The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

As someone who has been fortunate enough to immerse myself in the magical worlds of both Disney and Universal theme parks, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when reflecting on the now-defunct Galactic Starcruiser. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, pushing the boundaries of what themed entertainment could be.


In the realm of theme parks, certain corporations stand head and shoulders above the rest. Should you ask an average person to list theme parks, they’d likely struggle to mention one not associated with Disney or Universal. Given that both giants have their primary resorts in Orlando, Florida, it’s hard not to view their presence as a contest. While Disney often comes out on top, some argue that Universal Orlando holds its own in specific aspects.

In essence, I don’t usually participate in the debate between Disney and Universal. Some speculate that with Universal Orlando launching Epic Universe next year, Disney World could face difficulties due to a lack of countermeasure, like a significant new attraction to rival it. It’s suggested that Universal might draw away attendance that Disney won’t recover. However, I’ve generally thought otherwise, believing Disney World remains the vacation destination and Universal is still playing catch-up. Nevertheless, it seems Universal might be progressing faster than many anticipate, so perhaps Disney should indeed be vigilant.

The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

Disney Parks Are Going To Be Fine In The Short Term

Let me clarify, I’m not convinced that Epic Universe would mark the end of Disney World’s dominance. After all, there’s no other place quite like the swamp Walt Disney transformed into a paradise. Even with Universal nearly matching Disney in terms of theme parks in Florida, Disney will remain Disney – unique and unparalleled.

For the immediate future, it’s expected that both Disney and Universal Studios will thrive. The opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort is certain to boost attendance, as tourists coming to explore the new park may choose to extend their stay and also visit Disney World. It’s plausible that both companies will achieve unprecedented milestones in 2025 for attendance, income, and profit – metrics that businesses generally prioritize highly.

The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

Universal Destinations And Experiences Are Offering A Wider Selection Of Themed Entertainment

Yet, it’s apparent that Universal has a strategic, future-focused approach. Epic Universe is merely one aspect of the broader vision of Universal Destinations and Experiences. Simultaneously, in the same year that Epic Universe debuts in Florida, Universal Horror Unleashed will make its appearance in Las Vegas.

In the near future, we can expect to see the addition of Universal Kids Resort, a family-focused theme park resort located in Texas. Additionally, there’s a strong possibility (though it’s not completely certain at this point) that a new theme park will open in Europe, marking a first for the Universal brand.

Universal isn’t just constructing new traditional theme parks; it’s also doing that. Moreover, Epic Universe, being more than a quarter of a century younger than Disney’s latest U.S. park, is bound to be the most technologically advanced park globally. However, what Universal is also pursuing is broadening its territory in both geographical and thematic entertainment aspects.

It’s quite obvious that new destinations such as the permanent setup of Universal’s hit Halloween Horror Nights called Universal Horror Unleashed, along with its family-oriented LEGOland-style resort, are not suitable for everyone. If sudden scares genuinely disturb you, then a visit to Universal Horror Unleashed may not be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you don’t have young children, you might find little appeal in Universal Kids Resort.

In a similar vein, it’s important to note that Universal Orlando Resort may not appeal to everyone. If you primarily visit during Halloween Horror Nights, Horror Unleashed might encourage more frequent visits. On the other hand, if your children aren’t tall enough to enjoy the pricier Universal rides due to height restrictions, then a trip to the Kids Resort would be more suitable for your family.

Universal is looking to expand its themed entertainment offerings significantly compared to what Disney has done thus far, it should be noted that Disney has made an effort in this area as well.

The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

Disney World’s Attempt To Expand The Concepts Of Themed Entertainment Flopped

Disney’s endeavors aimed to broaden the boundaries of themed entertainment; however, these efforts ultimately failed to materialize as planned by the company, and likely left everyone involved disappointed.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser represented a groundbreaking innovation within themed entertainment. Regrettably, I didn’t get to enjoy the entire multi-day voyage before the Starcruiser permanently ceased operations, but I did have a sneak peek, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The imagination, aesthetics, and immersion of the experience surpassed anything I had encountered in a theme park before.

It turned out, as anticipated, that the market for Galactic Starcruiser was rather small due to its high cost. Although there are likely plenty of Star Wars enthusiasts who could support it for a long time, the number of those with the necessary funds was relatively low.

Universal Orlando Resort recently introduced a fresh, unique entertainment experience similar to nothing you’ve seen before – Universal’s Great Movie Escape. If you ever wondered what an escape room would look like with an endless budget, this is it! Despite some uncertainty about its overall success, the Great Movie Escape is still operational, unlike Galactic Starcruiser which has unfortunately closed down. This speaks volumes about its popularity and enjoyment among visitors.

The Galactic Starcruiser was an excellent experience, but it unfortunately didn’t meet expectations. The causes of its failure are still being discussed, but given that companies often draw the wrong conclusions from both success and failure, it’s unlikely Disney will attempt something similar again soon, which is regrettable because such innovative projects could position them well for the future.

The More I See From The Future Of Universal Parks, The More I Think Disney Should Be Worried

Disney Parks Need To Grow, Not Just Expand

Disney is committing substantial funds towards enhancing its theme parks. Over the next ten years, Disney plans to invest an impressive $60 billion in its park developments, which is certainly significant. During the recent D23 event, we got a glimpse of where much of this investment will be directed. Specifically, Disney World intends to create new districts within three out of its four parks: Magic Kingdom will receive a new Villains-themed area, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature a Tropical Americas zone, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will welcome a Monsters Inc. land.

Simultaneously, Disneyland Resort is embarking on an extensive project called DisneylandForward, which aims to substantially enlarge both parks as well as potentially introduce more accommodations, dining options, retail spaces, and perhaps even a new third theme park in the process.

Improving our parks is commendable, but striving for unique variations makes it even better. These differences can manifest through their locations or by providing distinct, unique experiences. I often ponder whether the Galactic Starcruiser would have been more popular if it had been located anywhere other than Disney World.

If Universal Horror Unleashed thrives in Las Vegas, it’s likely we’ll see it pop up in multiple locations. It’s an ideal setup for creating a Universal-style attraction just about anywhere. In retrospect, Galactic Starcruiser might have been that breakthrough for Disney.

In the next decade, Disney Parks are expected to expand significantly and improve tremendously. This is a near certainty. Similarly, Universal Parks will grow and enhance over the same period. However, what sets them apart is that there will be even more opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. There will be additional locations to visit and fresh experiences to savor.

Despite Disney Parks potentially continuing to provide the classic theme park adventure we’re fond of for many years ahead, Universal has the capability to entice a significant number of visitors by offering unique experiences that may not be available at Disney or simply differ from them.

Universal’s actions may not necessarily “wipe out” Disney, but if they offer more attractive options for leisure spending with their services, it could divert a significant amount of funds away from Disney. This shift might take years or even decades to fully materialize, but if Disney fails to adapt, the consequences of reduced revenue could prove challenging to recover from.

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2024-11-01 23:37