So now that we're all adjusting to the fallout of Disney's atypically vigorous D23 announcements, I'm left to wonder- what sort of implications will the impending Star Wars expansion(s) have for Universal? This is obviously looking many, many years off into the future, but I do think we're looking at a coming escalation of theme park investment in Florida. Universal obviously set the bar for theme park quality and ambition in Florida with the two Potter expansions, and barring Carsland in California, Disney has had no answer. Because of its success with these expansions, Universal has recently built a growing reputation both with theme park fans and the general public for delivering a bigger, more dynamic product than Disney is currently known for, drastically increasing its attendance at both its parks and edging closer and closer to developing its own lucrative 4-day resort destination status to truly compete with Disney. Announced plans both to open its own water park and feature some sort of expansion in partnership with Nintendo and their intellectual property looked to continue that trend.
Now though, with Disney pledging to spend close to $3 billion dollars upgrading DHS, and the Avatar expansion supposedly nearing completion, is Universal going to have to step up their game once again? In the face of decades of family vacation tradition, its sprawling resort and park system, and the long-respected public belief in "Disney magic" pervading its customer service and mindset, Universal has not had the leisure to simply match Disney's design offerings and get the respect of guests- they have had to far exceed them, particularly as of late. Universal's fans and repeat guests are drawn away from Disney not because the Potter attractions have been more impressive than Disney's latest offerings, but because they have been much more impressive If the new Avatar and upcoming Star Wars attractions Disney has in store are even almost as good as what Universal can do, Universal's foothold in the minds of theme park customers will quickly erode.
So, must Universal redouble their efforts in the face of a resurgent Disney? Comcast has certainly shown itself willing to bankroll Universal Creative's desire to build on the successes of Potter 1 and 2, and is already spending 300 million to build sapphire falls, and will be following Disney's suit in building its own 3-billion dollar park in mainland China. But looking at the Florida parks themselves, do they now know that whatever they do with the Nintendo properties must not only match Disney's Star Wars projects, but far exceed them?
I'm honestly a little surprised Universal hadn't planned some sort of stage-stealing stunt for last weekend, like when they perfectly timed the unveiling of the Gringott's dragon to steal some of the thunder of the opening of the Mine Train attraction.
