I just read from Orlando Informer that Yoshi is going to meet at Epic for a short time in March and April. How fun is that??? We were disappointed to not have Donkey Kong or Toad when we went. And the Mario/Luigi meets were lining up an hour ahead. I’m sure this will be bonkers.
ETA March 10-April 13
Hello! I am a longtime WDW liner and frequent visitor from PA! I haven’t been to Universal for over 15+ years and will be going in May and will be doing Epic for the 1st time obviously. I was wondering if anyone could give me a good idea of what ride to rope drop? What is a good flow? For example- start in Mario/Dk then to Berks then Monsters then Celestial? Is there a nighttime show?
I would love any advice! Thank you
Congrats! Are you staying onsite or offsite? What are your must dos?
We are staying offsite. Must dos - Berks for sure - big Toothless fan, Nintendo Area - husband is a big mario, donkey kong guy, and I’ve heard so much about the monsters ride, so obviously that would be in my must dos!
Monster’s ride was good…if you can, don’t enter Darkmoor until after it turns dark. Pardon the pun, but it really comes alive after dark.
If you are offsite I would plan to enter at the same time as the early entry guests and line up outside of Berk. I know they have changed what is open but I think that there is still too much pressure on Nintendo that you will be behind big lines. I think that you will still be able to encounter reasonable lines in Berk if you enter at regular open.
I know you can’t save everything for the end of the night but I would save Toothless for the end of the night since that is in pretty direct sun. BatM is air conditioned so might be worth sucking that up mid-day and then doing Toothless in the evening when kids have gone home and the sun has gone down.
Rope drop Toothless M&G then do Berk before the crowds hit later in the morning. Then chill and do other rides around the park before doing SNW later in the day once lines go down. Have fun!
I hesitate suggesting to rope drop Toothless now that the land is open for early entry. It’s a minimum of 65 minutes at that point and I think the line does get shorter at the end of the day. The roller coasters have much more capacity to move people through in the morning.
Oh I hear EP almost totally skips MU queue, which is a very cool queue. Maybe that’s single rider that skips it?
Hey Everyone!
I’m still super busy with my new job. I often don’t have the energy to keep up with any theme park news. However, over the last month or more I’ve found a great YT channel.
It’s an actual theme park ride mechanic that discusses the behind the scenes of his work. A lot of his videos are very technical, but he explains everything so anyone can understand.
I’ve been wanting to share his channel for awhile. He did a great video on the current Starfall Racers closure that I think y’all will enjoy!!
I have watched his videos off and on for years now…and not because his name is also Ryan.
He does such a great job focusing on facts and not hype.
I admit that every time I see one of his videos your name pops up in my mind!!
The stardust closure is due to failing an inspection and having issues getting replacement parts (plus some that this is just a PITA).
It hasn’t even been open for a year. What happens in 5-10 years? This was designed and manufactured by an outside company? Did this/will this manufacturer make additional attractions?
Mack Rides makes lots of rides, including, for example, Slinky Dog Dash. Most parts for coaster designs tend to be custom for each installation, apart from items such as bolts, etc. so whatever they need, it can take time to get a replacement part manufactured and/or shipped over from Germany.
Are you saying that most of their attractions don’t fail instructions in the first year? Stardust is just special?
I don’t plan on riding it even it is open. I am just curious. My family is hoping to ride but expect it will still be closed for our visit.
Stardust has been having issues early on, which is unusual. I think it was pushing the limits of Mack Rides design or something. Even before it opened, they were having issues.
The more extreme coasters are, the more likely they will have tweaks. Coasters with launches and top hat designs need to, for example, be sure there is enough force to get a train over the top hat while loaded with people, but not too much force!
I haven’t watched the Ryan the Ride Mechanic video yet about Stardust, but I am planning to watch it because I am curious to his specific thoughts.
Thanks for the video! Ryan was pretty spot on with his speculation on what may have happened with SR, without knowing what Joe shared.
I didn’t catch the sign off - do you know what he says at the end? it sounds like ‘stay off the …’ Thought it might be good advice!
