How will Universal's Epic Universe effect Disney?

[Sirwalterraleigh]

The cause is not a change of the fact result though.

It is a separate ticketed event. If you count the event difference than you would really have to count all of the after hours and holiday events at MK.

Also, as a matter of an opinion. Even with its recent duds (Fallon and Fast) Bourne is kind of in the middle, not a winner for this T23D fan. I will take Universal Studios Florida over Disney's MGM Studios any day. Particularly as of late. My entire family agrees. So it is not that unusual of an opinion.

Studios needs to dump the Simpsons and enhance the kiddie land. That would vastly alter the park. And up their dining game.

 

[Jrb1979]

Studios needs to dump the Simpsons and enhance the kiddie land. That would vastly alter the park. And up their dining game.

I think they are starting that with the closing of the kids area. I just don't see major changes til Epic Universe opens

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think they are starting that with the closing of the kids area. I just don't see major changes til Epic Universe opens

Well that seems like a completely obvious timeline/next step.

Comcast isn’t stupid. They see the trouble brewing down the road. What the bobs haven’t done and therefore can’t do now.

They could seize 10% more market share by 2030…that once was inconceivable…but it’s not a stretch now

 

[TalkToEthan]

They could seize 10% more market share by 2030…that once was inconceivable…but it’s a stretch now

Na, I think you're on safe ground there. A pipe dream would be expecting 20% but a 10% looks more likely to happen than not

Once Epic is fully operational Disney will feel its presence.

 

[Andrew25]

Totally agree. People have been claiming that Universal is going to over take WDW for years. Simply never going to happen. Personally speaking, we love Universal and almost always make it a part of our trip. And Universal definitely does certain things better than WDW. All in all, though, WDW has been, is and always will be king - at least when the metric is attendance.

MK will remain as the world's most visited theme park.. but the other WDW parks will be competing for every other day against Universal. I think Epic Universe will deliver a solid hit to DAK/EP/DHS with the Nintendo/Potter IP.

Remember that Universal is also building 3 NEW HOTELS simultaneously in preparation for 2025.


And to be critical of Universal, their operations this past year (especially Food & Beverage) is hampering their success and will be disastrous when EU opens if they continue their current operating practices. They still operate the place like its the 2000s.

 

[Kirby86]

Studios needs to dump the Simpsons and enhance the kiddie land. That would vastly alter the park. And up their dining game.

They're not going to dump the Simpsons until that contract runs out. The area is still popular with guests and it makes Universal money. Right now the main focus is Epic once that opens then I think the Studios will get the attention and we'll start hearing rumblings of what will replace Springfield.

 

[Disstevefan1]

They still operate the place like its the 2000s.

Whats the solution?

Raise prices on everything?

Implement park pass reservations?

 

[Andrew25]

Whats the solution?

Raise prices on everything?

Implement park pass reservations?

Not in that aspect, I'm talking specifically about some of the things that people don't pay attention to but impact your visit significantly.

Parking at UOR has been horrendous recently, but I've noticed an improvement over the past 2 weeks now, so hopefully, that trend continues.

Food & Beverage at Universal continues to be run poorly and understaffed. Anyone who has eaten at Fast Food Boulevard (Krusty Burger) these past few months could attest. There are a few other nitpicks that I have with the way they run their park, but will reserve that to avoid sounding like a Karen lol

 

[Kirby86]

Not in that aspect, I'm talking specifically about some of the things that people don't pay attention to but impact your visit significantly.

Parking at UOR has been horrendous recently, but I've noticed an improvement over the past 2 weeks now, so hopefully, that trend continues.

Food & Beverage at Universal continues to be run poorly and understaffed. Anyone who has eaten at Fast Food Boulevard (Krusty Burger) these past few months could attest. There are a few other nitpicks that I have with the way they run their park, but will reserve that to avoid sounding like a Karen lol

I will say the annoying thing with Krusty Burger is having to go to a diffrent window to get your drink. I understand why for beer but I should be able to by a soda or water when I get my burger.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

They're not going to dump the Simpsons until that contract runs out. The area is still popular with guests and it makes Universal money. Right now the main focus is Epic once that opens then I think the Studios will get the attention and we'll start hearing rumblings of what will replace Springfield.

Yeah…that’s not what I’m saying…

 

[UNCgolf]

Studios needs to dump the Simpsons and enhance the kiddie land. That would vastly alter the park. And up their dining game.

They need to dump about half the existing attractions; Simpsons isn't even the worst one.

But yes, the food there is absolutely awful. It makes Disney's food look like a tremendous value in comparison -- or at least it did the last time I was there, which was admittedly 6 years ago.

They do have the benefit of being able to just exit the park into CityWalk, though, and the food there is pretty good.

 

[JusticeDisney]

MK will remain as the world's most visited theme park.. but the other WDW parks will be competing for every other day against Universal. I think Epic Universe will deliver a solid hit to DAK/EP/DHS with the Nintendo/Potter IP.

Remember that Universal is also building 3 NEW HOTELS simultaneously in preparation for 2025.


