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

OG Runner

Well-Known Member
Or maybe, instead of "going for cheap," they were just aiming for a different demographic that doesn't have $896 to spend for a night in a hotel. Did you stop to think of that? Universal is a corporation worth billions of dollars. If they wanted to build fancy accommodations for the rich, they would. That was not their intention.

When either company announces their intention to provide a fancy room & amenities without an astronomical price tag, let me know. That would actually be impressive rather than par for the course.



I'm sorry, but your conclusion is entirely subjective, based on variables that are difficult to compare at best. You can argue the topic all you want, but you're not going to convince anyone by merely reiterating your own stance.

The only reason I am restating my opinion, is that people keep coming back referencing what I said, and by their responses clearly
show they have no understanding of what I was saying. My conclusions are not subjective. Someone stated Universal is doing things
better than Disney is now. I along with others have shown specific reasons why that is not true.
 

Jon81uk

Well-Known Member
The only reason I am restating my opinion, is that people keep coming back referencing what I said, and by their responses clearly
show they have no understanding of what I was saying. My conclusions are not subjective. Someone stated Universal is doing things
better than Disney is now. I along with others have shown specific reasons why that is not true.

Expect Universal is doing some things better than Disney and other things Disney are doing better.

Universal have added at least one new attraction a year and built them quickly with announcements well-timed to get the right interest at the right time. They have also heavily invested in the value and mid-range hotel levels.
Disney realised they do need to build in Florida after a few years of adding very little and has produced some spectacular themed lands but has a tendency to over-promise and then under-deliver and to make it feel drawn out by announcing too early. Disney are also heavily investing in their timeshare business and their deluxe accommodations.

Its not that Universal are doing "more", I never said that originally. Just that they are in general building quicker and announcing at the right time so it seems even quicker.
Yes the Terminator 2 building has sat empty for a long time, but its not like they have announced and back-tracked. Whereas Disney announced the Main Street theatre before construction started and then needed to cancel. Staying quiet on plans is worthwhile.
 
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OG Runner

Well-Known Member
Jon81uk, honestly not trying argue, but "Universal has added at least one new attraction a year and built them quickly"?
For how many years? Which attractions?
 

lebeau

Well-Known Member
Jon81uk, honestly not trying argue, but "Universal has added at least one new attraction a year and built them quickly"?
For how many years? Which attractions?

From TP.com: (Does not include Volcano Bay which opened in 2017)

DATEATTRACTION
18-Apr-2000​
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
12-Jun-2003​
Shrek 4-D
21-May-2004​
Revenge of the Mummy
03-Jun-2005​
Fear Factor Live
17-Jan-2008​
Disaster! - A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring YOU
15-May-2008​
The Simpsons Ride
19-Aug-2009​
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
18-Jun-2010​
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
08-May-2012​
Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories
08-May-2012​
Universal's Superstar Parade
02-Jul-2012​
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
20-Jun-2013​
Transformers: The Ride-3D
11-Aug-2013​
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
08-Jul-2014​
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley Entrance Gate
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley Exit Gate
08-Jul-2014​
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - King's Cross Station
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Return Trip to King's Cross
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express Arrival
08-Jul-2014​
Knight Bus
08-Jul-2014​
Ollivanders
08-Jul-2014​
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Hogsmeade Station
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Return Trip to Hogsmeade
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express Arrival
23-May-2015​
Raptor Encounter
05-Sep-2015​
Beat Builders
05-Sep-2015​
Sing it!
05-Sep-2015​
Straight Outta Food Truck
02-Nov-2015​
Street Breakz
27-Nov-2015​
Flying Fish Market
01-Jun-2016​
Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas
13-Jul-2016​
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
06-Apr-2017​
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
18-Nov-2017​
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
26-Jan-2018​
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
23-Apr-2018​
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
16-Jul-2018​
Universal's Cinematic Celebration - Epic Cinema Under the Stars
13-Jun-2019​
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
14-Sep-2019​
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
 

lebeau

Well-Known Member
If you're gonna pad the list like that with things like "Straight Outta Food Truck" then Disney's list from 2000 would be longer.

