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

[Vegas Disney Fan]

It will be interesting to see how trip durations settle in over the next 12-24months.

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

Orlando will likely never again be a WDW only trip for us, or most our friends, though, whether it’s Uni, cruising, other parks, or just other FL has really expanded its overall vacation options.

 

[TalkingHead]

This is a pretty strong signal that at least two new portals coming eventually. (Positioning relative to the others is a clue where)

Someone post the 1983 promo image of Africa coming soon to Epcot

 

[Disney Analyst]

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

Orlando will likely never again be a WDW only trip for us, or most our friends, though, whether it’s Uni, cruising, other parks, or just other FL has really expanded its overall vacation options.

I never really thought HS would. It seems wildly busy and popular (for some reason).

I still think it’s USF and DAK that fall on the sword of epic. And I think Disney knows this, which is why they have the DAK project already underway.

 

[flynnibus]

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

Given the park hopper model that is so common at both properties, I've never put much weight into these 'per park' gate click comparisons. I think it has some interest (in how people start their days) but I find it very limited in understanding actual visitation.

The big fish everyone is chasing is what property are you spending the day at.. and for how long do we have you. What people 'give up' to try UNI or Epic is going to be a lot more family specific IMO. An equation that is going to be heavily biased by 'must do' kinds of things. I mean.. is someone going to pick Everest over SWGE if they've never done either?

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

I think that is the biggest upcoming shift for most of the loyalists.. I mean, we as a family crossed that bridge 15+yrs ago, but for the folks whose Disney's trips really started in the 2000s and haven't made that shift yet, I wager we will probably see a lot more of that population given in and give UNI a shot now with 2-3 days.. and then the interesting big picture is how many snap out of the trance and stick to keeping WDW only part of a vacation, instead of being THE vacation.

WDW's deficiencies have been there for long enough to leave this door open... but UNI wasn't strong enough to get many people to do more than just 'dip their toes' and not have a need to make it a regular part of the pattern. With the hotel options, the 'new hotness' with Epic, etc.. I bet many more will test the waters. Will they convert?? That's the billion dollar question UNI is betting on.

The UNI hotel count now is pretty insane given much of their portfolio isn't really that differentiated from the general Orlando product.. watching the occupancy rates there should be a good tell of how things are going.

I know for us, it feels a lot better having choice vs repeating the same stuff over and over.

 

[MisterPenguin]

This is cool...

 

[flynnibus]

This is cool...

Interesting.. hopefully this part of the park will find it's groove in years to come. It seems right now there is a lot of thought put into the area, but it's just lost on guests because its not fitting assumptions/expectations of what a 'land' is. Hopefully some filler and tweaks can get it raised up and people will want to be there, instead of just passing through.

 

[JusticeDisney]

In my opinion, Epic has all the makings of a tremendous park. And given time to work out the many problems that the park is currently experiencing, I believe it will be a fan favorite. However, to declare it, after being open for a whole 10 or so days, the biggest success in theme park history dating back to Magic Kingdom is just plain laughable.

 

[celluloid]

Not comparable.

I am glad you stated this.
Definitely not comparable. Subjectivity of what went in aside, that is one area Uni always has for sure done. They have used every actual expansion plot they have had thus far. I can't think of any empty ones in parks other than Lost Continent recently under works.

I don't think EPIC is going to get both of the two filled soon because you reserve them for something really good. Maybe one is a property we know of now that could get greenlit sooner to start really moving forward beyond Blue Sky. One to carry it within the seven to ten years, the second to be the next decades(like Potter did for IOA)

And another maybe not even created yet. Like How Potter was present but only one smash hit book just shy of two years old when IOA was opening.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

After reading the last umpteen pages of arguing…I don’t see the need for it…

Universal built a big new complex which allows them further moves in the game

We always say that’s good for everyone…and it still is.

What’s the issue?

Now Disney is in a different space and finds itself in a different spot. Ok. We can acknowledge that too. They’re tapped out of new park. It’s just the math of the situation. We seem to maybe have some issues accepting this? But it’s fine…they haven’t done anything wrong there.

What’s concerning for Disney fans is some of this nonsense “defense” being slung about.

Are we REALLY celebrating them ripping people off with ride fees? That’s what we have to hang the hat on now?

That’s just sad. Most if not all of us love it because of their creativity and quality delivery over the years. This is where we’ve retreated too? “They’re smart overcharging for everything”? Cause the problem with that is they’ll continue to have to do that to keep the profits posted. Better hope that’s really the sky they’re looking at from the blue ocean…and not a 2 foot thick glass ceiling. Because that business model sucks.

Just my opinion. I long for better stuff AND better ideas.

 

[celluloid]

Dragons maybe by Thursday, but that is a very hopeful thing.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I never really thought HS would. It seems wildly busy and popular (for some reason).