And to be critical of Universal, their operations this past year (especially Food & Beverage) is hampering their success and will be disastrous when EU opens if they continue their current operating practices. They still operate the place like its the 2000s.

I think you are spot on with everything that you just said.

 

[JusticeDisney]

They need to dump about half the existing attractions; Simpsons isn't even the worst one.

But yes, the food there is absolutely awful. It makes Disney's food look like a tremendous value in comparison -- or at least it did the last time I was there, which was admittedly 6 years ago.

They do have the benefit of being able to just exit the park into CityWalk, though, and the food there is pretty good.

Totally agree that the food within the Uni parks is abysmal.

 

[SpectreJordan]

I’m sure epic will bring those numbers up…as the rising tide lifts all boats.

Just like wdw…for the first 19 years DAK didn’t deserve its numbers…and studios still doesn’t…so same effect

What is interesting is what will Comcast do after epic? A major redo of studios is in order

I really hope they focus on Studios afterwards. It's going to look & feel so out of place with Islands & Epic as its siblings.

Oh HHN no doubt helps with the attendance numbers. Personally I enjoy Universal Studios more then Hollywood Studios so I have to disagree with you on Universal Studios not being being better than any Disney Park.

The cause is not a change of the fact result though.

It is a separate ticketed event. If you count the event difference than you would really have to count all of the after hours and holiday events at MK.

Also, as a matter of an opinion. Even with its recent duds (Fallon and Fast) Bourne is kind of in the middle, not a winner for this T23D fan. I will take Universal Studios Florida over Disney's MGM Studios any day. Particularly as of late. My entire family agrees. So it is not that unusual of an opinion.

Tbf, HHN is significantly more popular & has more effort put into it than the MK holiday stuff. I don't think those events effect MK attendance much.

Just curious, what do you guys like about Universal Studios more than Hollywood? Personally, I'm not a fan of the theming or layout of that park, where certain rides are located at doesn't make as much sense as most parks I've been too (especially Islands, which is the king at that IMO) . Nor do I really like any of the rides; but I'll admit I'm sort of a weirdo there since I'm the only person in the world who doesn't love The Mummy.

The best part of that park by far is Diagon Alley, which I think is the best themed land there is; buuuut then I don't like the Gringotts ride that much which is a bummer. Diagon Alley really feels out of place in Studios since it's so much higher quality than the rest of that park IMO.

Meanwhile, I don't think Hollywood Studios is an expert at theming. But I feel the locations of most things makes more sense than over at Uni Studios, excluding Star Tours nowadays. I'm also a fan of all of HS's rides, especially Rise & Tower. But I can see why most of TSL & Falcon are disappointing to some.

Well part of Disney’s issue with the animated film is the fact that their budgets are extremely high. Look at Lightyear budget vs Puss in Boots budget. Lightyear had a 200 million dollar budget and at the box office it made around 220 million. Puss in Boots was made for 90 million and so far has made around 400 so far. Universal got double the box office with less then half the budget

& 100000 times the quality. Puss in Boots was amazing, I really hope Uni builds an attraction based on it. I wish they were doing Shrek/Puss in Epic Universe over Dragons. But hopefully the Dragons attractions win me over.

 

[Kirby86]

I really hope they focus on Studios afterwards. It's going to look & feel so out of place with Islands & Epic as its siblings.



Tbf, HHN is significantly more popular & has more effort put into it than the MK holiday stuff. I don't think those events effect MK attendance much.

Just curious, what do you guys like about Universal Studios more than Hollywood? Personally, I'm not a fan of the theming or layout of that park, where certain rides are located at doesn't make as much sense as most parks I've been too (especially Islands, which is the king at that IMO) . Nor do I really like any of the rides; but I'll admit I'm sort of a weirdo there since I'm the only person in the world who doesn't love The Mummy.

The best part of that park by far is Diagon Alley, which I think is the best themed land there is; buuuut then I don't like the Gringotts ride that much which is a bummer. Diagon Alley really feels out of place in Studios since it's so much higher quality than the rest of that park IMO.

Meanwhile, I don't think Hollywood Studios is an expert at theming. But I feel the locations of most things makes more sense than over at Uni Studios, excluding Star Tours nowadays. I'm also a fan of all of HS's rides, especially Rise & Tower. But I can see why most of TSL & Falcon are disappointing to some.




& 100000 times the quality. Puss in Boots was amazing, I really hope Uni builds an attraction based on it. I wish they were doing Shrek/Puss in Epic Universe over Dragons. But hopefully the Dragons attractions win me over.

First of all Puss in Boots 2 was amazing and I wouldn't mind a ride based on it. Secondly I actually like the layout of Uni more than Disney studios. I like how you can just go in a circle and hit all the major attractions. Disney Hollywood has a little bit of backtracking especially if you want to hit Tower and RNC.

 

[celluloid]

Studios needs to dump the Simpsons and enhance the kiddie land. That would vastly alter the park. And up their dining game.

