Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025

[WDWFREAK53]

I'm not saying they're the worst, Six Flags and SeaWorld have them beat, but they are light years away from Disney's quality of service.

Universal has always closed early... when their attendance levels were less than half of what WDW acquired. Since then, IOA has become the 2nd most popular park in Orlando (according to TEA numbers, and I believe it as I visit each resort each week). How Universal continues to operate like in the Pre-Potter days will always be perplexing to me.

Never said CityWalk, but the quality of Antojitos and Cowfish, my usual favorites, has diminished my last few visits, unfortunately.

I see more people purchasing wands than lightsabers, I'm not trying to argue who is selling more. I just want to make the point that Universal isn't the bargain it once was. Prices have matched WDW now, and that's where expectations are for most people.

Also, WDW has far better food and service when it comes to quick service. Sure they both serve the typical tenders and burgers, but WDW has several great QSR options that are far better than anything at UOR. Satu'li, Connections, Docking Bay, Regal Eagle, Harbour House.

Minion Cafe is ok, and Cafe La Bamba seriously challenged WDW service/value when it opened last year, but the quality has dropped heavily over the past few months.

I bet Epic Universe stays open later since it's separate from the other parks. Whether it's just the central spine or not will be the question. At the current campus they can close the park down and still generate revenue with CityWalk, the new campus doesn't have that.

More people are purchasing wands because it adds another major element to the parks and can be reused on future visits. Lightsabers do not (aside from the short Savi's experience).

WDW food is much better.
Service at WDW is much better.

 

[Andrew25]

The discussion on the location of the in park hotel is fascinating to me. IMHO they are using the hotel as a backdrop to Centennial Park. I view that the water and fountains are what are going to draw your eye and draw you in, completed by the carrousel and starfall racers. It’s not a castle park and it’s not a Disney park. I think Universal has purposefully made these decisions so their parks aren’t viewed as copies of Disney parks. The Disney park design is a big weenie toward the middle of the park with the spoke radiating from there. That’s not how any of Universals parks feel. If I think of their parks it’s the Universal arch, and specific lands or attractions, it’s not a castle, a tree, a movie theater, or a golf ball.
It’s hard to do something different and it’s not going to please everyone.

BINGO

The emphasis (and I guess the general theme) of the park is the ability to "travel" the universe into different IPs, the hub is just your way to transit in between.

I bet Epic Universe stays open later since it's separate from the other parks. Whether it's just the central spine or not will be the question. At the current campus they can close the park down and still generate revenue with CityWalk, the new campus doesn't have that.

More people are purchasing wands because it adds another major element to the parks and can be reused on future visits. Lightsabers do not (aside from the short Savi's experience).

WDW food is much better.
Service at WDW is much better.

I do agree that most people are purchasing wands thanks to how small, useful, and easy it is to stow away. This is anecdotal, but on my fairly weekly trips to the parks, I see more wands being utilized/stored away than I do people carrying lightsabers from SWGE.

WDW food and more importantly service is far better than at Universal. It's amazing how the same company that can design and build world-class attractions within a year or two continues to fail to operate food & beverage inside theme parks efficiently.

I keep giving Universal the ability to redeem themselves and I get worse service each time. Cafe La Bamba rarely has more than 5 TMs working there, and most of them seem like it's their first day there. Green Eggs at Seuss is the best option over at IOA and rarely has more than 2 poor TMs have to take and make orders.

Just read Google reviews and you can easily pickup on a theme about the quality at Universal lol

 

[MisterPenguin]

A point of info for weal or woe...

The fireworks at EU will be over the hotel. So, everyone in the park will be facing the hotel for the fireworks show.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

A point of info for weal or woe...

The fireworks at EU will be over the hotel. So, everyone in the park will be facing the hotel for the fireworks show.

Interesting..so the fireworks will need to be high. I'm sure some projections will come into play as well as the large fountain in front. I wonder if there will be any small launch points/sprays that will be low-level or off of the actual hotel (Similar to the spray at MK)

 

[Andrew25]

Interesting..so the fireworks will need to be high. I'm sure some projections will come into play as well as the large fountain in front. I wonder if there will be any small launch points/sprays that will be low-level or off of the actual hotel (Similar to the spray at MK)

No, there is a rooftop bar in the hotel that will make that impossible lol

The hotel has lighting all over it, so I'd imagine it'll be lit up accordingly to the show kinda like SSE. But I doubt projections, too many windows to not make it worth it.

