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

[lazyboy97o]

That's how it is at Hagrid too, but you don't notice due to the trees in foreground. The access road is emergency route and they can't have a wall blocking paths for firetrucks to get through. Even if the wall were on the inside of the backstage road, you'd still need several giant openings for vehicles anyway. At least this way the wall can be solid all the way down.

Emergency access is not really an issue. You can have gates on emergency access routes like they have just to get to the perimeter roads and where the access roads enter the guest areas. You could also just place the wall along the various pads so you wouldn’t even need gates. Being along the outside just offers consistency and flexibility for the space inside the perimeter road.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I think this proposed wall may also be to block some of the smells from drifting to the park. Currently, parts of Epic sometimes smell the way DAK used to before modifications were made to that nearby water treatment plant.

 

[JoeCamel]

I think this proposed wall may also be to block some of the smells from drifting to the park. Currently, parts of Epic sometimes smell the way DAK used to before modifications were made to that nearby water treatment plant.

At least it doesn't smell like rocket fuel

 

[DCBaker]

Here's the trailer for Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks:

This 3-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.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Had a chance to visit the new park, and I really enjoyed it! I'd say the park has room to improve, especially where storms are concerned, but overall I really enjoyed it.

I should add, I planned two days, but on what was supposed to be day one, I was not able to go. I was able to get my ticket swapped for a future visit.

I stayed at Helios. While not a perfect hotel, the theme park view was really pretty! It was also nice to be able to see the night show from the room when I wasn't feeling up to going to the park.

The view of the park from the lobby is also exceptionally well done!, especially if you are there at dusk to see all the lights come on!

My in-park food was at the Paris QS, and my group all enjoyed what we had. We took advantage of early entry, so for breakfast we just ate something quick in the room before heading out. Come dinner, I opted to get food at Helio's Flora Taverna. The pizza was decent, and we opted to get pasta with chicken. the pasta was good, but not exceptional, but the added chicken was excellent.

Also, the first night, I really felt like having soup, so we opted to get pho from a nearby place we like. It was great as usual.

One of the things that impressed me about the park was the landscaping in Darkmoor. The Paris area is also very well done with lots of detail!

As others have said, they REALLY need to add some indoor attractions that stay open during storms! then again, AK still has a similar shortage.

Last, I'm going to give a shoutout to the staff! They did an excellent job!

 

[BrianLo]

I must say it’s pleasant enough being in Universal parks with “1” crowd calendars. The last time I was here was in the midst of their revenge travel spike.

Universal Studios Florida is a hot mess. I certainly wouldn’t say it’s the worst a Universal or Disney park has ever been. It has lots of great moments. But it needs its multi-billion dollar makeover and I’m unsure if that is happening anytime soon.

I also cannot believe that wands are pushing 100$ and butter beer 10$! Their sell through rate on both those products are still insanely high just looking around. Universal really lost their price edge.

I also am sold on them doing a Wicked land if they want to do it well. It might be the best option they have for Epic living up to the contained portal.

 

[Gusey]

Mark Woodbury on if Wicked being next expansion for Epic:

On potential expansion:

Confirmation from Mark Woodbury that there are multiple attraction in the works not just at Epic but all three theme parks

 

[SplashJacket]

Mark Woodbury on Wicked being next expansion for Epic

Where does he say the next expansion is Wicked at Epic?

 

[Gusey]

Where does he say the next expansion is Wicked at Epic?

Sorry, left off the if. He's acknowledging that he mentioned Wicked at the parks before but not confirming at Epic

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

If anyone plans to buy a wand in Epic, do look out for which type of wand you are buying - gen 1 or gen 2.

The new shop sells both, and the gen2 wands are featured as gen 2, but I'd say it is not clearly marked that the gen 1 wands they sell are gen 1. The selection of gen 2 wand styles is much smaller than the gen1 choices.

The gen 1 wands run about $65, the gen 2 wands are $85 plus tax. The AP discount applies to both, but the gen 1 wands work in Epic.

I only had a limited opportunity to use the gen 2 wand. I bought it during the afternoon storm, and it was a great way to pass the time while waiting for the rain to end. My group pretty much had the interactive spell locations to ourselves.
I've not yet paired it with the app, but the new features are fun to use.

The gen 1 wands are maybe truer to what the characters use, but the new wands give users a bit of feedback when they do a spell correctly. Having used the gen 1 wands for a number of years, it can be tricky for younger children to cast spells. The gen 2 wands are easier to use.

For someone only planning to visit Universal once, the wands are a bit pricey. It is entirely possible to watch other people doing the spells. Over repeat visits though, I'd say the first wand I bought was well worth the (back then) $50 I paid for it. On this same visit, WDW's individual LL's were running $22-25. TRON is 90 seconds! In a world where 90 seconds for a so-so ride costs $25, the new interactive wand was a bargain.

 

[Purduevian]

That's how it is at Hagrid too, but you don't notice due to the trees in foreground. The access road is emergency route and they can't have a wall blocking paths for firetrucks to get through. Even if the wall were on the inside of the backstage road, you'd still need several giant openings for vehicles anyway. At least this way the wall can be solid all the way down.

Well today I learned! Thank you for the background information!