I honestly wouldn't be surprised if "Instagrammability" was a deciding factor in some of the design of the park.
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Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025
- Thread starter Bob Harlem
- Start date
Sir_Cliff
Well-Known Member
But if there are legal issues with people even talking about what's in the park, surely they simply can't start running previews for thousands of guests. That just isn't realistic in 2025 and I think any of us would have known that even without a new major park having opened in Orlando in recent decades.
I understand trying to prevent pictures and videos coming out to maintain the surprise or if areas are unfinished, even though I think even that is ultimately going to get beyond them soon enough. Suggesting people can't even review the park online is just nuts, though.
If they're really also firing hundreds of people over these things, then I guess they must be pretty relaxed about staffing.
build_it
Well-Known Member
I view this as no different from previews in the theater world. No reviewers/critics, and audiences know they aren’t getting the finished/final product. I see this as Universal trying to gain knowledge from having visitors (an audience) and seeing their reactions. The same reason and goal of theatrical previews. It gives you a chance to change things that aren’t working, as well as lean into the things that are working.
Once it’s out of previews, you accept review and criticism, but during previews you are looking to learn, not broadcast.
I think they are doing a good job of managing this so far, and expect they will tweak some things over the next two months.
Once it’s out of previews, you accept review and criticism, but during previews you are looking to learn, not broadcast.
I think they are doing a good job of managing this so far, and expect they will tweak some things over the next two months.
Sir_Cliff
Well-Known Member
Sure, but people who see a preview of a Broadway show can still go home and write about it on the Internet. Those involved may wish that they didn't, but there's no way to really stop them and as long as everyone knows the show is still in previews that at least gives some context.
DarkMetroid567
Well-Known Member
Worse yet, some people may even post slime tutorials — which actually violate the law!
I’m curious as to how instagram-able the different sights of Epic will be for normies. I think the portals will be a miss because they’re hard to tell apart in photos and it’s kinda difficult to figure out what it is if you don’t already know.
My guess is that the big Instagram sights will probably be Mount Beanpole, the Manor, the Berk reveal, the Potter reveal + queue, and maybe Burning Blade.
Sir_Cliff
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I'd be surprised if the idea behind the portals was that they would be Instagram-able. For a start, wouldn't it kind of clog the walkways if loads of people were trying to take pictures in front of the fairly narrow entrances to each land?
Was kind of surprised to see in one video they put a big rock with writing right outside the portal into Isle of Berk as I'd also think they wouldn't want people stopping there to read it, but maybe there is more space that it looked in the video.
DarkMetroid567
Well-Known Member
The more egregious example is the white Metro wall after the portal for Harry Potter. Very bizarre
I should clarify: what I stated earlier was speculation.
Even when it’s grounded in lived experience, speculation is still just that.
What I can say with confidence is that the Sesame Street/SeaWorld lawsuit triggered a noticeable shift across the themed entertainment industry. Licensees of third-party IP seem to be taking their contracts more seriously. It’s not that Disney or Universal were lax before - they weren’t - but there’s a renewed focus now, with some strategic hires. Unfortunately, that shift appears to be happening mostly at the salaried professional ranks, not at the ground level where it would be most actionable.
Now, if I had to speculate again: Universal has poured a massive investment into this park. From a brand management perspective, it makes sense that they'd want to own the narrative. The last thing they want is an influencer doing a full-on Marques Brownlee teardown and redefining public perception before the park has even had a chance to tell its own story.
Giss Neric
Well-Known Member
After seeing some spoilers of MU, as much as it's impressive to see, I feel like it will somehow affect the ride experience when some AA are not working as intended. However, from what I've seen, the AA are mostly moving their arms and body and not really "talking" AAs like the AAs in Tiana's Bayou where it's very obvious when they break down.
You could say this about literally any ride with animatronics. Some AAs are more vital than others, but they all hurt the experience to some degree when not working. Universal has a spotty history with the upkeep of AAs, but they've never aimed a strobe light at one and called it a day, so at least they have that going for them.
rd805
Well-Known Member
I honestly don't find this dumb -- with so much "new" coming; it would make sense to have some kinks ironed out for the staff & systems. It's just what to be expected when something brand new starts operations - issues & suffering from demand. That's why these places "pressure test." I don't like that the creator of the video can't simply look at it and analyze that aspect.
