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

[flynnibus]

Collapsing? Why would a natural novelty and demand leveling enough to say go time to let more in be collapsing?

Because it's the narrative you have created. The other parks you can't consider successful because they didn't do this one thing.. so when your own park no longer does that one thing... well you created the comparison yourself.

I also never stated.it is the only measure of success. My point was no park in Central FL has been able to do this for this long since MK.

If that's your point, then your ability to communicate it is is pi$$ poor. If you said that from the start... no one would have cared because it's basically saying "Epic's opening offer is successfully drawing in customers, regardless of price" and no one would have batted an eye Instead you come up with this grandeous greatest in 50yrs non-sense based on a contrived metric that you repeatedly misapply as a standard of lack of success else where because they CHOSE a different model.

No one said "Damn this EPCOT opening thing isn't strong enough... let's offer multi-day discounts to make sure we can get customers!". Yet that's the narrative you're spinning now to justify putting UNI's strategy on a pedestal.

 

[celluloid]

Because it's the narrative you have created. The other parks you can't consider successful because they didn't do this one thing.. so when your own park no longer does that one thing... well you created the comparison yourself.

You can stop right here.

Plenty understood what I said. You don't have to go and call my communication the issue. (Circumventing the censorship here with characters, particularly to insult me directly is a big no no here)


The point has remained the same. People try and shift it to me bashing that Disney, EPCOT, MGM and Animal Kingdom(and any other theme park if you want to) can't be successful. Never said that.

MK and EPCOT had two day passport discounted second day since 1981. They definitely allowed Cast Members in. They wanted those people to come in and spend money. Parks would be dead without them.

The demand to this venture is the biggest venture since MK's explosion(historians now very briefly the first month had a quiet time)

You fell for the spiral from what really more or less one person who I have ignored since spun things out to. That was your error and anger, not my lack of point.

They will charge people full day and more than any of Disney's days with no promotion or discount for as long as they can, as long as the demand is there.

Only Magic Kingdom has ever been able to get away with that. And of course it was new and only dog in town. And of course EPIC is getting away with it as a new park. It is doing so well into July as the third theme park in the complex.

Now HHN packages should open up this week to next week. Stay tuned.

 

[flynnibus]

You can stop right here.

I just suggest you do... no one is buying into this crap victory lap story you've contrived.

EPIC was going to have massive demand - UNI chose to limit access and separate discounts as a means to manage that expected demand. It's doing the job. Eventually they will convert to the multi-day park model they and Disney both have used for decades.

The point has remained the same. People try and shift it to me bashing that Disney, EPCOT, MGM and Animal Kingdom(and any other theme park if you want to) can't be successful. Never said that.

You didn't, nor did anyone ever say you claimed 'they can't be successful' -- If that's your takeaway, you failed. You yourself discounted their openings based on their ticket strategy. You continue to do it in arguing only Epic could do differently. You make a claim about openings... yet you keep getting back to attacking things like WDWs pricing in 2025.. this is flailing. Your arguement was openings... why the hell do you keep talking about discounts in 2025?

You fell for the spiral from what really more or less one person who I have ignored since spun things out to. That was your error and anger, not my lack of point.

Once again, your self reflection fails.

 

[celluloid]

Well let me get this straight:

My communication is poor, to where someone will resort to profanity insults,
and myself reflection fails.

Cool, now that we are repeating insults...


HHN bookings will be excited to have the UK holiday folks visit EPIC while they are there. It will be interesting to see how it is incorporated and crowd patterns.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

It will be interesting to see how trip durations settle in over the next 12-24months.

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

Orlando will likely never again be a WDW only trip for us, or most our friends, though, whether it’s Uni, cruising, other parks, or just other FL has really expanded its overall vacation options.

 

[TalkingHead]

This is a pretty strong signal that at least two new portals coming eventually. (Positioning relative to the others is a clue where)

Someone post the 1983 promo image of Africa coming soon to Epcot

 

[Disney Analyst]

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

Orlando will likely never again be a WDW only trip for us, or most our friends, though, whether it’s Uni, cruising, other parks, or just other FL has really expanded its overall vacation options.

I never really thought HS would. It seems wildly busy and popular (for some reason).

I still think it’s USF and DAK that fall on the sword of epic. And I think Disney knows this, which is why they have the DAK project already underway.

