Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens 2025

[SpectreJordan]

You really legitimately don't see the benefit of their express pricing?

Not for the majority of their guests. It's a great deal for those staying at hotels, but the idea of booking a hotel that you don't want just to make the price more worth it is nutty.

 

[celluloid]

You're still paying $100+ for fast passes. I don't see how that's not an insane price.

I get Universal is doing a lot of things better than Disney. But you guys don't have to defend everything they do.

All parks priority passes cost money now. We are just stating that it is beyond a better deal when just side by side.

100 dollars for unlimited for two theme parks for two days is a heck of a deal you won't get anywhere else. All unlimited and at your chosen time.
The hotel point was brought up to show just how there is not really a big gap between the cost of Genie Plus for more than one park for two days and much less options with a time chosen roster.

 

[Poseidon Quest]

Not for the majority of their guests. It's a great deal for those staying at hotels, but the idea of booking a hotel that you don't want just to make the price more worth it is nutty.

Ah, then let me explain. While I would prefer that parks go away with skip-the-line systems altogether, if you're going to implement them, pricing them expensively results in the best outcome for everyone.

Express is expensive but sold in limited quantities and because it's so expensive, often prices people out. Therefore, there are far less express people moving through lines and causing the stand-by to keep halting to accommodate them. That's a pretty industry standard way of doing things, but Disney chose to make Genie+ relatively inexpensive knowing that it would entice more people to purchase it. The issue is that they over sell the hell out of it (even when they limit purchases) which creates two lines: one which people paid for and moves at a normal speed and the second line, the stand-by which moves at a snail's pace because Lighting Lane is often so overwhelmed with paying park goers. That in turn encourages more people to spontaneously pay for Genie+, only making the problem worse and no one really wins except for Disney. In addition, because there are so many limited time slots available for attractions, you're limited with what you can do and it's completely inflexible with the schedule that you want to have.

Express doesn't have this problem. It's expensive but you can walk up to whatever ride you want, when you want and it's causing minimal disruption to the people in the stand-by queues (except for Halloween Horror Nights which Universal definitely oversells express for unfortunately). Genie+ purposefully is designed to take your money while providing minimal value. It would be a much better product if the price was significantly higher and they did away with return times, instead just allowing you to flexibly move around the park as you please.

 

[Tomfoolery]

Wait until Universal implements their own version of G+ LL with booked return times. Now that will be fun to watch,

 

[lazyboy97o]

Wait until Universal implements their own version of G+ LL with booked return times. Now that will be fun to watch,

They have tried several virtual queue systems including the original Universal Express, TapuTapu and the virtual queues implemented at Jimmy Fallon’s Race Through New York and Fast and Furious: Supercharged. There’s a reason Epic Universe will not be a virtual queue park.

 

[Rich Brownn]

You're still paying $100+ for fast passes. I don't see how that's not an insane price.

I get Universal is doing a lot of things better than Disney. But you guys don't have to defend everything they do.

You're paying $100 for a hotel room. The passes come with it. As for ones sold at the park, unlike Disney, they don't want everyone getting one, so it's priced for people who really, really want it. What do you get for $200 at a Disney hotel?

Universal wants to sell hotel rooms. Disney wants to sell hotel rooms, add on line skip costs, and other odds and ends.

 

[celluloid]

You're paying $100 for a hotel room. The passes come with it. As for ones sold at the park, unlike Disney, they don't want everyone getting one, so it's priced for people who really, really want it. What do you get for $200 at a Disney hotel?

Universal wants to sell hotel rooms. Disney wants to sell hotel rooms, add on line skip costs, and other odds and ends.

Also just to note, since the original response from that posters was about nabbing a hotel room for about 300 a night: For four people it would be 50 dollars a day for unlimited express passes for avalible rides between two theme parks.

You get it from morning of check in until final hour of the day your check out is.

50 dollars a day unlimited to almost every ride and attraction at Universal's two theme parks

vs 20 dollars a day for one time and very limited schedueled times on Genie Plus.

Even if it was 100 a day if the room night cost was more, that is still an amazing deal for an unlimited skip most ride line pass, as it is cheaper than a day at the park.

Not to mention the having a hotel room and early theme park admission/dedicated park security entrance etc...

 

[Rich Brownn]

Wait until Universal implements their own version of G+ LL with booked return times. Now that will be fun to watch,

Universal has two express passes - unlimited and one that allows use at a ride once. They have no interest in adding a G+ version... they took note of all the negative press Disney got (and continues to get).. They are quite happy selling hotel rooms, park admissions and tons of HP merchandise.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Also just to note, since the original response from that posters was about nabbing a hotel room for about 300 a night: For four people it would be 50 dollars a day for unlimited express passes for avalible rides between two theme parks.

