Answer to Epic Universe?

[Poseidon Quest]

Is it? I've mostly heard/read bad things about the Mario Kart ride.

It looks awful to me for what it's supposed to be, but I haven't experienced it personally.

I've witnessed the opposite, but I suppose we'll see when it opens for a majority English speaking audience. I haven't seen it being praised as exceptional, but I've seen a lot of positive feedback regardless. At the very least, it seems interesting and is trying to do something new.

I find this is kind of the issue with Universal. In parts they rival Disney in terms of theming and immersion, in others they fall back on mostly un-themed roller coasters or generic hotels. This means that they never seem to be quite a Disney-level theme park nor a top-level thrill park. The 'persona' they have created for the resort is also still that of a scrappy upstart compared to Disney's more polished and focussed presentation of wishes, dreams, and magic, however saccharine that sometimes gets.

My honest impression is that Disney's biggest vulnerability is its own lowering of standards. The new generic hotels like Riviera and just parking show hardware in the middle of the park as with Harmonious really threatens to undercut the notion they are the gold standard for theme parks and resorts.

I wouldn't call any of the coasters unthemed, though Rock-It is certainly close. Rock-It is a disaster in its own regard though. I think it's a mistake to compare the coasters of Universal to Disney though. They're shooting for an audience that Disney will not currently cater to, while also still offering so many heavily themed experiences. The coasters were always meant to fit into the skylines of the parks and they do that considerably well.

 

[celluloid]

I wouldn't call any of the coasters unthemed, though Rock-It is certainly close. Rock-It is a disaster in its own regard though. I think it's a mistake to compare the coasters of Universal to Disney though. They're shooting for an audience that Disney will not currently cater to, while also still offering so many heavily themed experiences. The coasters were always meant to fit into the skylines of the parks and they do that considerably well.

And for what it is worth, with the exception of Rip Ride Rockit, Universal combined the thrill and theme balance much better than The Incredicoaster or Slinkydog.

 

[JusticeDisney]

I've witnessed the opposite, but I suppose we'll see when it opens for a majority English speaking audience. I haven't seen it being praised as exceptional, but I've seen a lot of positive feedback regardless. At the very least, it seems interesting and is trying to do something new.



I wouldn't call any of the coasters unthemed, though Rock-It is certainly close. Rock-It is a disaster in its own regard though. I think it's a mistake to compare the coasters of Universal to Disney though. They're shooting for an audience that Disney will not currently cater to, while also still offering so many heavily themed experiences. The coasters were always meant to fit into the skylines of the parks and they do that considerably well.

Rockit, Velocicoaster and Hulk have basically zero theming. Don’t get me wrong, they are thrilling, very fun rides. But you can find coasters like them at just about any amusement park around the world. Now, Hagrid’s on the other hand, well there’s a really fun and excellently-themed coaster.

People can debate all day long whether they prefer the coasters at WDW or Universal, but one area where there is no honest debate is when it comes to the theming of coasters. Universal doesn’t even touch WDW in that regard. Again, I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, it’s just a fact.

 

[Poseidon Quest]

And for what it is worth, with the exception of Rip Ride Rockit, Universal combined the thrill and theme balance much better than The Incredicoaster or Slinkydog.

I'll agree there. At least with California Screamin', it was a diegetic rollercoaster harkening back to the days of boardwalk amusements. Now it's tackier than it ever was before.

Rockit, Velocicoaster and Hulk have basically zero theming. Don’t get me wrong, they are thrilling, very fun rides. But you can find coasters like them at just about any amusement park around the world. Now, Hagrid’s on the other hand, well there’s a really fun and excellently-themed coaster.

People can debate all day long whether they prefer the coasters at WDW or Universal, but one area where there is no honest debate is when it comes to the theming of coasters. Universal doesn’t even touch WDW in that regard. Again, I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, it’s just a fact.

How is that a fact? Universal has plenty of themed coasters that touch or exceed what Disney has done. Mummy and Gringotts have the theming aspect covered, and the Velocicoaster manages to successfully dip into both categories. Even Hippogriff has more theming than Barnstormer.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I think Disney very much wants Epic to be a smash. The same way Uni wanted SWGE to be a smash. The game here is two fold. Yes. They fight over the slices. But they both want the pie to get bigger so that there are more and bigger slices.