 

[flynnibus]

I agree, from the several videos I’ve watched I’m sticking by my original prediction that US and HS will take the biggest hits, AK and EP should be equal or down slightly and IOA and MK should see equal or slightly up demand. (Relatively speaking, hard to know what’s going to happen with tourism as a whole due to world events)

Given the park hopper model that is so common at both properties, I've never put much weight into these 'per park' gate click comparisons. I think it has some interest (in how people start their days) but I find it very limited in understanding actual visitation.

The big fish everyone is chasing is what property are you spending the day at.. and for how long do we have you. What people 'give up' to try UNI or Epic is going to be a lot more family specific IMO. An equation that is going to be heavily biased by 'must do' kinds of things. I mean.. is someone going to pick Everest over SWGE if they've never done either?

I still think it’s going to change the Orlando vacation plan for a lot of people though, it’s gotten nearly impossible for Disneys fanboys (like me) who formerly did 4–6 days at Disney and zero at Uni to ignore what’s down the street now, our last FL trip was primarily DCL (with 3 days at WDW) but the prior, parks centered, trip we did 4 days at WDW and 2 at Uni, with Epic down the street I can’t envision a scenario where Uni doesn’t continue to get at least 2 days from us while Disney continues to get at least 2 but most likely 3.

I think that is the biggest upcoming shift for most of the loyalists.. I mean, we as a family crossed that bridge 15+yrs ago, but for the folks whose Disney's trips really started in the 2000s and haven't made that shift yet, I wager we will probably see a lot more of that population given in and give UNI a shot now with 2-3 days.. and then the interesting big picture is how many snap out of the trance and stick to keeping WDW only part of a vacation, instead of being THE vacation.

WDW's deficiencies have been there for long enough to leave this door open... but UNI wasn't strong enough to get many people to do more than just 'dip their toes' and not have a need to make it a regular part of the pattern. With the hotel options, the 'new hotness' with Epic, etc.. I bet many more will test the waters. Will they convert?? That's the billion dollar question UNI is betting on.

The UNI hotel count now is pretty insane given much of their portfolio isn't really that differentiated from the general Orlando product.. watching the occupancy rates there should be a good tell of how things are going.

I know for us, it feels a lot better having choice vs repeating the same stuff over and over.

 

[MisterPenguin]

This is cool...

 

[flynnibus]

This is cool...

Interesting.. hopefully this part of the park will find it's groove in years to come. It seems right now there is a lot of thought put into the area, but it's just lost on guests because its not fitting assumptions/expectations of what a 'land' is. Hopefully some filler and tweaks can get it raised up and people will want to be there, instead of just passing through.

 

[JusticeDisney]

In my opinion, Epic has all the makings of a tremendous park. And given time to work out the many problems that the park is currently experiencing, I believe it will be a fan favorite. However, to declare it, after being open for a whole 10 or so days, the biggest success in theme park history dating back to Magic Kingdom is just plain laughable.

 

[celluloid]

Not comparable.

I am glad you stated this.
Definitely not comparable. Subjectivity of what went in aside, that is one area Uni always has for sure done. They have used every actual expansion plot they have had thus far. I can't think of any empty ones in parks other than Lost Continent recently under works.

I don't think EPIC is going to get both of the two filled soon because you reserve them for something really good. Maybe one is a property we know of now that could get greenlit sooner to start really moving forward beyond Blue Sky. One to carry it within the seven to ten years, the second to be the next decades(like Potter did for IOA)

And another maybe not even created yet. Like How Potter was present but only one smash hit book just shy of two years old when IOA was opening.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

After reading the last umpteen pages of arguing…I don’t see the need for it…

Universal built a big new complex which allows them further moves in the game

We always say that’s good for everyone…and it still is.

What’s the issue?

Now Disney is in a different space and finds itself in a different spot. Ok. We can acknowledge that too. They’re tapped out of new park. It’s just the math of the situation. We seem to maybe have some issues accepting this? But it’s fine…they haven’t done anything wrong there.

What’s concerning for Disney fans is some of this nonsense “defense” being slung about.

Are we REALLY celebrating them ripping people off with ride fees? That’s what we have to hang the hat on now?

