Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Mad Dog]

1) Sapphire Falls is the template for Helios, a b/l/d restaurant, bar, and counter service. Sapphire's bar, Strong Water, has among the best food and drinks on the property, so I'm okay with Helios not having a Tchoup Chop/Palm/Bice.

2) Universal's always said they are ok with Disney having the kids till 10 and then they'll take over from there. Demanding them to change what isn't broke is like asking the rain not to be wet.

Yeah. Let Disney keep the strollers and screaming tired out kids. Strongwater: Best bar/restaurant on property. Small plates are a winner, plus a nice .different from most restaurants, interesting menu.

 

[Jake S]

2) Universal's always said they are ok with Disney having the kids till 10 and then they'll take over from there. Demanding them to change what isn't broke is like asking the rain not to be wet.

This should be a pinned post in every thread on this forum.

 

[belloq87]

Nobody's "demanding" anything, though. Some are stating their opinions about what they think would be beneficial.

I also reject the false choice that often appears which suggests that Universal must either continue exactly as they have been OR radically change everything just to cater to very young kids.

 

[Brian G.]

Nobody's "demanding" anything, though. Some are stating their opinions about what they think would be beneficial.

I think the issue is the continuous comparisons. Universal is Universal, and Disney is Disney. The overall point is that we shouldn't expect each company to be like the other.

I also reject the false choice that often appears which suggests that Universal must either continue exactly as they have been OR radically change everything just to cater to very young kids.

I don't think anybody said that either...

 

[Jones14]

I also think that if Universal really didn’t care about the under-10 demographic that the two lands being built at the front of the park wouldn’t be what they are. The park is very clearly being balanced to hit as many age ranges as possible, including younger kids.

 

[Brian G.]

I also think that if Universal really didn’t care about the under-10 demographic that the two lands being built at the front of the park wouldn’t be what they are. The park is very clearly being balanced to hit as many age ranges as possible, including younger kids.

Absolutely! I don't think anyone was suggesting they should just get ignored. Heck, I was championing the necessity of the DreamWorks Land, despite how quick of a layover it was since USF lacked anything in that department.

I believe Joe's main point was that Disney has successfully captured the toddler to young kids market. It's become a rite of passage at this point. Implying Universal is OK with that market share doesn't mean we're advocating for anything else other than that.

 

[belloq87]

I misunderstood the discussion. I agree that Universal definitely should not try to compete for the cultural hold that the Disney theme park experience has for families with young children.

I also obviously think the UO resort needs a few more significant things for all ages -- not specifically just little kids -- to enjoy. But that's not really germane to the Epic Universe conversation, as that's going to be the park out of the three that seems to be, on paper, the most balanced across age groups and interest categories.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I believe Joe's main point was that Disney has successfully captured the toddler to young kids market. It's become a rite of passage at this point. Implying Universal is OK with that market share doesn't mean we're advocating for anything else other than that.

Exactly, thanks Brian. Maybe we can nudge the "10 and over" age range, but you can't argue about the stroller crowd going to Disney while the families with older kids into teens are going to both. Universal's attraction design philosophy with Jay-bangs always skews slightly older. Asking them to change doesn't make sense.

I also think that if Universal really didn’t care about the under-10 demographic that the two lands being built at the front of the park wouldn’t be what they are. The park is very clearly being balanced to hit as many age ranges as possible, including younger kids.

Maybe I went too high with the "10 and over" but the point is fewer toddlers and young kids. To see who Universal is aiming for with those lands watch the TV ad:





Some folks need to stop hiding behind "the kids" when they mean "I'd like to see". (Not saying it's you).

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Some folks need to stop hiding behind "the kids" when they mean "I'd like to see". (Not saying it's you).

This should also be pinned.

I'm a bit confused that earlier in this thread it was mentioned that the signature restaurants Universal DOES have barely fill 20% during busy season- but people still think they need more.

Maybe expensive signature hotel restaurants just.. aren't Universal's thing?

 

[Acandrews12]

I believe Joe's main point was that Disney has successfully captured the toddler to young kids market. It's become a rite of passage at this point.

I would agree. I have a 2.5 year old that is 34”. She can ride at least 50% of Disney’s rides, if not more, whereas currently at Universal, she’s limited to the Hogwarts Express, CaroSeussel, One Fish Two Fish, VillainCon, and Minion Mayhem in the stationary seating.

And as you said, I think a Universal is okay with that.

 

[Mad Dog]

This should also be pinned.

I'm a bit confused that earlier in this thread it was mentioned that the signature restaurants Universal DOES have barely fill 20% during busy season- but people still think they need more.

Maybe expensive signature hotel restaurants just.. aren't Universal's thing?

Not with us either. We've always been long vacationers to Universal. We ate at the Palms twice. Great restaurant, but really too expensive for more than a couple visits. Never ate at the Portofino signature restaurant. Way too expensive for Italian food that's mostly inexpensive ingredients. I'd rather eat at Vivo in CityWalk. ....We can easily afford those sig restaurants, but signature restaurants are generally over priced.......Giving this some thought, I would guess that the 20% claim isn't probably accurate. The Palms often has reservation times filled up weeks in advance. It may be accurate for the Portofino sig restaurant though, since I never see many people going in there unless there's a business convention in the resort.

 

[Alicia]

I would agree. I have a 2.5 year old that is 34”. She can ride at least 50% of Disney’s rides, if not more, whereas currently at Universal, she’s limited to the Hogwarts Express, CaroSeussel, One Fish Two Fish, VillainCon, and Minion Mayhem in the stationary seating.

And as you said, I think a Universal is okay with that.

ET is 34”

But Magdoll is too scary.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Bigskinny0310]

Explaining the trims

 

[Acandrews12]

ET is 34”

But Magdoll is too scary.

True. It is. We didn’t think she would sit in the seat by herself. She likes to lap sit. lol.

 

[OLSinFLA]

Interesting that Starfall and Monsters have the same height requirements

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Interesting that Starfall and Monsters have the same height requirements

Monsters is gonna be intense is what I lean from that.

 

[Alicia]

Same as Forbidden Journey. That ride system’s restraints and safety requirements just require a taller person so you don’t slip out from all the robot arm sways.

 

[Floridaguy34]

Team member mock service has started at epic with dark universe and team members apparently got to ride. Monsters unchained

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I cannot wait to hear the early impressions on the rides. We all have hype, some know what to expect to a degree, some of the rides have been shown, but there isn’t one single review yet.