Epic Universe - What's Not Working, How Do We Feel, & What Are Potential Solutions?

[pumpkinbot343]

I’ve seen a lot of negativity around Epic Universe specifically in this forum. What’s the problem with this park? What do you think could have been done with it instead?

NOTE: I’m now thinking this thread should be retitled “Epic Universe- Problems and what can be fixed”

 

[Columbo]

Different perspectives on what makes a good park is obviously the first point, I also think everyone had really high expectations and some it didn't match them

I haven't been yet (will in a few months), but I will echo what I saw Defunctland say on his charity stream in December: "Epic Universe is definitely not the best theme park in Florida, but it's the best start to one"

Please remember that even Disneyland, one of the most celebrated parks in our community, was not very good when it opened. I think that Epic Universe has everything it needs to become Universal's new flagship and many probably see that, others see that it did not deliver quite the heights that they feel Universal could have reached given both how it has been talked about + what they've seen the company is capable of when they really lock in. Many of the attractions there now are not going to stay though, things change and update over time

That said, I could also go and completely disagree with everything I just said. This is an observer's perspective

 

[UNIrd]

I love Epic but all of us on here are smarter than the average bear when it comes to theme park touring.

I'd give a perusal to TripAdvisor reviews which currently has Epic Universe at a 2.4/5 rating and ranked #377 out of 467 things to do in Orlando to get a feel for what some of the general public thinks about it.

They're not wrong when it comes to criticism of technical delays, weather delays, lack of shade, etc.

 

[MAC]

I love Epic but all of us on here are smarter than the average bear when it comes to theme park touring.

I'd give a perusal to TripAdvisor reviews which currently has Epic Universe at a 2.4/5 rating and ranked #377 out of 467 things to do in Orlando to get a feel for what some of the general public thinks about it.

They're not wrong when it comes to criticism of technical delays, weather delays, lack of shade, etc.

When compared to the other parks, it definitely lacks (and that's coming from someone who absolutely loved the park and can't wait to go back next month). The maturity of the other parks is going to make this one look like the infant/toddler that it is because it takes time to get it to those levels. The technical delays and issues are not new. USF opened with the same well-documented issues. DCA had complaints with the park for a decade or so (and still does).

As @Columbo stated, it's the best start to a theme park yet, but will take years before it's on the level we all want it to be at.

 

[pumpkinbot343]

Different perspectives on what makes a good park is obviously the first point, I also think everyone had really high expectations and some it didn't match them

I haven't been yet (will in a few months), but I will echo what I saw Defunctland say on his charity stream in December: "Epic Universe is definitely not the best theme park in Florida, but it's the best start to one"

Please remember that even Disneyland, one of the most celebrated parks in our community, was not very good when it opened. I think that Epic Universe has everything it needs to become Universal's new flagship and many probably see that, others see that it did not deliver quite the heights that they feel Universal could have reached given both how it has been talked about + what they've seen the company is capable of when they really lock in. Many of the attractions there now are not going to stay though, things change and update over time

That said, I could also go and completely disagree with everything I just said. This is an observer's perspective

I never considered that part. Paris had a very rocky opening too, while USJ got very rocky in its opening years after 2001.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Years of build up in their minds. The park is great.

 

[Touchdown]

I love the park, but it’s undeniably flawed, only a flawed park would not be a part of your Annual Pass program 1.5 years after opening.

 

[Clive]

Updated the thread title.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Updated the thread title.

Well now my response makes no sense

Epic has issues, I think compared to other parks that opened domestically it's fairing quite well. Hell I'll say a spicy take: Epic 16 months into operation is better than Magic Kingdom 16 months into its operation.

Things that I think need fixed?

• Flesh out Celestial Park a little bit more.
• Let the trees grow.
• Complete DU and Potter
• Add another family friendly covered attraction in Berk when it rains.

Otherwise this is a great park. Capacity is an issue, yes, but the attractions are fantastic, the themeing is stellar and world class, the food is unquestionably the best in park food in Orlando, and it seems the new nighttime show is a huge hit.

 

[Clive]

Well now my response makes no sense

Epic has issues, I think compared to other parks that opened domestically it's fairing quite well. Hell I'll say a spicy take: Epic 16 months into operation is better than Magic Kingdom 16 months into its operation.

Things that I think need fixed?

• Flesh out Celestial Park a little bit more.
• Let the trees grow.
• Complete DU and Potter
• Add another family friendly covered attraction in Berk when it rains.

Otherwise this is a great park. Capacity is an issue, yes, but the attractions are fantastic, the themeing is stellar and world class, the food is unquestionably the best in park food in Orlando, and it seems the new nighttime show is a huge hit.

I don't disagree with any of this.

 

[Andysol]

@Jake S and I define “world class” differently and he’s wrong and I’m right. It’s all good now.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I don't disagree with any of this.

Because I'm astute, contemplative, and very humble.

Spoiler

/s

 

[Evan]

I think the bones are all there for Epic, so as many have pointed out, it is starting off in a strong place for a new park.

But I think the ride portfolio (and while there are standout rides 100%) is generally weak, especially with the lack of indoor attractions.

Celestial Park is a vast garden, but has little life, with entertainment that still resembles something you would find in a city park.

And I still believe an entire park of single IP lands is a costly mistake. But IOA is also headed in that same direction...

(Dark Universe is probably the safest and best land because of this, it's a general setting that can house any "horror" story)

 

[OrlandoGuy]

I think the biggest issue with Epic is that they pivoted too hard from their previous park design philosophy, which is all about getting on rides. At Islands of Adventure the whole park is laid out to shuffle you from ride to ride, with very few out-of-the-way paths, sub-headliner experiences, or unique food/merchandise to flesh the day out.

