Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30 Philip Hernandez

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled details about Dark Universe, one of the worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Dark Universe will feature a dark ride (Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment), a spinning family coaster (Curse of the Werewolf), a Monster Makeup Experience, character meet and greets, dining, and shopping. As the only ‘non-IP’ area at Epic Universe, we think Dark Universe caters to a niche market but also holds the most potential for future extension. Plus, how Disney empowered the guests and cast during their Pride Nite events and why CommuniCore offers essential creature comforts. 

Universal's new lagoon show, Cinesational, opened to the public this week, and A Quiet Place haunted house will use American Sign Language. Knott's Berry Farm has added a hotline for guests to report line jumpers, but will this worsen the issue? Scott and Philip debate why line jumping is more of a problem now; is it a generational phase or low staffing and opportunity? 

Universal is testing a ‘Premium Scream Night’ package that allows guests to ‘preview’ Halloween Horror Nights the night before opening – will it perform better than Taste of Terror, and can smaller attractions try something similar? Also, Saudi Arabia expands its tourist bubble with its first gender-inclusive wave pool; Illuminarium Las Vegas introduces a show inspired by Hasbro’s Lite-Brite; and why ‘Disney Dreams That Soar’ is the best thing to happen to Disney Springs in years.

IAAPA Expo Asia concluded last week, having returned to Thailand after 17 years. The show welcomed 4,623 verified attendees, 352 exhibiting companies, and 3,187 qualified buyers from 2,480 companies. Philip attended the show, and we recap his takeaways in this episode. 

Philip visited Fantasy Springs and has a trip report to discuss. Scott believes the era of food festivals is over, and Halloween Horror Nights has already announced 5 haunted houses.

This week: Arrivals in Japan are set to surpass the annual record of 31.9 million seen in 2019, but this is causing friction among the locals; Qiddiya Investment Co. incorporates SEVEN to advance the Saudi entertainment industry; United Parks reports slight gains to start the year; and Cedar Fair and Six Flags are Struggling in Q1.