Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Diser Friend's musings on:

Nintendo

• Another beautiful land. It's very colorful and once again universal took the assignment of kinetic movement to heart. The land seems very much alive.

• This is where everyone rushes to. We typically saved it for the evening when the lines died down, or went during the hotel early hour entry and spent the time playing the power band games. I really like the power bands, they're more of a slap bracelet than a magic band and I thought they were very comfortable. Playing all the games is a lot of fun and I think the bands are worth it.

• We didn't have any food here so I can't comment on that.

• The merch is plentiful and it's kind of hard to know where to start. They have these fun character hats (I'm modeling my favorite: Goomba). However, these have to get really hot in Orlando outside. I'm also interested in a character shirt but I'd prefer Goomba and I didn't see any shirts.

• Yoshi was a super cute ride that gives you a great view of the land. I wouldn't wait more than 10 minutes, but it was fun.

• Mario Kart was kind of a let down for me. It's very close to something I can just play at home. I think I would have appreciated a higher emphasis on physical elements of the ride. The queue is spectacular, lots to look at.

• The Donkey Kong area might be my favorite. It's set off by itself in the back and you feel as though you're in a separate world. We never did see Donkey Kong meeting, I don't think he's started yet, but I can't wait to meet him. The mine cart ride was fun, but a bit jerky. The queue was pretty hot and boring except for one spot that had some animatronics.

• We never did meet any of the characters, we never saw Peach out but we did see Mario and Luigi but didn't stop.

• Overall the land falls to number 4 on my list. I love all the movement and the power up games and I'll probably be super excited to meet Donkey Kong and Toad. The rides aren't my fav and besides the characters there's no live immersive entertainment.

 

[georgina]

Interesting. As someone who has never played any Mario games and doesn't care much about them, I will be going to the land to look around and try the rides. Power ups mean nothing to me!

 

[tony67]

This is why I don't do this.

I do this because many do know who these folks are and their issues and I've said here and there you take them with a grain of salt because at the end of the day they are mostly trying to stay on Universal Good side or get invited to things. They can also go and watch the videos and decide for themselves.

I can express my first hand opinion over several days but I cant really show them- so the known streamers is a help. I am not posting second hand opinions of something I've not been too.

As I have also said I talked to a lot of people in the park - I spoke with TMs, I spoke with many people in lines, Many people in bars, people just walking around, people waiting in food at restaurants.. People who went every Thursday since opening etc.. A couple of kids and a grandfather whos parent is one of the VPs for Universal. Several Military folks. Lots of AP holders. a wide range of people.

Last week was a mess. I had several not great experiences with TMs and many very good experiences with TMs.

I am not going to sugar coat it and I am not going to avoid it as some seem to be or brush it off as a technical rehearsal.
Universal has set this up as a somewhat premium experience in that you have to buy a ticket for a day until at least 2026 - not a park you can just hop to or go to on a whim as an AP holder for at least 6 months.

That's fine, but at the end of the day I had planned to do a Monday and Tuesday during HHN since those are the off days and I wont be. I really would not recommend it to anyone who is only doing one day and wants to do the rides. Donkey Kong in Unreliable. Ministry is Unreliable, Fyre drill, Wolfman and Stardust go down quite a bit. I don't see that changing before opening.

Now for a different groups of people - those who just want to walk around the park and enjoy what is really a park and don't care about rides - yes you will enjoy it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Interesting. As someone who has never played any Mario games and doesn't care much about them, I will be going to the land to look around and try the rides. Power ups mean nothing to me!

I've never played the games you can play at Disney, we don't have a MagicBand+ yet either but I was 50/50 on whether I thought it might be fun to get them for Nintendo, but it is just for one land soooo that was kinda weighing on me. I did see in Robo's Helios report the arcade may or may not accept the bands (or I just read that part wrong of their report).

If anything it might be fun to people watch I love seeing people use their wands for stuff at Harry Potter lands even though I don't intend to get a wand. Oh and the sounds can be fun to listen to as well.

Side note though I grew up watching my sister play Donkey Kong on super Nintendo and I rock playing Mario Kart on N64 and the wii too (bonus when someone has the wheel to put the controller in) so I do actually like to play the games just the racing ones though lol.

 

[tony67]

Interesting. As someone who has never played any Mario games and doesn't care much about them, I will be going to the land to look around and try the rides. Power ups mean nothing to me!

Yeah - I am that way about the Harry Potter stuff - its its really cool to look and see the details etc.. One of these days I'll buy a wand just to try the stuff out but not anytime soon. Same for Nintendo - I was tempted to buy a power up band - but was not pushed.
The land itself is great details and overall impressive.

 

[Keladry84]

Kind of a random question, but one I've been wondering: Is there any type of Arcade in Epic at all? I was hoping there would be as there is one in both of the other parks, but I haven't seen any mention of one anywhere :/ The arcade in IOA is genuine one of my favorite hang-out spots in the parks.