That's why I provided the source (TP.com). It's not my list. Figured it was the best way to be objective. This is what TP.com considers to be attractions.

I figured I'd post it without comment and let people draw their own conclusions.

The entire argument is pretty silly. It is entirely subjective. But here are some facts to back up whatever opinions people have already formed.
 

OG Runner

Well-Known Member
That's why I provided the source (TP.com). It's not my list. Figured it was the best way to be objective. This is what TP.com considers to be attractions.

I figured I'd post it without comment and let people draw their own conclusions.

The entire argument is pretty silly. It is entirely subjective. But here are some facts to back up whatever opinions people have already formed.

So what does TP.com have listed for Disney over the same time period? Be honest, do you consider some these attractions.
I know what TP.com says. I would not consider Disney's March of the First Order as a new attraction, but by this standard it would
be one.
 

OG Runner

Well-Known Member
June 1, 2000Fantasyland Woodwind Society
June 20, 2000Main Street Philharmonic
May 23, 2001The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
October 1, 2001Share A Dream Come True Parade
October 8, 2003Mickey's PhilharMagic
October 9, 2003Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
November 16, 2004Stitch's Great Escape!
December 1, 2004Main Street Trolley Show
September 1, 2005Pooh's Playful Spot
September 30, 2005Happy HalloWishes Fireworks
November 27, 2005Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
August 10, 2006Disney's Dreams Come True Parade
September 30, 2006Dream Along With Mickey
April 2, 2007Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
November 12, 2007A Frozen Holiday Wish
December 1, 2007Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
July 3, 2008Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
January 23, 2009Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade
February 12, 2009Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party
May 6, 2009Stitch's Supersonic Celebration
October 26, 2009Characters from The Princess and the Frog
June 6, 2010Club 626 Dance Party
June 6, 2010Summer Nightastic! Fireworks
October 15, 2010Tangled Meet and Greet
January 19, 2011The Magic, The Memories, and You!
February 13, 2011Adventureland Veranda Princess Meet & Greet
April 1, 2011Meet Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater
April 1, 2011Town Square Theater Princess Meet and Greet
July 15, 2011Tinker Bell's Magical Nook
February 22, 2012Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
February 29, 2012Disney's Up All night Dance Party
May 18, 2012Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
June 15, 2012Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station
October 4, 2012Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete's Silly Side Show
October 4, 2012Meet Dashing Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Side Show
November 12, 2012Celebrate the Magic
December 6, 2012Enchanted Tales with Belle
December 6, 2012Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
December 6, 2012Royal Majesty Makers
December 6, 2012Storybook Circus Giggle Gang
December 6, 2012Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
December 6, 2012Wowzer the Clown
May 31, 2013A Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
September 18, 2013Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
September 18, 2013Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall
December 9, 2013Incredible Tomorrowland Expo
March 9, 2014Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
April 20, 2014Meet-and-Greet with Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
May 20, 2014Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
May 28, 2014Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
November 8, 2015VoicePlay
June 17, 2016Meet Rapunzel and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
June 17, 2016Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire
August 11, 2016Princess Elena Royal Welcome
October 2, 2016The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History
November 4, 2016Once Upon a Time
November 7, 2016Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration
November 24, 2016Meet Cinderella & Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
November 24, 2016Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
April 26, 2017iCan the Showbot
May 12, 2017Happily Ever After
May 19, 2017Cosmic Dance Party
November 9, 2017Reindeer Wranglers
August 17, 2018Frontierland Costume Promenade
January 18, 2019Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
August 16, 2019Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular
From TP.com: (Does not include Volcano Bay which opened in 2017)