There is a cap for both Theme Park destinations at addressable market. And addressable market is going to factor into any decision. You can't get more than that. At that point you can only play the game to shift market share (Which is a game Disney and Uni play).

However, they are on the same side when it comes to increasing the overall size of the pie. The more each adds to their offerings, the better position Orlando is in general to compete against Vegas, Europe, a 7 Night Cruise etc. IMO this is the real game and Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld are on the same team. They want to see each other do well. But not too well.

 

[Jon81uk]

I think theres two pieces at play...there well themed than theres the disney touches....hidden Mickeys all the little disney thinks. Pf ocurse universal isn't doing that and to be fair there not filling there rooms with universal everything either. But all of there hotels imho have a superb theme and cohesive vibe. Even the new surf side looks awesome for the price point...compare pop to that....thats the price point. The all stars look utterly tragic.

For the room style I'd take Cabana Bay over any Disney moderate or value resort. It just looks like Cabana Bay tries to carry the theme through the whole resort and rooms better. Whereas Disney all starts are generic 90s style with some posters of Move/Sport/Music stuff in the rooms.

 

[JusticeDisney]

I'll agree there. At least with California Screamin', it was a diegetic rollercoaster harkening back to the days of boardwalk amusements. Now it's tackier than it ever was before.



How is that a fact? Universal has plenty of themed coasters that touch or exceed what Disney has done. Mummy and Gringotts have the theming aspect covered, and the Velocicoaster manages to successfully dip into both categories. Even Hippogriff has more theming than Barnstormer.

When I was referring to lack of coaster theming at Universal, I wasn’t saying that none of their coasters are themed. Indeed, I specifically referenced Hagrid’s. I was mostly referring to the ones I named, Rockit, Hulk, and Velocicoaster, all of which aren’t really themed at all. Anyway, if you simply count them up, WDW has a higher percentage of themed coasters than Universal. That was the point I was trying to make.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I think theres two pieces at play...there well themed than theres the disney touches....hidden Mickeys all the little disney thinks. Pf ocurse universal isn't doing that and to be fair there not filling there rooms with universal everything either. But all of there hotels imho have a superb theme and cohesive vibe. Even the new surf side looks awesome for the price point...compare pop to that....thats the price point. The all stars look utterly tragic.

I don't think that's what people are referring to when it comes to theming, though. For example, I would think Cabana Bay or Portofino fit far more into the category of themed hotel than Riviera Resort which relies very heavily on images of Disney characters. It's more about trying to create an integrated, immersive themed environment. This is where I think Disney's own move away from themed experiences in the resorts is puzzling as it takes away one of the main justifications they use for the astronomical prices. Riviera is the main offender, though I think Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs is another indication of Disney's direction as the hotel looks nice enough and has a pronounced design motif, but it isn't themed as such.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

When I was referring to lack of coaster theming at Universal, I wasn’t saying that none of their coasters are themed. Indeed, I specifically referenced Hagrid’s. I was mostly referring to the ones I named, Rockit, Hulk, and Velocicoaster, all of which aren’t really themed at all. Anyway, if you simply count them up, WDW has a higher percentage of themed coasters than Universal. That was the point I was trying to make.

Sorry but I had to chuckle at Velocicoaster "not really being themed. "
Universal knocked it out the park with that ride, the Mummy & Hagrids. But yeah I see your point.

While Disney's coasters are highly themed, many consider them to be highly boring as well. At least DLR has Space Mountain but it's a little sad when MK's wildest thrill coaster is Big Thunder Mountain until Tron opens. Which is why it's nice being a fan of both Universal & Disney as they both deliver what I want out each company. Hopefully Epic will be able to combine my love of themed coasters with actual thrills that can go faster than 29mph. I have faith in Universal with their latest two coasters, we also have the Donkey Kong coaster to look forward too.

 

[JusticeDisney]

Sorry but I had to chuckle at Velocicoaster "not really being themed. "
Universal knocked it out the park with that ride, the Mummy & Hagrids. But yeah I see your point.

While Disney's coasters are highly themed, many consider them to be highly boring as well. At least DLR has Space Mountain but it's a little sad when MK's wildest thrill coaster is Big Thunder Mountain until Tron opens. Which is why it's nice being a fan of both Universal & Disney as they both deliver what I want out each company. Hopefully Epic will be able to combine my love of themed coasters with actual thrills that can go faster than 29mph. I have faith in Universal with their latest two coasters, we also have the Donkey Kong coaster to look forward too.