And if there isn't - does anyone know if there is an arcade in the Helios hotel, and if it is run by the company of the other hotels, or by the company in the 2 other parks?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

And if there isn't - does anyone know if there is an arcade in the Helios hotel, and if it is run by the company of the other hotels, or by the company in the 2 other parks?

There is, this is from Robo's thread about Helios and their Epic Universe experience.

Below is the post of theirs about the arcade in Helios though the ownership question I don't have an answer about.

Post in thread 'Come with me on a Journey to a Far away place inhabited by Mythological Gods and Constellations. Through the Portals we go to an Epic Universe.'

Friday at 8:54 PM

There is game room. Although I think it would be more fun to buy the little ones the power-up bands in the park for Nintendo Land.

This would allow them to use the bands to have an interactive day of fun in the park.





















More to come on the hotel and my first day at Epic.

• Robo56

• 

 

[GhostHost24]

The very first thing I did when I went to my epic preview was buy a yoshi band lol

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I do this because many do know who these folks are and their issues and I've said here and there you take them with a grain of salt because at the end of the day they are mostly trying to stay on Universal Good side or get invited to things. They can also go and watch the videos and decide for themselves.

That's the point though It's hard to absorb the person's opinion who isn't just going to Epic (or any park) for fun and instead because it's their job, they are trying to get on or stay on THE LIST, etc. It's the regular everyday people that tend to have the least bias (either direction). I don't want someone who is faking it nor do I want someone who can't for the life of them have anything fair to say and is just here's all what's wrong. No one really wants either of those unless you're falling into your own confirmation bias.

Mentioning "hey if you want to check out X person they have their review up" or whatever that allows people the information to then go decide for themselves. Rather than just say this person saw all unhappy TMs this person was really trying hard to hide their disappointment, etc. That and the other comments you've made about the vloggers. I can't really decide for myself if you're already telling me the slew of bad things they've said and it kinda is like are you in an Epic trip funk or what

Please by all means share the names vloggers you watch I might even check them out, I was just trying to say in a round about way maybe ease up on just what the words and experiences of those vloggers you're putting out there. Plus no really don't be concerned about Disney and their reaction

 

[tony67]

The very first thing I did when I went to my epic preview was buy a yoshi band lol

Just curios - I think someone said they were $50 - I thought about getting one but figured Id wait till a future trip when I go with my son.

Did you find it greatly improved the experience?

 

[GhostHost24]

Just curios - I think someone said they were $50 - I thought about getting one but figured Id wait till a future trip when I go with my son.

Did you find it greatly improved the experience?

Not really to be honest. I forgot to look in the app as the day went on haha. But I had fun hitting the blocks and going around spelling kong in dk land like the video game.

 

[fatmanatee]

Just curios - I think someone said they were $50 - I thought about getting one but figured Id wait till a future trip when I go with my son.

Did you find it greatly improved the experience?

They're a fun way to pass the time if you plan on wandering around there. A few mini games in each land, some coin collecting, etc. Really well done and fits the land well. I will say though that I did it when I was in Hollywood and I got early entry, which made doing the mini games a LOT easier. Once it opened up to everyone the lines got pretty rough for them, to the point that I'd probably skip. Obviously not sure how bad they are at EU, or how bad they'll be once regular opening happens.

 

[PrincessV]

It’s a stormy day across FL and as of 12pm, only Mario Kart and Monsters are operating: MK at 90mins, MU at 35. Everything else shows as Extended Delay, Weather Delay, or Closed. (Carousel is included in the Weather Delay, btw, so don’t count on that one during summer storms.)

ETA: moments after I posted, MK dropped to 50 mins

 

[tony67]

It’s a stormy day across FL and as of 12pm, only Mario Kart and Monsters are operating: MK at 90mins, MU at 35. Everything else shows as Extended Delay, Weather Delay, or Closed. (Carousel is included in the Weather Delay, btw, so don’t count on that one during summer storms.)

ETA: moments after I posted, MK dropped to 50 mins

Carousel - that one is a surprise. I was joking with several folks about at least being able to ride the carousel - though I never did..

 

[Philsfan77]

Before I go doing my own research...what do the powerup bands do? Worth it as a solo adult traveling in a few weeks?

 

[PrincessV]

Carousel - that one is a surprise. I was joking with several folks about at least being able to ride the carousel - though I never did..

Looking at radar, I’m assuming lightning is the problem. Anything open-air - even with a roof - is dangerous with lightning in the mix. Though I imagine wind-driven, horizontal rain could be problematic, too, and it’s that kind of storm!

 

[tony67]

Before I go doing my own research...what do the powerup bands do? Worth it as a solo adult traveling in a few weeks?

So Ill let others comment on that - but one thing I will say - if you decide to get it then if its possible get it before you go to the park - like at citiwalk etc..

I went in to get one and there was a pretty long line at entry and I wanted to get into the portal so I just decided to skip it - if your going later in the day than less of an issue.

Also not sure I would have felt as an adult on my own doing this stuff - so another reason I did not go back to get one.

