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

[BrianLo]

This thread: Rating EU on a scale of one to ten.

Only you're not allowed to use the numbers two through nine.

11!

 

[DarkMetroid567]

This thread: Rating EU on a scale of one to ten.

Only you're not allowed to use the numbers two through nine.

I love how vicious this thread has been. Absolutely wild takes on both sides but more than anything, everyone is way too obsessed with being definite and “objective”. There are no correct opinions!!

 

[Sir_Cliff]

This thread: Rating EU on a scale of one to ten.

Only you're not allowed to use the numbers two through nine.

This is the thing: it seems to be a great park that has been successful, albeit with some issues around capacity and reliability. Epic also seems to have been a bit of a godsend for the Orlando theme park market during a difficult summer, though attendance has been intentionally limited due to the aforementioned issues.

I'm not sure why that has to spin off into either the park is a guest satisfaction nightmare or the greatest achievement in themed entertainment since Tokyo DisneySea.

 

[SplashJacket]

word on the street is that Universal is already severely lacking in the upkeep of the show quality (not that Disney wouldn't also do this...)

Not really sure of any notable show quality lapses, but in terms of effect reliability in general…

That improves with time with any attraction, with any project (theme park or otherwise) you have more issues at the start. Normally you can mostly offset this by over staffing (like Disney and Universal do with the parks) whether it’s Ops or behind-the-scenes technical roles.

Issue is, with a new park, you simply can’t give every ride the same level of attention that you would normally give a new ride. That level of labor just isn’t in the realm of possibility.

So… things get triaged. Would you rather have mechanics working on ride uptime and reliability for ministry, or a random Yoshi animated figure.

You’d rather ministry get love and attention. But in time, as highest priority venues improve (and they will) then you’ll see more consistency in lower priority areas.

Imperfection doesn’t mean failure. Growing pains don’t mean failure.

 

[SplashJacket]

I'm not sure why that has to spin off into either the park is a guest satisfaction nightmare or the greatest achievement in themed entertainment since Tokyo DisneySea.

I think part of the problem is there’s elements of truth to both of those takes, but not even just elements of truth, they also vary on a day-to-day, attendance-to-attendance, and guest-to-guest level before even factoring in desires, expectations, or biases.

Current state Epic is inconsistent and so the basis of any objective thoughts on Epic are inconsistent, so, before even factoring in those aforementioned human factors, it’s hard to talk about Epic in an objective way

 

[TalkToEthan]

I also have the critique with this just being a bunch of random IP hodgepodged together with the loosest story imaginable. There is no combination with them, no flow.

Do you take issue with Toy Story Land right next to Galaxy Edge? How about Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park touching each other.

Random IP stuffed in a park is how Universal and Disney play. We have to expect this by now.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

Do you take issue with Toy Story Land right next to Galaxy Edge? How about Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park touching each other.

Random IP stuffed in a park is how Universal and Disney play. We have to expect this by now.

I like the transitions of the Space-themed toys, transition with rocks/cave then you see Galaxy's Edge but I also don't mind it as much because HS is Disney's only park with actual single-IP lands (other than AK's Pandora but that makes sense to me as AK's park structure is sent around the locations, not necessarily IP or not) . While Universal does it very inconsistently and in a way that any of their parks feel kinda sameish. Can you meaningfully tell the difference between what makes Isle of Berk fit Island of Adventure, or any of the other lands? I feel like the parks are all basically the same at this point and thats not great. I like how Disney does it with each park having a different theme and focus, while the lands reflect that.

Pandora COULD have fit in HS but the theming INSIDE of the land and the rides inside show it was purposeful built for the park.

And to say the truth, no I don't really mind JP and Hogsmeade because that's part of the parts vision, they are still on separate "Island's". But that's just me, I know not all people are the same.

 

[The Underminer]

I've said it like twice? maybe this is the third time maximum. Also what Disney has done definitely gets people excited as guest satisfaction has shown. Universal has done some great things but they lack the foresight imo to be a serious contender.

