Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[Clive]

Do you want to provide a link or screengrab if it's on the Notice of Commencement website, or...?

 

[simon]

So it’s coming really soon then?

I assume construction starting soon and complete within 3 years!

Do you want to provide a link or screengrab if it's on the Notice of Commencement website, or...?

 

[fryoj]

https://www.loopnet.com/property/4700-w-sand-lake-rd-orlando-fl-32819/12095-312329000000008/

That link has that plat and lot listed. Could just be the overall property. But the pointer on the map is in the big expansion plot next to SR.

But it also has an aerial picture of the "zelda" expansion plot.

Anyone know more about the plat/lot numbering of the south campus?

 

[Alicia]

That notice, and the one from a few weeks earlier, do not list permit numbers, or specific project numbers/parcels for the park, so could be for anything.

Falcon just acquired Oceaneering, so the new notices may be new contracts for modifications/ongoing maintenance for Battle at the Ministry. They probably just needed to write up a new contract with Falcon so they can take over for Oceaneering.

If it’s for something else, expect to see them listed as contractor with an actual permit number listed at the top. Until that happens, it’s probably not “new” work.

EDIT: Also, it’s a bit of a leap to assume a document that only lists “Professional Services” definitely means it’s for the coolest product that company offers. Their portfolio is filled with dozens of smaller offerings besides just a motion base/4d moving theater.

 

[GAcoaster]

The Mack boatride looks cool, but (like any water based attraction) seems like a maintenance nightmare.

 

[Wesker69]

That gave me anxiety...

1- Oh no. Oh no. *SPLASH*
2 - I hate big open water. When & where is the shark going to pop up!?

 

[Viator]

The first Mack Rides Rocking Boat attraction has opened. With UC's budget, this ride systen has tons of potential for a Creature ride.

Fwiw; Attractions Magazine is claiming that the Rockin Boat is being used for Creature.

 

[GAcoaster]

It may be being “considered” for it, but it’s by no means a done deal.

 

[Clive]

It may be being “considered” for it, but it’s by no means a done deal.

Yeah, wording is important here. They stated it is rumored to be used for a Creature ride. The source of that rumor is likely... these forums, where it was only thrown out as an idea.

 

[rageofthegods]

Yeah, wording is important here. They stated it is rumored to be used for a Creature ride. The source of that rumor is likely... these forums, where it was only thrown out as an idea.

*Spoken like the aristocrats*

"The internet!"

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I'm torn. This looks cool as hell (even if this particular application is pretty underwhelming), I can totally see the Creature/B-movie monster theming, and it would give the park another water ride. At the same time... it's pretty clear Epic needs indoor attractions.

Put it in box!

I think my biggest issue is the capacity, you won't get the sort of capacity you need with show scenes long enough with those size boats. And then when you make the boats bigger for better capacity it might remove some of the fun thrill. We'll see I guess.

 

[Evan]

How does this new ride system compare to Shanghai Pirates / the presumed Avatar for DCA? Is it similar, but built to be more thrilling with the coaster track elements? Like Atlantis in Sea World?

 

[OrlandoGuy]

Can someone who’s well-versed in the Monster lore explain to me what makes Creature such a sure bet?

My guess is that it being a hypothetical boat ride centered around a monster would make it a 1-to-1 with our good old Jaws…but I’m not so sure. Jaws had a few things going for it that Creature in the Black Lagoon does not:

1. He’s big…the fact he could hide in the water and pop out was dramatic. I can’t see a regular-sized human-shaped monster hitting the same

2. His environment lent itself to other effects…the boathouse, the gas dock, etc. From what I’ve gathered on here Creature lives in a rainforest which is naturally more limiting

3. Popularity…Jaws is one of the biggest movies/franchises in the world. He turns 50 this year and has seamlessly re-entered the zeitgeist. Creature in the Black Lagoon is…maybe somewhat recognizable? But even in a monster-dedicated ride (Unchained) he got relegated to one of the smallest figures and plopped in a little corner…he didn’t even get a dedicated surrounding screen or set dressing. Not to mention the doors aren’t exactly getting blown off Dark Universe as a whole right now. Potter, Nintendo, and even HtTYD with the live action remake have more juice in the synergy tank than Monsters does. I just don’t see it being the spot for a significant investment, at least any time soon.

