Wizarding World Epic Universe - ParkStop Podcast

[@ThemeParkStop]

This land may have the most complex ride in the park, but hopefully that means it’ll also be most impressive!

[@ThemeParksandPatents]

I was convinced from the way they were converging their patents on the two-story adaptable room design that they were going with that. It’s amazing they switched to the Spider-Man car for an elevator ride.

[@michaelj2276]

Nothing will top The Dark Universe. 😬

[@hh-cw3jc]

@@michaelj2276...except for battle at the ministry lol

[@blaster-zy7xx]

And won't brake alot.

[@travisvanalst4698]

Imagine just being a random passerby driving by the park and seeing a legitimate dragon flying through the air.

[@blumoon131]

Then learning that there was a second dragon

[@Kev-O33]

i would question whats in my morning coffee

[@coastingthrills7297]

You’re in the Orlando theme park area, what different would you expect😂

[@thegamingkid6973]

"I hEaR cOlOrS"🥴

[@Kragmachine]

Sounds like good advertising! I gotta go see where that dragon is going

[@Hi_Im_Charming]

One thing that I haven't seen discussed much about this land is how it has a broader appeal beyond its IP. France (Paris specifically) is one of the top travel destinations for US tourists, and I don't doubt that people will enjoy this area simply for its architecture, dining, and theming. In the same vein as World Showcase at Epcot being popular because it allows you to "travel" to other countries, I'm sure there will be plenty of people who don't care about the IP of the land and just enjoy it for the French/Parisian theming.

[@TheFloon]

Probably helped a decent bit too by the current Olympics having Paris in everyone's minds.

[@jaykay1899]

Exactly. I hear a bunch of people complain about how it’s based off of fantastic beasts because the movies aren’t that beloved, but I think they’re completely missing the point. the success of park lands should never based off of the success of the IPs they are based on. If they’re even based off IPs

[@tarazieminek1947]

Yep, I don't care much about Harry Potter and I haven't seen fantastic beasts, but magical Paris sounds great!

[@Sleepyhead080808]

My favorite country in EPCOT is France, and I'm so excited to have a second France to visit.

[@tomm2213]

The beasts will be awesome too they will fall in love with those esp the kids

[@SnoTangerine]

That was unironically one of the worst mistakes in the Fantastic Beasts films, moreso in the sequels. They have all of this immaculate worldbuilding and they hardly EVER slow down to show it! It's beyond frustrating. That's why I'm happy they'll be putting it to some good use here.

[@AXander1978]

cause WB wanted to pump out 5 films (now only 3 and done)

[@JH-lu5yg]

I loved the theming and atmosphere of the first movie so I'm happy they stuck with this theming for the park.

[@SnoTangerine]

@JH-lu5yg I'm even happier they committed to a left field choice like Paris/Place Cachee. Would have been easy to lean into MACUSA given how the first movie was the only total success.

[@erichoward8852]

Got to hear this early on Patreon, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m listening to it again 😏

[@Cheezbat]

I don’t get why people are saying Potter isn’t ready and doesn’t work. I know people who currently work in the park and the ride has been cycling. I’ve even seen video footage. The sets and stuff are not complete, but Universal is going to do whatever it takes to get everything running day one. I can’t wait till the park opens…but it’s going to need expansions asap.

[@ThemeParkStop]

I think the Umbridge animatronic is a big part of it, but I’m sure they’ll get it working. Also, they’ve been cycling a few ride vehicles for a very long time, but only recently installed the rest-so I wonder if it becomes problematic with all on the track? Lots of moving parts to test all together I’m sure.

[@lesliereynolds4492]

I’m excited that they are testing fireworks at Epic Universe. I would love it if they did open early but I want everything working more. I won’t go till the Fall cuz I can imagine the crowds. It’s going to be the best park anywhere.

[@__CantFindJefe]

can I see the footage I’m too poor to actually go 😕🙏🏽

[@Cheezbat]

@@__CantFindJefeI don’t have it. It was shown to me in confidence. They weren’t about to let me walk out with it. They want this stuff locked down.

[@__CantFindJefe]

@@Cheezbat oh okay I’m sorry lol did u like it based on what u seen?