 

[fatmanatee]

So Ill let others comment on that - but one thing I will say - if you decide to get it then if its possible get it before you go to the park - like at citiwalk etc..

I went in to get one and there was a pretty long line at entry and I wanted to get into the portal so I just decided to skip it - if your going later in the day than less of an issue.

Also not sure I would have felt as an adult on my own doing this stuff - so another reason I did not go back to get one.

Would say they're definitely more geared for kids. Thwomp was kinda tough (it's a quick little puzzle) and hidden away, Bob-Omb also sorta hard to find and was one where they'll put you in groups. Rest of them are outside. Goomba crank is not particularly fun at all IMO, Piranha alarm you'd get paired with others and you're running around hitting alarms, and the Koopa one is easy as long as you watch others in front of you do it, it's all timing.

https://www.universalorlando.com/we...ent/key-challenges-and-interactive-activities

 

[Keladry84]

That's the point though It's hard to absorb the person's opinion who isn't just going to Epic (or any park) for fun and instead because it's their job, they are trying to get on or stay on THE LIST, etc. It's the regular everyday people that tend to have the least bias (either direction). I don't want someone who is faking it nor do I want someone who can't for the life of them have anything fair to say and is just here's all what's wrong. No one really wants either of those unless you're falling into your own confirmation bias.

Mentioning "hey if you want to check out X person they have their review up" or whatever that allows people the information to then go decide for themselves. Rather than just say this person saw all unhappy TMs this person was really trying hard to hide their disappointment, etc. That and the other comments you've made about the vloggers. I can't really decide for myself if you're already telling me the slew of bad things they've said and it kinda is like are you in an Epic trip funk or what

Please by all means share the names vloggers you watch I might even check them out, I was just trying to say in a round about way maybe ease up on just what the words and experiences of those vloggers you're putting out there. Plus no really don't be concerned about Disney and their reaction

You make some good points re vloggers, but altogether I think it's fine for each person to relate what they have experienced and/or heard/seen from others.

I do want to point that out that the poster you are replying to has been having quite a bit of bad luck re Epic. We both were online around 4:00 am (central) the night Epic AP tickets went on sale and joined the queue around the same time - I landed 3 tickets for opening week and could have purchased opening day, he ended up in technology limbo and still has not been able to get that resolved. I've been paying attention to his posts since then and it kind of just keeps coming on him. I don't doubt at all that he had a pretty rough preview time, and I can see how his experiences would keep him more focused on the negative reviews. I DO hope his Epic luck turns around sometime soon!!

For those of us who haven't been yet, it is helpful to see all of the feedback. Negative and positive. Personal contact and strangers. Vloggers vs. every-day visitors.

In the end though, the experience that we each get is going to be dependent on the circumstances on the day we visit and our own outlook/perspective vs. expectations. If all we do is look for the negative, we will find it. If all we focus on is positives, then we'll have a great time. And if we expect perfection and go in demanding nothing else, we'll find disappointment.

Me - I just want adventure and experiences It beats sitting around doing nothing in the middle-of-nowhere Kansas. So I guess I will be fine with either the most-smooth day ever or a day that completely disintegrates into shambles, as both are adventure.

 

[tony67]

You make some good points re vloggers, but altogether I think it's fine for each person to relate what they have experienced and/or heard/seen from others.

I do want to point that out that the poster you are replying to has been having quite a bit of bad luck re Epic. We both were online around 4:00 am (central) the night Epic AP tickets went on sale and joined the queue around the same time - I landed 3 tickets for opening week and could have purchased opening day, he ended up in technology limbo and still has not been able to get that resolved. I've been paying attention to his posts since then and it kind of just keeps coming on him. I don't doubt at all that he had a pretty rough preview time, and I can see how his experiences would keep him more focused on the negative reviews. I DO hope his Epic luck turns around sometime soon!!

For those of us who haven't been yet, it is helpful to see all of the feedback. Negative and positive. Personal contact and strangers. Vloggers vs. every-day visitors.

In the end though, the experience that we each get is going to be dependent on the circumstances on the day we visit and our own outlook/perspective vs. expectations. If all we do is look for the negative, we will find it. If all we focus on is positives, then we'll have a great time. And if we expect perfection and go in demanding nothing else, we'll find disappointment.

Me - I just want adventure and experiences It beats sitting around doing nothing in the middle-of-nowhere Kansas. So I guess I will be fine with either the most-smooth day ever or a day that completely disintegrates into shambles, as both are adventure.

No doubt I've had a bit of bad luck around things - but I keep going and expect its going to get better - a sign of insanity I know - and post my thoughts as I see them - within the rules of the boards of course.

Just like any reviews yelp amazon etc - you got to look at them all dig through them and decide for yourself. Most 5 star review on Amazon are worthless as is most 1 star - good to see it all and make a decision for yourself.

One thing Ive said more than once - it is going to be a great park once its all resolved - I have no doubt there. And yeah - a bad day in Universal is a lot better sitting around doing nothing.