Monsters Unchained is more or less the sleeper hit of Epic Universe. While Stardust Racers is a great coaster, and Ministry of Magic is fine, the vast majority of theme park enthusiasts seem to be in agreement (myself included) that Monsters Unchained is the star.
I'd like to speculate on why it is resonating with guests stronger than any other Epic attraction.
- It's not an "IP attraction" in the way we think of IP attractions. Yes, the classic Universal monsters are their IP, but they didn't create them, and they're all public domain. The attraction (and land) are not canon to any particular film or writing and the story is entirely original. The attraction is an original setting with original characters, and people love the characters. Ygor in particular is a hit because he is funny and well written.
- A strong emphasis on physical setpieces, animatronics, and effects. People are tired of screens simulating movement. The parts of Forbidden Journey that everyone preferred were the physical sets.
- Thrilling enough to be interesting, but not intense enough to be a physically demanding thrill ride.
- Lots of memorable and quotable lines
- Amazing queue, facade, loading area, etc
- High capacity is obviously a big one
- Just the right amount of cheesy. When you get over the fact that it's not really a scary attraction, you realized they nailed the tone they went for.
- It is too much to take in in one sitting, but that adds re-rideability.
- My only main complaint with the attraction is that there are some sights during the ride portion that you shouldn't see. However, this in a way does keep the attraction grounded, almost giving it an old school feel that fits with old stories and classic scary dark rides. (I'd still rather they fix this though).
I hope Universal takes the right lessons from the fact that most people prefer Monsters Unchained over Ministry of Magic.
I'd like to speculate on why it is resonating with guests stronger than any other Epic attraction.
- It's not an "IP attraction" in the way we think of IP attractions. Yes, the classic Universal monsters are their IP, but they didn't create them, and they're all public domain. The attraction (and land) are not canon to any particular film or writing and the story is entirely original. The attraction is an original setting with original characters, and people love the characters. Ygor in particular is a hit because he is funny and well written.
- A strong emphasis on physical setpieces, animatronics, and effects. People are tired of screens simulating movement. The parts of Forbidden Journey that everyone preferred were the physical sets.
- Thrilling enough to be interesting, but not intense enough to be a physically demanding thrill ride.
- Lots of memorable and quotable lines
- Amazing queue, facade, loading area, etc
- High capacity is obviously a big one
- Just the right amount of cheesy. When you get over the fact that it's not really a scary attraction, you realized they nailed the tone they went for.
- It is too much to take in in one sitting, but that adds re-rideability.
- My only main complaint with the attraction is that there are some sights during the ride portion that you shouldn't see. However, this in a way does keep the attraction grounded, almost giving it an old school feel that fits with old stories and classic scary dark rides. (I'd still rather they fix this though).
I hope Universal takes the right lessons from the fact that most people prefer Monsters Unchained over Ministry of Magic.
