Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[DOOMBOT]

I feel like the main blessing for the Creature ride is that there now exists a land devoted to Universal Classic Monsters, completely separated from any other IP. If they want to add an expansion to that corner of the park, it will have to fit within that world. It can't even be transferred to a different IP like the JP plot was when they added Kong.

There really aren't too many other options for a UCM-themed attraction that would bring something interesting and fresh to the park. As much as I would love it, I don't see them commiting to an Invisible Man ride anytime soon. Creature is the top fan request and the most obvious option for them.

 

[Mad Dog]

I feel like the main blessing for the Creature ride is that there now exists a land devoted to Universal Classic Monsters, completely seperated from any other IP. If they want to add an expansion to that corner of the park, it will have to fit within that world. It can't even be transferred to a different IP like the JP plot was when they added Kong.

There really aren't too many other options for a UCM-themed attraction that would bring something interesting and fresh to the park. As much as I would love it, I don't see them commiting to an Invisible Man ride anytime soon. Creature is the top fan request and the most obvious option for them.

Yes, I think that plot, if ever developed, will be a Monsters related attraction. But, I'm guessing it's real far down the road. Nintendo plot, the probable new Potter attraction, and part of the large expansion plot will probably be ahead of it in the pecking order. So, not until sometime in the mid to late 2030 decade.

 

[Mike S]

I feel like the main blessing for the Creature ride is that there now exists a land devoted to Universal Classic Monsters, completely seperated from any other IP. If they want to add an expansion to that corner of the park, it will have to fit within that world. It can't even be transferred to a different IP like the JP plot was when they added Kong.

There really aren't too many other options for a UCM-themed attraction that would bring something interesting and fresh to the park. As much as I would love it, I don't see them commiting to an Invisible Man ride anytime soon. Creature is the top fan request and the most obvious option for them.

You never know. They could always decide it’s more viable to get creative and use the spot to put in more Nintendo and put up some sort of barrier to not have the lands bleed into each other.

Not saying this is what they’ll do but it is possible.

 

[DOOMBOT]

You never know. They could always decide it’s more viable to get creative and use the spot to put in more Nintendo and put up some sort of barrier to not have the lands bleed into each other.

Not saying this is what they’ll do but it is possible.

It's possible! But I still find it comforting to know that if they ever do make a UCM expansion for the resort, which is far more likely now than ever because of Darkmoor, it's basically first in line, and not much is queued behind it currently.

Others are right though, Dark Universe could end up like Toon Lagoon or Suess Landing without a proper expansion at any point. I believe that timeline would be ... not ideal.

 

[Mad Dog]

It's possible! But I still find it comforting to know that if they ever do make a UCM expansion for the resort, which is far more likely now than ever because of Darkmoor, it's basically first in line, and not much is queued behind it currently.

Others are right though, Dark Universe could end up like Toon Lagoon or Suess Landing without a proper expansion at any point. I believe that timeline would be ... not ideal.

We loved Darkmore. It was our favorite ride and land. But it doesn't get the attendance that the other lands do, perhaps partly
since it's kind of hidden away in that corner that some people could miss, and it just doesn't have the popularity of Potter, Nintendo,
or kid stuff like Dragons. That's why I'd guess it's last on the expansion ladder.

 

[Legacy]

We loved Darkmore. It was our favorite ride and land. But it doesn't get the attendance that the other lands do, perhaps partly
since it's kind of hidden away in that corner that some people could miss, and it just doesn't have the popularity of Potter, Nintendo,
or kid stuff like Dragons. That's why I'd guess it's last on the expansion ladder.

That’s why they need the Darkmoor expansion to include Scooby Doo.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Why Darkmoor feels emptier than the other lands is because there's (unfortunately) less to do than the others.

It's my favorite, but the actual village portion of the land is (as much as I hate saying this) quite bare if you are not eating at Das Stakehaus or shopping at Pretorious, the singular store in the main village. There's no interactive elements to have people strolling around looking for wand/band points.


I don't think it's an issue with families avoiding it due to the content featured, there's just a lack of things to do in comparison to the other lands.

 

[Jake S]

And while I love that Burning Blade is "hidden" behind Curse of the Werewolf... if you don't know it's there, you might miss it.

 

[DOOMBOT]

The characters do a lot of heavy lifting in bringing Darkmoor to life. I also think Universal really wants to make that facepainting booth happen a la Bibbidy Boppity Boutique. That would count as another "attraction" for that area, to themselves at least.

That big dark ride expansion would really flesh out the land imo, whether that be a boat ride or something else.

