Universal Kids Resort: Universal Creative Builds Its Own Disney California Adventure 1.0

What in the world is going on? How is it the brand new Universal Kids Resort theme park make Disney California Adventure 1.0 look like an Imagineering masterpiece? Universal Creative has hit home runs with Harry Potter attractions and just above every aspect of Epic Universe. As this photograph from the Attractions 360 vlog shows, the place is a wasteland of concrete and static figures. Bright colors alone do not a theme park make! Even if it's seven "themed" lands with about 30 rides or so- probably mostly off the shelf carnival ones- had potential, they certainly tossed it by the wayside in favor of an even wider cheap and edgy version of Anaheim's second Disney park at opening. Can they / will they correct course and end up with something high quality? It certainly does not look like it. You can be sure I will not be recommending this park to my sister who lives nearby.
 

Art for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

There are plenty of reasons why Universal Orlando Resort's Diagon Alley is one of the best single Intellectual Property themed land in any park, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers or anywhere else. The mix of great design detail, unique shopping and dining and those thrilling attractions make it an area a guest can spend hours in. Still it is not the most popular Harry Potter themed attraction to be found.

Perhaps the most popular one is this little coaster named Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. (And you thought Disney was the only one who had claim to ridiculously long attraction names.) In order to get to Hagrid's, you have to leave the Studios park for Islands of Adventure, but it is worth it! Besides, Diagon Alley aside, the Studios park is not nearly as richly themed as the resort's second theme park. 

The concept art from Universal Creative captures the spirit of fun and discovery. It'd be foolish to think that those of you reading this have not been on the ride. But multiple launches, engaging show scenes with real animated characters, an unexpected surprise along the way and multiple ways to ride make this an adventure that is worth repeating. Disney wishes they could pull off something this terrific! 

Universal keeps upping its game with Epic Universe being the next shot at taking up more of those vacation days. What ultra creative, groundbreaking Potter attraction comes next? We'll have to wait and see. 

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

The Hidden Monster in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Lights On Mode

June 2026 Update: Here's the cleanest, clearest photo ever of the hidden monster in Epic Universe's incredible Monsters dark ride. What makes this image from UTPTVids so special? 

Well, just one look at it, and you'll see it is because it comes from a full ride through of the attraction with the lights on. You can watch it above.

Look deeply but look quickly! There's a hidden monster that is very difficult to see at Epic Universe's incredible Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction. It's not the above photo but the one below. This little discovery in Dark Universe is all you need to impress your friends! You might think it's the funny and cruel Ygor, but it is not. Nor is it Victoria Frankenstein- although I think that may be up for debate.

Who is he? None other than Quasimodo, the Hunchback himself. Up in the bell at the very beginning of the ride portion of this fantastic attraction. 

You've got to slow down the speed, but you can see him for a few seconds at the 8:40 ish mark. Open this in another tab and watch for yourself. Thanks to LMG Vids for capturing him in enough light!

Earlier Update: 

Here's a newer version from "SeeWDW!" at the 31 second mark.

View it here.

Happy One Year Anniversary of Epic Universe Opening!

This can't be true! Can it? Florida's Epic Universe has been open one whole year? No way! Yes, it absolutely is true. The third full sized theme park at Universal Orlando Resort is a smash hit, and I can't wait to see it for myself. But I have agreed to let my youngest son and soon to be wife a first crack at it. 

As big Harry Potter fans, it's on the top of their list next to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Regardless, congratulations to Universal Creative. They knocked it out of the park!
 

A Villains Land for All! One for Families and Those Wanting a Darker Side

Josh D'Amaro and the Imagineers at Disney have their work cut out for them when it comes to designing a Villains themed land that will please everyone. Is it even possible? Some will want it darker to match the tone and emotional thrill factor of Epic Universe and their Dark Universe. Can you really blame them for wanting it? No. I mean, come on now, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has to be one of the best rides of the genre ever created. Those in pursuit of a family friendly approach won't go for this! They couldn't even handle the excellently funny and a bit scary Alien Encounter two decades or so ago. Some folks would prefer a more humorous vision for the land. Maybe, in small doses, I could go for this. How about a blend? I'd like to see something along these lines:
 

The family friendly portion is in the front of the land. This makes it approachable for kids of all ages. The environment has to look a bit different than what's in Fantasyland, however. The rides for smaller kids focuses on attractions with less scary villains, while rides like the big rollercoaster use much darker ones. In the village, use the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, and even Cruella De Vil. This will be the spot for a few character meet and greets- one along the lines of Enchanted Tales with Belle, a couple of classic "C Ticket" level dark rides, a spinner hidden within a show building, a theater show, friendly themed shops, (a candy store themed to Pinocchio's Pleasure Island would work well here) and a couple of quick service spots that would appeal to the family. Just one more thing: add a 'middle ground" roller coaster somewhere between the intensity of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railway.

