Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[Alicia]

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.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

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.

This is how it should be frankly, plenty else to do at IOA, USF, and if they ever do a Volcano Bay expansion, build new hotels near Epic….. there’s plenty of love to go around.

 

[TheUniC6]

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.

Figured so. All the existing lands have their own expansion pads that need to be filled. BTW, is the Luigi's Mansion SNW expansion still on track or has the timeline shifted around on that too?

This is how it should be frankly, plenty else to do at IOA, USF, and if they ever do a Volcano Bay expansion, build new hotels near Epic….. there’s plenty of love to go around.

That's why I think a Wicked land would be a better fit in IOA if they decide on a full fledged land.

 

[Alicia]

Figured so. All the existing lands have their own expansion pads that need to be filled. BTW, is the Luigi's Mansion SNW expansion still on track or has the timeline shifted around on that too?

Until I see permits, I don’t see a timeline. Only theories at this point.

 

[Clive]

There's a way to add Wicked to any of the three parks if there was a will to do it. I repeat that I don't think we're going to see any concrete movement until we see how Part 2 does.

 

[TheUniC6]

Until I see permits, I don’t see a timeline. Only theories at this point.

My guess is they are waiting to see how much attendance EU will pull away from USF and IOA if new additions need to be fast tracked for those parks. A couple of months after EU opens we should hopefully have a more solid idea of construction timelines for post EU USF and IOA additions.

 

[Legacy]

There's a way to add Wicked to any of the three parks if there was a will to do it. I repeat that I don't think we're going to see any concrete movement until we see how Part 2 does.

And, broadly, I’m interested in seeing if Universal attempts to “continue” Wicked beyond the core show. There are six books that occur after Wicked (plus a soon to release prequel), but they focus on Elpheba’s and Fiyero’s children who are NOT in the musical.

Introducing Liir in Part 2 would be a major tell, but that’s a huge shift from the stage.

 

[Clive]

And, broadly, I’m interested in seeing if Universal attempts to “continue” Wicked beyond the core show. There are six books that occur after Wicked (plus a soon to release prequel), but they focus on Elpheba’s and Fiyero’s children who are NOT in the musical.

Introducing Liir in Part 2 would be a major tell, but that’s a huge shift from the stage.

I only ever read Son of a Witch and really enjoyed it. I think it comes down to whether Stephen Schwartz can be convinced to write more music.

 

[Legacy]

I only ever read Son of a Witch and really enjoyed it. I think it comes down to whether Stephen Schwartz can be convinced to write more music.

I would almost rather a series that hews a bit closer to the books. Not too closely, though. The show needs to retain the musical’s vibrant whimsy while deepening its complexity and expanding the world. That could, legitimately, give Universal its own cross-generational, HP-esque IP.

 

[Brian G.]

I recall seeing somewhere they want to do more Wicked beyond Part 2 if the franchise calls for it (aka makes the money)

 

[fryoj]

I think we can all agree that Warner Bros. Will be the real winners with the Epic Universe expansion.

Comcast is going to get to the point where it's cheaper to buy WB than keep paying royalties.

I recall seeing somewhere they want to do more Wicked beyond Part 2 if the franchise calls for it (aka makes the money)

WCU you say?

 

[Collin]

I think we can all agree that Warner Bros. Will be the real winners with the Epic Universe expansion.

Wicked is owned by Universal, they've just cleverly avoided copyright issues with the 1939 film.

 

[Scott W.]

I doubt they'd do a live Wicked stage show at Epic. There's two large stage shows already and with Universal's entertainment rep, it's doubtful they'd keep three shows running. Probably why Monsters Live Show got replaced with the small coaster.

I think people want live entertainment and the thing that confuses me with Universal, is why don't they put in a decent permanent theatre in CityWalk?

A proper broadway style Wicked production would be such an easy sell. When that run finishes, put in the BTTF show. There is an endless amount of things they could do plus all the spin off of food and drink sales. People might like live theatre but not theme parks, this gets them in.