Epic wants to be Epcot, with elaborate dining options, themed bars, and areas to catch vibes in. My theory is that this is just way too much of a departure from the touring strategy Universal has trained us to take in their parks for the past 25 years. In theory, Epic should still be a great place to hang out when the weather is bad or the rides aren’t cooperating…yet here it is with a 2.4 rating on TripAdvisor.

You know who would really appreciate Epic Universe the way it was intended? Annual Passholders. But there was some sort of severe disconnect between Marketing, Ops, Creative…whoever, and so now you’ve got this place that’s begging to be explored but the people who paid $120 to get in feel the urge to quantify their ticket value with rides.

As we’ve seen with Volcano Bay, Universal’s management team aren’t ones to admit when they're wrong, and I can only imagine that’s why the park is still insistent on making it a 1-Day Park Ticket experience. I get on paper why that makes sense, but it sets a false expectation to visitors and encourages a different touring plan than what the park is best suited for.

 

[pumpkinbot343]

I think the biggest issue with Epic is that they pivoted too hard from their previous park design philosophy, which is all about getting on rides. At Islands of Adventure the whole park is laid out to shuffle you from ride to ride, with very few out-of-the-way paths, sub-headliner experiences, or unique food/merchandise to flesh the day out.

Epic wants to be Epcot, with elaborate dining options, themed bars, and areas to catch vibes in. My theory is that this is just way too much of a departure from the touring strategy Universal has trained us to take in their parks for the past 25 years. In theory, Epic should still be a great place to hang out when the weather is bad or the rides aren’t cooperating…yet here it is with a 2.4 rating on TripAdvisor.

You know who would really appreciate Epic Universe the way it was intended? Annual Passholders. But there was some sort of severe disconnect between Marketing, Ops, Creative…whoever, and so now you’ve got this place that’s begging to be explored but the people who paid $120 to get in feel the urge to quantify their ticket value with rides.

As we’ve seen with Volcano Bay, Universal’s management team aren’t ones to admit when they're wrong, and I can only imagine that’s why the park is still insistent on making it a 1-Day Park Ticket experience. I get on paper why that makes sense, but it sets a false expectation to visitors and encourages a different touring plan than what the park is best suited for.

No offense, but I’m confused by what you mean by this a bit. Are you saying something along the lines of Universal shouldn’t try something new regarding/change their “philosophy”?

 

[OrlandoGuy]

No offense, but I’m confused by what you mean by this a bit. Are you saying something along the lines of Universal shouldn’t try something new regarding/change their “philosophy”?

No lol, not at all. I’m saying the design philosophy and the current ticketing strategy don’t align at all.

 

[nikem3]

But I think the ride portfolio (and while there are standout rides 100%) is generally weak, especially with the lack of indoor attractions.

It is funny to me, because Epic is the only park in Orlando I can go to and ride the "best" rides over and over again without long waits. I agree some of the other rides are definitely weak and they could use a few more attractions, but it never bothers me because I can just ride Stardust, Unchained and even Hiccup 3 or 4 times each without issue. What other park could you ever say that at?

 

[akileese]

Well now my response makes no sense

Epic has issues, I think compared to other parks that opened domestically it's fairing quite well. Hell I'll say a spicy take: Epic 16 months into operation is better than Magic Kingdom 16 months into its operation.

Things that I think need fixed?

• Flesh out Celestial Park a little bit more.
• Let the trees grow.
• Complete DU and Potter
• Add another family friendly covered attraction in Berk when it rains.

Otherwise this is a great park. Capacity is an issue, yes, but the attractions are fantastic, the themeing is stellar and world class, the food is unquestionably the best in park food in Orlando, and it seems the new nighttime show is a huge hit.

Pretty spot on. I love Epic. I wish they had APs so I could just go and grab a drink, get some pizza, and just hang out. It's an amazing vibes parks, even more so if the weather is right. It definitely needs more weather resistant attractions though.

I do wonder how much of the problems people talk about with Epic are due to a drastic shift in guest behavior of just going from attraction to attraction without stopping to do anything other than eat. I understand that as someone with a pass, I'm not a normal guest, but aside from SNW (Which I cannot handle in large doses because of the sensory overload), I just enjoy sitting in Celestial Park and watching the fountain, or sitting in the Burning Blade and talking with the Hounds when they come in. Too many people try to rush through parks and I have a strong suspicion that is why that park tends to get emptier in the evenings.

 

[Mad Dog]

Pretty spot on. I love Epic. I wish they had APs so I could just go and grab a drink, get some pizza, and just hang out. It's an amazing vibes parks, even more so if the weather is right. It definitely needs more weather resistant attractions though.

I do wonder how much of the problems people talk about with Epic are due to a drastic shift in guest behavior of just going from attraction to attraction without stopping to do anything other than eat. I understand that as someone with a pass, I'm not a normal guest, but aside from SNW (Which I cannot handle in large doses because of the sensory overload), I just enjoy sitting in Celestial Park and watching the fountain, or sitting in the Burning Blade and talking with the Hounds when they come in. Too many people try to rush through parks and I have a strong suspicion that is why that park tends to get emptier in the evenings.

and... it gets the Animal Kingdom effect....Park gets flooded early and then guests leave early. One problem though, is that the most anticipated rides, namely Ministry/MineKart/Mario Kart aren't as good as advertised and have capacity/breakdown issues that result in long lines. Who would have guessed that Monsters would be one of the best, if not the best, ride in the world....and short lines due to high capacity and guests opting to stand in the long lines for those three capacity problem popular IP rides.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

People come early and leave early because THE PARK IS NOT OPEN LATE ENOUGH!!!