DATEATTRACTION
18-Apr-2000​
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
12-Jun-2003​
Shrek 4-D
21-May-2004​
Revenge of the Mummy
03-Jun-2005​
Fear Factor Live
17-Jan-2008​
Disaster! - A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring YOU
15-May-2008​
The Simpsons Ride
19-Aug-2009​
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
18-Jun-2010​
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
08-May-2012​
Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories
08-May-2012​
Universal's Superstar Parade
02-Jul-2012​
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
20-Jun-2013​
Transformers: The Ride-3D
11-Aug-2013​
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
08-Jul-2014​
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley Entrance Gate
08-Jul-2014​
Diagon Alley Exit Gate
08-Jul-2014​
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - King's Cross Station
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Return Trip to King's Cross
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express Arrival
08-Jul-2014​
Knight Bus
08-Jul-2014​
Ollivanders
08-Jul-2014​
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Hogsmeade Station
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express - Return Trip to Hogsmeade
08-Jul-2014​
Hogwarts Express Arrival
23-May-2015​
Raptor Encounter
05-Sep-2015​
Beat Builders
05-Sep-2015​
Sing it!
05-Sep-2015​
Straight Outta Food Truck
02-Nov-2015​
Street Breakz
27-Nov-2015​
Flying Fish Market
01-Jun-2016​
Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas
13-Jul-2016​
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
06-Apr-2017​
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
18-Nov-2017​
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
26-Jan-2018​
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
23-Apr-2018​
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
16-Jul-2018​
Universal's Cinematic Celebration - Epic Cinema Under the Stars
13-Jun-2019​
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
14-Sep-2019​
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

I figured why wait. How does this compare?

June 1, 2000Fantasyland Woodwind Society
June 20, 2000Main Street Philharmonic
May 23, 2001The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
October 1, 2001Share A Dream Come True Parade
October 8, 2003Mickey's PhilharMagic
October 9, 2003Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
November 16, 2004Stitch's Great Escape!
December 1, 2004Main Street Trolley Show
September 1, 2005Pooh's Playful Spot
September 30, 2005Happy HalloWishes Fireworks
November 27, 2005Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
August 10, 2006Disney's Dreams Come True Parade
September 30, 2006Dream Along With Mickey
April 2, 2007Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
November 12, 2007A Frozen Holiday Wish
December 1, 2007Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
July 3, 2008Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
January 23, 2009Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade
February 12, 2009Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party
May 6, 2009Stitch's Supersonic Celebration
October 26, 2009Characters from The Princess and the Frog
June 6, 2010Club 626 Dance Party
June 6, 2010Summer Nightastic! Fireworks
October 15, 2010Tangled Meet and Greet
January 19, 2011The Magic, The Memories, and You!
February 13, 2011Adventureland Veranda Princess Meet & Greet
April 1, 2011Meet Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater
April 1, 2011Town Square Theater Princess Meet and Greet
July 15, 2011Tinker Bell's Magical Nook
February 22, 2012Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
February 29, 2012Disney's Up All night Dance Party
May 18, 2012Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
June 15, 2012Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station
October 4, 2012Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete's Silly Side Show
October 4, 2012Meet Dashing Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Side Show
November 12, 2012Celebrate the Magic
December 6, 2012Enchanted Tales with Belle
December 6, 2012Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
December 6, 2012Royal Majesty Makers
December 6, 2012Storybook Circus Giggle Gang
December 6, 2012Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
December 6, 2012Wowzer the Clown
May 31, 2013A Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
September 18, 2013Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
September 18, 2013Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall
December 9, 2013Incredible Tomorrowland Expo
March 9, 2014Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
April 20, 2014Meet-and-Greet with Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
May 20, 2014Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
May 28, 2014Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
November 8, 2015VoicePlay
June 17, 2016Meet Rapunzel and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
June 17, 2016Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire
August 11, 2016Princess Elena Royal Welcome
October 2, 2016The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History
November 4, 2016Once Upon a Time
November 7, 2016Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration
November 24, 2016Meet Cinderella & Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
November 24, 2016Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
April 26, 2017iCan the Showbot
May 12, 2017Happily Ever After
May 19, 2017Cosmic Dance Party
November 9, 2017Reindeer Wranglers
August 17, 2018Frontierland Costume Promenade
January 18, 2019Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
August 16, 2019Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular
 

lebeau

Well-Known Member
I figured why wait. How does this compare?