[@kentslocum]

If Universal actually manages to pull off flying dragons at Epic Universe (and not just at the grand opening ceremony or media previews), then they will have officially exceeded Disney in all respects. Disney promised flying spaceships over Galaxy's Edge, and they even had a couple X-Wing hover at the Florida grand opening, but they never did it again. 😢

[@darianglover]

I love that Alicia was almost spot on with referring to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). I listen and watch these podcasts multiple times because they are just so fun and informative. I also loved that Theme Park 101 gave a major shot out to Alicia for his advance tour of Epic Universe. We are all wishing "Universal Destinations & Experiences" the best so we can experience the best. (Vikingsss and dragonsssss. Vikingsss and dragonsssss. Vikingsss and dragonsssss.)

[@bobbyswanson3498]

i think the ride being based on the og story makes up for the land being set in fantastic beasts since it’s the primary reason people will go to the land and it’ll likely be one of the best universal rides to date

[@skh1964]

This attraction is going to be amazing. Just like The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman when it debuted in 1999, this will be the latest generation for Universal creative and will stun guests. I can’t wait.

[@momapoe]

I wouldn’t say it’s “theme parky”, but rather “magical”. Makes it feel more Wizarding World.

[@britneybxoxo]

"I have a long drive, 30mins" Cries in 12 hour drive away.

[@christinebainbridge8774]

Everything is brighter than the movie because Place Cache is all dressed up for France hosting the Quidditch Cup, of course :) Hope some of the "stained glass" in Mermaid Song Cafe moves, like in the prefect's bathroom.

[@ThemeParkStop]

I like this explanation, I mean it certainly explains the neon signs added at back of the land-but there’s still A LOT of murals I don’t remember from the film

[@christinebainbridge8774]

As for the connexion on the mini-lands, I'm perfectly happy with there being no story reason, but I can also imagine it as an effect of Umbridge messing up time just enough to jump us forward several decades, seemingly before she's even done it. Botched time enchantments could plausibly do odd things like that, I guess?

[@christinebainbridge8774]

Maybe Newt's suitcase will be the pay-to-ride attraction? That would make a nice walkthrough, and make sense in a way, if the wand effects are you 'collecting escaped beasts'.

[@SnoTangerine]

Funny you mention this, I was looking to people's speculation on what on earth they could possibly do for a fourth Wizarding World land someday (which would be absolutely ridiculous, I know). Probably the best idea I read was...the Quidditch World Cup. This could even play into the theme of one land teasing the next, even if unintentionally.

[@BanjoBreakdown1]

Are you sure the land takes place in the 20s? The announcement video didn't mention that directly, it just said the land was "inspired by Fantastic Beasts". Paris is an old city, with many historic buildings; it would make sense that it looks very similar in the 90s and the 20s, so it could look the way it does in the movies while taking place in the late 90s. Also, someone mentioned signs for the Quidditch World Cup will be in the land. The last World Cup in the books happens at the beginning of book 4, so the next one would take place 1 year after the end of book 7, the same time-frame as the ride. It just seems needlessly confusing to base the ride's whole story around repairing incredibly rare time travel devices while also having time travel be something easy that guests have to do just to stand in the indoor portion of the queue.

[@FinalGirlKell]

I'm almost just refusing to believe this is in 1920s Paris and firmly standing in my delulu that it's like that "90s" to now that the rest of the Potter lands stick to. Thus, the different signage, etc.

[@TheItachiIshtar]

I kinda wish they had gone the route of making it 90s Wizarding Paris, but just inspired by the 20s Wizarding Paris we saw in the films. I doubt it would look that different in universe either, just like Diagon Alley has a timeless look to it. It would have saved the headache of the 2 conflicting time periods.

[@FinalGirlKell]

@@TheItachiIshtar I agree but I think honestly except the magical creatures show it's probably going to be more timeless setting than anything. Basically just don't think about it too hard and just enjoy the vibes. XD

[@droppopofficial1120]

Hey guys, when should we expect the next EPIC construction progress video?

[@ThemeParkStop]

Hopefully Thursday!