2 of their 3 parks have MAJOR issues with weather which is ridiculous in Florida. The reason that they did that is because outdoor rides are cheap. They cheaped out on the construction and gave the guest a fundamentally worse off experience, full stop. Outside rides can be great to add kinetics, WHEN BALANCED with a respectable amount of capacity that doesn't go down in the rain. Look at Tomorrowland for an example, Astro Orbiter and the Speedway go down but Tron, Space Mountain, Buzz, Carousel of Progress, and People Mover are usually allowed to be open for rain. Rain shuts down all of Isle of Berk except the show, all of Mario except the Mario Kart, and 1/2 of the rides in both Monsters and Celestial Park. TSL, Pandora, Galaxy's Edge, and even Tropical Americas or Monsters do not have these problems. Meanwhile even at Universal's best park (IOA), Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Marvel, Dr Seuss, and Marvel have atleast half of their attractiosn down the second it rains in FLORIDA. There is no excuse to keep making the same mistake and it has definitely led to guest frustration.

This wouldn't be AS bad if there were some serious capacity issues but other than Monsters, most rides capacity is not where it should be as the park was so focused on being different and the next step, it abandons a lot of very high capacity and conventional ride systems. Boat rides and omnimovers are built to be amazing for capacity and can get more people to the fun quicker. I wonder why Universal didn't want ride times to be reasonable unless perhaps to incentivize their overpriced fastpasses of course. Something this big should be able to hold more guests than AK or HS but fails at that.

The park is missing a ton of shade because it was designed with "sweeping vistas" and nice unobstructed views first, which can work when paired with adequate shading/AC. It's stunning theming wise but the seating, shading, and AC are all serious problems.

I also found navigating the park more complicated than it needed to be as you have to enter and exit lands from chokepoints where everyone else is doing the same while a wheel + spoke design imo would have been a much much better option.

I also have the critique with this just being a bunch of random IP hodgepodged together with the loosest story imaginable. There is no combination with them, no flow. These lands could have all been in IOA or UO and made no difference other than improving this parks.

So yeah, I'm not the biggest fan of EU as a park. It's good for what it is and it's a middle tier park for me. I'd rather go to Epcot, AK, MK, over it and depending on the day, HS or IOA.

Especially with the sightlines issues and reports of major animatronics already being broken, I fear this park might end up the ways of Dr Seuss or Jurassic Park, very fast

Animal Kingdom says hello.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

Animal Kingdom says hello.

What about Animal Kingdom?

 

[Baloo124]

The park's restrooms and outdoor seating areas were filthy.

This is part of the immersion.

Do you honestly think Vikings left eating areas spotless after a meal?
Do you think monsters clean after themselves when they poo?

All part of the story.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

This is part of the immersion.

Do you honestly think Vikings left eating areas spotless after a meal?
Do you think monsters clean after themselves after they go?

All part of the story.

And the worst offenders is of course the French

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

lol. Why you mad?

Yep, just don't read these posts if they bother you. It's that simple.

 

[TalkToEthan]

And to say the truth, no I don't really mind JP and Hogsmeade because that's part of the parts vision, they are still on separate "Island's".

Well ya—-agreed.

……but why is an island different???? For this immediate/sub discussion about IP areas Lands, islands, portals aren’t they exactly the same thing, no?? Whether I IP “island” jump or “portal” jump I’m doing the exact same thing only the boundary has a different name

 

[lazyboy97o]

You overrated Galaxy's edge. Making a land time sensitive can be a big mistake for a theme park land, and it was in this case. The fact is Galaxy's Edge takes place in sequels time land and that means no classic Characters for Galaxy's Edge. People want classic Star Wars Characters That also meant gave an excuse why Star Wars Launch Bay existed so long at Animation Courtyard.

Also a lot of people wanted Galaxy's edge to have a planet that already existed in the movies and Disney didn't do that. That is an issue to a lot of people because the Harry Potter theme park lands are based off lands that existed in Harry Potter Movies.

The strict timeline in Galaxy’s Edge was the result of a commitment to immersion. That they picked a lousy time doesn’t negate that.

