I found it interesting that Alicia noted that they removed “summer” from the 2025 opening timeline. 
Wonder if that means they are trying to give a cushion to open later or if they might be ahead of schedule. Wouldn’t be surprised either way.
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I asked around, we think it’s just a marketing and nothing has moved… yet.
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I thought their description of the “portals” was interesting. They call.it a unique experience of going through a portal into new lands.
First, I am here for that. BUT - this is the essence of Disney immersion- MK and DL both have you enter through tunnels so you come out in a new land (main street). Galaxy’s Edge does this too.
Seperately me and DD love carousels and Steam Punk styling - I cannot wait for that carousel. Bold choice to make a carousel your center piece, but I LOVE it.
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My first thought was the former MK morning greeting at the train bridge when I thought of this… I still miss it, but understand that the crowding became too much at that time of day…
The team that created Diagon Alley / WWOHP later went on to do SW:GE. They took the lessons learned from DA and applied them to SW:GE…
I love this type of entry. I’m not so uptight that I scream about “sightlines”. I enjoy looking across IOA and seeing Marvel, Seuss & WWOHP all at once. However, the reveal of Diagon Alley and SW:GE is perfect IMHO!
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I had the same thought about the Main Street archway under the railroad: “Here you leave today…” There are also dedication plaques for each land at DL.
I love the portal concept! The slogans on the portals are so cool (the ones I’ve been able to make out, at least.)
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The concept is compression and release, in architecture Frank Lloyd Wright popularized its use in his buildings. I think what makes Epic’s unique is the emphasis on the portals and standardizing their look. The problem of guests missing Diagon Alley is now removed when you use a visual indicator. The castle parks don’t quite hit this - sure the tunnels under the RR do the portal effect but this doesn’t occur between lands.
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Definately sounds like they are taking this to the next level. Using the hub and spoke idea (used by Walt, but not created by Walt) combined with compression and release on each spoke?
Perfection.
I am so excited.
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I love the portals…although I am concerned about narrowing large crowds into a pinch point like that. I always felt the entrance to Diagon Alley was far too narrow when they are busy. But they helped by creating a separate way out.
Is there any indication there will be other entrances/exits to each land aside from the portal?
In the video, the portal into Nintendo land was way way way too narrow to accommodate everyone.
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In Hollywood there is only one entrance in but there is a separate exit, IIRC. In any case, there were huge crowds and they had to regulate how many people were in the land. But the portal / pipe itself wasn’t crowded.
That said I think for emergency situations they will need another spillpoint. Also occurred to me for parades, if they ever decide to have one, they might want an easier way to move around. I was keeping my eye out in the video for gates to the side of the portals.
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I’d be super surprised if they did that.
They already got rid of the Superstar parade at the studios.
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On multiple sites, Werewolf coaster ride testing is being seen!
Spoilers…
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How to Train Your Dragon = “We, my friends, have dragons!”
Ministry of Magic = “For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own.”
Dark Universe = “It’s alive! It’s alive!”
Super Nintendo = “Here we go!”
Yep! I’m so in love with portals!! I felt this way about SW:GE… It’s a big empty / blank tunnel. There’s nothing outside to even indicate that’s the direction I’m supposed to go to get to SW:GE! At least at DA you’ve got London and a brick wall!
I saw this addressed on social media. I can’t find my source atm, but there’s supposed will be a way in AND out via the portals like Diagon Alley currently does…
The parade is set to return this year! Probably summer!
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This is my favorite!
The slogans are very reminiscent of Disney’s concept for DL, but expanded into a unique idea that will enrich Epic Universe.
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Oh I didn’t know that 
What do we know about it? What IP??
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Very little…
I’m going to presume DreamWorks & Nickelodeon as before. It’s what they own & can use… 
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Awesome video of the swing launch testing at Epic Dark Universe roller coaster!
https://x.com/aliciastella/status/1752772333964513554?s=46&t=o5hb2IhktPeuVj4nnnvyVA
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It’s like a 45 second ride. Ouch!
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I don’t know if we see the full ride here – it’s just the swing launch.
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I knew I had seen it somewhere! Thanks!!
Epic Universe is having open auditions for performers through Feb. 10th!
https://auditions.universalorlando.com/auditions/1369
They are looking for:
| ACTORS | ·DRUMMERS |
|---|---|
| ·ACTOR/MUSICIAN | ·PUPPETEERS |
| ·DANCERS | ·SINGERS |
| ·ANIMATED SHOW/ATMOSPHERE PERFORMERS |
I desperately wish I could apply!! I have such an easy / well-paying job, but I don’t enjoy it. I’d rather have to work harder, even making less to get back to performing in parks!! My DW office has their corporate HQ in Tampa. I need her to get promoted again so we can relocate! 
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