There's a way to add Wicked to any of the three parks if there was a will to do it. I repeat that I don't think we're going to see any concrete movement until we see how Part 2 does.

We'll never see a JPRA or It's Tough to be a Bug! type ride in production before a movie releases and even if Disney/Universal were 99% confident it would be a hit, they need it as a fact before committing.

 

[Mad Dog]

Quickest way to do a Wicked themed live show, though not a mimic of the Broadway show. There just happens to be a large unused theater in Lost Continent, in a park that only has a couple of small street entertainment shows in Hogsmeade. .

 

[jarmor]

I think people want live entertainment and the thing that confuses me with Universal, is why don't they put in a decent permanent theatre in CityWalk?

Like. . . The blue man group theater??

 

[Tyc00n96]

My guess is they are waiting to see how much attendance EU will pull away from USF and IOA if new additions need to be fast tracked for those parks. A couple of months after EU opens we should hopefully have a more solid idea of construction timelines for post EU USF and IOA additions.

Could we see a situation like Islands in 2000 where they added two smaller additions (Unicorn and Storm Force) for capacity purposes once they get a feel for attendance? There are spaces around the hub and the lands that can support a smaller sized attraction for sure.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I think people want live entertainment and the thing that confuses me with Universal, is why don't they put in a decent permanent theatre in CityWalk?

A proper broadway style Wicked production would be such an easy sell. When that run finishes, put in the BTTF show. There is an endless amount of things they could do plus all the spin off of food and drink sales. People might like live theatre but not theme parks, this gets them in.

I think it's an economic problem due to the larger and higher-paid casts in addition to them not running matinees. A scaled down production risks not being enough like the musical to cause confusion.

 

[quinnmac000]

Upon rethinking, a live show for Wicked or even other Broadway musicals that are abbreviated would not work nor do i think Universal would be interested in doing so. I also don't think they would want a full length version of Wicked permanent based in Orlando. The reasoning behind is that despite it likely being successful for Wicked, similar to why the film was being developed for over 20 years, its a property they actually value.

Wicked is the second longest running broadway show and is still selling out while the Wicked North American Tour company tours the states. It does not behoove Universal to do something that impacts those two operations. Orlando has some great talent but not all of them have the talent and skill set to be able to handle the level and show density that would be expected of them for Wicked.

I would instead advise Universal to go outside the park entertainment to have veteran Broadway songwriters and story tellers create an original show that would provide the most amazing spectacle for tourists to make it a must see during their trip.

 

[OhHaiInternet95]

If designers were willing to get a little experimental in terms of concept, you could build a land that you literally have to journey through just like Frodo and the Fellowship: you start in a sub-area for the Shire, proceed through Rivendell and Moria, then into Rohan and/or Gondor, and possibly finally Mordor.

Or some variation of that sort of concept depending on how much space you have to work with. Sub-areas that you progress through. Some of these areas might have attractions (Moria, Mordor), some might have dining (Shire, Rivendell), others might just be transitional (Rohan/Gondor).

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!

Idk what a good theme for a gift shop would be, though? Maybe Bag End could be both the entrance and exit for the ride in the same way that the Ministry will be, and therefore it can be themed to things Bilbo and Gandalf may have collected on their adventures? Of course, that could create a logjam of people going through the door unless you supersize it beyond the realistic scale. All else fails and Sam’s house being the exit works fine.

 

[Universal 4 Life]

Wouldn't have surprised me if it never reopened but holidays need more ride capacity, I guess.

Or maybe Vin Diesel has it in his contract that he has to approve its closure ha.

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!

Idk what a good theme for a gift shop would be, though? Maybe Bag End could be both the entrance and exit for the ride in the same way that the Ministry will be, and therefore it can be themed to things Bilbo and Gandalf may have collected on their adventures? Of course, that could create a logjam of people going through the door unless you supersize it beyond the realistic scale. All else fails and Sam’s house being the exit works fine.

I love this idea. I really want LOTRs to be represented in a park one day. Universal will do wonders with the material. My only request is that there be a Balrog somewhere in the ride/attraction.