Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[LPCaptainDeath]

For me it’s simple: a practical sets version of Soarin, using the same ride system as Jurassic Flyers in Beijing/Arthur at Europa (simulating eagle talons). You would fly over and through all the most iconic locale—Rivendell, Moria, Isengard, Argonath, Minas Tirith, the Black Gate and of course Barad-dur/Mt Doom!

The entrance would of course be Bag End and would transition to the woods where Gandalf leaves Frodo and Sam, where guests would board. However, idk how to hide a show building here, unless Bag End is actually on the second floor. I also don’t know how it could be made ADA friendly.

The unload would have to be a separate environment, likely simulated to be outdoors to make going back into the Shire feel more natural. Throw in Green Dragon restaurant and wa-la!

I don't mean to be that guy, but "voila"
And, honestly, i love this idea.

If i were to give this the full BLUE-SKY treatment, i'd say to convert Toon Lagoon/Comic Strip Lane in IoA into Middle Earth. Have the above concept take over the spot where the unused theatre and Dudley's currently sits. Make it one BIG expansive attraction with a singular facade of The Shire for the entry and then Rivendell for the exit, and -if anything- use that new ride system where you start in a boat and then something comes along and picks it up, and you start "flying." I always thought that ride system would work for LotR or Legend of Zelda best.

And I know people may balk at it, but the river-escape-barrel-riding-scene from Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug is ASKING to be translated to a river-raft ride; so we retrofit that concept for Popeyes. You start in a Mirkwood fortress facade (which can double for a small walkable section connected to Rivendell if you want a semblance of style/continuity), Bilbo greets you as a visitor trying to sneak in to help the dwarves escape. You load into "barrels" and ride down the river with little scene imitations from the movie, full of static orcs and light animatronics of dwarves/bilbo, and end the ride in Fishtown market, which wouldn't be hard cause it be vaguely medieval looking enough to blend into anything around it (Bree/Prancing Pony).

I would've loved to have an Erebor style dark-ride with Smaug segments, but we may be going too "Gringotts/Forbidden Journey" with that.

 

[OrlLover]

What’s funny to me is that after a possible Nintendo expansion, if it is still even happening, I don’t see a new land coming to Epic Universe for probably a decade.

Parade buildings maybe. Events space possibly. But not a whole new land, no way. But the discussion is fun.

Yea I figured it would way down the line considering the current lands have expansion pads of their own.

Plus I’m sure they can add smaller attractions around the hub like someone mentioned earlier.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Sneakman]

Have we even heard anything about any potential expansion for a while? I know it’s a while away anyway. My big thoughts are mainly on Luigi’s Mansion. I know that for a while there it was expected to be the main “post opening ride” addition to EU a couple years out, but I don’t think we’ve heard about it for a while. Maybe plans changed? Maybe they are waiting to see how EU does? I dunno, I’m starting to feel less confident about Luigi.

Also, name one planned “phase two” for a park that actually happened.

 

[Loki]

Also, name one planned “phase two” for a park that actually happened.

Disney's Animal Kingdom didn't open with most or all of the Asia area. Park opened in 1998. Asia was added in 1999.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

Have we even heard anything about any potential expansion for a while? I know it’s a while away anyway. My big thoughts are mainly on Luigi’s Mansion. I know that for a while there it was expected to be the main “post opening ride” addition to EU a couple years out, but I don’t think we’ve heard about it for a while. Maybe plans changed? Maybe they are waiting to see how EU does? I dunno, I’m starting to feel less confident about Luigi.

Alicia and others have offered Luigi's Mansion and The Great Hall as near-term rumors for expansions.

 

[Sneakman]

Alicia and others have offered Luigi's Mansion and The Great Hall as near-term rumors for expansions.

I know, i’ve seen them. Just not taking anything as “set in stone” yet. Would be down tho.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

I know, i’ve seen them. Just not taking anything as “set in stone” yet. Would be down tho.

Well of course, these are rumors. Nothing is "set in stone", because as far as Universal is concerned these projects don't exist.

 

[Sneakman]

Well of course, these are rumors. Nothing is "set in stone", because as far as Universal is concerned these projects don't exist.

Yup. I’m interested to see what takes priority for “what comes next” at the resort, if it’s those two or stuff at usf. For all we know, everything we thought is going to happen will be thrown out, and the simpsons ride, and the lost continent will be replaced by two identical version of fast and furious supercharged.

 

[Clive]

I know, i’ve seen them. Just not taking anything as “set in stone” yet. Would be down tho.

I'm just going to politely point out that in another thread you seemingly took Pokemon replacing Simpsons as "set in stone." @PerceptiveCoot is right, and I think it's a reminder we all need -- nothing is official until it's announced and ground is moving. And even then...

 

[Sneakman]

I'm just going to politely point out that in another thread you seemingly took Pokemon replacing Simpsons as "set in stone." @PerceptiveCoot is right, and I think it's a reminder we all need -- nothing is official until it's announced and ground is moving. And even then...

Well, you got me there. I guess there the point i was trying to make is simpsons, as far as we know with the contract and everything , very likely has to be replaced by SOMETHING at least somewhat soon , for legal stuff. I think Pokémon is the front runner, but who really knows. All i am half sure is set in stone in my mind, is simpsons is gonna be gone.

 

[Loki]

Don't forget Volcano Bay is also on the "list" for potential expansions coming up.

 

[Jake S]

Don't forget Volcano Bay is also on the "list" for potential expansions coming up.

dont give me hope

 

[TheUniC6]

A Canadian company called Proslide made the slides for VB. Several new models of slides have some out since 2017. If they really wanted to, they would have probably expanded VB in that time frame.

 

[Brian G.]

A Canadian company called Proslide made the slides for VB. Several new models of slides have some out since 2017. If they really wanted to, they would have probably expanded VB in that time frame.

Proslide and Universal aren't on the best of terms anymore, so I don't think that will be happening.

 

[TheUniC6]

Proslide and Universal aren't on the best of terms anymore, so I don't think that will be happening.

Oh. What exactly led to this supposed falling out between the two companies?

 

[Clive]

Oh. What exactly led to this supposed falling out between the two companies?

It's been discussed here and elsewhere at length. Proslide drastically overestimated the actual capacity of many of its slides, which threw a massive wrench into Universal's Tapu Tapu calculations. They've also had recurring two problems with at least two slides -- one of the drop towers, and the slides that used to be mat-based until they caused serious injuries. They also had to modify the blue raft slide shortly after opening.

 

[Thorin Groth]

It's been discussed here and elsewhere at length. Proslide drastically overestimated the actual capacity of many of its slides, which threw a massive wrench into Universal's Tapu Tapu calculations. They've also had recurring two problems with at least two slides -- one of the drop towers, and the slides that used to be mat-based until they caused serious injuries. They also had to modify the blue raft slide shortly after opening.

One of the drop slides, Tai Nui, has been out of commission for what I want to say is around a year at this point? Too many spinal injuries and that continued even after they went ahead and adjusted the slide.

 

[USO92]

Yeah….those body slides gave me a fair run for my money. Incredibly painful.

 

[mainejeff]

So I finally saw the Wicked movie. I had never seen the play. I have to say that I am now a believer in making this IP an expansion land. I really enjoyed the movie much more than I thought I would.....much of that having to do with the lead actresses as well as the overall production quality.

That being said......while watching the movie I kept thinking that the Lost Continent in IOA would be the best placement for this land.