You get it from morning of check in until final hour of the day your check out is.

50 dollars a day unlimited to almost every ride and attraction at Universal's two theme parks

vs 20 dollars a day for one time and very limited schedueled times on Genie Plus.

Even if it was 100 a day if the room night cost was more, that is still an amazing deal for an unlimited skip most ride line pass, as it is cheaper than a day at the park.

Not to mention the having a hotel room and early theme park admission/dedicated park security entrance etc...

How do parents get their two children to pay for their fair share of the hotel room?

 

[SpectreJordan]

Also just to note, since the original response from that posters was about nabbing a hotel room for about 300 a night: For four people it would be 50 dollars a day for unlimited express passes for avalible rides between two theme parks.

You get it from morning of check in until final hour of the day your check out is.

50 dollars a day unlimited to almost every ride and attraction at Universal's two theme parks

vs 20 dollars a day for one time and very limited schedueled times on Genie Plus.

Even if it was 100 a day if the room night cost was more, that is still an amazing deal for an unlimited skip most ride line pass, as it is cheaper than a day at the park.

Not to mention the having a hotel room and early theme park admission/dedicated park security entrance etc...

That's a lot of works & jumping through hoops for let's say a local to get them at a reasonable price.

Universal wanting to limit how many people use it is fine, I'm still going to make fun of that price though.

 

[Andrew25]

They have no interest in adding a G+ version... they took note of all the negative press Disney got (and continues to get).. They are quite happy selling hotel rooms, park admissions and tons of HP merchandise.

Don't underestimate Universal. An individual one-time express option for Hagrid would probably finance Epic Universe lol

In 2 years when they have 3 parks (and more attraction capacity) and the number of "complimentary express" users from the same 3 hotels (the rumor is none of the new hotels being built will include express), it wouldn't surprise me to see Universal figure out a way to increase express sales.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Don't underestimate Universal. An individual one-time express option for Hagrid would probably finance Epic Universe lol

In 2 years when they have 3 parks (and more attraction capacity) and the number of "complimentary express" users from the same 3 hotels (the rumor is none of the new hotels being built will include express), it wouldn't surprise me to see Universal figure out a way to increase express sales.

I believe The Grand Helios will have Express.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.

In this aerial photo of the Kirkman Rd extension1 Perimeter service road of Epic Universe2 Recently opened private road between two sections of Lockheed Martin3 Former route between sections of LM

Aerial photo of a section of the Kirkman Rd extension. The tunnel or underpass is the perimeter service road of Epic Universe. Above it will be the guest access road for the in-park hotel.

The Epic Universe dual-racing coaster is at left in this aerial photo. Station of the How To Train Your Dragon coaster is at right. Different kinds of trees recently placed near each track. Arrow at trees staged for Dragon land.

Aerial look at the entrance area of How To Train Your Dragon land in Epic Universe.Boom lift in foreground is near the recently placed colorful top of the portal.

Aerial look at the current work on a colorful reflective tile mural on a Universal Orlando resort South of Epic Universe.

Aerial look at landscaping at the dual-racing roller coaster in Epic Universe.At top is a separate roller coaster in How To Train Your Dragon land. Also two spinning arm rides.

Aerial look at roller coaster track passing through How To Train Your Dragon land in Epic Universe.

Aerial look at part of the second half of the dual-racing roller coaster in Epic Universe. Tracks crisscross multiple times.Underneath is recently added landscaping, and pathways for maintenance.This might become the first completed area of the park.

Aerial look at the proximity of roller coasters in Epic Universe. Dual-racing at left, and How To Train Your Dragon at right.Will likely be hidden from each other by trees.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Sep 3
Aerial overview of the Harry Potter related land in Epic Universe. Life-size streets of Paris, with two attractions in the large show buildings at right.

Aerial look at the far end of the dual-racing roller coaster in Epic Universe. Concrete pathways recently cast for track maintenance and inspection.

Aerial look at the station of the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster station. Scaffolding platforms are under the frames at right.In Dark Universe, classic monsters land of Epic Universe.

Aerial look at the front of the dual-racing roller coaster in Epic Universe.1 Interesting squares in the recently added roof sheeting.2 Boom lift extended under the track for work on a theming element.3 Boom lift extended for work under the roof.

Aerial look at the aeras near the central fountain of Epic Universe. In-park hotel at right.

Aerial photo of features so far in front of the in-park hotel of Epic Universe.