The Harry Potter movies showed a lot of visually interesting places. Pay closer attention to the original trilogy and you’ll see the magic of rather austere walls.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I don't know why you're so flustered by differing opinions on the park, but you really think only two rides in Epic are on Disney's level of "technical prowess?" As if every ride at Disney is a cutting edge E-ticket?

What I'm frustrated by is the tribalism. Making statements that are objectively not true about how "bar-raising" Epic is when it objectively does not raise the bar for the theme park industry.

The poster made the argument that everything at Epic "destroys Disney's best efforts", but in reality if we're comparing just E-tickets, only two things at Epic are up there with Disney's best E-tickets: Monsters and Ministry. Stardust Racers is a great coaster, but it's basically not themed. Mario Kart is not a great ride, etc.

don't disrespect the magic carpets of Aladdin like that

You overrated Galaxy's edge. Making a land time sensitive can be a big mistake for a theme park land, and it was in this case. The fact is Galaxy's Edge takes place in sequels time land and that means no classic Characters for Galaxy's Edge. People want classic Star Wars Characters That also meant gave an excuse why Star Wars Launch Bay existed so long at Animation Courtyard.

Also a lot of people wanted Galaxy's edge to have a planet that already existed in the movies and Disney didn't do that. That is an issue to a lot of people because the Harry Potter theme park lands are based off lands that existed in Harry Potter Movies.

I actually do agree, it was a mistake to make Galaxy's Edge time period restricted. It's also a very lifeless land. From the perspective of scope and immersion though, they got it like 95% perfect. There are no views of dumpsters, cherry pickers, things outside the park, water treatment plants like there are throughout 3 of the 5 lands at Epic, and only slight views of Toy Story Land in a few specific spots.

ylol. Why you mad?

Because stating "Epic is the best, most creative, and most immersive theme park ever made" as fact when it is their opinion is annoying, as is claiming Epic "kills Disney", a statement which is objectively false.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I can confirm this. No pre-show on our visit last Thursday and Friday. Also, Igor not working, Wolfman not working, Dracula at the end not working. Overall very disappointed with the ride.

Harry Potter had several effects not working. Umbridge's AA didn't disappear like it's supposed to, so she was on screen and still visible as an AA at the same time. And most of the trial scene did not light up like it's apparently supposed to from the POVs I've watched since returning home.

Hiccup is completely stationary on the coaster.

Several figures not working on Yoshi's Adventure. Several broken figures throughout Super Nintendo World, including the Koopa at the mini-game and the Goomba at that mini-game. The piranha plant mini game is completely broken. Yoshi was not walking around the tree on Mt. Beanpole and the tower of goombas was not moving.

Cranky's mouth is broken in the queue to Mine Cart Madness. The car did not have on-board audio.

The park's restrooms and outdoor seating areas were filthy. I don't think I ever saw a single custodian the entire trip.

The operations were as slow as a Six Flags park. It should not take 40 minutes to reach the load area of Mario Kart after exiting the pre-show. I will not be returning.

This is really not a good look for a park that is already struggling with a bunch of issues with capacity, weather shutdowns, operations, etc.

Feels like Universal made it all look great for previews and the grand opening and said "there, we did enough to attract people here, now we don't have to keep trying".

 

[DCBaker]

NBCUniversal has announced an hourlong special titled Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, airing Wednesday, August 20 at 9pm ET and available to stream next day on Peacock:

Details:

NBC invites audiences to embark on a spectacular adventure with “Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe,” airing Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and available to stream next day on Peacock.

Hosted by Joe Manganiello, the one-hour special celebrates the debut of Universal Orlando Resort’s Universal Epic Universe and explores the imagination, innovation and storytelling behind the groundbreaking new theme park. As a fan of the stories that Epic Universe brings to life, Manganiello will take audiences on an epic journey as he experiences the park for the first time with unparalleled access to five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

Viewers will be transported through the majestic portals with some of the greatest storytellers of all time. The special will feature on-the-ground appearances from Wicked and Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang and his acclaimed Las Culturistas podcast co-host Matt Rogers. Mason Thames and Nico Parker from the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon film and Warwick Davis from the Harry Potter film series as they explore the park and uncover the magic behind each world’s creation, more than a decade in the making. Jurassic World franchise star Bryce Dallas Howard, Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh, Fast & Furious Saga icon Vin Diesel and Jon M. Chu, the acclaimed director of Wickedand the upcoming Wicked: For Good, will also appear throughout the broadcast in captivating interviews, sharing in the excitement of this new era of themed entertainment.

