Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[Jones14]

2 or 3 flat rides that are sufficiently covered to run during thunderstorms would go a long way for the park. Personally, I’d put one in Celestial Park and one in Darkmoor, but an argument could be made for any land except Potter at this point.

 

[Mad Dog]

2 or 3 flat rides that are sufficiently covered to run during thunderstorms would go a long way for the park. Personally, I’d put one in Celestial Park and one in Darkmoor, but an argument could be made for any land except Potter at this point.

They need something quick. The park's attraction capacity , so far, is woeful. And even worse when the daily rains roll in. There's no next door USF, like IOA has, to help out with the rain closures. ....Too little indoor stuff at Epic. A real mistake.

 

[Mike S]

2 or 3 flat rides that are sufficiently covered to run during thunderstorms would go a long way for the park. Personally, I’d put one in Celestial Park and one in Darkmoor, but an argument could be made for any land except Potter at this point.

Build Luigi’s Mansion and include a Boo filled Merry Go Round like Mario 64

 

[DrStarlander]

2 or 3 flat rides that are sufficiently covered to run during thunderstorms would go a long way for the park. Personally, I’d put one in Celestial Park and one in Darkmoor, but an argument could be made for any land except Potter at this point.

Actually, for the sake of increasing capacity, I can see them putting up a semi-permanent tent pavilion/structure (like Epcot did with Millennium Village) in the expansion plot behind Ministry of Magic. They would open an entry from the French Ministry.

Inside would be several flat rides and maybe games, etc. all playfully themed after Wizarding World/Harry Potter (e.g., mechanical spinning ride based on Quidditch/flying on broomsticks).

Instead of being shy or ashamed it's a "temporary" addition, they would give the whole area a strong art direction as an in-world Magical Carnival. I mean, we humans/Muggles build time parks with things from our real world -- trains, river boats, hot air balloons, cars -- why wouldn't the Wizarding World have a carnival with stuff from their world?

 

[Tyc00n96]

Idk if any of you follow Theme Park Lore on X but this account is doing a light reimagining of Epic. Looks good so far and shows potential for how the park could shape up over time,

 

[Mike S]

Actually, for the sake of increasing capacity, I can see them putting up a semi-permanent tent pavilion/structure (like Epcot did with Millennium Village) in the expansion plot behind Ministry of Magic. They would open an entry from the French Ministry.

Inside would be several flat rides and maybe games, etc. all playfully themed after Wizarding World/Harry Potter (e.g., mechanical spinning ride based on Quidditch/flying on broomsticks).

Instead of being shy or ashamed it's a "temporary" addition, they would give the whole area a strong art direction as an in-world Magical Carnival. I mean, we humans/Muggles build time parks with things from our real world -- trains, river boats, hot air balloons, cars -- why wouldn't the Wizarding World have a carnival with stuff from their world?

Reminds me of another theme park land that’s currently nothing but dirt that was made to look like a carnival. People didn’t like it no matter how much it was “leaned into” or “on purpose.” Pretty sure that area was supposed to be temporary as well but it lasted over 20 years.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Idk if any of you follow Theme Park Lore on X but this account is doing a light reimagining of Epic. Looks good so far and shows potential for how the park could shape up over time,

Does a really good job at summarizing the park's development history concisely and does a great job at implementing potential quick solutions to alleviate Epic's capacity issues.

Browsing through reviews on Google, Youtube, etc., the general consensus is that Epic Universe is a creative success (even the 1 star reviews on Google give it praise before diving into operational issues). Pretty much everybody can agree on that front. However, it's evident that the park is just not built with decent capacity in my mind (even operating at it's max theoretical capacity at 99% efficiency is not great). The park is nowhere near it's theoretical capacity, and it's wait-times are not conducive to a great guest experience.

Spoiler: Current Wait-Times As Of This Post

Curse of the Werewolf - 70
Fyre Drill - 105
Ministry - 150
Hiccup's - 190
Mario Kart - 210
Mine-Cart - 110

Thankfully, the best ride in the park has terrific capacity.