What about those guests to the land wanting more "bite"? Let's take a shot of creating a foreboding place with the scarier, darker, more thrill focused portion in the back. Make it accessible through three hidden entrances as you walk into the village. Think of how Universal handled Diagon Alley and the entrance to Knockturn Alley, but with multiple entry points.   Use other, creepier villains for an incredibly themed boat ride using Shanghai Disneyland's famous Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure technology. Maybe the water villains like Ursula and her friends. Let the boats approach two different paths, but take the one that is darker and more suspenseful than the one that looks more bright and cheery.

Save Malificient, Chernabog, Dr. Facillier, Jafar, and Hades for the big, big, thrills that call out to teenagers and thrill seekers. A giant, very well themed coaster with a much higher height requirement- and cleverly disguised if not almost totally hidden track. Leave some showing as a tease, but make it themed. It doesn't have to be taller than Cinderella Castle to be thrilling. Play up the suspense factor. Have riders go totally underground first. Send the sounds of screams outside to the open areas, much like what the bakeries in the parks do with their "smellitizers"- or whatever they are called. Does a giant dragon on top (like in the concept art) need to be there? Or would the designers just be imitating what's been done with their competitors down the street?

This more serious themed area needs a spookier dark ride as well. Start with a version of the Haunted Mansion. After walking in, it's' time to get on the Omnimover. Then begin with one of a series of two or three different rooms acting as the first show scene. Each room can use a very different set of villains. Each room can be in a different setting as well. Make one set of dialogue funny, another frightening, and another with an entirely different tone- maybe arguing about how to best eliminate the good guys. All before they discover us and decide they have to eliminate us as well. As the cars go past, then let the riders experience different routes from there on out. (Can you imagine what the Haunted Mansion would have been like with trackless vehicles traveling to different rooms. Every journey could be different. And think of the Lightning Lane passes you'd sell!) Want more? 

Add in a highly desirable sit down dining experience that plays up the chill factor (use a style like the West Wing room of Be Our Guest as a way to pull it off) and a great bar or two. Quick service better play a role here, too. Think Gideon's Bakery for inspiration. Go BIG on this! Multiple attractions for the little kid friendly area and the scarier one. Invest now and wow everyone.

This year's D23 should be interesting! I'm not even an Imagineer, and I can come up with some great ideas. What are yours? 

(Art copyright Mark Taft.)

Four Perfect Slow Travel Days in Walt Disney World- with a Universal Orlando Resort Stop Along the Way

Slow Travel. A brand new trend for the overburdened, stressed out, and frankly tired traveler. It's about time! Can I get an "AMEN!" Is it even possible to go to the theme park capital of the world- Orlando- and have a great time using the slow method? What about all that trip planning for Walt Disney World? Or that list of must-see brand new attractions at Universal Orlando Resort's stunning new Epic Universe? Can I still experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry using the slow travel method? I'd say "Yes!" to all the above- and here's how to do it.

1- Set Realistic Expectations- No, you're NOT going to be able to do everything you want on a trip of this duration and with Slow Travel being the emphasis. Once you have that firmly established in mind, it's time to proceed to step number 2.

2- Choose Your Two Must-Do Experiences- Limit your theme park priorities to just two individual experiences and then plan around them. Is it Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry or it is Harry Potter attractions in all three worlds? Perhaps you absolutely must experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or you have to have a day at the beach. Choose carefully. Is eating or drinking at Epcot's newer Space 220 a must? What about the Beak & Barrel bar in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland? The truth is, the leisurely way of visiting the parks where you could just go in and decide on the spot which restaurant or attraction you wanted to experience are over. (I miss that!) Unless you are willing to go having no preferences in mind. 

3- Determine What Will Your Downtime Will Look Like- A priority with slow travel is, well, slowing down and relaxing. Taking things at an easy pace. For me, time by the pool or even better, a day at the beach, works wonders in getting me to relax. A long lunch, touring the resorts, riding the waterways or just sleeping in are some options which will help you really enjoy your time when you tour this way.

