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!
 

Islands of Adventure's Port of Entry Tops The List of Florida Theme Park's First Acts

Sorry, Walt Disney Imagineering, but even the beautiful Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom or the iconic Spaceship Earth at Epcot can't compare when it comes to the grandest, most intriguing "First Acts" of Florida theme parks. The winner of them all is found at Universal Orlando's powerful Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure. It's definitely not the biggest or even the one studded with attractions. It is, however, the one that best captures what kind of day is to come.

 

The art direction, the design detail as I call it, shows what the artists at Universal Creative can do to create the mood, the atmosphere,  of a park that is like no other. You can feel the sense of adventure and excitement in the air. The anticipation of thrills, wonder, and discovery to be found beyond the mix of exotic and whimsical buildings, lush plantings and fountains, all set to a soundtrack that amps up the suspense. 

Watch this video to get the vibe.

At Epcot, Spaceship Earth used to set the stage for what was to come, but the attractions found within the front half of the park no longer deliver a look at the future, belying iconic structure's promise. At the Magic Kingdom, the real "First Act" is better seen once guests reach the hub and can see Cinderella Castle with the other land's entrances around it. The closest Disney competitor is really the grand reveal of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Even though the park's entrance gardens are beautiful, they hit one note.

Universal Creative did not hit a home run at all of their Florida parks. Sadly, Universal Studios' entrance area feels barren, flat and rather  unimpressive. Beyond the turnstiles, the front of Epic Universe is lovely but doesn't come close in what's presented at the resort's second park. 

The winding path through Port of Entry furthers the impact. Guests can help but be drawn into whatever comes next. Yet, not every piece of Islands of Adventure scores so high. Beyond the entrance, the two lands to the left are nominal in its effectiveness and appeal even if their attractions are some of the strongest (and definitely wettest) in the park.  No matter. More is coming, and these three parks will only get even better, giving Disney's biggest competitor in Orlando a winning hand.

(Top photo copyright Mark Taft. Other images and video copyright Universal Creative.)

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.)

If You Can't Go to Tom Sawyer Island, Go Here Instead

The closure of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom got you down? Does the removal of the Rivers of America bring a tear to your eye and make you wish for the days when Walt Disney ran Imagineering? Don't worry! We have you covered! There's a great place within reach that will remind you of the golden days of theme park design at its best.

Just head down the street from Walt Disney World and take a turn into Universal Orlando Resort. Head into Islands of Adventure. Walk past Hogsmeade and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and even go beyond Velocicoaster. Travel into Jurassic Park and stop. Take a deep breathe. Look around until you find Camp Jurassic. 

This place has all the charm and design detail you'd see on the soon to be demolished Disney island, just with a bit more thrill. Beautifully designed amber studded caves remind you this is not Huck Finn's playground. Is there something dangerous lurking around the bend?

Maybe there are flying dinosaurs overhead. Oh, no! It looks like the creature has a few victims that are being taken high above the island. I guess you could go up there for quite a ride and an incredible view.

But if you're inside those caves and hear a monstrous beast roaming them, hurry up! Get out of those caves, and take shelter up above! At least you'll get a better view of what is on the prowl. And you'll get to see how much there is to explore. 

This overlooked gem in a park stacked with thrills brings a different and immersive vibe on the world of prehistoric creatures. So, if you're missing Tom Sawyer Island and soon, the rest of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this is the place to go! Yes, Universal now owns dinosaurs in the theme park world. But at least they do it well!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

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!

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!

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. 

Traveling the Ancient Roads

Take a look at this very cool photograph! A good friend of mine had business in Cairo, Egypt and glanced out his hotel room window at just the right moment. Even those Disney Imagineers couldn't replicate this! (I guess I should start staying those that work at Universal Creative as well!) Here's the gift of a good cel phone and when it comes into play. There was no need for a special lease or much of a zoom. What a shot! Reminds me all of this: Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ These words from the prophet Jeremiah remind me to look to the Lord Jesus and His ways as how to live my life and to not follow the patterns and lifestyles of this world. When I follow him, I will find rest for my soul. What could be better than that?

