Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Dragontrainer2]

I haven’t been on here in a day or two so I’m sorry if it’s been asked before but does anyone have any confirmation that the ministry opened up for a short period of time for soft opening the other day and has it opened up again since?

 

[downunder]

I hate to tell you this, but Universal has just sold Epic Universe to Six Flags. According to Comcast, it was an offer too good to refuse.

It is believed the financial backing was provided by the financiers of Six Flags Over Qiddaya. Next, Disney assets may be in their sights.

 

[Ryuniversal]

Be wary April Fools jokes are coming especially false epic leaks I warned u

 

[Rhian]

I believe there may be long downtimes at times, but that’s one of the benefits of previews before official park open. If they identify an issue they can close a ride immediately and work on it, which will better the experience in the long run without having paying guests in the park (who tend to complain more than TMs who have been given multiple opportunities to visit).

But I get where they’re coming from. Obviously the longer TM previews are extended the more folks will wonder if AP previews will ever happen.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

AP previews could happen the day before and it would still count as a preview day before park opening if we're going by strict definitions and deadlines.

There is still time if even they give 1-2 week of preview days either in late April or mid-May. I imagine there may be few to none in the last days up to a week prior to opening because they'd want to polish off everything in the park.

I wouldn't count AP previews out just yet because there's still time to do so.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

9 to 9 would be fine, but I would LOVE for them to stay open until 10. It would never happen, but 10-10 would be a dream. You don't have to wake up crazy early, take your time a bit and get breakfast - and still be there in time for early entry.

 

[twebber55]

Opening day DK about to give Hagrid's 10-hour waits a run for its money

Hagrid's was the new shiny toy in a park that wasn't new. Everything will be new so I'm not sure this will be the case. But i agree you probably need to ride this along with Ministry early in the day

 

[Alicia]

9 to 9 would be fine, but I would LOVE for them to stay open until 10. It would never happen, but 10-10 would be a dream. You don't have to wake up crazy early, take your time a bit and get breakfast - and still be there in time for early entry.

I have a feeling the Saturday after opening will be open later, like 9-10. It’s a holiday weekend and they may be more prepared for the weekend than opening day for regular crowds.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I have a feeling the Saturday after opening will be open later, like 9-10. It’s a holiday weekend and they may be more prepared for the weekend than opening day for regular crowds.

I should clarify - I'm just talking in general. Not going anywhere near Epic opening weekend.

 

[Alicia]

I should clarify - I'm just talking in general. Not going anywhere near Epic opening weekend.

I worry if ticket sales slump a couple months after opening, shorter hours will be the first thing that changes. If there are less people in the park you can get more rides done in less time so they tend to start closing earlier to save on operating costs.

I’ve said it before but even I only have purchased tickets through June. Without an upgrade option to the annual passes not sure I can justify spending $150+ every time I go. I worry once HHN starts if Epic will not be hitting projections. Next year may even out though, as folks have more time to plan vacations and buy tickets now.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I worry if ticket sales slump a couple months after opening, shorter hours will be the first thing that changes. If there are less people in the park you can get more rides done in less time so they tend to start closing earlier to save on operating costs.

I’ve said it before but even I only have purchased tickets through June. Without an upgrade option to the annual passes not sure I can justify spending $150+ every time I go. I worry once HHN starts if Epic will not be hitting projections. Next year may even out though, as folks have more time to plan vacations and buy tickets now.

Makes sense! We are going in September for 2 days, 1 with HHN. So we SHOULD be good to get through everything, barring shutdowns.. but I really want to see the park at night.

 

[Mad Dog]

It'll be interesting to see if Universal changes their ticketing strategy, if they really even have one, after the dust of opening months settles. In the coming uncertain economic times, initial projections might be affected. Also, according to reports from Canadian tourist agencies and businesses, tourism bookings to USA, and most especially Orlando, are in a very steep decline. One Canadian tourist group is saying a 70% travel booking drop, while some of the others have steep drops but not quite that high. Orlando is generally a major Canadian tourist destination.

 

[OrlLover]

Orlando is generally a major Canadian tourist destination.

Is it really ?

I feel like other areas of Florida get more Canadian tourists. I have co worker who use to work in a major retail plaza that got millions of visitors and he said he hardly saw them as major group there.

 

[saint.piss]

Pizza Moon is coming to the all new Universal Moon Resort

 

[Fidds]

Curious if Helios will allow use of the dedicated entrance opening day. We are staying there May 22nd-23rd and are really hoping to get more details on arrival soon!

 

[Mad Dog]

Is it really ?

I feel like other areas of Florida get more Canadian tourists. I have co worker who use to work in a major retail plaza that got millions of visitors and he said he hardly saw them as major group there.

I've never seen numbers from Universal, but every now and then WDW has made public statements about where their tourism originates from. They've generally named the UK, Brazil and Canada as the largest tourist markets for WDW. And they've often stated that apx. 30% of their attendance is from international. With both UK and Brazilian tourism to US down also, for various reasons, that has to be a concern for both Disney and Universal. And, to add, international tourism is generally very heavy spending and long vacation stays. Losing a large number of international tourists is a significant financial effect, per guest spending parks/hotels/food/merch....The locals will probably flock to Epic and fill it up for a while. But they're not as large a source of spending like out of state and international tourists.

 

[JustLikeMe]

It'll be interesting to see if Universal changes their ticketing strategy, if they really even have one, after the dust of opening months settles. In the coming uncertain economic times, initial projections might be affected. Also, according to reports from Canadian tourist agencies and businesses, tourism bookings to USA, and most especially Orlando, are in a very steep decline. One Canadian tourist group is saying a 70% travel booking drop, while some of the others have steep drops but not quite that high. Orlando is generally a major Canadian tourist destination.

I've never seen numbers from Universal, but every now and then WDW has made public statements about where their tourism originates from. They've generally named the UK, Brazil and Canada as the largest tourist markets for WDW. And they've often stated that apx. 30% of their attendance is from international. With both UK and Brazilian tourism to US down also, for various reasons, that has to be a concern for both Disney and Universal. And, to add, international tourism is generally very heavy spending and long vacation stays. Losing a large number of international tourists is a significant financial effect, per guest spending parks/hotels/food/merch....The locals will probably flock to Epic and fill it up for a while. But they're not as large a source of spending like out of state and international tourists.

Anecdotally I know lots of people over here in the UK who are rethinking or cancelling plans to visit the States at the moment, primarily Orlando due to its popularity as a holiday destination. I know several people who are regular WDW visitors that are visiting Tokyo Disney this year or next instead of a planned trip to Orlando, and every one of these cancelled trips would have been 10-14 days of spending at the parks / hotels / restaurants etc and all of them would have included time at UOR.

To be entirely honest I wouldn’t be visiting either if it weren’t for Universal / Epic.

 

[Floridaguy34]

Boycott of trump is gonna have massive effect on the theme parks

 

[Jake S]

i love economic doomerism as much as the next guy, but let’s put a lid on this avenue of speculation for now.

 

[OrlLover]

i love economic doomerism as much as the next guy, but let’s put a lid on this avenue of speculation for now.

This tariffs have not stopped those Canadians they are still coming in droves maybe not to Orlando but other areas of the state.

 

[Disneyhead]

The impending crashing of the US economy will in fact effect the parks.

Skyrocketing unemployment because of government firings alone is enough to tank the economy.