Why Epic Universe may become a bigger threat to Walt Disney World beyond the obvious reasons – DePaoli on DeParks
Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort has finally confirmed some longtime rumors with their recently released sizzle reel and media announcement. Obviously, any brand-new theme park coming to the Orlando area is threatening to the surrounding competition. But for Disney, Epic Universe could be an even bigger threat if Universal plays their cards right.
When I was growing up, Walt Disney World was a massive Disney resort, and Universal Studios was an enjoyable theme park “down the street.” I’ve always enjoyed Universal Studios Florida, but it was simply a day getaway from Walt Disney World during my Florida family vacations. When Islands of Adventure was added, it was another great theme park and a development into a resort, but it still couldn’t take the majority of my time away from Walt Disney World.
Now, with Epic Universe opening in 2025, there will be three Universal Orlando theme parks. Walt Disney World has stayed steady with four theme parks since the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, water parks aside for both resorts. I honestly never thought I’d see the day where Universal would have nearly the same amount of theme parks as Disney in Florida. Sure, I expected Universal to keep developing, but I thought Disney would continue to add theme parks as well. Especially if they saw their main competition doing it.
If it were just about the number of theme parks, that wouldn’t be too much of a problem. But theme park guests visit and return in response to quality over quantity. Unfortunately for Disney, Universal’s ride quality is now on par with what Disney is doing, and Universal Creative is arguably just as magical as Walt Disney Imagineering.
But even putting ride quality aside, the repeated sentiment you hear from guests visiting a Disney park these days is that there’s too much planning involved and too many upcharges. Although a lot of Disney’s theme park reservation requirements at Walt Disney World are gone, they’re not gone entirely. Plus, there’s not only the added cost of Genie+ and Lightning Lane, but there’s the learning curve and planning to book them as well. Sure, Genie+ and Lightning Lane are optional. But we all know they’re basically a requirement if you rarely visit a Disney theme park.
In my opinion, the best thing Epic Universe could do to combat Walt Disney World is make it easy to vacation there. Don’t require reservations. Don’t have a large amount of “required” upcharges. Just let folks enjoy the theme park experience.
You might be thinking to yourself, “What about the Universal Express Pass?” Yes, the Universal Express Pass will most likely exist at Epic Universe. But Universal Orlando has properly handled the “cut the line” option far better than Disney.
Universal Express Pass is at a price point where most people aren’t buying into it. Therefore, it doesn’t hugely affect the standby line. Genie+ and Lightning Lane on the other hand are more affordable. This means many people are buying into it and it’s hugely affecting the standby lines. Genie+ and Lightning Lane would need to be far more limited if they wanted to maintain the guest experience that once was in the Disney parks.
This has been frustrating for Disney fans. If you buy into it, you complain about the cost. If you don’t buy into it, you complain about the unquestionably far longer standby lines. It’s a lose/lose scenario for Disney fans with Disney reaping all the benefits.
At this point, we have no idea whether or not Epic Universe will put some sort of reservation or new “cut the line” system in place. Those details haven’t been revealed yet. But in my opinion, the best thing they could do is make the theme park going experience as simple as possible. Guests are tired of the “homework” and practically required added costs.
With the opening of Epic Universe, I believe we will see a lot of Orlando visitors now spending at least half their visit at Universal Orlando when they previously would spend the great majority at Walt Disney World. Maybe Universal Orlando will become the resort to stay at with guests now hopping over to Walt Disney World instead to see what’s new. Of course, that was Universal’s plan all along. I’ll be curious to see whether this strategy succeeds.
Overall, yes, Walt Disney World owns a lot more land and they will still have one more theme park than Universal Orlando. But in the way that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter made Disney sit up and take notice of Universal, the opening of Epic Universe next year should have them shaking in their boots. Especially if Epic Universe and Universal Orlando make vacationing “easy” and, well, feel like a vacation.
What do you think? Is Epic Universe a major or minor threat to Walt Disney World? Do you think Universal will keep their current “no reservations” and other policy systems in place? Or do you think there will be some major procedure changes with its opening? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Jeff DePaoli is a producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast,” the ultimate, unofficial Disney fan podcast. Get your FREE gifts of “America’s Hidden Mickeys,” “On the Rohde Again,” “Theme Park Comfort Kit” and more at DizneyCoastToCoast.com. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
I somewhat agree and can’t fairly compare because I haven’t been to both parks in a while. The last time I really compared was in 2006 and while Universal was entertaining Disney cleanliness and superiority shown through. The last time I visited Disney with the family it was horrible relying on too much planning snd spending time on your phone to navigate your entertainment. The next few years will tell. Universal can learn by not buckle snd diming your guests to have fun
A lot has changed since 2006. Universal has stepped up their game tremendously. Thanks for reading.
I write this comment as both a UOAP and a Disney AP but I believe Disney might?? be looking forward to the opening of Epic Universe
Let me explain why
Disney realizes that with the opening of Epic Universe there will be a tremendous increase in the amount of tourists heading to the Orlando area
Although many will be there to experience Universal and its parks and resorts Disney will still benefit from the increased tourism as many guests will still visit the Disney parks after traveling to the Orlando area
After all it only makes sense to get the most out of your vacation and that would be to visit both sets of parks
Now if Universal can provide that much more of an enjoyable experience at a lower price point that is where Disney should begin to worry
But if Epic is crowded, expensive and not user friendly then they are in the same boat as Disney
As an aside Jeff, do you see Universal offering exclusive pass holder previews prior to the opening of Epic Universe?
Would like to get your opinion on this
Hi Vinnie. Thanks for reading. There is definitely a certain amount of truth in the fact that any of the resorts getting tourists to Orlando is good for all of the resorts. That’s always the positive spin the PR folks put on it when these things happen. I think the big factor will be where folks decide to spend their hotel money. If they choose to stay at a Universal hotel versus Disney, that would be bad news for Disney. Sure, the theme park tickets make them money. But the hotels make them a ton of money. As far as pass holder previews, I would assume they will. The parks tend to do that in general, and it’s a good way for them to test guest flow, etc.