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Dark Universe is the One to Beat at Epic Universe- and Why Disney Can't Do It!

Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy and more. Things are going to get twisted and very scary and very interesting! By this time next year, theme park fiends will be screaming with delight talking about Epic Universe and especially the brand new land, Dark Universe. That is saying certainly something coming up against the themes of the other lands in the park. Think of the juggernaut that is Harry Potter. Then consider the rabid fan base 40 years strong of Mario Bros and Super Nintendo World. Even How to Train Your Dragon has families excited to visit the Isle of Berk. But Monsters will rule them all. Why? These characters' stories have been told for seemingly hundreds of years, tales as old as time, and they are the backbone of Halloween costumes for decades as well.

Main nemesis the Walt Disney Company can't fight this battle since Disneyland or Walt Disney World has nothing even close to compare. My hunch is the suits know it too. They'll blew their chance to include uber villain Dr. Facillier on the Tiana's Bayou Adventure remodel, and Rise of the Resistance aside, they just don't have the guts to do real bad guys anymore let alone real monsters. Cartoon monsters that gather screams or laughs, sure. Those that truly terrify? No. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is proof. On the other coast, Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim has more edge but misses the horror mark too.

Let's be honest, no one does horror like Universal. Whether it is the brutal slasher type scarefest of Halloween Horror Nights or the more playful Monster Make Up show, guests love to be scared. Now, the classic Universal movie monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, are on the scene, they've got to go to Universal to get it.

 

The main attraction in the area named Darkmoor will be the new rite of passage for those younger theme park guests. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment promises nonstop thrills and chills with a nightmare of a story. Cutting edge effects, unforeseen lifelike- or is it deathlike - frightening characters gone beserk in a setting that will make riding Disney Imagineering's Haunted Mansion look like time spent at Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Sign me up, he said trembling a bit.

The whole area will be fleshed out with otherworldly experiences, character meet and greets of a whole new dimension, and dining and shopping like nothing ever seen. Certainly incredible during the day but absolutely foreboding once the blackness of night settles in. Fans of classic horror now have another option to be scared, especially if slasher flicks are not their genre of choice.

I'm not even a big fan of the classic monsters franchise, and this has me very excited!

Could this year's D23 reveal Disney countering with a Villains land or even entire theme park? No. Robert Iger and company would appear to be playing catch up. And they are! For about two decades, the suits at Disney have not truly invested in building the parks. They've rested on their biggest cash cow, and now it is rightfully going to bite them in the wallet. And I hope it does- with a huge set of Dracula's fangs! 

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Concept Art

There's a reason for the rabid fan base for Universal Orlando Resort's incredible Harry Potter themed worlds, and Epic Universe is about to add to it in an incredible way! First we had Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, then it was Diagon Alley's thrilling Escape from Gringotts. Then, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure took the crown and rightfully so. Perhaps my favorite ride in the resort. What's next? The upcoming Battle for the Ministry at Epic Universe. The great thing about Universal I'm discovering is that the actual construction and attractions are far better than the concept art. I can't always so that's true of their biggest competitor. Can't wait for more Potter- or anything else Universal Creative chooses to dish up!

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

A Trip Down Harry Potter's Knockturn Alley

A taste of the dark side. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley is an incredible space. It's "hidden attraction", Knockturn Alley is filled with creepy spaces, eerie noises, and surprises at every turn. It's not for everyone. In fact, parents should think about the potential impact on their littlest ones. It can be nightmare inducing. And evil is real, just as good is- so who knows what is going on "behind the scenes". But from a design detail standpoint, Knockturn Alley is an excellent example of how Universal Creative is beating Disney at their own game. Ot at least, tying the game. More on that later.

Epic Universe Will ROCK the Theme Park World!

"Why go to Disney World?" That will be the question theme park fans will be asking after Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe park opens in Summer of 2025. Making Universal Orlando Resort home to three full theme parks and one water park, visitors to Florida will have even tougher decisions to make about how to spend their time. Think I'm kidding? Take a look at some epic artwork! (The piece above shows the portal to the Dark Universe, Epic's land devoted to monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and more.)

