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

[DarkMetroid567]

The show building for Minion Mayhem at Universal Singapore had zero effort as well

This is true, but I’ll be honest, I at least like how the Minion Mayhem showbuildings look. USS I think is weirdly impressive with sightlines/showbuildings given how small and otherwise lackluster it is.

 

[Stripes]

It’s overflow. Not saying it won’t be used, but it’s overflow.

What is your definition of an overflow queue?

 

[DarkMetroid567]

It’s overflow. Not saying it won’t be used, but it’s overflow.

We don’t really know this yet, they could have pulled a Cosmic Rewind.

 

[SplashJacket]

No, it’s a budget cut. It’s part of the actual queue. Not overflow. The switchbacks hold a higher amount of people per square foot.

I agree, it’s a budget cut, and no, it is overflow.

The model also had overflow highlighted in white. The model had queue space highlighted in red. The area outlined in blue is the new overflow.

They realized they didn’t need that much queue (and got to save money) but if the queue was too long that it infrequently got used, you’re not losing out.

 

[SplashJacket]

What is your definition of an overflow queue?

An area of the queue can can easily be bypassed and is usually bypassed outside of extraordinary circumstances.

I.E. the smuggler’s run overflow queue backstage. I.E. the Mario Kart huge queue rooms with switchbacks that are always bypassed.

 

[Stripes]

I agree, it’s a budget cut, and no, it is overflow.

View attachment 822846
The model also had overflow highlighted in white. The model had queue space highlighted in red. The area outlined in blue is the new overflow.

They realized they didn’t need that much queue (and got to save money) but if the queue was too long that it infrequently got used, you’re not losing out.

But the new queue will hold just as many people. It’s just regular switchbacks which makes it easy to cram more people in a smaller space. I think it will be used more often than not but I guess we’ll have to wait and find out.

Either way, bottom line is I was really looking forward to the the cemetary queue. And now I’m not.

 

[lazyboy97o]

No, it’s a budget cut. It’s part of the actual queue. Not overflow. The switchbacks hold a higher amount of people per square foot.

What is your definition of an overflow queue?

Shaded outdoor queue is generally going to be considered to be more overflow than not for an indoor attraction. Monsters Unleashed should still have an unusually substantial indoor queue.

That said, Universal has definitely been trying to cut spending on queues. The operating preferences also means that a par so dedicated to immersion is likely going to be doing the equivalent of dumping people out back a lot when it first opens.

 

[TalkToEthan]

Tbh, there’s nothing amazing about a park being better than DHS

Yes, there is……you’re missing the important underlying point:

Studios had 35 years to get its act together and Epic comes to the table on opening day ready to play.

 

[SplashJacket]

But the new queue will hold just as many people. It’s just regular switchbacks which makes it easy to cram more people in a smaller space. I think it will be used more often than not but I guess we’ll have to wait and find out.

Either way, bottom line is I was really looking forward to the the cemetary queue. And now I’m not.

That’s ??? Just false

They removed the overflow queue in the model with switch backs and replaced the cemetery queue with a nicer overflow that shouldn’t be used often.

So they had 2 queue sections and now they have 1 that takes the place of the overflow queue in the model.

 

[Jayspency]

I think its upsetting to lose a really cool extended queue but I don't think this should be a reason to lose hope in EU. An extended queue is not the end all be all of the park and I'm certain despite a few budget cuts Epic Universe will still deliver.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think its upsetting to lose a really cool extended queue but I don't think this should be a reason to lose hope in EU. An extended queue is not the end all be all of the park and I'm certain despite a few budget cuts Epic Universe will still deliver.

The park is over budget, so it’s not really budget cuts as people think of them.

 

[Stripes]

They removed the overflow queue in the model with switch backs and replaced the cemetery queue with a nicer overflow that shouldn’t be used often.

I think they moved the location of the model switchbacks because they wanted to cut the theming on the small building to the left. I think the blue section will be used as the new overflow switchbacks.

 

[Squishy]

Are they still planning a firework show with shells for this park? I'm confused how the rumored launch site is possible with the hotel and it's parking lot right next to it.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Are they still planning a firework show with shells for this park? I'm confused how the rumored launch site is possible with the hotel and it's parking lot right next to it.

Yes. They did a test a couple of months ago with some big shells.

 

[Squishy]

Yes. They did a test a couple of months ago with some big shells.

So are they just not gonna allow guests to leave or enter the parking lot for 1-2hours?

 

[rd805]

In my view, Epic should easily top Hollywood Studios opening day.

For comparable experiences:

DHS	Epic
Rise	Potter
ToT	Monsters
MMRR	MK
Slinky	Isle of Berk Coaster
Alien Swirling Saucers	Isle of Berk Flat
Rockin Rollercoaster	Star Dust Racers

Then for Smugglers Run, TSMM, and Star Tours, Epic has the Donkey Kong coaster, Isle of Berk boats, Yoshi, Monsters Coaster, and the hub Carousel. I’d say that’s a more than fair 3-5 trade.

Then for shows, HWS has Mermaid, Muppet Vision, Disney Jr. Mickey Shorts, and Fantasmic. Epic will have a night show (probably), dragon theater show, and Potter show. The potter and dragons show should be better than everything DHS has barring Fantasmic.

This is before considering streemosphere and atmospheric upgrades Epic will have over the often ill-contrived DHS.

You’re welcome to temper your expectations on Epic, but really should be the most impressive opening day park since Epcot, and should be able to compete and beat current “world-class” Orlando parks.

This is an amazing side by side comparison.

If Hollywood Studios opened today with their current lineup and we were experiencing everything for the first time, I think we'd be pretty happy with our day.

Taking this into consideration with EPIC (while also the probable crowd overload), I still think I'm going to ADORE this new park. Been looking forward to it since before it was even announced, and land was acquired.

 

[rd805]

Though I don’t really care how it ranks amongst the existing WDW and UOR parks, and as we’ve learned from Orlando, it matters less what is available on opening day and more what they actually keep up ten years later.


I’m huge on coasters so I’m certainly not complaining but I suppose it does come at an opportunity cost of other experiences like traditional dark rides or family rides. I can’t see too many parents seeing Epic as a kid-friendly park unless their kid is into Mario.

I truly believe they will add on the rumored rides to plus this park by 2 attractions relatively quickly. They announced the Potter expansion 8 years after IoA opened, opening it 11 years later.

If they do have space for a Potter, Luigi's Mansion, or Creature of the Black Lagoon attraction in each land, and end up adding one at 4 at years, one at 6 years..... I don't think that's asking too much.

 

[rd805]

Whatever, WDW has this now:

View attachment 822542

I'm flipping IMMERSED.

 

[TalkToEthan]

I'm flipping IMMERSED.

6th graders at a public school could have put on a production equal to or better than that.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

The launch site is in the middle of the pond behind the hotel, nothing around it for hundreds of feet. They won’t have to close anything to launch them.