I'm also expecting drones here to be the big wow factor (at least new for Orlando).

 

[EatSalsa]

I'm *very* excited for Epic Universe to open. As a theme park industry enthusiast, I'm very proud of Universal for stepping up and opening up a brand new massive/major theme park. Imagine the money and planning this takes. Very impressed by them. Your move, Disney.

 

[JT3000]

It’s not about having a hotel linked to a park. It’s not about the land it utilizes. It’s not about how well it is or isn’t designed. It’s about the audacity of its placement. It’s as shameless as putting a towering gift-shop or churro stand as your parks focal point. We call them “castle parks” for a reason. Paris and Tokyo’s remain castle parks despite their hotels. Epic Universe is a “hotel park”. The others skirted a line, Universal boldly crossed it and this park is foundationally and permanently marred by that decision no matter the quality of execution. IMHO

I just don't see what's so audacious about the presence of a well-themed hotel. You're at a resort after all, you're likely staying in one. You can also see various hotels from Disney's parks, including ones you're not even supposed to see. It's also not a centerpiece in the same vein as Disney's castles. It's situated at the very back of a very large hub, so you will not have a prominent hotel in your face as you enter the park.

As for towering gift shops acting as a park's focal point, I've actually seen that episode before...

Spoiler

Also towering churro stands.

I'm not saying they're the worst, Six Flags and SeaWorld have them beat, but they are light years away from Disney's quality of service.

Universal has always closed early... when their attendance levels were less than half of what WDW acquired. Since then, IOA has become the 2nd most popular park in Orlando (according to TEA numbers, and I believe it as I visit each resort each week). How Universal continues to operate like in the Pre-Potter days will always be perplexing to me.

Never said CityWalk, but the quality of Antojitos and Cowfish, my usual favorites, has diminished my last few visits, unfortunately.

I see more people purchasing wands than lightsabers, I'm not trying to argue who is selling more. I just want to make the point that Universal isn't the bargain it once was. Prices have matched WDW now, and that's where expectations are for most people.

Also, WDW has far better food and service when it comes to quick service. Sure they both serve the typical tenders and burgers, but WDW has several great QSR options that are far better than anything at UOR. Satu'li, Connections, Docking Bay, Regal Eagle, Harbour House.

Minion Cafe is ok, and Cafe La Bamba seriously challenged WDW service/value when it opened last year, but the quality has dropped heavily over the past few months.

I think their service and general operations are light years away from that of a Six Flags, not Disney (especially at the current time), but I guess we'll have to agree to disagre. I just can't take that comparison seriously, especially after seeing it so many times on this forum.

My point in comparing wands to lightsabers is that Disney is selling a significantly more expensive souvenir which, unlike the wands, serves no practical purpose. Universal may match their prices in many ways, which is sadly necessary to remain competitive, but Disney continues to remind us that they wrote the book on overpriced theme park fare.

 

[Andrew25]

I think their service and general operations are light years away from that of a Six Flags, not Disney (especially at the current time), but I guess we'll have to agree to disagre. I just can't take that comparison seriously, especially after seeing it so many times on this forum.

My point in comparing wands to lightsabers is that Disney is selling a significantly more expensive souvenir which, unlike the wands, serves no practical purpose. Universal may match their prices in many ways, which is sadly necessary to remain competitive, but Disney continues to remind us that they wrote the book on overpriced theme park fare.

In terms of service, Disney is at the top, Universal is a few steps down, few steps down are parks like Dollywood/Silver Dollar, several steps down is Six Flags, and then all the wayyyyyy down into hell is SeaWorld.

From my experience, outside table service, Universal and Disney are priced somewhat evenly BUT you get way better service at WDW food is surprisingly much higher in quality.

Universal food is priced far higher than WDW with lower quality and just poor service. Just to name a few comparisons...

• Fish & Chips at Leaky Cauldron is $17.99... Fish & Chips at Yorkshire at Epcot $13.49 (Yorkshire is higher in quality and portion size)
• Personal Pizza at WDW is $11.29 and comes with salad... A cheese slice is $10.99 alone, $16.09 with a side salad (WDW is higher quality, and that's saying something!)
• Pernil Platter at Thunder Falls Terrace (best meal option at UOR overall) is $17.99... Satu'li's grilled beef bowl is $14.49 (best QSR meal in WDW) both offer similar portions and quality.

