Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[hertamaniac]

A quick synopsis after a few days to digest my experience at Epic Universe:

I've said it previously and haven't shifted my thoughts. This park will appeal to guests that are more adrenaline and thrill ride focused. There are some rides that I, personally, won't do due to concerns of motion sickness, etc. But, in my younger years, this park would slot perfectly into my wheelhouse. This would be THE primary target to satisfy my need for speed. I don't think I'm right nor do I think I'm wrong. It's purely a subjective viewpoint dependent on each guest's tolerance, or yearning, for this style adventure.

There are some constants:

Be prepared to walk. I call it Epic Walkiverse for a reason. I freely admit that I wasn't prepared for the number of steps, or really stairs, that this park generates. There are elevators available, and several times took advantage of them (i.e. Atlantic, Yoshi).

It is true, this park is practically screaming for shade. There is relief in the QS eateries which I ducked into and had plenty of open seats available. But, I went during a reduced capacity day so not sure what a full capacity scenario would bring. Celestial Park is jaw dropping gorgeous and it really should have had more seats under shade to absorb the sounds/view of running water. The good news is that I think it can be remedied.

The QS logistics were in preview mode. They need to have a TM Manager just spend time observing and noting the flow of traffic, the amount of traffic and come up with an install plan to help things run more smoothly. The Burning Blade Tavern was the epitome of a lack of logical flow. I had trouble finding a seat, for one, on a preview day. Yes, it is that small inside and outside no matter the grandeur of the windmill.

The seating area(s) for the fountain show is just plain weird. The fake grass areas behind the small sitting walls doesn't seem to gel.

There is no shortage of places to get drinks. F&B is definitely a focal point for EU.

 

[hertamaniac]

Going back to walking. The surface parking lot beckons for either moving walkways or, at least, a canopy with seats. It's not just the Florida sun, but the inclement weather strikes that the guests would notice this nice, and relatively inexpensive, investment.

The street performers in Wizarding World were very good. The scale of the buildings and details were well beyond what I had prepared my mind for. It felt like I time warped to Paris circa 1925. The show here was so unique and enjoyable.

Darkmoore was stunning, but in a different sense. There is no doubt the guest(s) will feel an ominous presence when entering through, what I think, is the best portal. Das Stakehaus is surprisingly large given it's unpretentious entrance. Theming in here is bold.

Nintendo was hopping. The kids seemed to be jumping from thrill to thrill with their bands doing whatever it is they do. The land is multi-level which, again, either requires stairs or an elevator. This, to me, was the most dynamic land.

Isle of Berk was the most engaging land. From "Welcome Viking" phrases from the TM's to the ingenious signage scattered about, this is a gorgeous land where a guest could spend hours and hours. Remember what I said about shade? There is some, but in the heat of the day, with a full park, it might be challenging to scoop those precious seats/areas are. The stage show is massively scaled with top notch talent.

I'm glad to have done the preview albeit without the MoM ride vehicle portion operational. I am also glad they reduced the price for the preview as there were some issues on the operational side, but that was fully expected. I got my fill of EU and think it's a must do, at least once, for anyone who enjoys a day/evening at a theme park regardless of your thrill-seeking level(s).

For me? I have no burning desire to go revisit anytime soon. Perhaps if there was something done for Christmas, but it would have to be over-the-top.

 

[hertamaniac]

 

[GhostHost24]

And... Nintendo world is delayed.
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I was literally about to post hope it's a good day at the park for you and things are working......

 

[hertamaniac]

Isle of Berk mostly.

 

[hertamaniac]

Blackened grouper with passion fruit caviar was exceptional. The best signature dining experience I have ever had in a theme park.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Bummer - so this is a true early entry - which I feel will be much better than the 10AM - was there a very large crowd at opening?

No, pretty light from other pics I saw. But only Monsters is open with a longish line.