That’s just sad. Most if not all of us love it because of their creativity and quality delivery over the years. This is where we’ve retreated too? “They’re smart overcharging for everything”? Cause the problem with that is they’ll continue to have to do that to keep the profits posted. Better hope that’s really the sky they’re looking at from the blue ocean…and not a 2 foot thick glass ceiling. Because that business model sucks.

Just my opinion. I long for better stuff AND better ideas.

 

[celluloid]

Dragons maybe by Thursday, but that is a very hopeful thing.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I never really thought HS would. It seems wildly busy and popular (for some reason).

I still think it’s USF and DAK that fall on the sword of epic. And I think Disney knows this, which is why they have the DAK project already underway.

That’s fair and likely a coast perspective, most of the rides at HS are at DLR also so there’s not much reason for west coasters who frequent DLR to visit HS, especially compared to AK where everything is unique to the park and a must do for the rare visitor, either way it’s a lost day for Disney.

In an ideal world that lost day would come from MK where it’s already overcrowded but the much more likely outcome is it’ll come from one of the lessor attended parks.

 

[Gusey]

This is a pretty strong signal that at least two new portals coming eventually. (Positioning relative to the others is a clue where)

Definitely seems to be the first "public" acknowledgment from Universal that the long-term plan is two new portals, one between SNW and DU, and one between HP and HTTYD. From aerial photos, we know that seeding is taking place in the majority of the expansion plots (which means no plans to build there imminently/being reserved for much later) but the expansion plot next to SNW has no seeding taking place at all. If Epic is getting an expansion in the next 5 years, it will most likely be in that expansion plot

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Definitely seems to be the first "public" acknowledgment from Universal that the long-term plan is two new portals, one between SNW and DU, and one between HP and HTTYD. From aerial photos, we know that seeding is taking place in the majority of the expansion plots (which means no plans to build there imminently/being reserved for much later) but the expansion plot next to SNW has no seeding taking place at all. If Epic is getting an expansion in the next 5 years, it will most likely be in that expansion plot

Didn’t we assume…I thought…that they would almost immediately start talking about expansion?

I mean…that is a time honored tactic. Epcot threw up new country posters in 1983…

It makes sense. The timing and their priorities are TBD…of course…but it is an opportunity for them.

They have a lot of opportunities there…they can totally revamp studios now if they want…they can expand and augment resorts…they can tweak IOA.

For the first time really…Comcast is a major theme park player that can no longer be ignored. It took 50 years to have this kinda competition.

This is also an opportunity for Disney. Get new leadership and stop listing sideways.

But i’m a dreamer

 

[Gusey]

Didn’t we assume…I thought…that they would almost immediately start talking about expansion?

I mean…that is a time honored tactic. Epcot threw up new country posters in 1983…

It makes sense. The timing and their priorities are TBD…of course…but it is an opportunity for them.

They have a lot of opportunities there…they can totally revamp studios now if they want…they can expand and augment resorts…they can tweak IOA.

For the first time really…Comcast is a major theme park player that can no longer be ignored. It took 50 years to have this kinda competition.

This is also an opportunity for Disney. Get new leadership and stop listing sideways.

But i’m a dreamer

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

 

[lazyboy97o]

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

“Plans” is a very loose term.

 

[Bob Harlem]

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

So far they have announced closures of rip-ride rockit in September (Now August 17th), and shutting down Volcano Bay for 6 months starting in Fall 2026.

That's about the most detail you'll get until much closer to the opening of what they are doing. Universal didn't announce velicoaster even when much of the structure was up.

There is stuff moving. There's already prep work for Rip Ride Rockit stuff visible in citywalk right now. And they went through the trouble of rerouting walkways and building a new ADA ramp to do so.

Simpsons has got about 3 years left. There's expansion space next to MIB, and whatever they can clear out now that epic offices are open, Fear Factor Stage area. Expansion next to Cat in the Hat in IOA, all of Lost Continent, and Toon Lagoon (and the toon theater) with tentative plans. They still could come back to Marvel also.

Very long term you can spot where parking garages are likely to go at Epic if they ever decide to build another park down there. (look for open faced intersections to nowhere).

Difference is Universal won't say anything at all about them until whatever they do is nearly 100% complete. The 6 month VB closure is a huge one. That's so tied into the vibe of Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Sapphire, it won't be for just a refurb.