I guess the general point I'm trying to make is that while both resorts offer similar pricing, one offers great service... the other not so much unfortunately. And that comes from someone whose interest in theme parks was fueled by Universal's rapid expansion period post-Potter.

 

[celluloid]

In terms of service, Disney is at the top, Universal is a few steps down, few steps down are parks like Dollywood/Silver Dollar, several steps down is Six Flags, and then all the wayyyyyy down into hell is SeaWorld.

From my experience, outside table service, Universal and Disney are priced somewhat evenly BUT you get way better service at WDW food is surprisingly much higher in quality.

Universal food is priced far higher than WDW with lower quality and just poor service. Just to name a few comparisons...

• Fish & Chips at Leaky Cauldron is $17.99... Fish & Chips at Yorkshire at Epcot $13.49 (Yorkshire is higher in quality and portion size)
• Personal Pizza at WDW is $11.29 and comes with salad... A cheese slice is $10.99 alone, $16.09 with a side salad (WDW is higher quality, and that's saying something!)
• Pernil Platter at Thunder Falls Terrace (best meal option at UOR overall) is $17.99... Satu'li's grilled beef bowl is $14.49 (best QSR meal in WDW) both offer similar portions and quality.

I guess the general point I'm trying to make is that while both resorts offer similar pricing, one offers great service... the other not so much unfortunately. And that comes from someone whose interest in theme parks was fueled by Universal's rapid expansion period post-Potter.

That has not been my experience. Finnegans and Mythos are typically pretty darn solid and good food for the theme park price and environments.

I also never have to stress much about a reservation.

Quick Service at Universal also always is very fast for me(which is primarily why one goes) and I don't have trouble using an Annual Pass Discount on....at all of them.

Agreed on Sea World parks, which is so sad as it has gone downhill all around. Crown Colony house was once one of the best table service theme park experiences and value period.

 

[Andrew25]

That has not been my experience. Finnegans and Mythos are typically pretty darn solid and good food for the theme park price and environments.

I also never have to stress much about a reservation.

Quick Service at Universal also always is very fast for me(which is primarily why one goes) and I don't have trouble using an Annual Pass Discount on....at all of them.

Agreed on Sea World parks, which is so sad as it has gone downhill all around. Crown Colony house was once one of the best table service theme park experiences and value period.

I specifically mentioned QSR, Mythos and Finnegans (if you haven't had the soda bread you haven't lived) are saviors in a park devoid of any significant options.

Unless you've been very lucky, I've had nothing but slow service at the Universal QSR locations. I go quite often, and whenever I risk eating there I end up having to wait quite a while. Will never forget the day I waited 30 minutes for Cafe La Bamba, only because the server didn't know where my table was and decided to just leave my food sitting under a heat lamp lol

The one thing Universal has is that reservations haven't been as difficult to acquire as WDW, but its slowly changing.

 

[celluloid]

I specifically mentioned QSR, Mythos and Finnegans (if you haven't had the soda bread you haven't lived) are saviors in a park devoid of any significant options.

Unless you've been very lucky, I've had nothing but slow service at the Universal QSR locations. I go quite often, and whenever I risk eating there I end up having to wait quite a while. Will never forget the day I waited 30 minutes for Cafe La Bamba, only because the server didn't know where my table was and decided to just leave my food sitting under a heat lamp lol

The one thing Universal has is that reservations haven't been as difficult to acquire as WDW, but its slowly changing.

Yeah, I think you have been really unlucky. My QSR has been insanely quick. The best yet is at events how they have the kiosks at HHN dialed in.

Also, ten percent off on those too.

I hate knowing there is no discount for Disney QS no matter what Pass Tier you have.

 

[Andrew25]

Yeah, I think you have been really unlucky. My QSR has been insanely quick. The best yet is at events how they have the kiosks at HHN dialed in.

Also, ten percent off on those too.

I hate knowing there is no discount for Disney QS no matter what Pass Tier you have.

Well... let me stop you right there, I think Universal must love you and you've gotten very lucky lol (just look at google reviews of places like Cafe La Bamba, Richter's, etc.)

HHN did operate a lot better this year (still far from Disney's level of service), but felt like the quality of the offerings dropped significantly this year. Outside the Walking Taco and the Cordyceps Corn Dog, the event this year was rather lackluster.