I still think it’s USF and DAK that fall on the sword of epic. And I think Disney knows this, which is why they have the DAK project already underway.

That’s fair and likely a coast perspective, most of the rides at HS are at DLR also so there’s not much reason for west coasters who frequent DLR to visit HS, especially compared to AK where everything is unique to the park and a must do for the rare visitor, either way it’s a lost day for Disney.

In an ideal world that lost day would come from MK where it’s already overcrowded but the much more likely outcome is it’ll come from one of the lessor attended parks.

 

[Gusey]

This is a pretty strong signal that at least two new portals coming eventually. (Positioning relative to the others is a clue where)

Definitely seems to be the first "public" acknowledgment from Universal that the long-term plan is two new portals, one between SNW and DU, and one between HP and HTTYD. From aerial photos, we know that seeding is taking place in the majority of the expansion plots (which means no plans to build there imminently/being reserved for much later) but the expansion plot next to SNW has no seeding taking place at all. If Epic is getting an expansion in the next 5 years, it will most likely be in that expansion plot

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Definitely seems to be the first "public" acknowledgment from Universal that the long-term plan is two new portals, one between SNW and DU, and one between HP and HTTYD. From aerial photos, we know that seeding is taking place in the majority of the expansion plots (which means no plans to build there imminently/being reserved for much later) but the expansion plot next to SNW has no seeding taking place at all. If Epic is getting an expansion in the next 5 years, it will most likely be in that expansion plot

Didn’t we assume…I thought…that they would almost immediately start talking about expansion?

I mean…that is a time honored tactic. Epcot threw up new country posters in 1983…

It makes sense. The timing and their priorities are TBD…of course…but it is an opportunity for them.

They have a lot of opportunities there…they can totally revamp studios now if they want…they can expand and augment resorts…they can tweak IOA.

For the first time really…Comcast is a major theme park player that can no longer be ignored. It took 50 years to have this kinda competition.

This is also an opportunity for Disney. Get new leadership and stop listing sideways.

But i’m a dreamer

 

[Gusey]

Didn’t we assume…I thought…that they would almost immediately start talking about expansion?

I mean…that is a time honored tactic. Epcot threw up new country posters in 1983…

It makes sense. The timing and their priorities are TBD…of course…but it is an opportunity for them.

They have a lot of opportunities there…they can totally revamp studios now if they want…they can expand and augment resorts…they can tweak IOA.

For the first time really…Comcast is a major theme park player that can no longer be ignored. It took 50 years to have this kinda competition.

This is also an opportunity for Disney. Get new leadership and stop listing sideways.

But i’m a dreamer

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

 

[lazyboy97o]

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

“Plans” is a very loose term.

 

[Bob Harlem]

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

So far they have announced closures of rip-ride rockit in September (Now August 17th), and shutting down Volcano Bay for 6 months starting in Fall 2026.

That's about the most detail you'll get until much closer to the opening of what they are doing. Universal didn't announce velicoaster even when much of the structure was up.

There is stuff moving. There's already prep work for Rip Ride Rockit stuff visible in citywalk right now. And they went through the trouble of rerouting walkways and building a new ADA ramp to do so.

Simpsons has got about 3 years left. There's expansion space next to MIB, and whatever they can clear out now that epic offices are open, Fear Factor Stage area. Expansion next to Cat in the Hat in IOA, all of Lost Continent, and Toon Lagoon (and the toon theater) with tentative plans. They still could come back to Marvel also.

Very long term you can spot where parking garages are likely to go at Epic if they ever decide to build another park down there. (look for open faced intersections to nowhere).

Difference is Universal won't say anything at all about them until whatever they do is nearly 100% complete. The 6 month VB closure is a huge one. That's so tied into the vibe of Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Sapphire, it won't be for just a refurb.

 

[The Mom]

Anyone who engages in the personal arguments among the same handful of posters will no longer be part of the discussion.

Do not use PMs to continue the argument/insult other posters.

And using emojis to mock other posters will not be tolerated. Please remove them.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

“Plans” is a very loose term.

As are “new” and “coming soon” down the road

 

[Gusey]

“Plans” is a very loose term.

Oh, 100%. At least we can see where the current plans for the parks seem to be, it's just whether they''ll A) stick to the current plans and B) announce said plans. The current plans seem to be in three categories:

• Definitely happening: Rip Ride Rockit Replacement, Volcano Bay major refurbishment, Celestial Park phase 2 dining (Italian/Mexican), Dragon drones at HTTYD,
• Inevitable: Lost Continent replacement, Simpsons replacement,
• Potentially happening at some point in the near-future: SNW expansion plot used, Fear Factor replacement, Wicked attractions somewhere at the resort

 

[MisterPenguin]

Celestial Park phase 2 dining (Italian/Mexican)

Are we sure that will happen like sooner than later?

Universal (and Disney) is known for letting empty buildings and plots remain empty indefinitely.