Now it's time to begin planning by laying out your days before making reservations. 

Try the following if you need help sorting it all out:

1- Choose One of the Following: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

2- Choose One of the Following: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe

Option: Select SeaWorld or Busch Gardens as an alternative choice.

3- Select Two of the Following: Disney Springs, City Walk, Resort Touring, Recreation Day, Pool Day, Beach Day

What comes next? Placing your selections in a day by day schedule that will be most relaxing and enjoyable for your personal preferences,  When it comes to a theme park day, in order to make it the most enjoyable and relaxing, do a little preplanning from home and choose Lightning Lane for your theme park day at Disney. Now, is not the time to skip it and waste hours and energy when you're trying to relax. The same goes for if you are visiting Universal Orlando Resort. Take advantage of their Express Pass option. Bite the bullet. Pay for it up front. You'll be very glad you did when your park day happens.

If you have any Must-Do restaurants on your list, plan ahead to reserve them as soon as you can. Even if you cannot get your preferred time, take what you can get and use it as a starting point.

Other tips: 

Choose a resort closest to your preferred theme parks. 

If waiting for resort transportation is inconvenient, book an Uber or a similar transport. 

Should you want to avoid getting reservations for meals, choose now to be satisfied with walk up food booths or stands if you can't get into what seems good to you when you are there in person.

Consider the resort restaurants as choices for the most relaxing meals. Combine this with a walk around the resort for exploration and relaxation.

Do your souvenir shopping at the resorts or shopping districts but not at the parks. The parks offer very little if anything that cannot be purchased somewhere else. 

Did you do something that really brought you joy and a peaceful attitude? Consider repeating it later in the trip or choose something similar. 

 

Now that you've considered your options, here's my plan for the (hopefully) perfect slow travel getaway:

My Must-Do Experiences and Downtime Plan: A day at Epcot, my favorite Disney park in Florida. Time at the Beach. A day at Epic Universe. Relaxed time at Disney Springs. Explore the resort hotels.

My Schedule: 

Travel Day -Arrive in the early evening. Head off to Disney Springs or our hotel restaurant of choice.

Day One- Epic Universe. Why is this the first full day of our trip? Since I have been to the other Disney and Universal parks, this will be the one I am most likely to try and see everything. The pace will be more hectic and even frantic. We will still be in "busy mode" from the previous work days, so this is a good place to continue that before we truly wind down and take it slow. 

Day Two- Time to head to Disney after checking out. This is a tour the themed resorts and a Disney Springs kind of day. A nice change of pace from cramming in a very full day at Epic Universe. Not a full breakfast but a coffee at our hotel beginning,  so we can save our first meal for lunch. We'll finish it all off with some evening pool time.

Day Three-The Beach. Let's really relax now and take in a bit of what made Florida famous long before The Mouse ever showed up. Both the beaches of Tampa and Cocoa Beach are a fairly easy drive. There's nothing like the sound of the sea, toes in the sand, and a fresh seafood lunch to bring on the mellow vibe. No agenda, no time restraints other than returning to the hotel at a decent time.

Day Four- Epcot. I saved this for last because the memories of our time here last long after the vacation is over. For us, nothing says "Walt Disney World" like a great day at this once innovative theme park. We will bypass festival food booths for a sit-down lunch inside at one of our favorite World Showcase locations. After a day of exploring at a casual pace, we will end our time with the nighttime show and a walk around the beautifully lit countries surrounding World Showcase Lagoon. 

Travel Day- Back to our home turf. There's always a bit of negotiating to by done when choosing our return flight. Do we opt for a later flight and spend some time doing one last item on our list? (You can guess where I land on this compared to my wife.) Or do we head home and get some downtime before reality rushes back in?

Or do we come back home and begin planning the next trip?

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

An Epic (Universe) Decision

Ever since our visit to Universal Orlando Resort in 2021- the one where surprisingly I declared the Studios' incredible Diagon Alley to be the best themed land in any of the Florida parks- I have been staying on top of the construction of Epic Universe. Now, that it is open, my enthusiasm for seeing the park has only gotten stronger. A recent turn of events means I'll have to delay my trip even more. My son and his bride to be have decided to make Orlando the location of their honeymoon. I think it's only right that the man who introduced me to the worlds of Harry Potter gets first right to see Ministry of Magic in person. Don't you?

