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

[UNCgolf]

Nobody implied that at all... It's a collection of highest grossing media franchises, a starting point for discussion but not the end.

Where did I say anyone implied that in this particular thread?

People absolutely take it that way, though (and have when discussed before on this forum).

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Was just watching a tour of the Helios hotel and saw that they apparently didn't bother to build cover the ceiling of the hotel store. Seems like a bizarre oversight for one of their deluxe hotels, though not sure if there is any logic for this beyond saving some money?

 

[Jon81uk]

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Was just watching a tour of the Helios hotel and saw that they apparently didn't bother to build cover the ceiling of the hotel store. Seems like a bizarre oversight for one of their deluxe hotels, though not sure if there is any logic for this beyond saving some money?

Open ceilings are usually more expensive compared to suspended ceiling tiles, making all the pipes and cabling neat then painting it properly costs more than just throwing it all up and hiding it behind ceiling tiles.

Open ceilings have been new and modern for at least 25 years so are quite standard really, makes the space feel more open and airy.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Open ceilings are usually more expensive compared to suspended ceiling tiles, making all the pipes and cabling neat then painting it properly costs more than just throwing it all up and hiding it behind ceiling tiles.

Open ceilings have been new and modern for at least 25 years so are quite standard really, makes the space feel more open and airy.

Seems like an odd decision, then, given the aesthetic of the rest of the hotel.

 

[Tom Morrow]

While I actually like open ceilings and recognize that they are a modern choice, they are certainly not something I expect to see in what is supposed to be a luxury hotel. But very little about Helios is luxury. The hotel being rather basic aesthetically is one of the many odd decisions made for Epic.

 

[Jon81uk]

Seems like an odd decision, then, given the aesthetic of the rest of the hotel.

Is it open in the rest of the hotel? It’s about what I’d expect in the gift shop

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Is it open in the rest of the hotel? It’s about what I’d expect in the gift shop

No it's not, which is what makes it odd. Usually the theming carries through to the gift shops, but for some reason in what is supposed to be one of their deluxe hotels they've gone with a mall store aesthetic.

I am among those who finds a lot of the recent refurbs of the Disney deluxes pretty poor with rare exceptions. Imagine, though, if one of the hotel stores opened back up looking like this.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

Are any new entertainment offerings being introduced this summer-fall?

And any predictions about when an attraction would open? Sorta surprised they haven’t fast tracked a C/D ticket.

I know there is supposed an upgrade or a night new nighttime show for Epic. I also know there is a permanent fireworks launch site.

As far as a new attraction opening, I'm guessing late 2028 to mid 2029 for Harry Potter Attraction to open where the expansion plot is currently.

As far as not fast tracking a C/D, that is easy to explain. You need a another headliner to spread the crowd in Ministry of Magic.

 

[dmc493]

Open ceilings are usually more expensive compared to suspended ceiling tiles, making all the pipes and cabling neat then painting it properly costs more than just throwing it all up and hiding it behind ceiling tiles.

Open ceilings have been new and modern for at least 25 years so are quite standard really, makes the space feel more open and airy.

Respectfully going to disagree, dry fog (painting method) of exposed ceilings is relatively cheap compared to the cost of a standard ACT ceiling system, and definitely cheaper than any type of floating baffle ceiling or hard lid (gypsum) ceiling.

The MEP systems should look neat and should not be something that they have to go out of their way to install cleanly as long as they're working with relatively competent mechanical/electrical subcontractors

 

[jrhwdw]

 

[parksandtravel]

 

[flynnibus]

Well see, that's more of an interesting offer.. if Uni is trying to make it an events hosting setup.. that makes far more sense than trying to grab rando off I-drive and convince them to goto a Celestial park restaurant.

The events model allows them to target specific planners.. and also gives Uni the chance to potentially charge the conventions for access/marketing.

Think 'team dinner' etc.. sponsor parties.. etc. Becomes another arrow in Uni's quiver of event offers.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

This is more up to date;

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OT but I don’t know how Disney has not built a 100 Acre Woods themed land yet. Winnie the Pooh is huge.

 

[Purduevian]

OT but I don’t know how Disney has not built a 100 Acre Woods themed land yet. Winnie the Pooh is huge.

I think Winnie the Pooh merch is huge for baby products (our wipes sometimes have pooh and sometimes have mickey). I don't think it's a large fandom screaming for an immersive land.

 

[flynnibus]

Well see, that's more of an interesting offer.. if Uni is trying to make it an events hosting setup.. that makes far more sense than trying to grab rando off I-drive and convince them to goto a Celestial park restaurant.

The events model allows them to target specific planners.. and also gives Uni the chance to potentially charge the conventions for access/marketing.

Think 'team dinner' etc.. sponsor parties.. etc. Becomes another arrow in Uni's quiver of event offers.

It also gives them an immediate on-ramp to sell 'after 4' style passes to those audiences.

The pitch from Uni to these companies/planners would be like..

Tier 0: You offer people this wonderful unique experience to wander, shop, eat, and drink! See our nightime entertainment and be merry!
Tier 1: You offer the same, but offer to host company sponsored events at the resturants or bar.. either organized meals or social hours, etc. "MACK Cosmetics Vendor Appreciation Event"
Tier 2: You offer to sell the companies 'after 4' passes they can buy and offer to employees or guests.. so people get opportunity for meals, rides, and entertainment
Tier 3: You offer to rent out an entire land for a function
Tier 4: You offer to rent out the entire park for a function - but now you don't necessarily have to exclude your own Helios and other UNI guests from Celestrial Park

UNI has been doing such things for ages.. but now Epic and CP can be experiences they can offer in more tailored packages.. making them more mauluable to the customer's needs.

But all of this really hinges on... CAPACITY Having nightly entertainment in the park will help sweeten the deal, because as just a dining/bar venue.. it's still pretty weak on its own.

 

[Gusey]

 

[Plummet]

Amazing! How has this not been done sooner? Captain Cacao is such a fun little unique character,

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

His teeth freak me out. Ugly Sonic vibes.

 

[Andrew C]

I was wondering when this was going to happen.

 

[drkarcher22]

I want my Captain Cacao flying boat dark ride. An all age dark ride in the hub. Probably would have to build it in levels like Secret Life of Pets due to space issues