How it compares is up to you. You're talking about 4 parks vs. 2. I would expect WDW to have a longer list.

Your original question was for how many years has Universal added an attraction a year and which attractions were added. You can look at my post for the answers.

What stuck out to me was that Universal opened a ride every year since 2008 with the exceptions of 2011 and 2015 which were the years following major HP expansions.

The rides from 2016-2018 are not among Universal's best although I would argue that Kong and Fallon both get more hate than they deserve. F&F is a dumpster fire. If you want to talk quality of attractions, they had a real downward trend for a few years there. But right in the middle of that, they also opened a third gate and expanded their hotels. How much that matters to you is entirely subjective.

I'm not really interested in comparing it to Disney and I am surprised to see that you of all people are. You, more than anyone else I have interacted on these boards, have chastised anyone who drew comparisons between Disney and Universal no matter how relevant they were to the topic at hand. And now you're posting lists of Disney attractions and asking how they stack up inviting the comparisons you have complained about for years!

Who are you and what have you done with Edward Jackson? ;)
 
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OG Runner

Well-Known Member
How it compares is up to you. You're talking about 4 parks vs. 2. I would expect WDW to have a longer list.

Your original question was for how many years has Universal added an attraction a year and which attractions were added. You can look at my post for the answers.

What stuck out to me was that Universal opened a ride every year since 2008 with the exceptions of 2011 and 2015 which were the years following major HP expansions.

The rides from 2016-2018 are not among Universal's best although I would argue that Kong and Fallon both get more hate than they deserve. F&F is a real dumpster fire. If you want to talk quality of attractions, they had a real downward trend for a few years there. But right in the middle of that, they also opened a third gate and expanded their hotels. How much that matters to you is entirely subjective.

I'm not really interested in comparing it to Disney and I am surprised to see that you of all people are. You, more than anyone else I have interacted on these boards, have chastised anyone who drew comparisons between Disney and Universal no matter how relevant they were to the topic at hand. And now you're posting lists of Disney attractions and asking how they stack up inviting the comparisons you have complained about for years!

Who are you and what have you done with Edward Jackson? ;)

It is still me. I have always looked to keep an even keel on all discussions. I can't totally explain why but the way it was stated that
Universal is doing things much better than Disney, just sounded wrong, and off it went. I will leave here and get back to normal
discussions.
 

lebeau

Well-Known Member
It is still me. I have always looked to keep an even keel on all discussions. I can't totally explain why but the way it was stated that
Universal is doing things much better than Disney, just sounded wrong, and off it went. I will leave here and get back to normal
discussions.

They are both doing some things right and they are both dropping the ball on some things. I have a very clear preference for Universal these days to the degree that I rarely ever venture outside of this part of the forums. Nothing Disney is doing interests me. But that's purely subjective. My family values the relatively relaxing, stress-free experience Universal offers that Disney will never be able to match (because they are too big and too popular). We consider Disney to no longer be worth the hassle no matter what they add.

If you'd have told me 10 years ago that Disney was going to open a Star Wars land and that I wouldn't have any desire to visit it, I'd have said you were crazy, but here we are. It's open and I don't care.

Obviously, there are throngs of people that are willing to put up with the expenses and challenges of WDW. It seems to me like Disney could double the price tomorrow and the place would still be packed. I belong to Universal communities a FB and even there you see people touting their preference for Disney. That's great! I'm glad they still enjoy it. Neither resort is objectively better than the other. Despite superficial similarities, they are vastly different and your preferences (and mine) are purely subjective.

Put another way...

One thing I do know? WE are the winners in this race between 2 entertainment giants. A win'win situation for the consumers. New rides and attractions everywhere, no matter which park, is great for us in the long run.
 

