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

[Andrew25]

I agree with these statements based on what I’ve seen / heard. I do think a lot of theme park enthusiasts will need to temper their expectations a bit from what the hype train has built this up as. This is not a ”Disney killer” and not a game changer for the theme park industry. If all four portal lands were on the immersive level of Ministry then it might be different.

Yes, theme park enthusiasts need to temper expectations a bit. Ministry & Monsters are great attractions, but a lot of people are wondering if the park will match DisneySea in design and scale... it certainly won't. There are sections of the park that will look great, but they're just partial sections or have visual intrusions once you turn the corner. DisneySea is completely themed everywhere you look.

I don't think Univeral is doing anything unique theming-wise here, but they are attempting a few things...

• More unique entertainment (flying drones during the day)
• Unique F&B options, not just chicken tenders and burgers
• Facial recognition (I'm sure more parks will utilize the tech as it is very easy to use)

It's looking like Potter ate up the budget for another Universal expansion.... again.

Potter had an attraction cut, so I wouldn't necessarily blame it on that. Universal just had extra time with Covid to fine-tune the park and cut anything that they didn't deem necessary (Monsters Show and VR attraction at Potter).

 

[Andrew C]

DisneySea is completely themed everywhere you look.

Epic matching DisneySea was never a thought that entered my mind? Did it really enter the minds of others?

 

[Moth]

I think the proper term for EU is ambitious, and it looks like they'll stick the landing pretty hard.

It's the closest the USA will get to its own DisneySea in my eyes (still weaker than DisneySea but still), but I think the effort put into EU is great.

I am curious if I'd still be as receptive to EU if Disney wasn't actively shooting itself in the foot but still.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

Epic matching DisneySea was never a thought that entered my mind? Did it really enter the minds of others?

Try Twitter or YT/Instagram/TikTok comments!

It's the closest the USA will get to its own DisneySea in my eyes (still weaker than DisneySea but still), but I think the effort put into EU is great.

Imo it’s hard to see how this isn’t still Animal Kingdom. The design philosophies, down to the river/sea throughlines and mostly IP-less lands, are super similar.

Honestly it’s hard to think of what TDS and EU actually do have in common.

 

[Moth]

Try Twitter or YT/Instagram/TikTok comments!

Imo it’s hard to see how this isn’t still Animal Kingdom. The design philosophies, down to the river/sea throughlines and mostly IP-less lands, are super similar.

Honestly it’s hard to think of what TDS and EU actually do have in common.

Nono, you're right. DAK is the closer comparison. Much more fitting.

EU is what DHS wants to be, I guess .

Themed, immersive IP lands, only that EU has (seemingly!) pulled it off and the best DHS can give us is Galaxy's Edge.

 

[Disney Analyst]

I think the proper term for EU is ambitious, and it looks like they'll stick the landing pretty hard.

It's the closest the USA will get to its own DisneySea in my eyes (still weaker than DisneySea but still), but I think the effort put into EU is great.

I am curious if I'd still be as receptive to EU if Disney wasn't actively shooting itself in the foot but still.

Not at all. The closest we’ve gotten is Animal Kingdom. Regardless if you find it a full day park, or love the attraction line up, from a theme and immersion standpoint, AK is still king. I don’t think EU is close to that level, not with barebones coasters and sight line intrusions in multiple lands.

 

[Moth]

Not at all. The closest we’ve gotten is Animal Kingdom. Regardless if you find it a full day park, or love the attraction line up, from a theme and immersion standpoint, AK is still king. I don’t think EU is close to that level, not with barebones coasters and sight line intrusions in multiple lands.

Yeah, I stand corrected on that point. Even with Tropical Americas, DAK is what the US has closest to DisneySea.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Yeah, I stand corrected on that point. Even with Tropical Americas, DAK is what the US has closest to DisneySea.

Hear hear! I still maintain, Animal Kingdom is the best themed park I’ve ever visited.

But Disney Sea is coming up this year, so I can finally visit the king/queen of all theme parks!

 

[Andrew C]

Try Twitter or YT/Instagram/TikTok comments!

That cesspool doesnt count.

 

[Rich Brownn]

I wonder if photos will be allowed during the previews. Doubtful, but there's also a lot less they can do to family/friends than TMs

Friend of mine says the small print says "family only" - although how they would enforce that is beyond me

 

[Rich Brownn]

Did they announce those things? Hell, I'd settle for Mary Poppins.

Not only did the announce them but they had actual "coming soon" billboards on the sites

 

[Jrb1979]

Hear hear! I still maintain, Animal Kingdom is the best themed park I’ve ever visited.

But Disney Sea is coming up this year, so I can finally visit the king/queen of all theme parks!

IMO Efteling is the best theme park.

In regards to EU and the hype, IMO I never thought it was going to be the best theme park ever built. What EU was always supposed to do is make Universal a 4-5 day vacation as opposed to the current 2-3 day vacation.

 

[Baloo124]

Personally, I can't see comparing EU to DSea or DAK. Just way too different in so many ways.

To me, EU comes closest to IOA, which is great considering that's my 2nd favorite theme park in O-Town right behind MK.
Edit to add: And MK has the advantage of nostalgia for many of its attractions. Take that aspect away, and IOA could very easily be my #1 in all of O-town and elsewhere.

 

[Baloo124]

IMO Efteling is the best theme park.

Haven't been (yet). From what I've seen via YouTube, this park looks like a must visit for any of us who appreciate Disney/Universal level of theme and storytelling.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I had an Epic day today.

It is a VERY solid theme park.

Celestial Park is beautiful. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is closer to Cheetah Hunt than Slinky Dog Dash. The Carousel is surprisingly good. And Victoria Frankenstein and the Forbidden Experiment is next level. I got to walk through the 7 mile long queue for the new Potter ride. And Pizza Moon has great quick service pizza.

 

[DisneyDean97]

Personally, I can't see comparing EU to DSea or DAK. Just way too different in so many ways.

To me, EU comes closest to IOA, which is great considering that's my 2nd favorite theme park in O-Town right behind MK.
Edit to add: And MK has the advantage of nostalgia for many of its attractions. Take that aspect away, and IOA could very easily be my #1 in all of O-town and elsewhere.

I agree with you on both accounts, although take my nostalgia away from MK, I still think IoA needs one more standout dark ride. Kong could have been that if they didn't just copy the tram portion from Hollywood. IoA needs something like Pirates of the Caribbean, long, all ages can ride, not screen heavy.

 

[Agent H]

I got to walk through the 7 mile long queue for the new Potter ride.

7 miles?!

 

[MisterPenguin]

7 miles?!

It starts at Dockside.

 

[Agent H]

It starts at Dockside.

Are you being serious?

 

[MisterPenguin]

Are you being serious?

I thought you knew me!!!