[@solcarlosofficial]

Did you see the new podcast universal Orlando released on KZbin? They talked new details about celestial park. Things like the Atlantic restaurant the fish you will see are fake. And at sunset they will have a light show represent the god if sun passing the torch to the god if night. And how the carousel goes 6ft up

[@Drebe73]

Since Voldemort split his soul into seven parts, I’d surmise that a time turner wouldn’t necessarily bring him back. To ensure Voldemort would eventually rise to power, Umbridge would ultimately have to go back in time and prevent Lilly and James from ever conceiving Harry in the first place. Umbridge would also have to prevent Neville’s parents as well, just to be sure the prophecy doesn’t get fulfilled. Of course, Umbridge would have to have been privy to the prophecy in the first place. Also Umbridge would be taking a huge gamble that Voldemort would even offer her a position of power or even know to what degree Voldemort would chose to do with his power. There are too many uncertainties that Umbridge should probably just go back in time and simply refuse the offer of taking a position at Hogwarts in the first place. Thus avoiding that whole Centaur incident completely. Of course this could ultimately be reserved for the attraction’s B-Mode.

[@robertgronewold3326]

Don't worry guys, the Wizarding World fans are excited for all of this. You two can just stick to the other four lands and be happy.

[@remconet]

I might be alone in this but I don't see the need to do daily fireworks. It's such a waste of money. It's so incredibly expensive. I honestly think Universal doesn't need it.

[@JH-lu5yg]

I'd rather they focused on keeping the dragon drones working.

[@jonoclarke0808]

Great podcast! Always love your content. I still think its a missed opportunity to have a second ride at opening.....even if its not an E- Ticket attractions. Something like a family rollercoaster or something chasing Niffler around as he is stealing everything in a compact layout.....nothing complex but fun and gets you laughing. Exit has a pet shop and jewelry shop. Save the 2nd phase for something more impressive. At least keeping something in the location and Fantastic Beasts is met other than the show.

[@douglasmcstewart]

It’s fun that they’re going with French names. Try these: Cafe L - air de la sir - ren Le gob - lay new - r Beer Ohh Burr

[@ThemeParkStop]

So you're saying I got Le Gobelet Noir and Tour en Floo right is what I am hearing!!?

[@douglasmcstewart]

😭😭😭 Living - you did great and I love your videos! Can’t wait for opening and boots on the ground reporting!

[@JesseReed-so9px]

Always makes my day :) 🎉

[@TheItachiIshtar]

Wasn’t one of the old rumors that you would enter the French Ministry of Magic and then take the Floo Network to the British Ministry of Magic from there? If it was part of the original plan, then I guess they reworked it to just taking the Metrofloo. It would be cool if they did something with the French Ministry for a potential expansion, though . You can still see the entrance to it, at least.

[@matchatoasty]

The french ministry has such lovely architecture, I'd love for them to revisit that concept in the future because if not then the entrance just feels like a waste of potential

[@samplautz5586]

Are we not taking the floor network to the ministry of magic? That’s literally what the ride is. Nothing has changed

[@TheItachiIshtar]

@@samplautz5586 No, what I meant was the rumor I remember reading said that you would first enter the French Ministry of Magic building and take the floo network to the British Ministry of Magic from there. Instead we just enter the floo network directly from Place Cachee.

[@solcarlosofficial]

I want a great hall restaurant 🙏 Like be our guest but great hall. It’s the most iconic set that’s in every hp film! I hope they add it to phase 2 of epic universe

[@davidgonsalves9491]

It would have to be at IOA though, next to the castle. Move FOTH to where Sinbads stage show was

[@SnoTangerine]

​@@davidgonsalves9491nah, they've been planning it for Epic. The British Ministry obviously would be at Fear Factor if we were going for location accuracy. That's out the window now for the sake of proper space.

[@samplautz5586]

@@davidgonsalves9491weirdly enough, the rumor is that they are building a great hall restaurant. BUT, it’s going to be at epic universe, in the Paris section. You will take the floor network to it. I know, it’s ridiculous and makes no sense

[@davidgonsalves9491]

@@samplautz5586 It doesn’t make sense for sure but also already getting a “great hall” at Dragons. I know they are different but still. Rather use the space for another attraction or annex it to expansion land.

[@remconet]

47:47 I think it as 14 seats. Front row has 3x 2 seats and the back row 2 extra seats where the 2 openings are in the front row and entrance.