Disneyhead'71

Well-Known Member
They are both doing some things right and they are both dropping the ball on some things. I have a very clear preference for Universal these days to the degree that I rarely ever venture outside of this part of the forums. Nothing Disney is doing interests me. But that's purely subjective. My family values the relatively relaxing, stress-free experience Universal offers that Disney will never be able to match (because they are too big and too popular). We consider Disney to no longer be worth the hassle no matter what they add.

If you'd have told me 10 years ago that Disney was going to open a Star Wars land and that I wouldn't have any desire to visit it, I'd have said you were crazy, but here we are. It's open and I don't care.

Obviously, there are throngs of people that are willing to put up with the expenses and challenges of WDW. It seems to me like Disney could double the price tomorrow and the place would still be packed. I belong to Universal communities a FB and even there you see people touting their preference for Disney. That's great! I'm glad they still enjoy it. Neither resort is objectively better than the other. Despite superficial similarities, they are vastly different and your preferences (and mine) are purely subjective.

Put another way...
That is me, too. I am really not interested in what Disney is doing as to going to the parks is concerned. I find visiting a Disney park to be a boring and frustrating experience. I am curious as to what Disney is doing in terms of a business though.

I like to just go and chill at Universal. Ride a ride or 2 and grab a Scotch Egg and Black and Tan at Finnegan's.
 

My95cobras

Well-Known Member
That is me, too. I am really not interested in what Disney is doing as to going to the parks is concerned. I find visiting a Disney park to be a boring and frustrating experience. I am curious as to what Disney is doing in terms of a business though.

I like to just go and chill at Universal. Ride a ride or 2 and grab a Scotch Egg and Black and Tan at Finnegan's.

There is a reason I got rid of my Disney passes and only have universal passes... you nailed exactly my thoughts.
 

RustySpork

Oscar Mayer Memer
That is me, too. I am really not interested in what Disney is doing as to going to the parks is concerned. I find visiting a Disney park to be a boring and frustrating experience. I am curious as to what Disney is doing in terms of a business though.

I like to just go and chill at Universal. Ride a ride or 2 and grab a Scotch Egg and Black and Tan at Finnegan's.
There is a reason I got rid of my Disney passes and only have universal passes... you nailed exactly my thoughts.

I agree with both of you. I find Disney to be pretty stressful now, where it wasn't in years past. Everything is a rush, and if you're not in the herd with the rest of the cattle you're doing something wrong. Everything's a line, all lines all the time..and OH MAH FAST PASSES!!! It's even stressful just getting in and out of the parks anymore. Universal's quite the opposite, even when it's busy it's not stressful and it's easy to find a cosy spot to kill a few hours of the day just doing nothing if that's all you want to do.
 

seascape

Well-Known Member
I agree with both of you. I find Disney to be pretty stressful now, where it wasn't in years past. Everything is a rush, and if you're not in the herd with the rest of the cattle you're doing something wrong. Everything's a line, all lines all the time..and OH MAH FAST PASSES!!! It's even stressful just getting in and out of the parks anymore. Universal's quite the opposite, even when it's busy it's not stressful and it's easy to find a cosy spot to kill a few hours of the day just doing nothing if that's all you want to do.
I guess it all depends on how you vacation. Since we visit WDW 4 times a year, we take it easy. There is no reason to rush to see everything because we will be back soon. We love the resorts. the water parks and Disney Springs. There is plenty of time to see the parks at a leisurely pace and enjoy the 4 nightly evening shows. WDW does not have to be stressful unless you insist on doing everything.
 

RustySpork

Oscar Mayer Memer
I guess it all depends on how you vacation. Since we visit WDW 4 times a year, we take it easy. There is no reason to rush to see everything because we will be back soon. We love the resorts. the water parks and Disney Springs. There is plenty of time to see the parks at a leisurely pace and enjoy the 4 nightly evening shows. WDW does not have to be stressful unless you insist on doing everything.

I don't vacation here, I live here. Disney Springs is alright during the week, but it's a nightmare on the weekends. WDW doesn't have to be stressful, that's true. You don't have to go. 😂:joyfull:
 

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