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

[Tom Morrow]

On the subject of changes to the rides, some additions have been made to Monsters Unchained since the earlier preview days:

- Haptic feedback on the vehicles (now VERY pronounced and unmistakable)
- Heat effect when Dracula breaks free.
- Water splash effect when Wolfman is goring... something.
- Wooden dummies on the pre-show demonstration Kuka seats, along with wooden figures of the monsters around it. These wooden figures are the same ones Ygor is demonstrating with in the safety video.
- On-ride photo now working, I believe it is taken as Wolfman swipes at you.

- Rumors of the vehicles being programmed with different movements, but cannot confirm.

Now, if they could just change or face you away from that awful view of the giant curtain after the first Dracula... and maybe work on the lighting a bit more to only illuminate what you should see. At least do something about the curtain. You not only see the giant curtain light up, but it tilts you toward the track and you see theater lights below. It completely takes you out of it.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Is it though? Does this sentiment only apply to current corporate leadership? Because a massive chunk of Disney's fan community basically worships the company's founder, and Disney is all too happy to indulge them, over 50 years after his death. While Universal doesn't have a single, overwhelmingly influential figure that it can rally everyone around so easily, I don't think it's all that unreasonable to thank those entities responsible for ensuring the park's coming to fruition.

Well, yes, I think most people do differentiate between the company paying tribute to Walt Disney and paying tribute to its current corporate leadership.

Overall, I don't think this is a massive deal, just to be clear. However, I think it is another area where they could learn something from how Disney does things. Look at the video posted of the Shanghai Disneyland opening fireworks with the orchestra that was intended to create a sense that this was something beyond just a new business venture. Obviously that was a business venture as is Epic Universe, but openly announcing that as the intro to the opening spectacular drains it of the gravitas you would think they were going for. The equivalent would be that Shanghai show beginning with an announcement by Bob Chapek giving his executive title, paying tribute to the Walt Disney Company and Shendi corporate leadership, and listing off the resort's licensing partners.

Again, not the end of the world, but if I were running the company I would be looking at how Disney has managed to create such an emotional connection to their parks and resorts and trying to emulate it. Indeed, the references to Walt Disney are part of that precisely because he represents nostalgia and creative vision and passion to most people today, not a faceless member of the corporate leadership team trying to maximise profits.

 

[Fox&Hound]

Got in line at 8ish and waited 30 minutes! Great experience, but confirmed this ride just isn’t for me.

How so? Motion sickness?

 

[celluloid]

Overall, I don't think this is a massive deal, just to be clear. However, I think it is another area where they could learn something from how Disney does things. Look at the video posted of the Shanghai Disneyland opening fireworks with the orchestra that was intended to create a sense that this was something beyond just a new business venture. Obviously that was a business venture as is Epic Universe, but openly announcing that as the intro to the opening spectacular drains it of the gravitas you would think they were going for. The equivalent would be that Shanghai show beginning with an announcement by Bob Chapek giving his executive title, paying tribute to the Walt Disney Company and Shendi corporate leadership, and listing off the resort's licensing partners.

This is hilarious.

If an executive paying tribute to corporate leadership and licensing partners at the start of the fireworks show sounds the same to you as Disney including tributes to Walt Disney in their shows, that's all ok.

Bob Iger into a microphone reading notes of the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland introduced it as a new business venture that was a good investment for both countries. Reading quotes from the United States President on the relations that the company partnership with China will do and how the partnership is good for business and tourism of both countries.
It was as corporate and cold as an introduction to such an event can get. It is what it is. No one knocks them for it and you knock Uni for giving a night before grand opening bit that mentions partnerships of Storytelling read by Steven Spielberg?


And Bob Iger did nothing wrong here. I don't get why we knock as if the other has not done this.
It is cool if you were not aware of this, but I think you need to take the L on this one.

 

[Tha Realest]

Thanks for sharing. Does anyone have any video or photographic evidence of him experiencing the attraction that replaced Splash Mountain, a redo he was publicly attached to at one point?

