Will Disney’s New Epic Universe Kill Its Magic or Bring New Visitors? Shocking Truths Revealed

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As the future CEO of Disney, Josh D’Amaro, who currently oversees the profitable “Experiences” division, is no stranger to wisdom from long ago. This includes the common saying that has been passed down since our early years: “You can’t extract wealth from a beetroot.

In simpler terms, what this statement implies is that, despite being a renowned organization like The Walt Disney Company, you can only extract so much effort and productivity from employees before they reach their limits and can no longer meet the demands, saying something like “We’re tapped out. Drained. No longer able to qualify for this task. Goodbye.” This does not refer to actual juices or root vegetables, but rather to human resources.

What’s the relevance of the axiom I’m citing? This week, D’Amaro’s response to the frequently posed question regarding Universal’s Epic Universe – a rival theme park set to open nearby Walt Disney World (and funded by Disney’s compulsory and still incomplete acquisition of U’s share of Hulu) – raises some intriguing questions about its potential impact on Disney’s reign in the Orlando area.

It appears Josh is suggesting the idea, echoing an old saying, that high tides benefit all ships. He proposes that increasing population in the Orlando area would be advantageous for Disney as well. Despite the possibility of some tides being destructive tsunamis that swamp many ships, his optimistic viewpoint remains unshaken. However, it’s worth considering whether he truly believes the argument he’s making, which might seem like a stretch if not manure.

Today, families (the usual visitors to theme park resorts, including parents, grandparents, and those with the financial means for such indulgences) find themselves under a heavy burden due to life’s challenges. After the strain of lockdown periods and the long-term effects of economic policies under President Biden, many people are becoming more frugal as they have to prioritize their spending.

In simpler terms, they tend to save their shekels for costly, extensive trips, spending less frequently and with greater caution, as they need to.

2nd: In recent times, Disney has implemented strategies that have lessened their monopoly on the entertainment industry, making it easier for their fans to explore alternatives such as Universal parks and experiences. This shift has sparked curiosity among more discerning journalists, who question why Disney appears unprepared to match the hype surrounding the new attraction, causing concern about competition.

One significant error stood out among the others: discontinuing the “Disney Magical Express,” a complimentary service that offered guests a bus ride from Orlando airport straight to Disney’s hotels and parks. This service wasn’t just an enjoyable bonus for visitors, but it also effectively kept them within the Disney realm, making it costly and time-consuming for them to explore other attractions such as Universal or Sea World.

By increasing prices for tickets, skip-the-line passes, food, merchandise, and dining plans, as well as altering dining plan versions and options, Disney appears to be making it challenging for the average family to decide if they should take a trip every year, or perhaps consider going every two or three years instead.

Additionally, this choice becomes more complex because, if we already visit annually, purchasing a DVC timeshare also means acquiring an apartment, kitchen, and potential equity. However, these shares are becoming increasingly expensive without any cap on the annual maintenance fees.

EPIC isn’t just another theme park to discover; rather, it offers an opportunity to revisit the Universal parks like Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park, as well as dine and shop at Universal City Walk. Essentially, EPIC could introduce a new world beyond Disney World that might captivate and please.

Considering the NEW park as merely a single rival is undeniably narrow-minded, especially given today’s context where Disney, rather than planning another gateway for over a decade, has been remodeling their parks extensively. They’re effectively transforming their entire OLD world into an ongoing construction site, with barriers that, despite being green, persistently seem to remain unchanged.

Regarding Josh’s banter with the media, will EPIC draw fresh crowds to Orlando? Certainly. Yet, would they be financially capable, inclined, or able to visit there for a day, then return to Walt Disney World with its steeper prices, fewer attractions, and destruction of iconic landmarks? That’s a question worth pondering.

In simpler terms, let me remind you of the analogy I used at the start of this essay and say “Imagine in your wildest Disney tales, my friend, and I think you’d agree with that.

Orlando has transformed into a “brand new universe” of options for budget-conscious travelers, and the fresh and dazzling attractions will undoubtedly capture their main focus, leaving them with minimal funds to spare for the worn-out, outdated, and retro establishments (feel free to look it up and have a chuckle; your Uncle Lew guarantees it’ll bring a smile to your face!).

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2025-05-17 17:55