What do we think of Epic Universe?

This past weekend, Universal Orlando Resort hosted a highly anticipated media event, inviting a diverse crowd of influencers, YouTubers, vloggers, and bloggers to explore the much-anticipated Epic Universe. This marked the first glimpse for the general public—myself included, sans media pass—into what this new park has to offer. After spending some time watching various videos, I’ve compiled a brief summary of my impressions based on the feedback and footage available to date.

First, let's dive into the positives (as best as I can glean from reviews and videos), followed by a few points that merit closer scrutiny.

Pros:

• Without a doubt, the park looks stunning! Being brand new, it showcases pristine conditions without the wear and tear that often comes with older parks, especially considering its staggering $7 BILLION investment.

• Universal's creative team appears to have pushed the boundaries of immersive experience even further. The design of the lands seems to allow a sense of distance and separation from one another, evoking the magical feelings found in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and Jurassic Park at the existing parks.

• Also noteworthy is the balance of ride types in Epic Universe. For those who may not enjoy screen-based attractions—as some have expressed—this park seems to offer a satisfying mix to cater to various preferences and keep most guests entertained.

Now, I hope I won't be judged too harshly for critiquing a park I haven't yet visited; I'm optimistic my perspective may shift once I do! Here are a few concerns that stood out:

Cons:

• If you’re familiar with the Florida summer, as I am, it’s hard not to notice the apparent lack of shade. With the intense heat likely to be a factor, I suspect visitors will crave more respite from the sun, especially since trees take time to grow.

• High-traffic areas also seem tight on space. I’m worried about the flow of foot traffic, particularly with strollers and mobility devices, which may complicate navigation once the park fully opens.

• While I know the park is still in its technical rehearsal phase and not yet fully operational, I expected a stronger presence of team members and character interactions during the media preview. Although everyone loved Hiccup and Toothless, I anticipated more to be happening, particularly in Dark Universe.

Let me reiterate: these opinions are based solely on gathered insights from others' videos and reviews. I look forward to experiencing Epic Universe for myself during the upcoming Passholder Previews, and perhaps my views will evolve. Until then, we’ll just have to wait and see!