SouthDakotaTink
New Member
This is what I want to know for sure... All good questions!
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025
- Thread starter Bob Harlem
- Start date
WDWFREAK53
Well-Known Member
Alicia mentioned that no Express for the new resort and no Express for the new park (for the foreseeable future). They wouldn't add express to just the new resort because it would throw the Express capacity numbers off at the other 2 parks. So possibly Express included when they allow Express at Epic Universe?
To me it would be tough because adding a 4th resort to the Express perk could still overtax the system at the parks because there is nothing saying that these new numbers would be spread evenly through the day and you could have overcrowding of Express at IoA on one day and then overcrowding at Epic on another.
To me it would be tough because adding a 4th resort to the Express perk could still overtax the system at the parks because there is nothing saying that these new numbers would be spread evenly through the day and you could have overcrowding of Express at IoA on one day and then overcrowding at Epic on another.
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
I have a hard time believing that Universal's most expensive hotel won't include Express Passes. What I could see happening is Royal Pacific being kicked down from a Premier to a Preferred to be on par with Sapphire and losing the Express Pass benefit and Helios getting them.
Last edited:
WDWFREAK53
Well-Known Member
Possibly. I think the room amount is the issue. Who knows, maybe adding a 3rd park's worth of capacity will make it work.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
I would never pay what Helios will charge without Express Pass…
Of course, I’d rather be able to walk to 2 parks and City Walk and bus to 1 park than the reverse, so the new resorts don’t really appeal to me anyway.
Of course, I’d rather be able to walk to 2 parks and City Walk and bus to 1 park than the reverse, so the new resorts don’t really appeal to me anyway.
SouthDakotaTink
New Member
True but that could happen now with just the 2 parks.
I guess another way they could do it is make EP a separate charge but give a discount for a stay at one of the deluxe hotels.
But it is a bummer that EU will not have EP to start with. I did think that would be a possibility but it still sucks. I guess the only saving grace is that everyone will be in the same boat with not having EP and hopefully the amount of rides will spread the crowds out.
surfsupdon
Well-Known Member
Universal could add Express to Helios rooms and reduce the number of Express daily add ons.
Andrew25
Well-Known Member
Like @Disneyhead'71 mentioned, it's likely we will see RP (the largest of the 3 express hotels) remove that benefit and have Helios (with a far smaller room count) offer it. Would give Universal more slots/capacity to sell express versus free ones. It would be very strange for the most expensive rooms at UOR to not have express while "cheaper" rooms include it.
Universal's quota is to not offer express for the latest attractions, but I also imagine someone at Universal is salivating at the idea of offering their version of "individual lightning lane" for Mario Kart/Ministry of Magic/etc. Would be the best/easiest way to offer express without having too many people using it.
Theoretically, it could work, but there's a good chance Universal is worried about EU cannibalizing attendance at USF. So having Express at USF is an easy way to "spread out attendance" without worrying about nobody going over to USF and staying at EU cause they have Express for Mario Kart/Ministry.
It's believed that Universal will pull a Disneyland-SWGE and only allow 1-day tickets for Epic Universe for the first few weeks... so who knows what will happen.
surfsupdon
Well-Known Member
Royal Pacific is my favorite on property Resort. Their rates would need to plummet if they lose Express.
Many of the newer, economical hotels have nicer, more comfortable rooms and similar amenities.
Many of the newer, economical hotels have nicer, more comfortable rooms and similar amenities.
Poseidon Quest
Well-Known Member
I do wonder if paid early-entry is on the table too. I did it for $20 (I think?) for SNW in Hollywood and it was definitely worth the cost for an almost empty land during their off season.
Chef idea Mickey`=
Well-Known Member
The rooms look similar no different than Sapphire Falls in my opinion.
JoeCamel
Well-Known Member
The build quality is night and day though, I've spent 10+ nights in each one and RP was far more comfortable. Sapphire's saving quality is Strongwater but otherwise RP is more my style.
WDWFREAK53
Well-Known Member
You don't think this was the "we will hear more in January" do you?
Gusey
Well-Known Member
I've heard rumblings that new concept art will be released by the end of January too
Don't get @TP2000 started on out-of-date concept art!!...
Chef idea Mickey`=
Well-Known Member
WOW! This has to be The Most Amazing Pre-Start Announcement and I love it's importance that all wouldn't have began if it wasn't for the Team Staff that helped make the Universal Orlando Experience from the beginning!
I can't help but think about Disney and how Universal took some time before getting to their third park and now Universal especially since the pandemic shows it's decide to evolving to a next level... whereas SeaWorld is also in it's own rollercoaster revolution route, wheras Disney has shown decline and removal of once experiences and magic before the pandemic. It's kind of very sad to see..This presentation to me reminds of Universal's own Epcot route...that Disney was expanding Grand scale back in 1982!
Chef idea Mickey`=
Well-Known Member
I've only stayed at Sapphire Falls
and I would say the dining options at RP is way better, RP does feel more Deluxe like The Polynesian whereas Sapphire Falls reminds me of Riviera in a way.. I understand the prices are different due to Express included am I correct!?
JoeCamel
Well-Known Member
That is my understanding, I like breakfast at RP and even when staying at SF it is a short walk through the convention space from one to the other then add on Bar 17 and I pity those poor HR Porto folks. They can have the fancy restaurants I'll take a bar with a view and nibbles with these three and CBBR across the street for a lazy river and a full waterpark right there as well. All without waiting on a bus.....I've only stayed at Sapphire Falls