Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[Magic-Man]

This conversation has made a compelling argument that Hulk is the optimal system. Its a "Launch Hill". If that doesn't make everyone happy, then I don't know what will.

Hulk is probably the second best launch I've ever done, with Stealth at Thorpe Park being number one. Launching upward is such a fun element.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

This conversation has made a compelling argument that Hulk is the optimal system. Its a "Launch Hill". If that doesn't make everyone happy, then I don't know what will.

Mummy too, and Cali Screaming has both a launch and a lift hill!

Hulk is probably the second best launch I've ever done, with Stealth at Thorpe Park being number one. Launching upward is such a fun element.

Hypersonic XLC for me, 0-80 in 1.8 seconds (TTD went from 0-120 mph in 4 seconds).

 

[DOOMBOT]

I will never forget that whip I felt from the original A-shaped launch-into-drop of Lightning Rod. Felt like I was gonna actually fly out.

 

[illumination]

Might be a dumb question but do lift hills affect capacity vs a launch? Or is it factored in like an extension of the station with extra cars idling and doesn’t have an effect?

I get that chain lift hills are nostalgic but my opinion is that when you know better, you do better. They seem outdated to me. I like some classic rides that have them, but I’m not asking for new rides to please have a lift hill.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Might be a dumb question but do lift hills affect capacity vs a launch? Or is it factored in like an extension of the station with extra cars idling and doesn’t have an effect?

I get that chain lift hills are nostalgic but my opinion is that when you know better, you do better. They seem outdated to me. I like some classic rides that have them, but I’m not asking for new rides to please have a lift hill.

Big fat "it depends". Capacity is a function of unload dispatch times (how many guests get off the ride per hour, or from a more IE perspective, how many people are processed through the system), so a lift hill would either need to be the same length as that dispatch interval or have multiple trains on the lift hill. Space Mountain and Matterhorn have shorter trains with multiple block sections on their lift hills, allowing for multiple cars on the lift hill, while other coasters only have one block break on their lift hill and have larger trains to make up for it (Mako, for example).

 

[tommyhawkins]

This conversation has made a compelling argument that Hulk is the optimal system. Its a "Launch Hill". If that doesn't make everyone happy, then I don't know what will.

Me:

 

[Clive]

Me:

View attachment 28684

Took me a second...

 

[ParkRumors]

Looks like we’ve got a project number - P987.

Also a new building number - B1660 - which lines up with the existing buildings in the WWoHP.

 

[tommyhawkins]

Took me a second...

Takes me more than a second when I got off Hulk

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Looks like we’ve got a project number - P987.

Also a new building number - B1660 - which lines up with the existing buildings in the WWoHP.

I swear if this delays Blue Man AGAIN

 

[HHN Maddux]

He explains how the parcel is about the same size as Volcano Bay + CB, so we're working with a lot of space here. Second water park?

 

[UOR92]

He explains how the parcel is about the same size as Volcano Bay + CB, so we're working with a lot of space here. Second water park?

My gut just says hotels. Does land clearing in this case mean the entire parcel or just a portion? That would give a little better insight

 

[GAcoaster]

He explains how the parcel is about the same size as Volcano Bay + CB, so we're working with a lot of space here. Second water park?

Realistically, I think it (for the near term at least) gets used just like the CB/VB plot was-- overflow parking for events and staging area for construction materials. I don't see them being ready to develop that area (yet) beyond "backstage" stuff. I may be wrong, but I just keep thinking about how much they used to use the CB/VB area as parking for events before that was all built and how they really never replaced it. The garages are near capacity as it is, and when they host events (or use the parking for Bay Hill) it would really be a handy thing to have again. Epic's lot seems awfully small and perhaps they are looking to start on garage space in the current lay-down yard.

 

[Eckert]

I understand that it's hard to deal with, but I think if they keep expanding around Orlando and you're having to take buses through public roads to get to all the different Universal campuses...it's kind of tacky. I don't want to drive by people's neighborhoods and Chick-Fil-A while I'm on my Universal vacation.

 

[HHN Maddux]

I understand that it's hard to deal with, but I think if they keep expanding around Orlando and you're having to take buses through public roads to get to all the different Universal campuses...it's kind of tacky. I don't want to drive by people's neighborhoods and Chick-Fil-A while I'm on my Universal vacation.

Fully agree, but unfortunately I don't really see there being any workaround, too many business' between the campuses for anything to be done. Disney I think will always hold the only slot for being the park where once you're in, you're fully in and don't see the outside world (barring some brief monorail and Contemporary views).

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I understand that it's hard to deal with, but I think if they keep expanding around Orlando and you're having to take buses through public roads to get to all the different Universal campuses...it's kind of tacky. I don't want to drive by people's neighborhoods and Chick-Fil-A while I'm on my Universal vacation.

Unfortunately it's beyond Universal's control.

They tried their best with the Kirkman extension, but the City of Orlando/Orange County would need to take the lead to improve the area like Anaheim did to beautify the area around Disneyland.

As a local, I hope its a serious topic soon. The entire Sand Lake area is a mess for everyone, specifically pedestrians.

 

[tielo]

Fully agree, but unfortunately I don't really see there being any workaround, too many business' between the campuses for anything to be done. Disney I think will always hold the only slot for being the park where once you're in, you're fully in and don't see the outside world (barring some brief monorail and Contemporary views).

Using the windows as screens you can keep people on any form of transport into a bubble if that is actually what they think is important. The solution is very simple and old tech so if they wanted to implement it it's an simple one.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

In practical terms, it's not that difficult... the city/county just needs funding to improve beautification projects centered around adding greenery (like the southern portion of I-Drive) and some resemblance of a unified design (the SeaWorld area does it well with a somewhat enforced of a tropical/Caribbean design).

I'm sure UOR has pushed for it, but it's ultimately not their decision.

 

[DOOMBOT]

Using the windows as screens you can keep people on any form of transport into a bubble if that is actually what they think is important. The solution is very simple and old tech so if they wanted to implement it it's an simple one.

I would not enjoy this at all haha. After a long exhausting night of walking and drinking at HHN at 2:30AM, getting on a stop-and-go bus with no windows and multiple screens Hogwarts Express'ing me through Shrek's swamp sounds like a one-way ticket to the floor of that bus lmao. I'd really much rather see an apartment building.

 

[tommyhawkins]

Realistically, I think it (for the near term at least) gets used just like the CB/VB plot was-- overflow parking for events and staging area for construction materials. I don't see them being ready to develop that area (yet) beyond "backstage" stuff. I may be wrong, but I just keep thinking about how much they used to use the CB/VB area as parking for events before that was all built and how they really never replaced it. The garages are near capacity as it is, and when they host events (or use the parking for Bay Hill) it would really be a handy thing to have again. Epic's lot seems awfully small and perhaps they are looking to start on garage space in the current lay-down yard.

its 35 acres, not 88 .

You know what else is 35 acres?

the staging parcel, south of Epic Boulevard