[@ThemeParkStop]

It's going to have 12 seats. I am thinking the artist took some liberties on the view to show all riders, (despite the vantage not being accurate or making sense in the back left corner), but 12 is what we've heard before and is what works with the way it will be loading.

[@TheFloon]

I genuinely can't wait to go with my family just to hear my mom make a go at pronouncing all the french names in this area.

[@Abbysfaco]

Just wanted to say, I probably will never visit these parks that you talk about living at the other side of the world. But I love your videos and podcasts so much. The enthousiasm and realism and humour are great 👌 thank you for your hard work!

[@donquiote60]

You guys had some funny commentary, great video, and thanks for the extra tidbits, facts, and rumors.

[@DaveWills23]

Nice, a shout out to Gojira 🤘

[@tomm2213]

Epic seems so amazing i may be happy just walking around, doing the interactive stuff, and going on 1-2 rides.

[@briansieve]

The stuntspectacular is incredible. I do not think being similar to it is a bad thing. It's the greatest thing going

[@URI443PHOENIX]

I’m in the camp of the timeline break completely ruins the immersion for me. Universal Creative dropped the ball on this one unfortunately 😢

[@JCAB72493X]

They should have just extended in universal and put the British ministry there it would make much more sense. But I get it fantastic beasts wasn’t successful enough to stand on its own.. or atleast it’s a chance to make it stand by itself.

[@seanmulligan4123]

Something that popped in my head after watching this is that they are building 2 show theaters in this park. But they have not had shows in either of IOA’s theaters for years. Theaters are crowd eaters taking hundreds of guest out of lines. Why hasn’t Universal Creative done something with either or the Fear Factor theater.

[@JH-lu5yg]

I really want to sit in the Ministry office with a lunch and just sit and people watch looking out the windows. It would have been cool if that was a restaurant. It's weird to me that the Yoshi ride has a height requirement because it seems like the Peoplemover. I'd think that would be a family friendly ride. But I'm glad that there are some family friendly options.

[@Themersive]

Hopefully the ticket rumors are mostly unfounded, due to only partial info. We also hope that everything opens on time. It's not too far away, but they still have quite a while until opening. Great podcast, as always.

[@DC84.]

Now that we're in a position where Universal has announced all the lands, surely we are getting closer to them announcing the opening date. Would they be petty enough to troll Disney and drop that info during D23? Because i would be that petty.

[@erinalcorn4622]

D23 is this week and I'm certain Universal will release new updates this weekend.

[@jeandavidnau8314]

At Tissere people are pointing at the posted menu.....maybe phase 2???

[@ThemeParkStop]

Phase 2 is definitely possible, but the interior structure for that storefront is extremely tiny in the permits. Like maybe the size of Auntie Anne's window service in New York at Universal Studios Florida tiny.

[@josephmorris7447]

I got some sq footage estimates off google earth so take this with a grain of salt but my guess is that the building for the Battle at the Ministry is about 153,000 sq ft. For comparison, Rise is about 116,000 sq ft, Monsters Unchained 53,000, Gringotts 80,000 sq ft, Revenge of the Mummy 75,000 sq ft, and Forbidden Journey 53,000 sq ft.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Are you counting the connected stage show to the right that is part of the same building to get that figure? Cause that seems REALLY BIG! Use this image for reference and only count the red part? orlandoparkstop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WizardingWorld07b.jpg

[@josephmorris7447]

@@ThemeParkStop nope! I made sure to account for that so I omitted the adjacent stage show. if you include that it comes to just over 190,000 sq ft. That building really is massive! By using your link I tried to be more exact, my calculation still comes to 150,000 sq ft for just the Ministry ride.

[@ThemeParkStop]

@@josephmorris7447 AMAZING! 100 sq ft more than Forbidden Journey is mind blowing!!!

[@jonathonfreeman9233]

so while the murals do make it feel like "Diagon Ally 2" ... they also make it NOT feel like the real world. Pretty sure the 2nd victory outweighs the first loss here. ... also, it's very heavily Parisian themed paintings, which is awesome.