You can chuckle if you want, but Velocicoaster is a big metal coaster. The last thing in the world anyone would brag about with that coaster is theming. I don’t know, maybe you haven’t seen it in person, but I have. It’s a ton of fun, and indeed fast as all get out. But themed? Lol, not even close.

Anyway, it’s pretty clear you have a Universal bias. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s plain as day. You’ve taken a discussion about theming and turned it into, well “WDW coasters are boring” and “it’s sad when BTMR is MK’s wildest coaster.” Like I have repeatedly said, which coasters are preferable is totally subjective and you are obviously free to favor Universal all you want. Heck, I love Universal as well. But to get back to the initial topic of themed roller coasters, WDW beats Universal by a country mile When it comes to that.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

You can chuckle if you want, but Velocicoaster is a big metal coaster. The last thing in the world anyone would brag about with that coaster is theming. I don’t know, maybe you haven’t seen it in person, but I have. It’s a ton of fun, and indeed fast as all get out. But themed? Lol, not even close.

Anyway, it’s pretty clear you have a Universal bias. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s plain as day. You’ve taken a discussion about theming and turned it into, well “WDW coasters are boring” and “it’s sad when BTMR is MK’s wildest coaster.” Like I have repeatedly said, which coasters are preferable is totally subjective and you are obviously free to favor Universal all you want. Heck, I love Universal as well. But to get back to the initial topic of themed roller coasters, WDW beats Universal by a country mile When it comes to that.

It's one of the best themed coasters out there, that's just a fact. So yes, I'll continue chuckling.
I don't have a Universal Bias, as stated, but you clearly have a Disney one. Nice try trying to flip that switch, I happily enjoy both parks.

This discussion is also about Epic Universe, not just themed-coasters if you forgot... I didn't take your topic I just added onto it. Nothing wrong with wishing for Disney's theming with Universal's thrill, but go off.

 

[JusticeDisney]

It's one of the best themed coasters out there, that's just a fact. So yes, I'll continue chuckling.
I don't have a Universal Bias, as stated, but you clearly have a Disney one. Nice try trying to flip that switch, I happily enjoy both parks.

This discussion is also about Epic Universe, not just themed-coasters if you forgot... I didn't take your topic I just added onto it. Nothing wrong with wishing for Disney's theming with Universal's thrill, but go off.

Well, when you claim something subjective is a fact, I guess we know all we need to know about you. LMAO! And your claim that Velocicoaster is “one of the nest themed coasters out there” serves to conclusively confirm that you have never even seen it in person. I suggest you give it a try someday, though. It really is a ton of fun!

As for your clear Universal bias, it’s so transparent it’s not even funny. Again, it’s fine that you feel that way, but at least own who you are.

As for the topic being discussed, you are the one who responded to me, not the other way around. And the one and only thing I was talking about was themed coasters. So no, contrary to what you now claim, the discussion to which you sought to respond was not about Epic Universe. But I totally understand why someone with a clear Universal bias would want to steer the conversation away from themed coasters. LOL!

 

[UNCgolf]

For the room style I'd take Cabana Bay over any Disney moderate or value resort. It just looks like Cabana Bay tries to carry the theme through the whole resort and rooms better. Whereas Disney all starts are generic 90s style with some posters of Move/Sport/Music stuff in the rooms.

I love everything about Cabana Bay but I think it's a bit of an outlier among Universal hotels in that regard.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

Well, when you claim something subjective is a fact, I guess we know all we need to know about you. LMAO! And your claim that Velocicoaster is “one of the nest themed coasters out there” serves to conclusively confirm that you have never even seen it in person. I suggest you give it a try someday, though. It really is a ton of fun!

As for your clear Universal bias, it’s so transparent it’s not even funny. Again, it’s fine that you feel that way, but at least own who you are.

As for the topic being discussed, you are the one who responded to me, not the other way around. And the one and only thing I was talking about was themed coasters. So no, contrary to what you now claim, the discussion to which you sought to respond was not about Epic Universe. But I totally understand why someone with a clear Universal bias would want to steer the conversation away from themed coasters. LOL!

It is one of the most themed thrill coasters out there, that is a fact. I'll see it in December but considering I have a lot of family in Florida who've told me their opinions and I've followed construction since day 1, I don't know what more I have left to see that will change my opinion.