Legendary filmmaker and Universal Destinations and Experiences Creative Consultant Steven Spielberg, whose vast movie catalog is synonymous with Universal Theme Parks, will be featured in the program extensively with an extended interview offering insight into the creativity and artistry that makes the park truly revolutionary. Universal’s rich history of immersive storytelling has defined entertainment for generations and the iconic phrase “Ride the Movies,” coined by Spielberg over three decades ago, continues to be a concept celebrated today with several of the immersive attractions of Universal Epic Universe.

“Universal Epic Universe is truly a first-of-its-kind theme park in connecting the world of beloved characters and stories from popular culture with reality. There is nothing like it,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “Joe’s sense of adventure and ability to connect with fans through cinema and beyond makes him the perfect host to lead audiences on this journey as they experience firsthand the magic in this new chapter of immersive storytelling.”

“As a kid growing up a huge fan of the movies, I couldn’t be more excited about diving into these immersive worlds that bring some of my all-time favorite characters to life,” said Manganiello. “From the iconic monsters of Dark Universe to the super-sized attractions of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Theme park fans and entertainment lovers of all generations will be given a front-row seat on this epic ride as they step directly inside the stories of the five breathtaking worlds, experiencing unprecedented access to the jaw-dropping rides, state-of-the-art attractions, cutting-edge technology and environmental experiences that bring the park’s next-level storytelling and incredible characters to life in a way no theme park has ever done before.

“Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. It is executive produced by James Mckinlay with Ryan Goble as co-executive producer.

In addition to “Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe,” audiences can continue the adventure with “Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks,” streaming exclusively on Peacock later this year. This three-part docuseries celebrates the history and legacy of Universal Destinations & Experiences. Through unprecedented access, rare archival and intimate interviews with directors, producers, executives and A-list celebrities, the series will explore Universal’s iconic film and theme park history as well as provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes countdown to the opening of its groundbreaking new theme park, Universal Epic Universe.

 

[Chi84]

I haven't been there, so take my opinions with as much of a grain of salt as you please, but my impression is that in terms of attractions Epic has a lot going for it. I think where some dissonance arrises for people who are primarily fans of Disney parks is when rollercoasters that pay a lot less attention to immersion within the park let alone a specific land are counted as headliners when if Disney built similar attractions we would all be up in arms.

In general, I do kind of agree with @Tom Morrow's point that all this comparing of the theming with TDS is perhaps overshooting the runway. During construction, all the talk was that this was going to rival TDS in terms of theming and immersion. Then it opened and people started commenting on the issues with sightlines within and outside of the park and the response was borderline mocking about those who were concerned about sightlines as that was just a Disney thing and not something Universal or its fans worried about. Now we're back to Epic being more immersive than any park other than TDS. So, which is it?

Whatever makes Disney look bad!

 

[Andrew C]

This is really not a good look for a park that is already struggling with a bunch of issues with capacity, weather shutdowns, operations, etc.

Feels like Universal made it all look great for previews and the grand opening and said "there, we did enough to attract people here, now we don't have to keep trying".

Someone could have gone a different day as the poster and had an opposite experience.

Epic is going through some pains that most new parks experience, but I am sure they will get it sorted to make an even better experience. They did a really great job but need to clean up some things moving forward to continue success.

Really, many openings have been a lot worse. I cannot remember a Disney-run park post-Epcot having a good opening. They have either been a hot mess or significantly underbuilt. If I am being extremely generous, maybe Shanghai? So what standard are we holding them to?

• MGM: underbuilt
• AK: underbuilt
• DCA: Hot mess and underbuilt
• EuroDisney: Hot mess
• Disney Studios: Hot mess and underbuilt
• Hong Kong: Underbuilt

 

[Andrew C]

Whatever makes Disney look bad!

They do that without our help.