 

[celluloid]

Thanks for sharing. Does anyone have any video or photographic evidence of him experiencing the attraction that replaced Splash Mountain, a redo he was publicly attached to at one point?

I wondered the same thing when it opened. He is very public and fairly casual about visits. There probably is somewhere but it is interesting that there are not interviews with him on it etc...

 

[DarkMetroid567]

How so? Motion sickness?

I don’t get motion sick, but I did find the motion needlessly annoying and aggressive — motion for motion’s sake. Very reminiscent of Transformers in that sense. That’s not it though, there are a lot of little critiques I have about the ride that I’ll articulate eventually, but I think it’s about level with Forbidden Journey for me.

Everything that Forbidden Journey does poorly is something Ministry does really well. But the reverse is also true.

 

[Comped]

Well, yes, I think most people do differentiate between the company paying tribute to Walt Disney and paying tribute to its current corporate leadership.

Overall, I don't think this is a massive deal, just to be clear. However, I think it is another area where they could learn something from how Disney does things. Look at the video posted of the Shanghai Disneyland opening fireworks with the orchestra that was intended to create a sense that this was something beyond just a new business venture. Obviously that was a business venture as is Epic Universe, but openly announcing that as the intro to the opening spectacular drains it of the gravitas you would think they were going for. The equivalent would be that Shanghai show beginning with an announcement by Bob Chapek giving his executive title, paying tribute to the Walt Disney Company and Shendi corporate leadership, and listing off the resort's licensing partners.

Again, not the end of the world, but if I were running the company I would be looking at how Disney has managed to create such an emotional connection to their parks and resorts and trying to emulate it. Indeed, the references to Walt Disney are part of that precisely because he represents nostalgia and creative vision and passion to most people today, not a faceless member of the corporate leadership team trying to maximise profits.

UDX and Universal Creative, as much as they're great, simply doesn't have theatre and live entertainment as woven into its fabric as Disney, Imagineering, and DLE/WDE do. That has to play a part in it as well. For all their faults, DLE can execute a grand show like that unlike UC. A speech at a park opening (traditional for almost every park I know of) is far different than opening up a fireworks show by thanking a list of corporate partners. Should have started with Spielburg and had those remarks at park opening instead. Nobody cares about Bob or Mark nearly as much as Walt, and it's not just because of the emotional connection but about the personal connection Walt made with people. Eisner is the only one who comes close and that's among Disney fans alone.

 

[TennHokies]

Just did the same exact thing. Thank you for sharing this information. It was a little disheartening to learn June was sold out (we're going June 2nd). Hoping, like you said, that these are legit and there are no issues. Site says you can refund any time before the date of usage so there is that, at least.

This trip is gonna be super somber and exciting at the same time. The day before, we are saying our goodbyes to Muppet*Vision 3D, DINOSAUR/Dinoland USA, Tom Sawyer's Island/Rivers of America and WDW (god their decision-making has been sucking so much a** lately). Then the next day, we get to say hello to something brand new and exciting in Epic Universe. I am unreasonably hyped for Dark Universe and Starfall Racers.

David et al. Based on watching Epic wait times in the app the last several days I started having some serious Epic Express Pass buyers remorse for our June 13th date. We paid just over $1K for 4 EP tickets, which currently seem to hold as much value as an old pair of socks. I called Orlando Informer this afternoon and they quickly refunded my purchase (less a 5% restocking fee). It’s a gamble either way as it’s anyone’s guess what crowds will look like moving forward, but I greatly appreciate OI and Universal’s willingness to refund a “non-refundable” ticket. Not suggesting anyone else follow suit, but it’s at least nice to have options.

 

[eddie104]

That has to play a part in it as well. For all their faults, DLE can execute a grand show like that unlike UC

While I agree entertainment has never been Uni strong suit they definitely have the talent to pull off shows just as good as Disney.

Did you forget Creative and Imagineering basically share employees ?