 

[illumination]

I dropped the article on Xmas day.
This one took me more than a month write, everytime I thought I was done there would be new stuff to change my thinking.
It covers the three independent expansion pads, goes into more details about why Wicked or any IP would not get a 21 land, and has my most up to date thinking on the 4th gate layout as well as outlining how the west parcel could work with hotel and city walk 2.0

Universal Didn’t Spend $7 Billion to Stop at Epic Universe (Part 3)

Analysing the next 28 acres of expansion pads, why Wicked may not be as inevitable as it seems, and how a fourth gate fits into Universal’s long-term masterplan

open.substack.com

I agree that a 21 acre expansion plot is too much for one single portal land. You made a point there, however I think when people suggest ideas for an expansion they aren’t necessarily saying universal needs to use all 21 acres for that. Universal will need to get creative with how to divide it because that long path back to the expansion area isn’t great, especially when split into two.

 

[Rikku]

I have no info but the vibes I'm getting are "Phase 2 that never happens" for the Creature ride. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Disappointing if true but as others have stated I just hope Dark Universe gets some other attraction it needs it and hope they don't wait to start whatever project it may be too far from now.

 

[RFRees]

Going over part 3 of @tommyhawkins Epic Universe blog.

I think he brings up important points about the 21 acre plot potentially being used for more than one IP.

I feel like most of those who are strongly against Wicked coming to Epic may have been thinking about it in the context of consuming the entire 21 acres, leaving nothing for LOTR / future expansion. But this demonstrates how we could potentially get both. 21 acres is probably too much for Wicked, but probably too much for any single IP (in one park at least).

I would say as well, that if Wicked were to take the West/left side and LOTR takes East/right side, that would still leave room for a future transport attraction between Epic and a future sister park, if they were to go the Hogsmeade/Diagon route.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Disappointing if true but as others have stated I just hope Dark Universe gets some other attraction it needs it and hope they don't wait to start whatever project it may be too far from now.

It’s just a guess.

 

[DOOMBOT]

Wicked as 1 of 3 smaller new Portals added after opening stings a lot less than it being the only major new portal added at all.

 

[simon]

Hey guys sorry for being late! I've been busy spending time with my family and friends over this holidays.

I wanted to update very good news to you guys. I've been in Universal Florida for over 4 days and during that time, I had lots of chance to talk and discuss with creatives and passionate staff members. But one thing I can tell very confidently now is that Creature from the black lagoon expansion has been greenlighted and it will be their next big project at Epic once they are done with Harry Potter expansion

As an architecture student intending to apply for a creative internship next summer with a pretty proficient understanding of building structures and engineering, I was able to engage in an in-depth rather technical and advisement conversation. During this exchange, one of them shared this information with me. Also I asked for permission to share information and they were okay with this since they already started to giving hints

They explained their strategy for marketing new experiences and highlighted how it differentiates them from competitors.

Universal enjoy rather gives hint to the general audience while development is in progress, while the opponent typically announces the project first and shares updates.

Additionally, several cast members (more than 3) and staff members mentioned that they have not heard of any plans for a Potter expansion, while they are all very aware that the Dark Universe expansion is coming very soon and they seemed confident. When I asked about their sources, they were reluctant to share further details, likely due to internal confidentiality. And some of them told me about this project before I even mentioned about this.

That's all I have for now and time will tell. I'd be happy to answer questions.

 

[Alicia]

I wanted to update very good news to you guys. I've been in Universal Florida for over 4 days and during that time, I was able to meet lots and talk longtime with creatives and passionate staff members. But one thing I can tell very confidently now is that Creature from the black lagoon expansion has been greenlighted and it will be their next big project at Epic once they are done with Harry Potter expansion.

I want to believe.

 

[simon]

I want to believe.

Please take this with a grain of salt, as I do not work or have any relation to Universal. But multiple staff, relation members (more than three) indeed confirmed to me that an expansion of Dark Universe is coming soon, specifically mentioning the Creature from the Black Lagoon(Boat ride) These confirmations came through in-depth, genuine conversations. Personally, I do believe them, and I have also been speculating that the Dark Universe expansion may arrive earlier than the Nintendo site since investing in Dark Universe first could strategically balance crowd density across the park, alleviating pressure on other lands and improving overall guest flow rather than making an already highly dense area even more crowded

I'll inform you guys with more details about the conversations when I have time.

 

[Skold]

Please take this with a grain of salt, as I do not work or have any relation to Universal, but multiple staff members (more than three) confirmed to me that an expansion of Dark Universe is coming soon, specifically involving the Creature from the Black Lagoon. These confirmations came through in-depth, genuine conversations. Personally, I do believe them, and I have also been speculating that the Dark Universe expansion may arrive earlier than the Nintendo site, which could ultimately be a better strategic decision for Universal.

I'll inform you guys with more details about the conversations I had if I have time.

I love your humbleness.

Also, an under-the-table shaky-cam would help.

 

[simon]

I love your humbleness.

Also, an under-the-table shaky-cam would help.

Hahahah no need for shaky cam, if you have questions I’ll try my best to describe what I heard!

 

[Mike S]

Hahahah no need for shaky cam, if you have questions I’ll try my best to describe what I heard!

Any specifics on Nintendo? Zelda or Luigi’s Mansion?