[@nathanharding2777]

I feel like the excited kid starting to watch this video thinking this land was gonna be so cool and then being instantly shot down by the cool kids 😂

[@davidnewell3717]

Wizarding Paris looks amazing… but what are these movies you keep referring to? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Also, Alicia, to solve your French problem, just record the proper pronunciation from Google Translate. It would be hilarious to have you speaking and then a computer voice says the French words. 😂😂😂

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

Not only did we see the Rise canons we rode EE in a soft opening. We saw the real Yetl !!

[@Dontmakemerun]

@23:17 I let out the "Frenchest" no of my life. I want a baguette, not a WAND 🤦‍♀️ I'm a silly creature,I just want carbs! If Universal is trying to Epcot a France pavilion, I want baguettes and brie, and so so sooo much wine. This is area is last on my list to visit and have been least excited about.

[@genappithy]

Why am I awake so early? Must’ve sensed a new podcast

[@travisvanalst4698]

9AM is early to you?

[@genappithy]

@@travisvanalst4698 6am on the west coast

[@ItFlorentin]

Nous 🇫🇷 appreciate votre Effort, and full honesty that it is not perfect and that's all that matter's! Trying to pronounce with effort is much appreciated and passionately real than someone just saying I can't say this! Keep up the light hearted laughs! ❤

[@adriencloud2130]

I mean im excited regardless. But ministry should have been done at Fear Factor. I had the idea with my friends that it would have been so cool if they did the Quidditch world cup from the Goblet of Fire. its already a festive atmosphere I think it would have been so amazing of a land . This connection to a failed movie series makes this so jarring but its here so we got what we got. Theres always hope for my idea at the UK land "crosses fingers"

[@SnoTangerine]

I just commented about the same thing lol. Maybe in 2035 😅

[@blaster-zy7xx]

The spring and summer will be mobbed. We are planning a fall trip to Epic Universe during the weekdays, so HOPEFULLY we will have a good experience after the mobs die down and they get the kinks worked out. Our second plan is to save Dark Universe until last and do that starting at dusk, (which will be earlier by the fall). Cross our fingers!

[@EPiche09]

I want them to do Helios Grand preview next! I'm worried about the "galaxys edge" of magical Paris. A land never mentioned in the books or 8 movies. They show Paris in Fantastic beasts but I cant identify any shop or restaurant in like I could in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. I think it's a decent gamble. And two time lines is also not what I had in mind. Hopefully Newt is an old man. Looks like they built Diagon Alley 10 years too early. Tough to say that.

[@SnoTangerine]

@@EPiche09 I think this will still be a hit. Even if it's not nearly as recognizable, people will be curious.

[@christinebainbridge8774]

I think the circus show is going to do more lifting than people expect. If they use hologram effects, and seeing the broom in that concept art makes me think there will be, it has the chance to be really impressive. Also, am I the only one who is definitely talking to the portraits in this land?

[@SnoTangerine]

@@christinebainbridge8774 I may be biased as a cynical fan looking for any good news from the franchise in light of...well everything, but I think this land looks spectacular. I'm actually MOST excited for the Cirque Arcanus show. I think it will be the sleeper hit attraction of the entire park, whereas Dark Universe will be the overall fan favorite world.

[@EPiche09]

I agree with all of that. I guess I'm most frustrated by she who must not be named and the way her and the writers took tanked the Fantastic Beasts series.

[@SnoTangerine]

@EPiche09 Agreed. It's both hilarious and awful that instead of promoting the new theme park inspired by her creations, she decided it was a good day to trans-vestigate an Olympian athlete and just spread clear lies on main with no attempt to even hide her rhetoric at this point. I mean at least she's not doing both in the same breath, but good lord she needs to get a life.

[@jpjapers]

Realistically if people are saying they dont care about the park because of a timeline that exists entirely in fantasy they should maybe reconsider whether they're caring too much. What choice would they have to make another wizarding world location that is already in-universe?

[@christinebainbridge8774]

They could have done the Quidditch World Cup from Goblet of Fire, for instance. But that would necessitate a broom ride, and they haven't worked out how to do that justice yet. Easy to work in flat rides, on the other hand, and lots of streetmosphere. That said, I really like what they're doing with Place Cache.

