HOW WILL UNIVERSAL'S EPIC UNIVERSE AFFECT WALT DISNEY WORLD?

[Giss Neric]

Here is what I do not understand. Universal is truly building some amazing lands and rides and shows. It seems that Universal has the imagineering edge in parks and entertainment. How could Disney allow this to happen. Disney was the leader and Pioneers of attractions and experiences. With what Disney is planning to build vs what Universal has just completed is a night and day difference. I do plan to check out Universal in the fall this year to see what it is like. I am just hoping that Disney gets their act together before Universal pulls away with Disney trying to keep up.

It seems Disney is just putting back the main focus again on theme parks since 2 new cruise ships are sailing and another about to be done. That's the way I look at it. Disney has many branches to divide their attention and budget to compared to Comcast where they can solely focus on much more fewer things like the theme parks.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

Here is what I do not understand. Universal is truly building some amazing lands and rides and shows. It seems that Universal has the imagineering edge in parks and entertainment. How could Disney allow this to happen. Disney was the leader and Pioneers of attractions and experiences. With what Disney is planning to build vs what Universal has just completed is a night and day difference. I do plan to check out Universal in the fall this year to see what it is like. I am just hoping that Disney gets their act together before Universal pulls away with Disney trying to keep up.

I don't think it's a case of Disney allowed anything to happen. It's just a case of it took Universal a long time to catch up. I don't think Disney was ever reserving the space of intricate theme parks all to themselves through any action of their own, it was just that the other parks either weren't trying to do that or it took them a long time to figure out how to do it their way.

Theme park fans, especially Disney fans, seem to think that Disney has all this time been this monolith that keeps everyone iced out so that they and they alone can stand on top. But that's never been the case. Disney has, going all the way back to Walt himself, drawn inspiration from other places and been happy to welcome new players into the world they operate in. Disney's never tried to stop Universal from growing or coming up to their level, and there's no reason why they should either.

It's like everyone wants to watch these two resorts fight each other when the reality is that neither of them has ever or will ever be interested in doing that.

I genuinely believe Iger means it when he says he views Epic as a good thing for Disney. And frankly, for once, I think he's right. Everybody benefits from Epic Universe for multiple reasons.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

Tell me. What are your sources for this?

"Trust me bro"

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

Why does everything have to be Universal versus the Mouse? Why do Disney fanboys nitpick everything about this new park?

It's no different than sports fans or fans of pop stars: people get territorial over their favorite thing and it's beyond stupid. Die hard Universal fan boys hate Disney fans and the Disney parks and die hard Disney fans hate Universal fans and the Universal parks. They stoke these narratives that the two companies are bitter rivals that are always out to one up each other because them believing that to be the case makes them feel justified in their insane feelings.

The reality of the situation is that Universal and Disney both hold a lot of respect and admiration for each other and that they're both content to do their thing and not take digs at each other beyond good natured, friendly competition. People online want there to be hostility, but there isn't.

I also think there's more than a few Disney fans who just hate current leadership enough that they want to see Epic Universe be a Disney killer because they think it'll teach the people they dislike some sort of lesson. When the reality is that these people all go to events together and communicate with each other, etc.

I can promise you everything that Bob Iger and Mark Woodbury and all of the other executives from both companies communicate more often than we'll ever know. They go to each other's resorts, talk about each other's projects, etc. I would not be surprised if high ranking people from Disney have already been to Epic Universe.

There is no death match between the resorts. Never has been. Never will be. They both recognized a long, long time ago that each other's continued success is good for the both of them. It's just that the fanboys on either end have deluded themselves into thinking otherwise.

 

[JiminyandTink]

How will universal's epic universe affect Walt Disney World?
You would hope it would inspire them, or at least scare them, into recapturing some of their lost passion and investment. But I'm guessing it will just bring more visitors to the area and not affect them as much as their own poor decision making across the company.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

With guests going to Epic and then decide to head to WDW afterwards...

 

[JAN J]

I don't think it's a case of Disney allowed anything to happen. It's just a case of it took Universal a long time to catch up. I don't think Disney was ever reserving the space of intricate theme parks all to themselves through any action of their own, it was just that the other parks either weren't trying to do that or it took them a long time to figure out how to do it their way.