 

[hertamaniac]

The Hunter's Garlic Stake had no shortage of garlic and flavor. This was sneakily a great snack. Breath mints highly advised once you leave Darkmoore.

 

[hertamaniac]

Ooops...I see @CAPSLOCK is in the park now. I'll stop posting pics for a while, etc. so he/she can enjoy and share their pics, etc.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

So, wandered through Darkmoor (excellent theming) but passed on the 45min wait for Monsters. Theoretically they hope to open Curse of the Werewolf today.

Now just waiting for Berk to open. Early entry an absolute bust. Except for some peopleless pics.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Ooops...I see @CAPSLOCK is in the park now. I'll stop posting pics for a while, etc. so he/she can enjoy and share their pics, etc.

No, go for it!

 

[hertamaniac]

No, go for it!

Haha. I'm good...still recovering from all the walking and stairs. I am not in theme park shape. Have a great adventure!

 

[tony67]

Be prepared to walk. I call it Epic Walkiverse for a reason. I freely admit that I wasn't prepared for the number of steps, or really stairs, that this park generates. There are elevators available, and several times took advantage of them (i.e. Atlantic, Yoshi).

Yeah - honestly its really hard to express it - you have to experience - its very different. How were the elevators? I avoided them just as I figured there would be a lot of people

The Burning Blade Tavern was the epitome of a lack of logical flow. I had trouble finding a seat, for one, on a preview day. Yes, it is that small inside and outside no matter the grandeur of the windmill.

Yeah - this really frustrated me as I have said several times - I am thinking there is a pretty open area in front and maybe they could put in some tables with App ordering eventually IDK.

Perhaps if there was something done for Christmas,

Yeah - this is not something I had even thought about, but one of the streamers was talking about it and depending on what they come up with - and Universal is pretty creative - could be worth a visit. Similar for Halloween and maybe even Mardi Gras. Celestial park is screaming out for some sort of festival in the future.

. The good news is that I think it can be remedied.

Yeah - I am sure they are working on it and trees and such will grow in. A lot more benches with shade would help. I can be hard to find a bench during the day that has a shade - plenty without

Blackened grouper with passion fruit caviar was exceptional.

The more I see the more I regret not getting food here and just drinking - I have heard its better than the Helios Bar.

Nice pix - thanks for sharing them.

 

[hertamaniac]

So, wandered through Darkmoor (excellent theming) but passed on the 45min wait for Monsters. Theoretically they hope to open Curse of the Werewolf today.

Now just waiting for Berk to open. Early entry an absolute bust. Except for some peopleless pics.

If I may, I would suggest/consider getting to see the first showing of Le Circe Arcane at Wizarding World. I got there about 15 minutes prior to showtime, and it was already getting a line behind me. Once it's over, I went over the Berk to catch that first show (had just enough time). That then freed my entire day up to go galivanting around.

 

[tony67]

So, wandered through Darkmoor (excellent theming) but passed on the 45min wait for Monsters. Theoretically they hope to open Curse of the Werewolf today.

Now just waiting for Berk to open. Early entry an absolute bust. Except for some peopleless pics.

Yeah - 45 may not be true - more than once I have seen it at 30/35 and it was a walk on.

Later in the day - it seems to be much more of a walk on - and its really worth doing.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Later in the day - it seems to be much more of a walk on - and its really worth doing.

This is why we didn't want to spend the rest of Early entry waiting. At least we should have a short Wing-Gliders line.

They opened Nintendo World about 8:50am.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

... Wing Gliders delayed!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

New plan - Dragon Racers Rally which we were going to skip.

 

[GhostHost24]

... Wing Gliders delayed!

Oh no! Hopefully things get going..

Good news it seems like with wing Gliders is usually doesn't seem to be too long of delays when it goes down.

 

[Minnie1222]

Blackened grouper with passion fruit caviar was exceptional. The best signature dining experience I have ever had in a theme park.

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If you have time, there's a thread called Epic Universe food pics that would appreciate more food & drinks pics with reviews.