[@SnoTangerine]

I have a million-dollar question: did they cut the Erumpent? 😞

[@ThemeParkStop]

I believe it’s still there, but doesn’t chase us like Jurassic World Beijing-instead it breaks through a wall and starts to charge us before we escape quickly.

[@SnoTangerine]

@ThemeParkStop ok that's still cool, thanks! It sounds like a lot of the other effects will more than make up for it (if they work). Picturing the Umbridge animatronic is blowing my mind

[@hargibson18]

16:40 discourages you from taking out lightsabers? I've never seen or experienced that and I was a passholder living in Orlando for 2 years. When/how is that a thing?

[@JFrombaugh]

Do we know if BatM will feature a freefall drop similar to the escape pod sequence on RotR? And if so, will it be a larger drop than that ride (maybe 30 feet or so?) achieved by a combination of a drop track & the vertical motion ride platform, with additional special effects to make it appear as if you’re falling hundreds of feet down an elevator shaft?

[@ThemeParkStop]

Listen to the end and watch the visuals for info on this, but I think it can only go like 10 feet up/down, and it is built into the ride vehicle!

[@wadewilsonwhonewalls]

@@ThemeParkStopits going to be dissapointed if it doesnt have views outside to give you that actual fear factor. Its why i think forbidden journey fails as a ride since you never outside. its why the old kong actually was scary despite being tame (i know it wasnt actually outside). its why tower of terror is scary because i can look waaaay up there and know thats where im going.

[@jpjapers]

@@wadewilsonwhonewalls Its not that kind of ride system

[@louisianimal24]

⁠@@wadewilsonwhonewallsit’s an indoor dark ride, not a drop tower like tower of terror, so why would you go outside or be able to see outside? That’s One of the strangest nonsensical complaints I have seen lol

[@awoosh13]

@@wadewilsonwhonewalls It's like you didn't listen to the podcast...

[@frrrfrrr9177]

I feel like that ride is going to have the longest wait times ever the ride systems seems like slow riders per hour especially with only 12 person cars.

[@ThemeParkStop]

It's no different than The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man's capacity. Plus it has a dual load platform so can dispatch quickly.

[@hh-cw3jc]

definitely not true considering donkey kong exists lol

[@frrrfrrr9177]

@@hh-cw3jc yeah but that’s a roller coaster, universal has roller coaster dispatch times down to a science.

[@hh-cw3jc]

@@frrrfrrr9177 the ride is only 4 people per train plus the carts don't constantly move like hagrids. it'll be a nightmare compared to any other ride.

[@JRHatJRH]

Your Updates are so well produced and enjoyable to listen to as you do them alone. The podcast videos when the other person joins are a lot less fun. He’s got a negative tone here and there and fixates on things. Like every and any opportunity to say in one way or another that Monsters will be superior. Yeah, everyone agrees. Everyone in that back heard ya too. He’s distracting.

[@yoplait3256]

Disneyland Hong Kong already has zootopia as a trackless ride. They just need to make space in Animal Kingdom and it could be done and fit much better in the park than what they have planned right now. Also I'm ready for the Epic Universe experience of sitting in line for hours just to ride Ministry. My favorite memory from Diagon alley year one was waiting 3-4 hours in line only for my dad to upset after it finished saying to me "We waited 3 hours to ride a 3 minute ride!?".

[@danieltaylor9239]

I assume the LED domes won’t be as big as the Las Vegas sphere interior, but if they’re the largest after that they could still be very impressive. What I originally hoped for from Cosmic Rewind

[@ThemeParkStop]

Maybe it’s world’s largest LED wall and not dome, or the largest LED wall TAIT has ever built? Cause the Vegas dome is hard to beat!

[@Ladybirdwowo]

If I can't walk through this land eating an entire baguette I just bought from a patisserie, slathered with European butter, I am bringing my own baguette from home.

[@leontomas1455]

Utterly Butterly is the U.K. favourite butter

[@Caius1942]

So house elf lore check, ownership of elves is passed down the family line, as evidenced by Kreacher and Sirius. So theoretically Higgeldy should pass to Umbridge’s next of kin. IIRC shes a pure blood so it has to have gone to some cousin or some such.

