Bob Iger sheds light on Disney's response to upcoming Universal Epic Universe in Orlando

Apr 03, 2024 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Bob Iger

Posted: Wednesday April 3, 2024 2:22pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

At today's Walt Disney Co. Annual Shareholders meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger was asked about Universal's 2025 opening of Epic Universe in Orlando and how Disney has responded to the competition for theme park guests.

Bob Iger at Walt Disney World

Iger said, "We've been aware of Universal's plans for a new park for more than a decade. And we have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital."

He went on to list recent openings at Walt Disney World, including Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, the EPCOT transformation, and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom.

Nova Corps Starblaster with Spaceship Earth and Monorail passing by Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Iger continued, "By staggering these major launches, we've been able to commercially and operationally optimize our new offerings over time, rather than having to do it all at once. And based on the guest experience that we've heard all about, from all of these items that I just mentioned, we know that they're extremely popular and they're serving our guests extremely well."

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View map

According to Universal, "Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic. The addition of Universal Orlando's fourth theme park will also transform the award-winning resort into a weeklong vacation destination filled with even more compelling experiences. "

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Bocabear19 days ago

Look at the Dockside Diner at DHS... The Riverboat would at least fit the area as a set piece... Wether is could actually move or not...Just to have it on water in the proximity of TBA and BTMRR...It would really be the last piece of old Frontierland....

James Alucobond19 days ago

It would look completely nonsensical with how much they intend to narrow the waterways in the area.

Bocabear19 days ago

It could be parked at the TSI Raft dock. Give that area a gorgeous bit of scenery...

MisterPenguin19 days ago

Turn it into a parade float.

Gusey19 days ago

But where would it fit on the river? The closest river to TBA is the turn under the bridge right?

DisDude3319 days ago

But then it would be the deluxe ferrie and cost $20 to $50 per person.

Bocabear19 days ago

IF it is the closest thing to TBA at the front and they are frying Beignets....and it is right off the walkway past on your way to Auto Parts Mountain...they would be pretty busy....especally if you would not have to go all the way back through the TBA area to get them.... and a plus you could walk aroud the boat and have a seat in the shade...

doctornick19 days ago

Retrofitting the Belle for actual transportation seems like a bad idea to me - much better ways to achieve the benefit of increased transportation capacity. But I do wish the Liberty Belle can be retained in some capacity. Honestly, the most logical thing to me would be the actually retain some of the current RoA waterfront where it borders Liberty Square and across from CBJ and permanently dock the Belle. It can be used for some sort of meal service or even just as a walk through type attraction for ambiance.

JoeCamel19 days ago

It would be seasonal in 6 months

Bocabear19 days ago

They could park it in a small piece of the ROA they could leave in front of TBA and use it for Beignets/Julep vending or a DVC Kiosk...Upcharge special event flex space? It would at least look beautiful on the water as a set piece...but a sad end to a beautiful boat.