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

[DarkMetroid567]

They look incredible but I agree that they don’t necessarily Best some of the stuff we’ve seen. It’s a lot easier to make an animatronic look scary than to make one look friendly (see: Po animatronics at Universal Beijing).

My ACTUAL concern is upkeep. B-Mode always arrives…

 

[dav23]

People saying these only look okay or are "on par" with Rise of the Resistance need to get their eyes checked. Rise has a bunch of AA's with limited movement and in masks. These look like they're one a whole other level.

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

People saying these only look okay or are "on par" with Rise of the Resistance need to get their eyes checked. Rise has a bunch of AA's with limited movement and in masks. These look like they're one a whole other level.

Maybe because Rise has 65 animatronics?

 

[dav23]

Maybe because Rise has 65 animatronics?

Yes, 65 animatronics that have limited movement and are in masks...

 

[DarkMetroid567]

People saying these only look okay or are "on par" with Rise of the Resistance need to get their eyes checked. Rise has a bunch of AA's with limited movement and in masks. These look like they're one a whole other level.

Anyone bothering now is comparing apples to oranges. The animatronics are being used in completely different ways for different purposes and emotive values. One example is the final Kylo AA, which has an incredible range of motion yet I still find it looks kinda silly.

Also, we haven’t actually seen the Monsters animatronics in action on the ride yet. We should prob reserve judgment until then.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I don't think anyone was comparing the state-of-the-arts AA in EU's Monster Ride with the limited motion troopers in Rise.

That would be kinda dumb, no?

The comparison was likely calling out Rylo's AAs.

 

[lightningtap347]

I don't think anyone was comparing the state-of-the-arts AA in EU's Monster Ride with the limited motion troopers in Rise.

That would be kinda dumb, no?

The comparison was likely calling out Rylo's AAs.

But then how will I argue for ten more pages?

 

[MisterPenguin]

But then how will I argue for ten more pages?

 

[andre85]

Anyone bothering now is comparing apples to oranges. The animatronics are being used in completely different ways for different purposes and emotive values. One example is the final Kylo AA, which has an incredible range of motion yet I still find it looks kinda silly.

100%. I'm sure it's impressive, but that one always looked goofy to me. The one earlier in the ride is a lot more convincing, imo

 

[sonoma15]

The AAs are very well done. I believe Animax or Roush was the vendor. Anyone know? UC did a great job with the animation.

It will be interesting to see how the figures compare to the Walt Disney animatronic which will have features and innovations that WDI has never achieved before and promises to be their most lifelike human figure ever.

It was Roush! Hopefully Universal considers them for when they want to do more animatronics in the future after Epic too because these look great! Does anyone know if Roush helps WDI at all with their animatronics? I know they already work with Disney a lot on other things.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

A positive step would be if they last longer than the Yeti…I’m sure UNI realizes that…we shall see if their B mode is better or worse than Disney’s…
As ASIA sang, “Only Time Will Tell”…

 

[TalkToEthan]

but I don't think any of these top Disney's best,

And which are Disney’s best?

Beauty & Beast Tokyo??
The space pirate/runner from Mil Falcon??
Navi River Shaman??


…..because something like Odie(a figure I think was done well), WDW’s latest and greatest, is not in the same league as what Universal just revealed.

 

[andre85]

A positive step would be if they last longer than the Yeti…I’m sure UNI realizes that…we shall see if their B mode is better or worse than Disney’s…
As ASIA sang, “Only Time Will Tell”…

I'm trying to think...does Universal have official b-modes for other rides? I can only think of Disney examples...

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

I showed my 6yo son the video and he asked if Frankenstein's monster was a guy in a costume. I had to clarify it was an animatronic. His mind was blown. Mine too.

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

I'm trying to think...does Universal have official b-modes for other rides? I can only think of Disney examples...

Arguably Reign of Kong is in permanent b-mode. No outdoor section or 3D glasses.

 

[wdwmagic]

And which are Disney’s best?

Beauty & Beast Tokyo??
The space pirate/runner from Mil Falcon??
Navi River Shaman??


…..because something like Odie(a figure I think was done well), WDW’s latest and greatest, is not in the same league as what Universal just revealed.

Yeah I would say DAK River Journey and Hondo at Smugglers Run are up there.

 

[andre85]

Arguably Reign of Kong is in permanent b-mode. No outdoor section or 3D glasses.

The most depressing example

 

[BrianLo]

We'll have to see how Walt's animatronic shakes out. I'd anticipate that will be WDI's next major showpiece animatronic.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

…..because something like Odie(a figure I think was done well), WDW’s latest and greatest, is not in the same league as what Universal just revealed.

Again, we need to wait and see. AAs tend to look a lot better in close-up + slow-motion reels than they do in person. Although there’s no denying that Frank is looking incredible.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

"That Phantom sure can play! I've asked all his spooky friends to join the party!"