Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Now Open!

[Sir_Cliff]

Sometimes I wonder if this isn’t intentional, Disney has painted themselves into a corner and really limited what they can build as a result of their immersion standards, they could never do an exposed ride like Velocicoaster without insane backlash, I think Universal simply chose a level of immersion that places them solidly in the theme park category while also freeing them up to build some amazing amusement park rides without the confines of everything being completely hidden.

I guess it depends on your perspective on exposed coasters, but to the extent that Disney painted themselves into a corner I would suggest it is more that they established a higher standards of quality. In a sense that is a restriction in that it is harder for them to lower that standard of theming and get away with it, however it has also kept them insanely profitable and the leaders in the industry for 70 years now. That is why I would suggest Uni stop building exposed coasters if they truly want to compete with Disney as equals in the theme park industry: they are a visible sign of lower quality in terms of theming.

All of this comes with the usual caveats that Disney often doesn't meet the standards it set for itself and there is nothing wrong to preferring exposed steel coasters to themed attractions. If Uni is not trying to equal or "out-Disney Disney" on theming and immersion, that's also their prerogative and it may make business sense. If that is the case or if they are still falling somewhat short, though, I think we need to be honest about it.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

A bunch of Universal's creative team that was working on EU has been laid off. Don't know if they were full time employees or ad hoc hires.

When did that happen?

 

[lazyboy97o]

When did that happen?

2020. Most of Universal Creative was let go.

 

[mkt]

I think they were contractors? I heard that Disney and Universal pass around the same group of people

Project hires working directly for the company, not contractors. They’re hired knowing full well that at some point their employment will end.

 

[Gusey]

A plot held when they were closing a show in Lost Continent to make way for Zelda. There was no long term plan to put Zelda in that spot. It was even recently being looked at for other properties.

Supposedly it's been Nintendo kicking up a fuss after they closed Poseidon's Fury. Nintendo wants all of its IP in one park at Universal Studios Orlando (except for Pokemon) which is why the Lost Continent replacement has been delayed. With the recent announcement of Wicked attractions being in the works, I think that has also contributed to the delay at least in the last year.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Yeah those work too. I only said Twilight Princess because it’s the most realistic depiction of quintessential Zelda.

Yeah, it has the iconic look and Link is a bit older than some versions and could more realistically be portrayed by a 20-year old kid.

 

[JoeCamel]

Project hires working directly for the company, not contractors. They’re hired knowing full well that at some point their employment will end.

It's like a bunch of itinerant laborers they travel from project to project as they get greenlighted

 

[mkt]

It's like a bunch of itinerant laborers they travel from project to project as they get greenlighted

Pretty much. There are plenty of California plates in WDI Florida's and Universal Creative's parking lots, and Florida plates in Glendale.

 

[BrianLo]

If we’re talking about what can be seen from off the ride, what’s the bigger scar on the horizon: Volcicoaster or the GotG ride building?

A highway bridge with transport trucks you can see and hear. Forever the contest winner.

Though this skyline somehow encapsulates all three things in one. A velocicoaster-like. A big show building. A highway.

Chefs kiss.

 

[BrianLo]

This is a common weaknesses of Universal attraction design - poor pacing and too much chaos resulting in overwhelming you.

*Grumble grumble*. I shouldn't be surprised. It's so weird how little anyone from that team seems to get it.

But... do they clap at the end?

Thanks for your thoughts, I think I'll like this park quite a bit!

 

[MisterPenguin]

2020. Most of Universal Creative was let go.

And there's been some very recent layoffs. Very recent.

 

[Moth]

In Orlando the $’s Universal is going to make off HTTYD merch will probably only be eclipsed by Potter and SNW.

Oh, one last note. Didn't buy a lot of merch today, wanna save the majority of my buying for January (this trip was VERY last minute), but the merch for Berk is AWESOME

 

[lazyboy97o]

And there's been some very recent layoffs. Very recent.

True, though also expected when it comes to Epic Universe. There’s also the ongoing Genslerfication.

 

[JT3000]

If we’re talking about what can be seen from off the ride, what’s the bigger scar on the horizon: Volcicoaster or the GotG ride building?

Many don't like it, but Velocicoaster is still technically in-theme for its area. A show building isn't.

 

[Agent H]

Many don't like it, but Velocicoaster is still technically in-theme for its area. A show building isn't.

What is the theme of world discovery?

 

[JT3000]

What is the theme of world discovery?

Discovery?

 

[Agent H]

Discovery?

My point was it’s nothing that precludes the building from being seen inside.

 

[BringMeTheHoriz]

A highway bridge with transport trucks you can see and hear. Forever the contest winner.

View attachment 849074

Though this skyline somehow encapsulates all three things in one. A velocicoaster-like. A big show building. A highway.

Chefs kiss.

You’re not wrong, but it’s kindof genius they painted the Flying Dinosuar the same colors as the bridge to draw your eyes away from it/make it blend into the background. Honestly I only noticed the bridge when backstage on that side of the park and I honestly forgot about it inside the park. That’s not to say it’s not there, because like your picture shows it absolutely is, but I guess noticing it as a guest just depends on if you’re looking for that sort of thing or not.

 

[JT3000]

My point was it’s nothing that precludes the building from being seen inside.

I figured as much, I'm just not sure "bad sightlines are okay if your theme is also bad" is a worthwhile point, especially when Disney prides itself on being the leader in theming.

 

[Agent H]

I figured as much, I'm just not sure "bad sightlines are okay if your theme is also bad" is a worthwhile point, especially when Disney prides itself on being the leader in theming.

If you wanna say they should have covered the building okay but let’s not pretend it ruins the immersion that doesn’t exist.