 

[rageofthegods]

An aspect that isn't remarked upon a lot is that he's really the only one of the core Universal Monsters that Universal fully "owns" - e.g. Dracula, Frankenstein, Phantom, Jekyll, and Invisible Man are all based on public domain books, Werewolves are folklore, and The Mummy's curse is kinda just a thing that exists in the ether. The fact that his movie is from the 50s vs the 30s means his copyright expires much later than the other monsters too.

Other than that... idk! I think a rainforest setting is just a fun thing to have compared to the rest of EU and especially Dark Universe.

 

[OrlandoGuy]

An aspect that isn't remarked upon a lot is that he's really the only one of the core Universal Monsters that Universal fully "owns" - e.g. Dracula, Frankenstein, Phantom, Jekyll, and Invisible Man are all based on public domain books, Werewolves are folklore, and The Mummy's curse is kinda just a thing that exists in the ether. The fact that his movie is from the 50s vs the 30s means his copyright expires much later than the other monsters too.

Other than that... idk! I think a rainforest setting is just a fun thing to have compared to the rest of EU and especially Dark Universe.

That’s an interesting perspective. But on the other hand, they own the rights to 50 Shades of Gray which I don’t see being a compelling thrill ride either lol

 

[Jake S]

But on the other hand, they own the rights to 50 Shades of Gray which I don’t see being a compelling thrill ride either lol

they'll have to cycle through those escape rooms at citywalk eventually!

 

[belloq87]

Can someone who’s well-versed in the Monster lore explain to me what makes Creature such a sure bet?

I don't think this is an accurate characterization of the position. I don't think I've seen anyone say they think a Creature ride is a "sure bet."

I've seen plenty -- and have been one myself -- who have said a Jungle Cruise/Jaws-esque boat ride featuring the character would be cool, and different type of ride than is already offered in the park.

And also, rumors have indicated it's a concept that has at least been discussed inside the company, so it's natural that it's an idea we keep circling back to.

 

[GA-MBIT]

Universal seems to really push Creature, at least in terms of merch and branding.

Everyone knows the big UCM names; Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Mummy, Bride. Consistently, Creature is also in this lineup. T-shirts, shot glasses, in-park costumes, Funko Pop Care Bears-crossovers, HHN houses, theming for park locations, anniversary celebrations. Universal treats Creature like a king.

Here's a bunch of examples I've found. These are all official Universal marketing materials and merchandise. Not Etsy/Redbubble fan-made stuff.
Apologies for any weird over/under sized pictures. It's hard to tell on mobile. I'll fix it on desktop once I'm home.

Spoiler: Creature is like the Ringo of the UCM

As an Invisible Man lifer, it can be ... slightly frustrating to see people call Creature obscure, off-beat, deep-cut, when he seemingly gets the same amount of representation as the frikkin Wolfman. Alas, it seems like Creature has been positioned as a leading member of the group for a very long time now. Seems like Hunchback, Phantom, and Invisible Man fans will have to fight for scraps of their favorite characters, while "obscure" Creature gets to live it up in his penthouse suite with Dracula and Mummy lmao.

 

[OrlandoGuy]

I don’t doubt that he’s a popular asset to Universal. I just can’t envision what a ride based around him would be like. And I dont know if he’s popular enough to shoehorn him into a ride that’s not a natural fit for it (a la Jimmy Fallon).

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I mean this in the absolute nicest way possible, but I feel Creature is 100% never getting a ride and that concept is never leaving blue sky. He doesn’t have the draw that will bring people to Epic, and especially not for a very expensive water ride system.