Theme park fans, especially Disney fans, seem to think that Disney has all this time been this monolith that keeps everyone iced out so that they and they alone can stand on top. But that's never been the case. Disney has, going all the way back to Walt himself, drawn inspiration from other places and been happy to welcome new players into the world they operate in. Disney's never tried to stop Universal from growing or coming up to their level, and there's no reason why they should either.

It's like everyone wants to watch these two resorts fight each other when the reality is that neither of them has ever or will ever be interested in doing that.

I genuinely believe Iger means it when he says he views Epic as a good thing for Disney. And frankly, for once, I think he's right. Everybody benefits from Epic Universe for multiple reasons.

I wouldn't say it took Universal a long time to catch up.

Last time I was there (last year) I was actually surprised by just how good everything was at the Universal Parks. From the cleanliness, to the kindness of the people that work there, the overall ambience was very pleasant... And even though it has tons of rides, it's actually very doable to get almost everything done in a day, even without rope dropping and buying passes.
As a kid (actually, even as a teenager and young adult) I remember feeling that Universal was the inferior product, the opportunistic in town to capitalize off of Disney (and maybe it was ). It is absolutely not the case anymore. I have an uncle who went for the first time in that trip (not a theme park enthusiast), and actually said Uni day was his favorite day.

I feel Epic is actually the result of Universal's great work in Orlando and shows their commitment to not just being a "day or two" alternative to Disney. Will that be bad for Disney? Very unlikely, I don't see people doing multiple trips to Orlando just to go to Universal (unlike Disney). But I don't think it will be "good for Disney" as, at least in the short term, guests will gravitate towards Epic (and by default Uni) for a while. And if Disney doesn't go through with their investments and the parks stall (with nothing new or just cheap replacements a la Tiana), that could be very bad for everyone (though mostly Disney). Now we know Uni is willing to spend to innovate and expand, which could help them offset the negatives. Let's see what Disney will do. From Disney's recent performance i the box office and parks, it's clear that customer and consumer good will is a far cry now from where it was in the past.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Its possible if EPIC pulls some visitors from MK that MK could drop from the top spot to be replaced by either Disneyland or Universal Japan!

 

[Casper Gutman]

I actually think that EU’s impact on WDW will be significantly muted by a very depressed travel environment for the forseeable future. It’s not going to get the numbers at opening it might have a year ago and both Disney and Universal will be reluctant to invest in response even if the reaction is as favorable as we hope. By the time the tourist environment stabilizes (hopefully), years are likely to have passed and EU will be old hat. Combine all this with a new Disney CEO who will be VERY intent on avoiding investment and making cuts to please a (rightfully) panicked Wall Street.

 

[Disney Analyst]

This is actually what I think lol. DAK, while maybe not the best overall park, remains the most immersive theme park of the Orlando parks.

DAK is my favorite park in Orlando! It's gorgeous and incredibly immersive. With the replacement of Dinoland with Tropical Americas it will be almost perfect. All it will need is a little more to do, maybe a nighttime show and a couple more attractions.

Late to the party, but co-signing this. DAK is an incredible park when it comes to immersion and theming. To this day I remember walking through the jungle and seeing the tree for the first time.

Especially now that the atrocious Dinoland is extinct.

It’s possible if EPIC pulls some visitors from MK that MK could drop from the top spot to be replaced by either Disneyland or Universal Japan!
View attachment 853280

Honestly, I selfishly want MK dethroned by Disneyland long ago. Walt’s original park deserves the #1 spot. But the goal for Epic should be adding more guests to the Orlando theme park pie. And if that happens, MK will go up. If we are just moving existing numbers around, MK stays flat, and we see drops likely in other parks.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Honestly, I selfishly want MK dethroned by Disneyland long ago. Walt’s original park deserves the #1 spot. But the goal for Epic should be adding more guests to the Orlando theme park pie. And if that happens, MK will go up. If we are just moving existing numbers around, MK stays flat, and we see drops likely in other parks.

I do think DLR may take the top spot in 25 or 26.

EPIC will not effect DLR, so DLRs numbers will go up.