[@Troopertroll]

Unlike Star Wars, we do already have a couple of classic, popular Harry Potter areas in the parks. I think it's okay to be a little riskier with the new one if they can follow through with making it immersive. The one thing I don't like off the bat is that it looks like 3 dead ends. How will the crowds move?

[@ThemeParkStop]

At least the streets are wider than Diagon and much wider than Hogsmeade, but yes, unlike Isle of Berk or Dark Universe this one and also (sort of) Nintendo are a bit more like dead ends. The worst is that there is no ride on the right street as originally planned, so going to be a lot of confused wayfinding guests finding their way in here.

[@quintoncolossus4532]

i love you theme park stop.

[@jessolson4863]

I have a theory that the time is explained by Umbridge stealing a time turner and escaping somehow….but you’re probably right they wont explain it lol

[@samplautz5586]

My theory is they don’t care lol. They’re just hoping everyone doesn’t talk about that

[@tomm2213]

My prediction this park will be SO interactive. Would be cool if they tied it in w games on switch esp mario and hp. Plus w zelda and pokemon rumored for the other parks

[@keouine]

sirene = see REN as in 'See Ren (& Stimpy) " L'air = lair just as in "thief's lair" no hiccup separates L' and air.

[@moneygrabbercodswollop8133]

I hope I get to see you guys or at least one of you in a few days!

[@katcalico9142]

I know it is ridiculous and silly but I love a theme park hotel - I really do. Have I been saving for Helios? Yes, yes I have.

[@stackofpancakes9306]

Petition to get Gojira for Harry Potter land opening ceremony🤘

[@AlexaCramer]

People who play Hogwarts Legacy know those animals very well 😄

[@k001daddy]

OK, hear me out. Travelling faster than light makes you slow down in time and you arrive in your future. The floo network makes instantaneous travel possible, but it still has to account for the effects of time dilation (Einstein was a wizard). The farther you travel via floo powder, the greater the time dilation, possibly exponentially. Travelling from The Burrow to Diagon Alley is a short trip, so not much time dilation. But you enter the floo in 1920's Paris and end up in London in the late 1990's. #HeadCannon

[@travisvanalst4698]

Yeah…that doesn’t work lol. I applaud the try though! Besides time dilation I’d be more interested to see how someone explains the speed difference for floo powder. I just imagine magic accounts for this because I’d it didn’t, the traveling will have you jump from one dimension to earth, which is traveling at thousands of miles an hour…so I feel like you would be anatomically deconstructed in seconds upon entering earth again.

[@christinebainbridge8774]

...In my head, I'm imagining it's because Umbridge almost succeeds in the ride, so the effects of her meddling with time reach backwards - meaning that time has distorted before we even step onto the attraction!

[@madmonkey115]

Ahhahahahah hahahaha

[@ChrisPershin]

This is very cool

[@State-of-Sunshine]

Fantastic Beasts is my favorite. The main characters have better chemistry and personalities than the kids did on the movie. Never read the books so I don’t have any emotional boosts to be attached to the characters beyond the screen…. Sorry not sorry 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@cpt.walker6273]

There is no time discrepancy for me in the Wizarding World land. The area of the city represented existed after Fantastic Beast's time therefore, you are in the same time period when you enter the floo network to go to the Ministry of Magic.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Universal has said that the land is based on 1920s France though. And Newt appears in the circus show as the same age he appears in the Fantastic Beasts films.

[@cpt.walker6273]

@@ThemeParkStop Okay. Good to know. Thanks for all of your work. You are the only one I go to for updates on Epic Universe. The best.

[@Atyomommahouse-p2m]

Universal japan is about to step on one of the d23 days with donkey Kong japan reveal

[@Abbysfaco]

Am I the only one that enjoyed all the FB films? 😅🐸

[@dustinsensenig9798]

Some of the magical creatures from the Fantastic Beasts films, are in the mobile game Hogwarts Mystery

[@__CantFindJefe]

do you see this ride breaking down so much to where as it will be down for a few days possibly weeks for opening?!, because this do seem like a very hard task to keep consistently the ride working all day.

[@jaeda4632]

I feel the way Star Wars fans must have felt when they found out Galaxy's Edge wasn't the original trilogy...

[@tomm2213]

They should make the transport between epic and ioa/us an attraction like hogworts express is. Esp for hp and nintendo.