Design Detail: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This is certainly no surprise to anyone who is a theme park fan: When it comes to their newer attractions in the last decade or so, the men and women of Universal Creative are matching the design excellence that once belonged only to Disney Imagineering. The new Epic Universe park is the epitome of what they can accomplish so far. Dark Universe, in particular, stands out in this regard, but the grandaddy of their work seems to remain Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It's not my favorite Potter themed attraction- that'd be a tie between Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts- but the sheer attention to detail is unsurpassed. You're not just in the movie, you've been taken out your ordinary world into theirs. My only regret with this award winning attraction is how intense it is on my body! Even with dramamine to kill the effect of riding, I still pay a pretty high place to do so. Yet, the experience as a whole is worth it if not for the queue through the castle. It's that well done!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.) 

How to Build An Epic Universe

I don't know about you, but Universal's fantastic Epic Universe has me excited about theme parks again! The Orlando Sentinel reports that to celebrate it all, NBC and then Peacock is about to premier a brand new show all about its creation. I'm looking forward to August 20th and 21st, respectively. It'll have to hold me over until I get to visit the park for myself. But, man, I cannot wait to do so!

(Photograph copyright The Orlando Sentinel.)

The Hidden Monster in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Look deeply but look quickly! There's a hidden monster that is very difficult to see at Epic Universe's incredible Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction. It's not the above photo but the one below. This little discovery in Dark Universe is all you need to impress your friends! You might think it's the funny and cruel Ygor, but it is not. Nor is it Victoria Frankenstein- although I think that may be up for debate.

Who is he? None other than Quasimodo, the Hunchback himself. Up in the bell at the very beginning of the ride portion of this fantastic attraction. 

You've got to slow down the speed, but you can see him for a few seconds at the 8:40 ish mark. Open this in another tab and watch for yourself. Thanks to LMG Vids for capturing him in enough light!

Update: 

Here's a newer version from "SeeWDW!" at the 31 second mark.

View it here.

Epic Universe Opens!

Today is the day! And all across the theme park world, fans are going to be making plans to visit this incredible, epic- yes, epic, universe! Epic Universe lives up to its name. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, and Stardust Racers- what a line-up! Disney had better get going, that's all this Imagineering fan has to say.

It's an Epic Universe in Our Backyard!

Spring has arrived! What a wonderful surprise we discovered in our beautiful back yard!Not once did we expect to have a tree with such lovely blooms on it. Who knows what else awaits us as God does his magic in the landscaping realm. There's not any Imagineer (or should I say someone at Universal Creative now?) that can outdo the original Creator!

Nighttime Falls at Epic Universe

Epic Universe is rightly all over the theme park world sites and blogs. I've been absorbing everything I can get my hands on! They range from the terrific to the silly, the objective to ones with agenda. But one thing is very certain- the park is a joy to look at! Just get a glimpse of this beautiful dusk time photo from folks at The Noble Way.  And this is only the beginning! 

By the way, if you look at the right places, you can find spoilers for the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained. Disney had better loose their Imagineers and let them dream bigger and bigger. There's definitely more to come to Universal's new park! Bring it on!

Bored With Disney But This Excites Me

At D23, when it comes to the theme parks, the Disney suits promise one incredible experience after another. Sometimes they deliver. Many times, projects are cancelled, and even sometimes, projects are a bust. Imagineering may come up with incredible ideas but they are often budgeted to death. California Adventure 1.0, Hong Kong Disneyland at opening, or Walt Disney Studios Paris come to mind? Maybe you're still stinging a bit like I am over the "new" Epcot. 

Now, they're ready to take on Disney's Animal Kingdom with new attractions. Sure, it's sad they gave up on dinosaurs and Countdown to Extinction aka Dinosaur. But who came blame them? Universal owns Jurassic Park / Jurassic World and they own dinosaurs just like Disney owns mermaids.  

Which all brings us to Tropical Americas. I'm not too trusting that the suits will do Encanto justice. This isn't Tokyo Disney Resort and the Oriental Land Company. What should certainly be a ride on the scale of Haunted Mansion may end up being another Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Yet, with Epic Universe on the way- the one everyone is excited about and for good reason- it is an encouraging sign that Imagineer Joe Rhode has been brought back into the fold to map this expansion out. And then there's Indiana Jones.