Aerial look at a water feature in Epic Universe. Between the park entrance an a waterside restaurant. Restaurant is currently in scrims, at right.

A nearly straight down aerial look at where a full circle elevated ramp will be to ease traffic flow for day guests of Epic Universe.Kirkman Rd is left-right.Epic Blvd, the parking access, at top center.

Aerial look at the in-park hotel of Epic Universe. It's believed that there will be a night time show with projections on the hotel tower, fireworks from the peninsula, with leaping fountains in the basin.1 Portal of Dark Universe2 Portal of a Harry Potter related land

Aerial photo of the front of a Harry Potter related land in Epic Universe.The exterior of Porte Saint-Denis can be seen through the scaffolding.In foreground is the land's portal.

 

[trr1]

bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct
Sep 3
Aerial photo of a restaurant adjacent the in-park hotel of Epic Universe. There's a cascading water feature in progress.

Aerial look at the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster in Epic Universe.1 Scaffolding platforms over a track area2 Facade where trains transfer to the service bay3 Recently cast concrete column near the featured attraction entrance.

Sep 1, 2023 Aerial overview of Epic Universe- More trees in How To Train Your Dragon Land and in Dark Universe- Foam blocks arriving in Super Nintendo World for theming- Covered Mine Car in Donkey Kong coaster- Stormy day flooding due to nearby hurricane

Aerial photo of what is believed to be a BBQ restaurant in Epic Universe.1 Chimney of the show kitchen2 An additional chimney3 Kiosk roof was recently seen with a copper hue layer. Now covered with waterproofing.

Aerial look at a Harry Potter related land.1 Alley into a courtyard2 Theater attraction3 Featured attraction4 Land entrance, through a copy of Porte Saint-Denis in Paris5 Team Member shuttle loopIn Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of the Epic Universe hotel tower construction.

In this aerial photo of a pair of Universal Orlando resorts South of Epic Universe1 Recently completed hotel access bridge. Pavement pending.2 Pilings for a full-circle raised ramp to ease traffic flow of day-guest parking.3 Recently paved hotel parking4 Current pool work

 

[celluloid]

That's a lot of works & jumping through hoops for let's say a local to get them at a reasonable price.

Universal wanting to limit how many people use it is fine, I'm still going to make fun of that price though.

How so? The price is more than reasonable for what you get for any of their services compared to the schedueled time and limited options of Genie Plus? Cost does not mean less value to most. The hotel thing was brought up as a way to make it more than worth it. 50 dollars a person per day for unlimited express on all rides that feature express is nutty cheap. That was why it was brought up.

You are more than welcome to keep making fun of it. That makes you look foolish, and not awakening many here to see the bad value that you do.

 

[celluloid]

How do parents get their two children to pay for their fair share of the hotel room?

Do parents usually expect their kids to fair share for Genie Plus or ILL? I have seen some pointless statements, but this one is wacky. Kids cost you more for them to have the same value of fun no matter where.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Do parents usually expect their kids to fair share for Genie Plus or ILL? I have seen some pointless statements, but this one is wacky. Kids cost you more for them to have the same value of fun no matter where.

Wacky is trying to make it sound like the best deal ever by sharing the room with 4 friends all splitting the cost.

A single parent with children or even just an individual has to come up with the whole cost.

 

[celluloid]

Wacky is trying to make it sound like the best deal ever by sharing the room with 4 friends all splitting the cost.

A single parent with children or even just an individual has to come up with the whole cost.

Now now, go back and answer your the question to your statement. When would kids ever pitch in in any circumstance?

It was already explained the hotel situation was brought up as an extreme to get you unlimited express dirt cheap. There are family of fours staying in hotel rooms all of the time.

If you look at most days this time of year for example, you will see Express hovers around 130 dollars per person for a one skip for any attraction that offers it.

That is not absurdly higher considering what you get out of it. If you wanted Genie Plus and ILL's to skip the two attractions at EPCOT, you are going near 60 bucks a person in most cases, and the genie plus choices are schedueled times of when to be at various areas of the park to backtrack and get them. Not at your leisure. Also, the express lines are much shorter than Genie Plus, thus increasing your value. One can argue it is equal at worst, but don't pretend it is not a great value, if it was not, than they would not offer it.

For an average of 170 a day, you can use all express lines at both of the theme parks UNLIMITED on your time. Now that is a big price, but a heck of a deal when you consider what you save if you are willing, and people are.

 

[My95cobras]

Wacky is trying to make it sound like the best deal ever by sharing the room with 4 friends all splitting the cost.

A single parent with children or even just an individual has to come up with the whole cost.

we get it…. You’re the only one who doesn’t see the value.