I am hoping someone at UDE is working on a "capacity improvement" package that can acted on swiftly and that future expansions take capacity into consideration.

Actually, for the sake of increasing capacity, I can see them putting up a semi-permanent tent pavilion/structure (like Epcot did with Millennium Village) in the expansion plot behind Ministry of Magic. They would open an entry from the French Ministry.

Inside would be several flat rides and maybe games, etc. all playfully themed after Wizarding World/Harry Potter (e.g., mechanical spinning ride based on Quidditch/flying on broomsticks).

Instead of being shy or ashamed it's a "temporary" addition, they would give the whole area a strong art direction as an in-world Magical Carnival. I mean, we humans/Muggles build time parks with things from our real world -- trains, river boats, hot air balloons, cars -- why wouldn't the Wizarding World have a carnival with stuff from their world?

I think the better solution is a package of 2-3 additional flat rides throughout Celestial Park.

I'd also love for them to expand the covered arcades from the front throughout the rest of CP.

 

[Mike S]

Does a really good job at summarizing the park's development history concisely and does a great job at implementing potential quick solutions to alleviate Epic's capacity issues.

Browsing through reviews on Google, Youtube, etc., the general consensus is that Epic Universe is a creative success (even the 1 star reviews on Google give it praise before diving into operational issues). Pretty much everybody can agree on that front. However, it's evident that the park is just not built with decent capacity in my mind (even operating at it's max theoretical capacity at 99% efficiency is not great). The park is nowhere near it's theoretical capacity, and it's wait-times are not conducive to a great guest experience.

Spoiler: Current Wait-Times As Of This Post

Curse of the Werewolf - 70
Fyre Drill - 105
Ministry - 150
Hiccup's - 190
Mario Kart - 210
Mine-Cart - 110

Thankfully, the best ride in the park has terrific capacity.

I am hoping someone at UDE is working on a "capacity improvement" package that can acted on swiftly and that future expansions take capacity into consideration.


I think the better solution is a package of 2-3 additional flat rides throughout Celestial Park.

I'd also love for them to expand the covered arcades from the front throughout the rest of CP.

High capacity Captain Cacao Dark Ride. I’m talking EPCOT Center Future World type capacity.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I'd also love for them to expand the covered arcades from the front throughout the rest of CP.

I’d really love this idea. One thing that shocked me about the arcades was how short they were, and it felt extra bizarre when the Other Worlds arcade opened up into an incredible view… of an ugly SNW wall lol

 

[simon]

I’d really love this idea. One thing that shocked me about the arcades was how short they were, and it felt extra bizarre when the Other Worlds arcade opened up into an incredible view… of an ugly SNW wall lol

Regarding the exterior of SNW wall, it appears unfinished or desaturated compared to other SNW locations. Am I the only one seeing this?

 

[UAN17]

2 or 3 flat rides that are sufficiently covered to run during thunderstorms would go a long way for the park. Personally, I’d put one in Celestial Park and one in Darkmoor, but an argument could be made for any land except Potter at this point.

Not a bad shout. Reminds me of when IoA added flying unicorn and storm force within a year to address the perceived lack of smaller family attractions

 

[DrStarlander]

Reminds me of another theme park land that’s currently nothing but dirt that was made to look like a carnival. People didn’t like it no matter how much it was “leaned into” or “on purpose.” Pretty sure that area was supposed to be temporary as well but it lasted over 20 years.

Yes, I see that comparison. And, it's kind of a case study of success, to some degree. Without a massive capital investment, it offered some capacity for the time period before they were ready to build a very expensive permeant attraction, which they are doing now. I guess it could have been kept as dirt all along but I'm not sure that's a win...regardless of what criticism some people had for it.

