Universal Orlando has big plans. Like, really big plans. We’re talking about an entire NEW theme park called Epic Universe. Fans have been quick to compare the new park to the proposed projects at Disney World, and there seems to be a recurring sentiment: Disney World is about to have some STIFF competition.
Can everyone just get along? Is Central Florida big enough for both of these entertainment giants to coexist peacefully? Now that we’ve got a HUGE update about what to expect at Epic Universe, the conversation is more alive than ever. Here’s what people are saying.
OK, first, we need to share a little context. Recently, Univeral shared tons of new details about the rides, restaurants, and characters coming to Dark Universe. Dark Universe will be a spooky section of the theme park inspired by classic Universal characters like Frankenstein’s monster and The Wolf Man.
We learned about a new state-of-the-art dark ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
We saw concept art for Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.”
We even learned about a restaurant called The Burning Blade Tavern. Get this—the concept art shows a FLAMING windmill.
With all those impressive concepts and bold promises, Universal fans have not shied away from mocking Disney and its new projects. EPCOT’s new ComminiCore Hall seems to be taking the brunt of the jokes.
sure, Epic Universe has a flaming windmill but they don’t have this! pic.twitter.com/EM5VsPFYVg
— Disney Park Tweets (@WDWoutloud) June 21, 2024
So, what does Disney have to say about all this? While Twitter/X users like @ibottsla are declaring, “Disney World is finished,” Disney CEO Bob Iger thinks otherwise.
Universal Reveals Details for NEW Dark Universe Land at Epic Universe
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger mentioned during the shareholder meeting in April that Disney has known about Epic Universe much longer than the public has. In fact, he argued that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land were innovative strides by Disney. Was this his answer to Epic Universe?
When asked directly about Disney’s lack of a response to Epic Universe, Iger said, “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” adding, “I want to remind you of a few things.” He then listed some big projects and expansions at Disney World over the past 5–6 years, including Pandora — The World of Avatar and its two rides in Animal Kingdom; Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios; the EPCOT Transformation, including the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Moana Journey of Water; Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios; and Tron Lightcycle/Run in Magic Kingdom.
He finished his thought by noting that Disney World has been “staggering the opening of new projects over time is their way of optimizing operations,” and said, “There’s much more coming to our parks around the world, including Florida.”
“That Couldn’t Be Further From the Truth”: Disney CEO Responds to Bold Epic Universe Question
Yes, Disney has been debuting some big attractions lately, like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom. But is it enough to compete with Epic Universe? To be fair, the target demographic for a flaming windmill could be a little different from the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure audience. After all, Dark Universe is intentionally SCARY. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, on the other hand, has a simple, upbeat story that is easy for kids to follow.
Maybe theme park fans are being too hard on Disney. Can we enjoy one new theme park while still appreciating the old ones? We’ll let you decide. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Is Disney World Doomed by Universal’s NEW Epic Universe Theme Park?
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Do you think Disney should be worried? Let us know in the comments!
It’s just one more of a thousand cuts for Disney. It started with increase pricing and cutting entertainment in theme parks. Then the constant pushing of the DEI agenda in their movies, including live action follow up of animated classics. Disney needs to find its roots again. Family entertainment, story telling and animation. Disney it’s your choice, life or death, blessing orcursing. Choose life.
With Disney discriminating against disabled people and Universal welcoming them there’s even more reason to support the new park.
First let me say that I am a HUGE Disney fan. They will always have my heart and our next trip is in October. BUT, like other fans, I have been VERY disappointed in them over the last few years. I won’t get into all that here, but most fans I think understand. I am glad for the Universal competition! Epic Universe looks like it’s going to be awesome and Iger it seems is still in denial. I can’t wait for them to shake things up at Disney! I believe only then will we see some changes. It’s really sad that’s what it’s gonna take.
“Can we enjoy one new theme park while still appreciating the old ones?”
Yes, if they would stop wrecking the old ones.
If they made a movie or a series like they make theme parks, ie wedging every character into it and advertising time shares, it would be the the best show and win countless Emmys, right?
Good job Universal. Even the way you announce your projects is exciting. “DisneyForward” sounds like you’re trying to hard to be progressive or your IT department found you an available domain name. If there’s a theme, it seems to be “crammed”
I love both Universal and Disney,and I believe there is more than enough room for both!