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

[Sir_Cliff]

Sincerest form of flattery and meeting corporate synergy under Comcast-NBC!


On this note, for those who did not know, the location just added outdoor seating due to its popularity.

It would make sense the sketch is inspired by Epic as Bowen Yang and his co-host Matt Rogers have talked about it on their podcast Las Culturistas. Matt Rogers has brings up following Bioreconstruct's construction photos quite a bit, so the sketch comes from an affectionate place as regards Epic!

I came over to this forum from the other forum that shall not be named, years ago, because it got to the point that I was pretty sure that some of the posters over there were either Disney cast members or posters professionally paid by Disney to control the narrative, and not allow criticism. At least here it is more free and Disney doesn't appear to control this forum yet.

Not to go too far off topic, but where I have found this forum has stood out since the beginning is a base level of sanity. There are always exceptions, and I guess all of think we're not one of those exceptions!

 

[jrhwdw]

 

[Purduevian]

While “Pregnant Mothers” may be inartful, it conveys the risk for those who are pregnant clearer than “Expectant Mothers” which is the preferred verbiage of the other major theme park in Orlando. Or have they changed it to “Birthing People who May Be Birthing Soon”?

View attachment 858215

No opinion on grammar but that expectant mother's graphic is incredible.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

No opinion on grammar but that expectant mother's graphic is incredible.

I reverse image searched it, and that graphic does not appear on the actual sign:

 

[celluloid]

I thought the image being a joke was obvious. It was also a play on words expectant and expectorating as the mother launching the child.
Another reason pregnant may be a better choice.

 

[OrlandoRising]

When people apply the same standards, though, and find aspects wanting, the response has been "no-one cares about that" or "Universal has a different approach to theme park design." So, it's hard not to feel like it has missed some kind of mark that I am not clear Universal ever set for themselves.

Missed the mark based on.....what exactly? I feel like you're misrepresenting the opinions of Epic defenders on here.

The clear consensus on people who have actually been to Epic is that the park is great with some of the best rides ever built in the U.S...... but that's not the same as saying it's perfect, that everything in the park is the best of its kind, etc.

If you want to talk about flaws, let's talk about important flaws like Curse of the Werewolf feeling tacked on and not well-themed enough, and being a pretty boring ride, 2 of the 3 rides in Isle of Berk being low capacity, or (one of the legitimate ones I've seen on here) Celestial Park lacking the same interactions as the other lands.

If the arguments are going to continue to act like Epic Universe is a disappointment because you can see Helios Grand from inside the lands or you can see a part of a ride building in an extended queue then yes, I'm going to continue calling that nitpicking.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Continuing to handwave the sightline issues the park has, when it has the worst sightlines out of all the Orlando major parks, is getting tiring. You, personally, might consider bad sightlines inconsequential, but others do not. This does not make them a "pixie duster" for wanting the best possible immersion.

The park has great things. The park also has bad sightlines. It can be both things. It's okay to discuss the things we like AND don't like.

 

[OrlandoRising]

Continuing to handwave the sightline issues the park has, when it has the worst sightlines out of all the Orlando major parks, is getting tiring. The park has great things. The park also has bad sightlines. It can be both things.

Again, I strongly believe that a good portion of what you're calling "issues" are things that cannot reasonably be argued to be detracting from the guest experience or the quality of the park. I tend to not spend my day in a theme park craning my neck around at sightlines to get mad over.

 

[MrPromey]

I think Super Nintendo world looks like it will give universal the biggest family audience it’s ever had. I think monsters and how to train your dragon are too niche to move attendance considerably. And while Harry Potter is very popular the new land probably won’t even bring in any new audiences at all

During soft opening, Ministry of Magic is the only attraction with virtual queue and it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it gone.

Make no mistake, there will be people visiting the park with the sole intention of experiencing the main attraction in this land (and many probably angry when they aren't able to).

 

[MrPromey]

I reverse image searched it, and that graphic does not appear on the actual sign:
View attachment 858452

what a let down.