Going back to the earliest days of Disneyland, temporary expansions have been a part of theme park operations. I think the first "circus" at Disneyland was in late 1955. The alternative is to wait five or ten years for the MoM expansion plot to be used with a several hundred million dollar multi-hour-queue attraction. I think there's a use for temporary expansion to take some pressure off in the years it takes to plan something more permanent.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Regarding the exterior of SNW wall, it appears unfinished or desaturated compared to other SNW locations. Am I the only one seeing this?

I think it's meant to fade into the distance. Once the trees fully grow, it should be fine.

However, once you look left after passing Other Worlds... the view into that expansion pad and the rest of the surrounding area is awful. Thankfully that's being worked on soon.

 

[Mad Dog]

Does a really good job at summarizing the park's development history concisely and does a great job at implementing potential quick solutions to alleviate Epic's capacity issues.

Browsing through reviews on Google, Youtube, etc., the general consensus is that Epic Universe is a creative success (even the 1 star reviews on Google give it praise before diving into operational issues). Pretty much everybody can agree on that front. However, it's evident that the park is just not built with decent capacity in my mind (even operating at it's max theoretical capacity at 99% efficiency is not great). The park is nowhere near it's theoretical capacity, and it's wait-times are not conducive to a great guest experience.

Spoiler: Current Wait-Times As Of This Post

Curse of the Werewolf - 70
Fyre Drill - 105
Ministry - 150
Hiccup's - 190
Mario Kart - 210
Mine-Cart - 110

Thankfully, the best ride in the park has terrific capacity.

I am hoping someone at UDE is working on a "capacity improvement" package that can acted on swiftly and that future expansions take capacity into consideration.


I think the better solution is a package of 2-3 additional flat rides throughout Celestial Park.

I'd also love for them to expand the covered arcades from the front throughout the rest of CP.

Hoping that the higher ups realize they have a significant actual capacity problem that could be detrimental to the near future of Epic if it isn't addressed. Too many low capacity outdoor attractions in a park with a low number (like most new parks) of total attractions, especially indoor.

 

[UAN17]

Rain in Florida isn’t a new phenomenon though, it does make me question the decision process to not address this in development.

I do love the park by the way, it’s brilliant, but it rained on day 3, after the shows were finished for the day, and there were 3 rides open, 2 of which had 100 plus minute queue. We were also stuck at the front of the park haha, so a drenching to get there.

 

[Mad Dog]

Rain in Florida isn’t a new phenomenon though, it does make me question the decision process to not address this in development.

I do love the park by the way, it’s brilliant, but it rained on day 3, after the shows were finished for the day, and there were 3 rides open, 2 of which had 100 plus minute queue. We were also stuck at the front of the park haha, so a drenching to get there.

Exactly. Guess the planners had no idea this park was being built in Florida,
the false propaganda Sunshine state.

 

[simon]

I think it's meant to fade into the distance. Once the trees fully grow, it should be fine.

However, once you look left after passing Other Worlds... the view into that expansion pad and the rest of the surrounding area is awful. Thankfully that's being worked on soon.

I see, but they better improve the signline over the left corner on the Kong area(Where you can clearly see the showbuilding of Mario Kart, unlike the USJ version(covered by artboard)).

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Rain in Florida isn’t a new phenomenon though, it does make me question the decision process to not address this in development.

When folks from colder climates go to Florida they want to be outside. Doesn’t excuse exposed queues and lack of shade, but it does why folks want rides outside. Good example of this is my friends who once skipped doing trader Sam’s indoors to sit outside since it was FL.

 

[UAN17]

When folks from colder climates go to Florida they want to be outside. Doesn’t excuse exposed queues and lack of shade, but it does why folks want rides outside. Good example of this is my friends who once skipped doing trader Sam’s indoors to sit outside since it was FL.

I can relate especially at bars haha

Not been a consideration for rides for myself, but I do get it

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I can relate especially at bars haha

Not been a consideration for rides for myself, but I do get it

Yeah I don’t really consider it till I saw it in person. But also it’s very anecdotal and I’d assume universals knows more of what their guests are looking for.