Comparing prices between WDW and UOR, even with the discount at UOR, Disney is either priced the same or cheaper QSR wise.

 

[celluloid]

HHN did operate a lot better this year (still far from Disney's level of service), but felt like the quality of the offerings dropped significantly this year. Outside the Walking Taco and the Cordyceps Corn Dog, the event this year was rather lackluster.

Comparing prices between WDW and UOR, even with the discount at UOR, Disney is either priced the same or cheaper QSR wise.

I did like the food better in 2022 HHN, but service was just as fast that year and this year. By the time I walked to pick it up there was a fresh one coming to my hands.

The Duck Gallete was amazingly fun and themed as was Chucky's Popcorn. Not nearly as good as the Chicken Offals year though that is more personal taste preference.
Ravioli was decent enough and the can keepsake was excellent. The Hellfire sandwich was super amazing.

I think so much of this still comes down to taste. Disney's quick service in most cases is no better to me.

I don't particularly love Richter's but I can't say it is much different from any quick service Disney burger.

I think as basic as FFBlvd choices are at Universal, they are better burgers than all of Disney's quick service burgers.

Lost Continent used to have the best quick service of just about any theme park anywhere. Unfortunately that has declined by degrees.

Different conversation but Uni also treats their Team Members much better with discounts. Fun fact for many, Cast Members hardly ever(when I was there it was just restaurantosaurus) get a discount on quick service.

Universal also has far cheaper soft drinks through plans than Disney. That discounts can also be stacked on.

Pros and cons. Both handle things pretty darn well, but sometimes it comes down to taste and experience.

 

[JT3000]

Ravioli was decent enough and the can keepsake was excellent.

Until they somehow ran out of cans for half the event...

 

[celluloid]

Until they somehow ran out of cans for half the event...

The demand was nutty.

 

[UNCgolf]

I think as basic as FFBlvd choices are at Universal, they are better burgers than all of Disney's quick service burgers.

The food we had at FFBlvd may honestly be the the worst food I've ever tried to eat in my life, so I strongly disagree. Both the chicken fingers and the burgers were so terrible we just threw them away after a couple of bites; I didn't know it was possible to screw those simple items up that badly. Electric Umbrella was like gourmet dining in comparison.

That was a few years ago, though, so maybe it's improved.

 

[celluloid]

The food we had at FFBlvd may honestly be the the worst food I've ever tried to eat in my life, so I strongly disagree. Both the chicken fingers and the burgers were so terrible.

I am not doubting one could get a bad batch or dislike the style...but if someone says honestly the worst food anyone has ever tried being a chicken tender and a burger in the same place makes me think one has a limited pallet or it is a bit hyperbole.
Sucks that you had such bad dishes that order.

 

[UNCgolf]

I am not doubting one could get a bad batch or dislike the style...but if someone says honestly the worst food anyone has ever tried being a chicken tender and a burger in the same place makes me think one has a limited pallet or it is a bit hyperbole.
Sucks that you had such a bad dish.

I think that's the opposite of a limited palate, and no, it's not hyperbole. We both threw our food away -- I remember it vividly because of how bad it was, and the fact that it should be impossible to make incredibly simple food like burgers and chicken tenders that badly.

CityWalk has some very good food, but everything we ate inside the parks was terrible. Nothing else was remotely as bad as the Fast Food Boulevard food (it would be hard for anything else to be that bad), but Confisco also had bad food and horrendous service on top of it.

EDIT: Just as an example, Vivo Italian at CityWalk was surprisingly good and much, much better than Via Napoli.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I specifically mentioned QSR, Mythos and Finnegans (if you haven't had the soda bread you haven't lived) are saviors in a park devoid of any significant options.

I haven't tried Mythos, usually no reservations when I went. So, the only place I'll eat in UOF is Finnegans. It's hard to mess up Shepherd's Pie or a Pot Pie. Unlike the inedible burgers of Mel's Diner.

 

[Andrew25]

I haven't tried Mythos, usually no reservations when I went. So, the only place I'll eat in UOF is Finnegans. It's hard to mess up Shepherd's Pie or a Pot Pie. Unlike the inedible burgers of Mel's Diner.

Mythos is decent, it's maybe a few dollars more than the typical QSR location, so it's worth it.

Fun visual of just how badly UOR food is received compared to WDW. (Touring Plans and Google Reviews weighed to get an overall rating).
Blue - WDW
Yellow - UOR
Purple - SeaWorld