrong. Plans change.

 

[lentesta]

Unfortunately it is, but there's nothing they can do about it. I've been saying since October that their ticketing strategy is not only confusing, but strict when it comes to flexibility for guests. It seems like they're sticking to their plan, but it's an awful one IMO.


I have the same thoughts. I was there this past week and I don't think there's enough shade (they added a lot of umbrellas, but it's very hot, especially in SNW). I know that is a result of construction still occuring, but felt bad for the TMs working the SNW games as they were out in the sun all day.

Regarding capacity, I agree that the park will desperately need it sooner than later. Initial capacity estimates:

• Stardust - 2,400 (at a 60-sec interval, they are aiming for 50-sec intervals)
• Constellation Carousel - 720
• Wing Gliders - 1,440
• Dragon Racer's Rally - 360
• Fyre Drill - 720 (could be lower or higher pending # of boats)
• Viking Training Camp - n/a
• Battle at the Ministry - 1,700
• Curse of the Werewolf - 1,100
• Monsters Unchained - 2,057 (7-sec intervals)
• Yoshi's Adventure - 1,200
• Mario Kart - 1,700
• Donkey Kart: Mine Cart Madness - 1,200

Total Epic Ride Capacity: ~14,600
Current DAK Ride Capacity: ~12,300 (includes ITTAB & Dinosaur, but not Triceratop Spin- with Tropical Americas it'll increase to ~14,400) *Excluding walkthrough exhibits*
IOA Capacity: ~20,400
USF Capacity: ~16,000

View attachment 852157
View attachment 852158
View attachment 852159

This is based off my Wait-Time model I continue to update based on Epic preview information and latest capacity updates.
*Battle at the Ministry will be very difficult to gauge initially

FWIW, here's an old Disney document showing the % of people in various parts of the park at any given time. Useful for calculating max capacities.

The doc is part of the Buzz Price Archives at UCF, so it's public. Enjoy.

 

[Coaster Lover]

Correct me if Im wrong, but USO has nothing announced as in the works after EU, correct? We assume replacements for Lost Continent and HRRR are in the works, but nothing has been announced (or is even under construction). I assume this is because they want all eyes on EU, but I wonder how soon after EU opens we get some announcements (even for EU itself). Lots of new parks have a history of opening new attractions within a relatively short time (<3 years) after the grand opening of the park and I have to think EU won't be any different:

-DAK opened in 1998 and Kali River Rapids opened in 1999 (I believe it was actually advertised as coming soon on the DAK opening season maps)
-DHS opened in 1989 and Star Tours opened 7 months after the rest of the park
-DCA opened in 2001 and Flicks Fun Fair opened by 2002 (and ToT by 2004)
-IOA opened in 1999, Storm Force opened in 2000

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

Correct me if Im weong, but USO has nothing announced as in the works after EU, correct? We assume replacements for Lost Continent and HRRR are in the works, but nothing has been announced (or is even under construction). I assume this is because they want all eyes on EU, but I wonder how soon after EU opens we get some announcements (even for EU itself). Lotsnof new parks have a history of opening new attractions within a relative shirt time (<3 years) after the grand opening ic the park and I have to think EU wont be any different:

-DAK opened in 1998 and Kali River Rapids opened in 1999 (I believe it was actually advertised as coming soon on the DAK opening season maps)
-DHS opened in 1989 and Star Tours opened 7 months after the rest of the park
-DCA opened in 2001 and Flicks Fun Fair opened by 2002 (and ToT by 2004)
-IOA opened in 1999, Storm Force opened in 2000

I doubt we get any other announcements in 2025.

 

[mkt]

I wish English had a word for something which, in and of itself, in a vacuum, is perfectly fine or even good, BUT... you're disappointed in it because you thought it was going to be great and super-amazing because of the hype bestowed on it by others in advance?

Anticlimactic?

Hypevoid?

Middlegasm?