Folks only have so much money and vacation time so I do think EPIC will take some folks away from WDW and maybe MK.

I do get what you mean about MK, folks may make their one WDW day a visit to MK so it is possible MK may retain the top spot while the other WDW parks drop in attendance.

It will be interesting to watch.

 

[Disney Analyst]

I do think DLR may take the top spot in 25 or 26.

EPIC will not effect DLR, so DLRs numbers will go up.

Folks only have so much money and vacation time so I do think EPIC will take some folks away from WDW and maybe MK.

I do get what you mean about MK, folks may make their one WDW day a visit to MK so it is possible MK may retain the top spot while the other WDW parks drop in attendance.

It will be interesting to watch.

I actually think Universal fears more that their other parks would see a drop, which is why they held out so long on releasing single day tickets for Epic.

I personally think USF could see a decrease or stagnation, followed most likely by DAK.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I was at the Starbucks on Sand Lake and I Drive this saturday and was eavesdropping conversations. Besides the one Dark Universe TM, I realized that no one in that Starbucks was seemingly in Florida for WDW or UOR. They were there for DCL.

 

[Ztonyg]

Its possible if EPIC pulls some visitors from MK that MK could drop from the top spot to be replaced by either Disneyland or Universal Japan!
View attachment 853280

I think if the economy goes into a "recession" that DL will beat MK.

DL is a "locals" park and is less recession prone than MK which relies on tourists traveling further to get there.

I'm not a DL "local" per se but I can easily hop in my car, drive 6 hours, and stay at a $100/night hotel across or down the street from DL. Even in a recession I might still do that. I won't hop on a plane, rent a car, and stay for $200+/night on property at WDW.

If the economy stays as it is I don't expect MK's numbers to suffer (especially if Cars and Villain's get built as plans). I do think Epcot and DAK might suffer the most from EU.

 

[Jrb1979]

I was at the Starbucks on Sand Lake and I Drive this saturday and was eavesdropping conversations. Besides the one Dark Universe TM, I realized that no one in that Starbucks was seemingly in Florida for WDW or UOR. They were there for DCL.

I really not surprised at all. Both Universal and Disney have priced out a lot of the demographic that likes parks. They have opted for other things. Those that can afford the parks have moved on to Cruises.

 

[Giss Neric]

I was at the Starbucks on Sand Lake and I Drive this saturday and was eavesdropping conversations. Besides the one Dark Universe TM, I realized that no one in that Starbucks was seemingly in Florida for WDW or UOR. They were there for DCL.

I can attest to this. I know a lot of people who never cruised before but are now cruising yearly. They mostly said to me that cruising feels more like a true vacation and an escape from reality. However, they said it really depends on the cruise line. They avoid the party cruises even though it's cheaper and would shell out for DCL.

 

[Disstevefan1]

So Disney announced HUGE deals for UK folks visiting WDW in 2026, something like half off tickets 14 days for the price of 7 PLUS FREE dining! A SUPER deal for the UK folks.

It immediately made me think, I am from the UK and went to the US I am paying half price for the tickets and FREE dining, I have 14 days in WDW, I don't make it to the US that often, I saved so much money, let me blow off a day or two at WDW and Uber over to EPIC and have a look!

Of course this will depend how EPIC will be selling tickets and and if the general public will be ablet to purchase single day tickets.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Wow…been in the rather smallish Nintendo land in Hollywood for the last 30 minutes

Holy crap…they did and amazing job with this

Better than boring land down the 5 in Anaheim

This design beats wdi

 

[UNCgolf]

Wow…been in the rather smallish Nintendo land in Hollywood for the last 30 minutes

Holy crap…they did and amazing job with this

Better than boring land down the 5 in Anaheim

This design beats wdi

The land itself is really good, if a little cramped.

The attraction lineup is the issue, although Mario Kart could be significantly improved if they just got rid of the AR goggles and let the actual sets etc. be the focus.

 

[lewisc]

So Disney announced HUGE deals for UK folks visiting WDW in 2026, something like half off tickets 14 days for the price of 7 PLUS FREE dining!

The 14 for 7 UK ticket promotion isn't new.