Universal Joint Podcast: Epic Universe, Disney Crowds, and Halloween Events

Epic Universe Project and Universal's Secrecy

• 🔒 Universal Orlando Resort is aggressively protecting trade secrets regarding the Epic Universe project, requiring employees of the Orlando Utilities Commission to sign non-disclosure agreements.
• 📰 The Sentinel reported on this practice, highlighting the unusual nature of public employees signing NDAs for a project still under development.
• 🗣️ Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Tom Williams stated that announcing content or timing for Epic Universe would be senseless, as it would inform competitors and potentially defer attendance.

Disney's Galaxy's Edge and Attendance Concerns

• 📉 There's a belief at Disney that opening Galaxy's Edge without the marquee attraction, Rise of the Resistance, was a mistake, leading some to postpone trips.
• ⏳ Many visitors are reportedly waiting for Rise of the Resistance to open before traveling to either the California or Florida parks.
• ⚙️ Disney Imagineering is working around the clock to ensure Rise of the Resistance meets its announced opening dates.

Universal's Campus Naming and Hotel Strategy

• 🗺️ Universal Orlando Resort is rebranding its areas: the current resort area will be North Campus, the Endless Summer area will be Midcampus, and the new Epic Universe site will be South Campus.
• 🏨 Universal plans to have over 11,000 on-site hotel rooms once two new hotels at the South Campus and the Dockside hotel are completed.
• 📈 This expansion aims to capture guests, as nearly 95% of guests staying in Universal hotels also visit the theme parks and purchase multi-day tickets.

Run Universal Events and Holiday Programming

• 🏃 Universal is expanding its Run Universal events, following the success of the Minion 5K and Jurassic World 5K/10K in Hollywood, with an inaugural event planned for February 1st-2nd, 2020, coinciding with Mardi Gras.
• 🗓️ Universal Studios Hollywood is implementing '80s Throwback Thursdays for Halloween Horror Nights, featuring '80s themes and music to enhance the atmosphere.
• 🎃 Both Universal Orlando and Hollywood are experiencing high demand for their Halloween Horror Nights events, with Orlando adding an extra night and Hollywood seeing a strong turnout for its Frightfest and Oogie Boogie Bash.

Halloween Horror Nights and Regional Differences

• 🎭 Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando started earlier than usual and added a Monday night, while Hollywood's event began on Friday the 13th.
• 🎢 The Southern California market has significant competition for Halloween events, including Six Flags Fright Fest and Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash.
• 🎬 Differences between Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are highlighted, particularly in staffing for scare actors, where Hollywood faces more competition from experienced professionals.