 

[Sir_Cliff]

This is hilarious.

To me, this attitude has been the most puzzling thing about watching Epic Universe's opening unfold: a defensiveness when it comes to any suggestion that anything could have been handled better. That seems to extend, in this case, to it being hilarious to suggest Universal could benefit from studying how Disney has built up such brand loyalty and emotional attachment to their parks. I would have thought any company would be envious of that regardless of your opinion of current Disney management, but ok

I do wonder whether this is why some are complaining of all the negativity on here toward Epic Universe despite the fact the park has mostly received very positive reviews. If all critiques are met with a firm "no", it unnecessarily polarises the discussion as there is no middle ground and relatively minor critiques become major disagreements.

Bob Iger into a microphone reading notes of the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland introduced it as a new business venture that was a good investment for both countries. Reading quotes from the United States President on the relations that the company partnership with China will do and how the partnership is good for business and tourism of both countries.
It was as corporate and cold as an introduction to such an event can get. It is what it is. No one knocks them for it and you knock Uni for giving a night before grand opening bit that mentions partnerships of Storytelling read by Steven Spielberg?


And Bob Iger did nothing wrong here. I don't get why we knock as if the other has not done this.
It is cool if you were not aware of this, but I think you need to take the L on this one.

Sorry if you were confused, but I was discussing the impact of the opening night extravaganza being undercut by the decision to begin with a recorded corporate speech. You may have seen someone else posted the Shanghai Disneyland equivalent earlier for reference.

 

[Comped]

While I agree entertainment has never been Uni strong suit they definitely have the talent to pull off shows just as good as Disney.

Did you forget Creative and Imagineering basically share employees ?

I'm well aware they share employees. Disney has a significantly stronger history and culture, and infrastructure, surrounding live entertainment. Could they? Untrainable proved they could certainly make an attempt (more focused on tech than anything else), but I'd need more proof this is a long term commitment.

 

[celluloid]

To me, this attitude has been the most puzzling thing about watching Epic Universe's opening unfold: a defensiveness when it comes to any suggestion that anything could have been handled better. That seems to extend, in this case, to it being hilarious to suggest Universal could benefit from studying how Disney has built up such brand loyalty and emotional attachment to their parks. I would have thought any company would be envious of that regardless of your opinion of current Disney management, but ok

I do wonder whether this is why some are complaining of all the negativity on here toward Epic Universe despite the fact the park has mostly received very positive reviews. If all critiques are met with a firm "no", it unnecessarily polarises the discussion as there is no middle ground and relatively minor critiques become major disagreements.


Sorry if you were confused, but I was discussing the impact of the opening night extravaganza beginning undercut by the decision to begin with a recorded corporate speech. You may have seen someone else posted the Shanghai Disneyland equivalent earlier for reference.

It was humoring because you critique something a company would do differently when they did just that. The same kind of corporate open every new major theme park does mixed with razzle dazzle. You are basically critiquing the ribbon cutting moment the night before for doing a firework and drone show. So really. More than typical. It was very appropriate for Woodbury and Spielberg because of their direct creative influence over Universal parks and destinations since early on. Yes, Josh D would be different because the guy did not come from the creative production or design side. Because it is different, you want to get on the trope of why they don't do it like Disney. Then you post as if they do something different, they must inherently need to learn. False dichotomy.
You also discount the entire near week of opening bits the park had. You are only going by the firework nighttime situation you did not like. Not the opening moment the next day, nor all of the Portal vignettes they did.

Yes, that extravaganza posted was what followed after Bob Iger corporate speaking. It's the same on different scale.
Shanghai was Disney opening a park in a market that has never had an American company open one.
Epic is third actual theme park to open in the Uni Orlando resort catalogue.

We don't know what Disney would do for sure for a new park stateside because we have not had a new Disney Park stateside in over about quarter century. Media is different in many ways now than it was about 25 years ago.
But we do know how they treat celebrations and attraction expansions, and it is not all that different.

