The pressures of an Epic Universe

Image: UniversalOverall, the situation in Orlando is decidedly in Universal’s favor, at least from the perspective of progress. While Disney’s dominant in terms of attendance, their neighbors triggered an arms race with Harry Potter Land. Pandora and Star Wars Land are undeniably direct responses to the genius of that place.

With Epic Universe, Universal now can show that they're working on the theme park of the future, something that was once Disney's particular skill. While Universal hasn't announced any themed lands or intellectual properties (IPs) at their upcoming park yet, speculation has centered on several brands.

Image: UniversalThe belief is that the previously announced Nintendo Land will have a presence here, along with Japan, Singapore, and Hollywood. So, it’s far from exclusive. But a series of attractions based on classic Universal monsters would be unique.

Universal already has a King Kong ride, but these would be along the lines of Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein's Monster. The other exciting aspect of this themed land is that it would at least somewhat approach the premise of the Disney Villains park that we never got.

Disney could lose the innovation battle

Image: DisneyThe other two sections that people expect are based on How to Train Your Dragon and Fantastic Beasts. And these two lands hint at Disney’s other problem. The company’s bought some time on the “where’s the fifth park?” discussion with technologically advanced lands like Pandora and Batuu.

Universal has watched these places open and knows where the bar is. They’ll have a couple of years to reset that bar at an even higher level. Whereas Disney was handicapped by existing infrastructure, Universal’s building an entirely new campus that will have advanced technology from the get-go.

This battle is the one that Disney can't win. Until they add a new theme park, Epic Universe will stand apart as the most impressive theme park in Orlando. If it does, the one thing happens that Disney officials despise most. Universal will sneak vacation money out of guests who would usually head to Walt Disney World, just as happened with the Wizarding World in 2010. 

Even though Disney dominates in attendance, the construction of Epic Universe places the company in an odd position. It’s no longer the unquestioned best of Orlando, at least until Disney adds that long-anticipated fifth gate. Universal’s just placed Disney on the defensive, and a response is needed. Otherwise, the younger sibling is going to become the cool kid in the family.