Epic Universe's Impact on SeaWorld

[ValentineWiggin]

I feel like a lot of talk about Epic Universe has centered on how it will affect Disney's market share or how Disney will respond. I was just wondering how people feel/what they predict about the future of SeaWorld during the ongoing theme park wars.

 

[HopperFan]

I feel like a lot of talk about Epic Universe has centered on how it will affect Disney's market share or how Disney will respond. I was just wondering how people feel/what they predict about the future of SeaWorld during the ongoing theme park wars.

I don't see SeaWorld in the same tier at Universal and Disney. It tends to draw very specific groups, like families with very young children who want to see the animals and do Sesame Street, it's very big with annual pass locals who enjoy it for the relaxation, eating, drinking and festivals and that group who love their coasters. They are even getting another coaster. It's not "themed" in the same way as the others and I don't think Epic will change it's base. It really is a Florida, tropical, Key West like feel ... not an IP theme.

Now they are still trying to figure out their long term identity without leaning on the animals and they are getting there. I think they are financially in a better position lately, so hopefully that will continue.

 

[AJA]

I agree with the above. And if it impacts it all I would think it would be positive.

Families are no longer getting off a plane and being bussed right to Disney property for an entire week, never leaving the Disney bubble.

As families explore more entertainment on and around I-4 I think Sea World may benefit.

 

[HopperFan]

I agree with the above. And if it impacts it all I would think it would be positive.

Families are no longer getting off a plane and being bussed right to Disney property for an entire week, never leaving the Disney bubble.

As families explore more entertainment on and around I-4 I think Sea World may benefit.

I didn't even think of it this way. There are plenty of nice places all around SeaWorld to stay including many brand new hotels. These will all be great options for Epic Universe when it opens. Staying there could really create a SeaWorld (thrill riders), Discovery Cove (luxury vacation day), Aquatica (waterpark) with an Epic Universe added on. Folks might not even venture to the other Universal Parks if they have regularly done Universal and Disney. This might actually create a whole new type vacation. Not far is TopGolf and Andretti Carts, tons of dining. This really could be a great week staying focused on that area.

 

[33RPM]

When we lived in Florida (Space Coast), our children had school field trips to Sea World. I imagine they get a good amount of school groups for educational purposes.

 

[Jrb1979]

I didn't even think of it this way. There are plenty of nice places all around SeaWorld to stay including many brand new hotels. These will all be great options for Epic Universe when it opens. Staying there could really create a SeaWorld (thrill riders), Discovery Cove (luxury vacation day), Aquatica (waterpark) with an Epic Universe added on. Folks might not even venture to the other Universal Parks if they have regularly done Universal and Disney. This might actually create a whole new type vacation. Not far is TopGolf and Andretti Carts, tons of dining. This really could be a great week staying focused on that area.

My family has done that a couple of times. We took a vacation to Orlando and did SeaWorld and things on I-Drive.