I see your "nice guy, you can like whatever you want" act is wearing off as your clear bias is showing. Not only did I AGREE with your point, I made a separate paragraph to make another point of my own. That's what you do when you want to talk about something else, add a paragraph. Maybe you'll figure that out once your sort your rude delusions & assumptions. Own who you are, which is a clear jerk.

 

[JusticeDisney]

It is one of the most themed thrill coasters out there, that is a fact. I'll see it in December but considering I have a lot of family in Florida who've told me their opinions and I've followed construction since day 1, I don't know what more I have left to see that will change my opinion.

I see your "nice guy, you can like whatever you want" act is wearing off as your clear bias is showing. Not only did I AGREE with your point, I made a separate paragraph to make another point of my own. That's what you do when you want to talk about something else, add a paragraph. Maybe you'll figure that out once your sort your rude delusions & assumptions. Own who you are, which is a clear jerk.

What’s the surest way to prove you have lost a debate? Resort to childish name calling. LMAO at you!

But hey, at least you finally admitted that you have never even seen Velocicoaster in person, let alone actually ridden it. You keep forMing your opinions based on google images and what your family members tell you, and I will form mine by actually experiencing the coaster in person.

Velocicoaster one of the best themed coasters in the world. Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!

 

[BubbaisSleep]

What’s the surest way to prove you have lost a debate? Resort to childish name calling. LMAO at you!

But hey, at least you finally admitted that you have never even seen Velocicoaster in person, let alone actually ridden it. You keep forMing your opinions based on google images and what your family members tell you, and I will form mine by actually experiencing the coaster in person.

Velocicoaster one of the best themed coasters in the world. Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!

You are being a jerk & rude, that's not name calling but I guess your maturity this far has shown why you may be confused.
Many say Tokyo Disney Sea is the best themed park but I guess since most of us never visited we're all wrong...


Yay, I'm glad we agree on Velocicoaster being one of the best themed in the world.

 

[skypilot2922]

For the room style I'd take Cabana Bay over any Disney moderate or value resort. It just looks like Cabana Bay tries to carry the theme through the whole resort and rooms better. Whereas Disney all starts are generic 90s style with some posters of Move/Sport/Music stuff in the rooms.

Cabana bay takes theming right down to the toiletries Zest soap and Alberto VO-5 shampoo in bottles shaped just like the originals. Where Disney's toiletries are dispensers more commonly found in places that rent rooms by the hour.

 

[JusticeDisney]

You are being a jerk & rude, that's not name calling but I guess your maturity this far has shown why you may be confused.
Many say Tokyo Disney Sea is the best themed park but I guess since most of us never visited we're all wrong...


Yay, I'm glad we agree on Velocicoaster being one of the best themed in the world.

The guy resorting to immature name calling is accusing someone else of being rude. Ohhhhhhhhh, the irony (look it up)! Bwahahahahahahahaha!

 

[celluloid]

While Disney's coasters are highly themed, many consider them to be highly boring as well. At least DLR has Space Mountain but it's a little sad when MK's wildest thrill coaster is Big Thunder Mountain until Tron opens. Which is why it's nice being a fan of both Universal & Disney as they both deliver what I want out each company. Hopefully Epic will be able to combine my love of themed coasters with actual thrills that can go faster than 29mph. I have faith in Universal with their latest two coasters, we also have the Donkey Kong coaster to look forward too.

You think DLR's Space Mounatin is more intense of a thrill than WDW's Space Mt? I can get it being too rough to enjoy for some but at its best, I think it has a ton more airtime. I did not find DL's to be intense at all.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

You think DLR's Space Mounatin is more intense of a thrill than WDW's Space Mt? I can get it being too rough to enjoy for some but at its best, I think it has a ton more airtime. I did not find DL's to be intense at all.

I do think DLR's is more thrilling and represents a modern Disney thrill coaster which MK is missing until Tron opens. I also think theme can add thrills to Disney rides and DL's Space has an incredible lift hill before the ride starts that makes me really desire MK's to get updated. WDW's Space feels too much like Matterhorn for me as a westcoaster, which again is a great ride but it makes me feel like MK is missing that modern Disney thrill coaster.

I've ridden both versions many times. I think if WDW updated the ride with new effects and track, WDW's would easily be more thrilling. The track layout is so much better at WDW!