And not to kill the messenger (but kind of) - thanks!

 

[flynnibus]

I never knew that "Expectant Mothers" was a condition.

Dumbest complaint of the year.

The sign is easily understood

 

[MisterPenguin]

Dumbest complaint of the year.

The sign is easily understood

I never said it was likely to be misunderstood.

Did you enjoy punching that Straw Man? Did you kick him once he was down. Jump on his face? You're a great warrior!!

 

[MrPromey]

I never said it was likely to be misunderstood.

Did you enjoy punching that Straw Man? Did you kick him once he was down. Jump on his face? You're a great warrior!!

Every time I knock my straw man down the SOB gets back up.

 

[UNCgolf]

Again, I strongly believe that a good portion of what you're calling "issues" are things that cannot reasonably be argued to be detracting from the guest experience or the quality of the park. I tend to not spend my day in a theme park craning my neck around at sightlines to get mad over.

You're framing it as if they're really small things that nobody would notice unless they're actively looking for something to complain about. But even people who think the park is absolutely amazing have pointed out there are a few glaring issues regarding sightlines that jump out at you.

This feels like "I don't personally care about this, thus nobody else should either, and if they do they're being stupid".

 

[MisterPenguin]

Harry Potter Virtual Line: A Broken, Unfair System at Epic Universe

We discuss the Harry Potter Virtual Line - how to join it, why it is so broken right now, and if you should visit Epic Universe

blogmickey.com

 

[Agent H]

During soft opening, Ministry of Magic is the only attraction with virtual queue and it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it gone.

Make no mistake, there will be people visiting the park with the sole intention of experiencing the main attraction in this land (and many probably angry when they aren't able to).

Of course but the Harry Potter crowd is already going to universal. I can’t see this land suddenly convincing any potterhead to go if Hogwarts and diagon alley didn’t do the trick.

 

[Agent H]

I reverse image searched it, and that graphic does not appear on the actual sign:
View attachment 858452

Darn. I was hoping to see that in person.

 

[MrPromey]

Of course but the Harry Potter crowd is already going to universal. I can’t see this land suddenly convincing any potterhead to go if Hogwarts and diagon alley didn’t do the trick.

Ah, the way you worded, It looked as though you were referring to the park as in - wouldn't be a draw to bring anyone to Epic that wasn't already there for Mario (or whatever else).

To that point, they don't need this single land to be the sole reason someone travels to central Florida. If people extend their Universal visit to hit up this and the other two still insanely popular Potter lands, and early entry to this park in particular along with the Uni Express at the other two convinces people to stay at one of their moderate/deluxe hotels, they're making their money between that and merch sales.

In the case of the Potter crowd, this is more likely to extend a stay than to cannibalize a day at the other two which can't necessarily be said for people visiting who aren't as into that franchise.

 

[Agent H]

Ah, the way you worded, It looked as though you were referring to the park as in - wouldn't be a draw to bring anyone to Epic that wasn't already there for Mario (or whatever else).

To that point, they don't need this single land to be the sole reason someone travels to central Florida. If people extend their Universal visit to hit up this and the other two still insanely popular Potter lands, and early entry to this park in particular along with the Uni Express at the other two convinces people to stay at one of their moderate/deluxe hotels, they're making their money between that and merch sales.

In the case of the Potter crowd, this is more likely to extend a stay than to cannibalize a day at the other two which can't necessarily be said for people visiting who aren't as into that franchise.

Yes. This park will increase overall profit and attendance for universal but the parks impact on Disney is grossly overstated and honestly just comes off as wishful thinking. I predict this park will be the third most visited park in Orlando for the first 2 to 3 years and then will join the the ranks of the parks that have to be updated every couple of years to keep attendance as high as the other parks.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

Again, I strongly believe that a good portion of what you're calling "issues" are things that cannot reasonably be argued to be detracting from the guest experience or the quality of the park. I tend to not spend my day in a theme park craning my neck around at sightlines to get mad over.

Me when someone observes the theming at a theme park