Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Brian G.]

I would expect not in Nintendo, given that Hollywood's doesn't have any of that, but elsewhere?

Actually.... Nintendo has quite a few spots to sit and chill. You can see a lot of places to sit in these photos.

 

[GAcoaster]

Celestial Park is full of low walls and benches are still arriving. There will be plenty of seating around for people to enjoy their expensive cocktails and watch the fountains and fireworks.

 

[Mike S]

Celestial Park is full of low walls and benches are still arriving. There will be plenty of seating around for people to enjoy their expensive cocktails and watch the fountains and fireworks.

Plot twist: the seating is only available if you bought the cocktail/fountain/firework package.

 

[Rhian]

Keep in mind that there is still some heavy equipment being used throughout the park to move materials, so things like benches would be the last thing to go in to give ample room for easy maneuvering around the park and to avoid damaging newly installed finishes.

As an example, large umbrellas were installed late last week on the perimeter of the large show pond. There weren't there the day prior and when I saw them they were still wrapped in plastic. Shade is coming.

 

[Alicia]

This reminded me to specifically ask about general seating throughout the park. I've sensed a trend in other recent lands/expansions (at both Disney and Universal) to not offer much in the way of seating outside of food service locations, so what's it like in Epic (noting they are continuing to add/tweak things)?

Are there lots of places to just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds? I would expect not in Nintendo, given that Hollywood's doesn't have any of that, but elsewhere?

Most lands have lots of nooks and places to chill. Celestial Park has been getting more outdoor seating around the bars and kiosks even since my visit, going by Bio’s new aerials. And the benches I have seen around Celestial Park are exquisite with what I believe are griffin statues on the sides. Super fancy.

A lot of the quiet walkways and bridges around the entry water features are still closed off until railings can be installed, but I could see those garden walkway side paths being some of my favorite spots in the whole park when finished.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Knockturn alley, when it used to always be kept cold, is the gold standard for keeping comfortable in a Florida theme park.

 

[Lucky Planet]

Literally saw two people meet each other outside the front gates, say "Hi, I'm <whoever>, nice to meet you!" and then walk in together, so given that happened in a random 30 second sampling I'm guessing it was pretty widespread and people weren't trying to hard to conceal it.

That said, I didn't see anyone taking pictures/videos. TM's are probably well too aware that there's ops cameras everywhere.

I imagine you would be shocked at the number of terminations since the 1st mock services (it is not what I would consider a small number). All employees should be full aware that they are responsible for the behavior of their guest (anyone they bring on any type of complimentary ticket).

There are plenty of warnings to anyone in attendance that photos/videos/social media use/video phone calls/drones are all prohibited behaviors/actions at Epic (someone actual brought a drone which caused the addition to the sign)

Imagine bringing a drone to any amusement park, let alone one that isn't even open yet. Jesus.

I'm surprised no one ever brings those glasses cameras you can wear. and would team members at universal be able to notice them?

 

[Ryuniversal]

I'm surprised no one ever brings those glasses cameras you can wear. and would team members at universal be able to notice them?

Someone did do that actually there’s videos of snw and dragons out there on the ground that’s what it looks like they are recording from

 

[Mike S]

Knockturn alley, when it used to always be kept cold, is the gold standard for keeping comfortable in a Florida theme park.

It’s not anymore?

 

[tielo]

For the record all warnings are for no photos, videos, FaceTime calls, or using social media while in the park. Nothing about not being able to review the experience—as TMs have been doing for weeks prior to family previews.

I’d hate to see a witch hunt for people who are actually following the rules to be attacked when I know of actual videos from the park on YouTube and Instagram floating around, which may have something to do with an email reminding folks not only who they should be bringing but also of the no photos and videos rule.

From what I have seen from Team members and youtubers is only great for the hype around the park and all where respectful to not ruin surprises. If there is a social media person breaking the rules then they should be punished (blocked from the resort for a year or something) not the TM who in good fate invited someone.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

It’s not anymore?

It's not always kept nice and cold

 

[tielo]

That was the 1970s, not the 2020s.

I just hope down the line, they put up stylish canopies and arches for shade while the tress grow out (particularly in Celestial Park and Berk).

Yes threes will grow. Not only the shade of the trees will help but also the moister that evaporates from the trees will help to cool the air. The same goes for the many fountains and waterfalls the park has. As a tip we from Universal could also direct you to wonderful fans in the shape of a dragon's tail and stylish (bucket) hats to create your own shade. Also invite a Dutch guy to walk next to you, they are extremely tall.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I had a few pages to catch up on, so just a few thoughts:

Universal definitely should have expected an influx of "My Day at Epic" videos. And if no details are revealed, do we think Universal really cares that much? Basically a 40 minute video of "I can't give details on anything but it was all amazing!"

As far as shade goes - yeah, it'll come. In the meantime, gift shops will provide coverage and AC.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

For anyone who’s too warm just go to Fyre Drill and kids will drench you in water, then go on Hiccups to dry off.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I wonder how much Celestial Park will be utilized to relax/socialize in by guests. The new Epcot hub (which I find great, but can't excuse how long it took) is very nice but doesn't get much use since all the seating is out in the open under the Florida sun.

I hope there's still more shade structures & umbrellas added throughout. Obviously the trees will grow... but that will take several years.

 

[GAcoaster]

Neighboring hotels are ready to cash in:

 

[UniversalRBLX]

One thing to note, right now the entire Epic area and the existing roads (Destination Pkwy/Universal Blvd) are a mess traffic-wise. Those lights are not yet programmed to accommodate the increase of travel this area is about to get. They do have OC traffic police out there monitoring the lights so it'll be interesting to see how this area handles the traffic flow.

Kirkman Rd extension should help a lot once it opens.

 

[SeventyOne]

Very naive of Universal to not understand how many people would want to attend just to rush to be one of the first to monetize content with podcasts and youtube reviews.

Especially when they had to cut the +1 from HHN preview night for this very reason (and the black market in tickets).

One thing to note, right now the entire Epic area and the existing roads (Destination Pkwy/Universal Blvd) are a mess traffic-wise. Those lights are not yet programmed to accommodate the increase of travel this area is about to get. They do have OC traffic police out there monitoring the lights so it'll be interesting to see how this area handles the traffic flow.

Only saw the lone cop at Trade Show over the weekend, I assumed for the EV convention. She did absolutely nothing about cars travelling on the "closed" road, arguably made the situation worse. Bigger issue is Carrier being shut down, absolutely no good way around that. Just a mess all around, complete failure on the part of Orange County. Expect traffic comparable to Aquatica's opening season come this Summer.

 

[OLSinFLA]

That was the 1970s, not the 2020s.

I just hope down the line, they put up stylish canopies and arches for shade while the tress grow out (particularly in Celestial Park and Berk).

There's about as much shade as there is in Epcot or even the Magic Kingdom. Most of the walkways have little or no trees or shade

 

[jarmor]

I wonder how much Celestial Park will be utilized to relax/socialize in by guests. The new Epcot hub (which I find great, but can't excuse how long it took) is very nice but doesn't get much use since all the seating is out in the open under the Florida sun.

I hope there's still more shade structures & umbrellas added throughout. Obviously the trees will grow... but that will take several years.

Not sure what EPCOT's hub consist of but Epics is choke full of food and drinks. That alone should bring people to sit and relax.