It all starts at the entrance (seen above). Imagine adventures based on Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World, and those beloved classic Universal monsters in their own Dark Universe. Just imagine. Take a look at this great new video (below).

We are already planning a trip! The only question will be- How many days to we cut out of Disney so that we can see all Universal Orlando Resort has to offer? There's not a Disney princess that can hold a candle to this! 

Check out the map. The concept art is just stunning, isn't it? Universal Creative has knocked it out of the park. Everything from the shops to the restaurants to the attractions screams first class excitement.

Will this coaster beat the heart racing thrills of Velocicoaster?

This is a carousel??? Wow!

Beyond the expected coaster thrills and creepier dark rides, there will be attractions for younger guests as well. The Constellation Carousel may be one of the most beautiful structures ever built for an attraction of this type.

The Blue Dragon will definitely be one of my picks for a meal!

Dining is becoming more of an attraction in itself at theme parks. Epic Universe is wisely giving folks more of what they want- perhaps even taking the best of Disney theme park restaurants and improving on them for a modern, younger audience.

Shades of the Blue Bayou and San Angel Restaurante.

This Pan-Asian restaurant (two images above) looks great from the outside, but the inside is even better. Imagine dining in elegance in the Asian countryside at night. Lanterns illuminate the sky as dragons float by and enchanting music plays. Sounds like a great afternoon break- and something very creative and very EPCOT circa 1982. I love it!

Beyond the new park, there's a multitude of City Walk experiences we still want to do, a resort or two to stay at, and a brand new theme park that will take at least two days. I mean, a guy only has so much vacation time. 

Universal Builds Epic Universe and More While Disney Talks, and Talks, and Talks

While Disney executives Josh D'Amaro and Robert Iger talk and talk and talk some more, Universal Creative is hard at work building Epic Universe, the third major theme park for Universal Orlando Resort. Due to open in 2025, you can see in this image by Bioreconstruct, the dueling coaster tracks of the park's high profile Star Fall Racers are coming into their own. The great Theme Park Stop with host Alicia Stella provides the latest news. (See below.)

While Disney Imagineering is hamstrung due to finances- and the full on announcement of Indiana Jones Adventure and an Encanto and Coco themed attractions for Disney Animal Kingdom continues to be placed on hold- Universal forges ahead. The park's going to be game changer once again. 

Harry Potter and Nintendo may be the biggest headliners. (Who can resist a new Parisian themed area with a ride to save the Ministry of Magic?) But my bet is that Classic Monsters and How to Train Your Dragon themed lands will surprise and delight us as well. I'm counting down the days to the park's opening. The only question remains- What Disney park will I have to cut to make enough time at Universal?

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

Imagineering Theme Park Wars: Michael Eisner vs. Robert Iger vs. Bob Chapek

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny may not be the biggest smash Disney and Lucas hoped for, but the company that Walt Disney loved just released a great looking new video of the classic Indiana Jones Adventure. If you're an Imagineering fan or a fan of Tony Baxter specifically, you know that this single attraction is one of the finest created under the incredible first-half leadership of Michael Eisner. 

When it comes to Imagineering success and the U.S. parks, Eisner was king for his first season. Robert Iger left them mostly to rot as he was busy buying up other intellectual properties like Pixar and Marvel. Chapek barely made a dent- thankfully.

The real Imagineering wars are taking place right now between Universal Creative and the Walt Disney Company. The upcoming Epic Universe will has the potential to take one more day from tourists visiting Disney with its stellar lineup of Super Mario Brothers land, How to Train Your Dragon, Classic Monsters, and of course, the next installment of the king of them all- Harry Potter and his incredible adventures.

 

Back to the last three Disney leaders-Aside from the groundbreaking Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, I'd put up any E Ticket attraction built under Michael Eisner's first half next to anything for the U.S. parks created under the Robert Iger or Bob Chapek regimes. Splash Mountain alone beats out much of the newer rides. So does Expedition: Everest or Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. 

What would you say?

---

I have SO many posts on this blog regarding the excellent Indiana Jones Adventure- and I was there at Disneyland on opening weekend! You can find rare concept art and more. Happy exploring!