Finnegans and Mythos are superior to anything at MK and Hollywood Studios.
Lombards is...ok. It depends on the season.

Funny you mention Kid Zone, its completely getting revamped.

Simpsons I think will be gone within 5 to 8 years, but makes them a ton of merch money that they share only pennies with.

I think the tired Shrek 4D becoming another hit no height requirement attraction is going to help big time. After EPIC Opens, the work will continue on getting something better than a motion simulator in Fallon and the waste of space that is Fast and The Furious.

 

[Poseidon Quest]

I hope Islands can hit the 10 million mark soon, it 100% deserves it.

Both parks hit over 10m in 2019. I wouldn't be surprised to see 2022 numbers match this as well.


Just to throw this into the conversation for anyone to ponder, but I think we all clearly recognize that Disney has the advantage in appealing to younger kids as opposed to Uni's older family demographic. However, I think they have a very real chance at driving people away from the Magic Kingdom. First, while I'm not at all a fan of Despicable Me, I'm surprised at how popular the attraction continues to be. I'm not a fan of even more Minions in USF, but Universal certainly seems to recognize that it will definitely draw in a younger demographic. In conjunction with a Dreamworks retheme to Kid Zone, I anticipate that a lot of families will more strongly consider visiting the Studios, especially as public perception shifts to view Universal as a multi-day resort when Epic opens.

However, the one factor that everyone seems to be underestimating is Universal's Texas park. At first I was skeptical, thinking it was odd to not expand with a studio-style park. On initial glance, this park looks like something akin to Sesame Place or Legoland; something regional for small kids that makes enough money to be a worthwhile addition, but isn't a particularly significant market force in itself. Yet, the more I've thought about it, the more I realize that this may lead to some deep cuts for Disney. Obviously, we recognize that WDW is the undisputed leader in theme park attendance with the Magic Kingdom sitting in a seemingly invincible position. Yet, I think it's important to recognize that as Disney leadership shifts the parks away from families and more specifically to small children, they've creatively alienated a lot of their older fan base. As they continue to rely more heavily on this demographic, I also have to wonder if Universal's IP in their new Texas park has the potential to really make a dent in WDW attendance, especially the Magic Kingdom.

I don't anticipate that a lot of young children can recognize the difference between different brands under a company umbrella. Many kids are just as likely to gravitate towards Illuminations or Dreamworks as they are Disney brands. So, if many children don't necessarily care to distinguish between a character like Cinderella or Princess Fiona, will parents in middle America choose Universal's Texas park instead? Will parents take their kids to a park with popular Dreamworks characters and rides that is located within a days drive when they would be just as happy meeting Dreamworks characters? Can this replace an expensive multi-day drive or flight to Florida, dealing with all of the additional expenses like lodging and Orlando's expensive food prices?

I think that despite it being quite small, there's a very real chance that this park could steal attendance from Disney. If a lot of young children are just as happy in a park like this, why would parents want to spend the money to visit Disney, especially as it becomes increasingly, outrageously expensive and the parks brand continues to quickly decline in consumers eyes? Furthermore, bringing young kids to a Dreamworks themed Texas park will obviously build strong connections to those IPs and consequently, to the Universal brand later down the road. When that happens, a lot of these families in middle America are more likely to consider visiting Universal parks over Disney parks because Universal put in the effort to build that brand familiarity.

Universal is playing the long game, but they're playing it well. In conjunction with becoming a major multi-day resort in Orlando, I don't think that their Texas park can be underestimated either.

 

[SpectreJordan]

First of all Puss in Boots 2 was amazing and I wouldn't mind a ride based on it. Secondly I actually like the layout of Uni more than Disney studios. I like how you can just go in a circle and hit all the major attractions. Disney Hollywood has a little bit of backtracking especially if you want to hit Tower and RNC.

That’s fair about going in a circle to hit all of the major rides. But the placement of each ride is sort of confusing, the only placements that make sense to me is Gringotts in Diagon & formerly all the kiddy stuff together.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

And to be critical of Universal, their operations this past year (especially Food & Beverage) is hampering their success and will be disastrous when EU opens if they continue their current operating practices. They still operate the place like its the 2000s.

I'm a Universal Passholder, but find myself eating mostly at the hotel food court or in my room with groceries I buy vs eating at the parks or CityWalk. There's only a couple of places I seek out for food. The rest is either overpriced or uninteresting.

I don't think there's a noticeable difference in quality vs Disney when comparing fast food (especially at MK), but it's not great either.

 

[Andrew25]

I'm a Universal Passholder, but find myself eating mostly at the hotel food court or in my room with groceries I buy vs eating at the parks or CityWalk. There's only a couple of places I seek out for food. The rest is either overpriced or uninteresting.

I don't think there's a noticeable difference in quality vs Disney when comparing fast food (especially at MK), but it's not great either.

MK is not the best at Quick Service, but the other WDW parks have some great quality QSR options that are vastly superior to anything at UO (Flame Tree, Satu'li, Regal Eagle, Connections)