See WDW 50th.
(And don't do the pandemic excuse. Other parks did more with it)

 

[Sir_Cliff]

It was humoring because you critique something a company would do differently when they did just that. The same kind of corporate open every new major theme park does mixed with razzle dazzle. You are basically critiquing the ribbon cutting moment the night before for doi g a firework and drone show. So really. More than typical. It was very appropriate for Woodbury and Spielberg because of their direct creative influence over Universal parks and destinations since early on. Yes, Josh D would be different because the guy did not come from the creative production or design side. Because it is different, you want to get on the trope of why don't they do it like Disney. Then you post as if they do something different they must inherently need to learn. False dichotomy.
You also discount the entire near week of opening bits the park had. You are only going by the firework night time situation you did not like. Not the opening moment the next day, nor all of the Portal vignettes they did.

Yes, that extravaganza posted was what followed sfterBob Iger corporate speaking. It's the same on different scale.
Shanghai was Disney opening a park in a market that has never had an American company open one.
Epic is third actual theme park to open in the Uni Orlando resort catelogue.

We don't know what Disney would do for sure for a new park stateside because we habe not had a new Disney park stateside in over about quarter century. Media is different in many ways now than it was about 25 years ago.
But we do know how they treat celebrations and attraction expansions and it is not all that different.

See WDW 50th.
(And don't do the pandemic excuse. Other parks did more with it)

I don't mean to be rude, but I feel like you're throwing up so much information that isn't relevant to a very simple point that it becomes hard to respond.

That simple point was just that the Mark Woodbury introduction to the opening night extravaganza struck a discordant note for how corporate it sounded. I don't think that would be an at all controversial observation if we were to imagine a similar message from Josh D'Amaro (who is the equivalent executive over at Disney). The fix is also very obvious and was mentioned by @Comped: Just start with Spielberg. So, you wonder why they didn't do that.

Honestly, it's such a minor point and I don't understand the back and forth. Of course I am not suggesting anything about what a hypothetical Disney opening ceremony for a park that doesn't exist would look like. As for Iger's opening day speeches in Shanghai, if anything it reinforces the point that it is better to keep the corporate side of things separate from the showmanship which you're hoping will connect emotionally with guests.

And, yes, WDW's 50th was bizarre. Perhaps the weirdest day in WDW history and the broader celebration was a flop. It doesn't have anything to do with my comment, though.

 

[999th Happy Haunt]

The park is actually open and we’re still having these conversations man. Thread is cooked.

Congrats to Universal, park looks great and appears to be running smoothly!

 

[Disstevefan1]

I don't mean to be rude, but I feel like you're throwing up so much information that isn't relevant to a very simple point that it becomes hard to respond.

That simple point was just that the Mark Woodbury introduction to the opening night extravaganza struck a discordant note for how corporate it sounded. I don't think that would be an at all controversial observation if we were to imagine a similar message from Josh D'Amaro (who is the equivalent executive over at Disney). The fix is also very obvious and was mentioned by @Comped: Just start with Spielberg. So, you wonder why they didn't do that.

Honestly, it's such a minor point and I don't understand the back and forth. Of course I am not suggesting anything about what a hypothetical Disney opening ceremony for a park that doesn't exist would look like. As for Iger's opening day speeches in Shanghai, if anything it reinforces the point that it is better to keep the corporate side of things separate from the showmanship which you're hoping will connect emotionally with guests.

And, yes, WDW's 50th was bizarre. Perhaps the weirdest day in WDW history and the broader celebration was a flop. It doesn't have anything to do with my comment, though.

The WDW 50th was garbage.

Wait, sorry, I am wrong, garbage has substance.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I mentioned this during the livestream, but the endless spew of corporate buzzwords and mandated approved points to make (amazing! Immersive! Storytelling! Next level! Etc) felt the hardest I’ve ever seen this stuff laid on and it was genuinely grating. Corporations should consider dialing this stuff down as it feels insincere even if they’re saying what they actually think.