Lil Copter Cap
Well-Known Member
Spoilers below, in case anyone wants to skip this post. If you care to read a random person's thoughts on their experience...have at it! I'm not a ride-or-die when it comes to Disney and Universal. But in general, I prefer Disney for a lot of reasons that I don't have to go into it. But mainly because thrill rides, horror, and less-themed experiences aren't my jam.
Disclaimer: I am aware these are technical rehearsals and not everything is going to run smoothly. I attempted to write something with that in mind.
Had the pleasure of previewing the park yesterday. General conversation seemed to indicate it was a bad operational day (compared to past days) with most rides being Closed, Delayed, or Weather Delayed the entire day, forcing most guests into shows or into the two most reliable rides of the day, Curse of the Werewolf and Dragon Racer's Rally, which caused wait times to skyrocket to about 75 minutes on average.
Regardless, I am eating my words in terms of the park not being at a certain level of enjoyment for me.
If one cares about full immersion (360-degree sight lines), I think Wizarding World is potentially the only land that nails it once fully inside. The finer details aren't fully fleshed out (ex: within the first 10 seconds of Dragon Racer's Rally, backstage is immediately revealed and any sense of immersion when on the ground is broken).
The food was stellar, although not sure if I would spend full price on some of the meals with current projected pricing. Grateful for the discounted rate that is being offered to TMs. The merch went all-in and is well-curated. The lands themselves are beautiful.
To sum up the entire experience: I told my friend that this park alone would encourage me to buy an annual pass for Universal (Or an Epic Universe-only pass if ever offered). And that was definitely not what I was anticipating going into this. The TM who invited us said, "It's our EPCOT," and although completely different...I think I agree. It's the ultimate "vibe park" for a local. And I say that after a poor day of operational mishaps, rainy weather, and significant portions of the park still closed.
Very excited for the future of this park and Universal.
Had the pleasure of previewing the park yesterday. General conversation seemed to indicate it was a bad operational day (compared to past days) with most rides being Closed, Delayed, or Weather Delayed the entire day, forcing most guests into shows or into the two most reliable rides of the day, Curse of the Werewolf and Dragon Racer's Rally, which caused wait times to skyrocket to about 75 minutes on average.
Regardless, I am eating my words in terms of the park not being at a certain level of enjoyment for me.
If one cares about full immersion (360-degree sight lines), I think Wizarding World is potentially the only land that nails it once fully inside. The finer details aren't fully fleshed out (ex: within the first 10 seconds of Dragon Racer's Rally, backstage is immediately revealed and any sense of immersion when on the ground is broken).
The food was stellar, although not sure if I would spend full price on some of the meals with current projected pricing. Grateful for the discounted rate that is being offered to TMs. The merch went all-in and is well-curated. The lands themselves are beautiful.
- Biggest surprise: Loved Mine-Cart Madness (even in the pouring rain) AND the interactive Power-Up Bands for SNW—gamification was a lot more fun than anticipated
- Favorite food location: The Oak & Star Tavern (such a wonderful escape for a barbecue/cozy meal)
- Biggest disappointment: Ride downtime will ruin the experience for a paying guest with so little rides to experience. So many of the few rides are outside and that worries me more than I thought it would. Had we not been randomly selected by a passing TM to receive Express Passes for the day, I think we would have only gotten on two rides and experienced one show in the eight hour operating period. With the Express Pass, we got on five rides and experienced one show.
- Favorite land: Ministry of Magic. Even without a current ride offering, the environment, merch, food, drink, and overall ambiance was truly on another level for me. And, yes, the queue for the ride was beautiful. The show wasn't my favorite, but I appreciate the innovation behind it.
To sum up the entire experience: I told my friend that this park alone would encourage me to buy an annual pass for Universal (Or an Epic Universe-only pass if ever offered). And that was definitely not what I was anticipating going into this. The TM who invited us said, "It's our EPCOT," and although completely different...I think I agree. It's the ultimate "vibe park" for a local. And I say that after a poor day of operational mishaps, rainy weather, and significant portions of the park still closed.
Very excited for the future of this park and Universal.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
Why must Universal always Universal?cutting the original, non-IP characters sucks. Do they want CP to feel more like World Celebration by making it more empty?
Who Knows! Hopefully the Fountain Shows and UOR 's first chance at a High Level Fireworks Show are NOT Cut!!!!!