Universal Epic Universe - New Florida Theme Park

[Benjsh]

So we are back in IOA today for our second day and tbe weather is horrendous. Looks like Hurricane Erin has brought in some really nasty weather despite not making landfall here in Florida.

Onto the Epic news.......looks like DK Minecart Madness and Harry Potter Battle at the Ministry are now included in the express pass starting from today . Boy we got lucky going yesterday for day 1.
Take my word for it......its going to make those two lines in standby absolutely dreadful.

 

[Maelstrom]

I am at Hollywood studios and about 20 heavy rain, luckily was undercover eating breakfast at the time! it’s just been drizzle really since, not needed poncho. Not sure if related to Erin or not as always get a day like this in August visits, just part of Florida summer weather.

Still think rise of the risistance is a masterclass in dark rides and struggle to rank Monsters, battle or the ministry and rise as all top quality dark rides but equally 3 completely different experiences. I prob get if not a stars wars or Harry Potter fan that may effect what people think is best. After riding each one I change my mind on which I thinks best!

monsters has a few flaws like a whole section in front of a black curtain with some chains- like a whole scene is missing (maybe there is one behind it that wasn’t ready/working) and most of my rides some effects not working but still think all 3 are my top 3 dark rides. Also prob should include Indiana jones at Disneyland as well as that’s also a top non coaster based dark rides.

 

[Benjsh]

All outdoor rides now been closed for over 3 hrs at Universal. As we are on final day at the hotel and only doing re-rides now we have given up and called it a day. Over the 4 days we have got on everything multiple times so cant complain really.

Managed to do Hagrids X 1, Velocicoaster X2 and Hulk X 1 before the storm hit around 11ish. Not too bad.

 

[Maelstrom]

All outdoor rides now been closed for over 3 hrs at Universal. As we are on final day at the hotel and only doing re-rides now we have given up and called it a day. Over the 4 days we have got on everything multiple times so cant complain really.

Managed to do Hagrids X 1, Velocicoaster X2 and Hulk X 1 before the storm hit around 11ish. Not too bad.

Luckily at Disney most rides indoors so not so much of an issue and outdoor rides have started to be back open- ie slinky dog is back open and skyliner has been open for last few hours and used to get to Epcot for lunch and back again. I do find Disney to be quicker at reopening rides following storms than universal.

Hopefully outside the new coaster at studios, universals next few additions especially at epic are indoor so don’t need to close.

 

[Josh555]

So we eventually got off the ride after 55mins waiting to be evac'd. They couldn't get the carriages to come back into sequence so they had to bring a temporary steel staircase similar to how you board a plane to get us off the ride. You dont realise it with the lights off but we were quite high off the ground where it broke down. I'd say 25ft.

Got to see lots of behind the scenes as we were escorted off the ride. Very cool to be fair and almost worth the stoppage in my eyes however my wife and little one didn't agree as non thoosies.

We were offered fast passes (with several rides not included) as compensation but as the only two major rides we needed to do weren't included or down for the day so we refused. Eventually they gave in and reimbursed me for our second day next week and we have a fast pass for Battle too thrown in.

So overall despite it souring the day somewhat and totally dampening my wife and sons spirits.....at least we get to try again next week free of charge.

On a separate note.......Monsters Unchained is by far the greatest theme park attraction I have ever experienced. Had 4 goes on it and it just gets better and better. Literally flawless in my opinion. We only saw half of battle at the Ministry but it didn't hit the spot like Monsters did the bits we saw.

I will do a full Epic review next week after my second visit. Dont feel its fair to do it today after a hit and miss day.

Interesting to hear your thoughts on Monsters? Have you done Rise of the Resistance? I only ask because that’s my favourite dark ride ever and I’m really looking forward to Monsters next year, if I enjoy it anywhere near as much as that I’ll be delighted.

 

[Benjsh]

Interesting to hear your thoughts on Monsters? Have you done Rise of the Resistance? I only ask because that’s my favourite dark ride ever and I’m really looking forward to Monsters next year, if I enjoy it anywhere near as much as that I’ll be delighted.

Haven't done ROR yet but will be doing so this Sunday and very excited.

If it beats Monsters I will be gobsmacked.

 

[The_bup]

Haven't done ROR yet but will be doing so this Sunday and very excited.

If it beats Monsters I will be gobsmacked.

Really it is all up to personal preferences.


They’re both these big action dark rides, and to my sensibilites, Monsters is a good bit ahead of ROR. Personally, I think the story is better for Monsters, I like the animatronic figures better, and I dont know how else to describe it, but Monsters just feels a hell of a lot more cooler to me than ROR. It just understands how to use its parts to greater effect that ROR, even if ROR technically has more. Effect and how the ride makes me feel I class as more important - it is like a movie having all the best CGI, but used to poor effect because the cinematography is kind of lame. However, I would understand if you thought otherwise and did like ROR over Monsters.

Im reserving my full Haiku for Monsters, I could go on for longer.

 

[Josh555]

Haven't done ROR yet but will be doing so this Sunday and very excited.

If it beats Monsters I will be gobsmacked.

To be fair gobsmacked was probably the phrase I would use to describe how I felt when I rode it.