Now, this is something I am excited about! A brand new story that isn't Disneyland's original or Tokyo Disneysea's next chapter. Perhaps this new adventure will feature new effects previously unforeseen in the States. Thinking specifically here of Jack Sparrow's first appearance in Shanghai Disneyland's incredible Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure or Mystic Manor's artifact transformation when that magical little music box is opened. 

They'd better get it right this time. Most of Epcot's revisioning fell flat, and Disney's Hollywood Studios needs more help than what's planned. if they want to counteract the Universal problem. Indiana could be just what the doctor or should I say professor ordered. I'm hoping it is!

The Connection Between Epic Universe and The Indiana Jones Adventure

Stop the press! Be it the original at Disneyland, the newer one at Tokyo Disneysea, or the one coming to the Tropical Americas section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Indiana Jones Adventure is one show stopping, high energy, thrill ride of a different kind! I've posted seemingly endless pieces of concept art for this attraction, but only recently did I discover this beautiful piece. Where did it come from? 

An artist named Christopher Bradley, who has worked for Disney- among others- and who is now also responsible for those intriguing "portal" views for each of the lands at Epic Universe. (I can't wait to do an "When Reality is Better Than (Imagineering) Universal Creative Art" once that park opens.) 

Really lovely!

Mr. Bradley is also responsible for a great piece of art for Hong Kong Disneyland's iconic Mystic Manor, shown above. 

Looking forward to seeing what's next from this great artist!

A Better Epic Universe

On the eve of the U.S. Presidential election, what could be more fitting than taking our minds off two awful choices and instead indulging at a look at the newest theme park coming our way? Epic Universe will delight fans and frustrate Disney executives. 

With blockbuster attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, this park will offer world class thrills and fun right from the beginning. Unlike the misfiring of the Epcot transformation, the park is a winner! Beautifully designed and ambitious, the theme park industry will be talking about its success for years to come. Fans will line the gates. 

Disney loses yet another day to Universal and for good reason...

 

An EPIC Announcement

The game of chess changes for the Walt Disney World Resort on May 22, 2024. Today, Universal Orlando announced the grand opening sate of May 22 for the incredible looking Epic Universe! In this corner, we have the suits at Disney who are slow to build but have a rabid fan base. In the other corner, we have relative upstart Universal who has access to one of the most beloved franchises ever: Harry Potter. With two parks gaining a massive following and the Boy Who Lived soon to be present in three separate parks, Disney continues to lose days guests to their competition. Will Encanto and Indiana Jones sway the flow? Will a Cars themed Frontierland tip the scales? We will see. Let the real battle begin!

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Jurassic World: Dinosaurs are Never Extinct

If you've ever really wondered why the suits at Disney have given up on the Dinoland U.S. A. portion of Disney's Animal Kingdom and have plans to turn it into Tropical Americas, Jurassic Work Rebirth might be the answer you're looking for.

 

It's not beyond Disney to create compelling stories that demand sequels and raise subsequent generations knowing the characters and music. But they just can't do it when it comes to prehistoric creatures of any kind. The market is just cornered by Universal's Jurassic Park  / World. They own dinosaurs just like Disney owns mermaids and now snowmen. 

I'd venture to say their dinosaur franchise is every bit as powerful as anything in Marvel, maybe moreso. It's definitely a countdown to extinction for Dinoland U.S.A. another's nothing anyone can do about it. Dinosaurs rule- and they belong to Universal. 

The Real Brilliance Behind Dark Universe

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It's a mouthful, but it may well be the attraction everyone is talking about when Epic Universe opens in 2025. What's behind this new land and why is Universal Orlando going to play a very significant role in something no one is talking about? Check out this video:

Back to the monsters unchained. I think this one will give Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry a run for its money. And sounds like Universal is betting on the whole of Darkmoor as well.

A Mickey Mouse Thing

A Mickey Mouse occurrence with Blogger stopped me from posting with photos for a few days. I wanted to share the results of my fairly accurate prediction for D23. If you look back, you'll note I told you that the Magic Kingdom would be the focus of additions announced. Why? Because pure and simple, Disney will not give up the crown of Number One World's Most Visited Theme Park to Universal. They just won't- and nor should they. With Epic Universe on the horizon, the suits are running scared into spending big bucks. That's a great thing for fans! Let Imagineering have some fun, and we all win. Walt Disney World will be changing... as always.