For comparison… hate the man, but Ron DeSantis’s video reaction to the park felt genuine and more believe than anything uttered by anyone in the entire livestreams.

 

[BringMeTheHoriz]

I don't mean to be rude, but I feel like you're throwing up so much information that isn't relevant to a very simple point that it becomes hard to respond.

That simple point was just that the Mark Woodbury introduction to the opening night extravaganza struck a discordant note for how corporate it sounded. I don't think that would be an at all controversial observation if we were to imagine a similar message from Josh D'Amaro (who is the equivalent executive over at Disney). The fix is also very obvious and was mentioned by @Comped: Just start with Spielberg. So, you wonder why they didn't do that.

Honestly, it's such a minor point and I don't understand the back and forth. Of course I am not suggesting anything about what a hypothetical Disney opening ceremony for a park that doesn't exist would look like. As for Iger's opening day speeches in Shanghai, if anything it reinforces the point that it is better to keep the corporate side of things separate from the showmanship which you're hoping will connect emotionally with guests.

And, yes, WDW's 50th was bizarre. Perhaps the weirdest day in WDW history and the broader celebration was a flop. It doesn't have anything to do with my comment, though.

What happened on May 21 was meant for VIPs, media, and corporate executives from Comcast and UDX. In addition, your false dichotomy is also failing to address the fact that unlike Bob, Mark isn’t the highest man on the totem pole. Comcast were the ones who green lit this project, and it was/is a significant investment on Mark’s vision. There is no alternate universe (pun intended) where Mark DOESN’T get up and thank everyone who helped make it happen. Not only for this project but to keep Comcast interested in continuing to invest in all the future projects (even in the face of shifting macroeconomic tides).

Additionally, how you’re able to go as far off the trail as to fault Universal for not having a figure head as iconic as Walt in their history is beyond me. Walt ascended to become the enigma he was/is because he always put himself front and center, and because his fans have propped him up so strongly after his passing. Disney doesn’t miss an opportunity to shove Walt into the parks via a recorded quote or a statute. Even still, Bob Iger also puts himself front and center on literally everything he can (well, at least everything that goes well). I prefer my executives to stay in the background and make moves quietly, but it’s totally understandable that they want and deserve credit for executing this massive project on their post-Covid timeline. Also, don’t you think that adding Spielberg’s narration is UDX’s clear recognition that they didn’t want to go too deep on the corporate jargon? It serves as a clear balance and segway to the actual show.

All that said, I don’t expect to hear a Mark Woodbury voiceover on any continuing nighttime spectacular offerings. But who knows, maybe in 60 years time instead of a narrator talking about building a park in an old orange grove, there will be a narrator talking about raising this park from a toxic missile site, and then we’ll hear Mark’s voice echo across the cosmos once more.

 

[BrianLo]

The fix is also very obvious and was mentioned by @Comped: Just start with Spielberg. So, you wonder why they didn't do that.

Miyamoto was also there and would have been worth trotting out.

I know the company doesn’t want to be Disney… but it shows their corporate overlords flaws, is that it’s still a big ole utility corporation that bought a studio. There’s no Comcast Con. But, why isn’t that an eventual desire they have? I know we’ll be shortly explained to why it is a good thing that don’t have it.

They have such a powerful spectrum of licensed properties now that frankly have their own bigger fandoms than corporate Comcast. Particularly looking at Nintendo and Potter, which frankly rival some of Disney’s studio biggest arms as the best of the best; with a massive reservoir of their own fandoms.

 

[BrianLo]

https://www.thrill-data.com/epic-universe-tickets

I do find this quite fascinating and I won’t portend this means a thing, as I don’t really know their booking curves.

It does speak to the ceiling they’ll have and also that the early ticket sell out wasn’t this glamorous achievement. Boo to you and various MK ticketed events sell out at double the capacity. The attendance looks pretty soft even after the capacity limits release.l