[@fcochandia]

Gojira in the land would be a great addition sir

[@mroa6]

So in all reality, is there gonna be an initial price you pay and have access to all the universe? Or are we having to pay indivually for each universe. I live in sarasota, and planning to be a pass holder, but I'm asking for people who are non passholders

[@samplautz5586]

No one knows. Universal hasn’t announced anything about tickets

[@WDWCentral]

19:36 Alberge is like an Ye-olde Inn

[@jeandavidnau8314]

The tables and chairs in the dark majic restaurant look.... uncomfortable and not cool

[@remconet]

19:30 Auberge [ow-behrzhe] is an inn.

[@dannielz6]

Amazing. But I'm so ready for EU to be done so we can finally get to Zelda and more stuff for Hollywood!

[@JH-lu5yg]

Yay Zelda! Hopefully sometime soon.

[@FifthGate]

Will they eventually open the Great Hall restaurant?

[@alfredgiovetti]

Are the drone dragons only for you can train your dragon? Do they have drone dragons for Harry Potter?

[@rdking8001]

When will we be able to book? I need to plan and I want to go early

[@samplautz5586]

You’ll be able to book whenever universal announces you can. No one knows, that’s why no one is saying anything. And no one will know until universal says something

[@e-manr.486]

Is there any reason to believe that this land isn't just Wizarding Paris in the modern era? Wizarding Paris still existed during while all the Potter shenanigans were taking place.

[@ThemeParkStop]

The official description specifically says it is 1920's Paris and 1990's Ministry of Magic. Plus, Newt Scamander is in the stage show (at the age he is in his films).

[@alfredgiovetti]

A portal can go anywhere far away. Why cannot a portal go to any time?

[@rapids444]

Annie was/is the Universal person for WDW News Today's Universal Channel - Universal News Today, but she hasn't had any videos for them for a bit... so... 🤷‍♀ Love your videos/commentary!

[@rapids444]

Disney DEFINITELY needs to be adding more. Not just re-skins.... they've got zero answer right now. oh and their stock is down....

[@travisvanalst4698]

I equate her to also be like the DFB channel!

[@tjtennisicmroll2k]

screw you guys for bringing up the working cannons, I will never be able to see them work

[@RankingTheMouse]

Alicia, any rumor on a potential D23 Expo style conference for Universal Parks anytime in the future??? Even a small scale one?

[@ThemeParkStop]

They hold press conferences for media now and again, like they did in 2019 for announcing Epic Universe, but I do not see a fan event like D23 Expo happening any time soon.

[@TheItachiIshtar]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@ThemeParkStopIslands of Adventure used to host A Celebration of Harry Potter from 2014-2018, which was essentially their equivalent to the Star Wars Weekends that used to be at Hollywood Studios. It featured Q&A panels, exhibits, and even sneak peeks and announcements of future Wizarding World projects. It would be cool if they ever decided to bring it back!

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

Alicia also just had a kid as well and can't wait to choose universal over disneyyyyy lolol and I just worked for the mouse opppp lol hhhehe but living for these updates my reward after 2 years some point postpartum when it opens were goiiingg to epic universseee can't wait

[@Troopertroll]

Confusing "shill" with "sponsored"

[@e-manr.486]

Do we still believe UOAP will get to preview Epic next yr before officially opening? I'm debating getting a pass while on sale 😅😅😅

[@ThemeParkStop]

I hope so! But I have no idea for sure.

[@tepobori]

Fluent French speaker here, I can voice over all the French names if you wanna contract my services lmao

[@cuqui999]

"Sometimes the little ones are the loudest" oh no she didn't !!!

[@AXander1978]

auberge=Inn

[@ThemeParkStop]

Yea I looked it up afterwards, really fits with the visual style of Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks where it’s an Inn and restaurant.

[@rodakscreens]

Alicia complaining about the direction of Crimes of Grindlewald is really funny because who has time for coverage when you've got two and a half hours of exposition to get through I have a very special hatred in my heart for Fantastic Beasts

[@ThemeParkStop]

It’s like they heard “show don’t tell” and got mixed up.

[@remconet]

22:13 [bee-air ow burr]