Universal Studios and Walt Disney World have been in competition for years, each trying to dominate the theme park industry in California and Florida. In recent years, Universal Orlando Resort has been busy constructing its third park, Epic Universe, while Walt Disney World has been lagging behind. Although Disney announced the EPCOT Overhaul project in 2019, which included new attractions, pavilions, and an overhaul of Future World into three sections, the project is still ongoing and has faced several changes from the original plans.
Disney has opened TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland’s ToonTown, but these additions can’t compete with an all-new park. Disney has also faced backlash for retheming existing attractions around popular Disney IPs, causing the removal of original attractions from the parks. While IPs are the focus inside the parks, various Disney resorts have been phasing out heavily themed concepts in favor of more modern and minimalist decor.
Universal may be following in Disney’s footsteps with the announcement of their new president of Universal Creative, Molly Murphy. Murphy joins the Universal team as a former member of Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning company. The current president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Barbara Bouza, also came from Gensler, and fans took to Twitter to express their concerns over Universal’s choice.
Many fans fear that Gensler’s focus on bland architecture could stifle the park’s creativity. However, others have expressed that Epic Universe is already well underway with its design and construction, and they are excited about the immersive and colorful third park, set to open in the summer of 2025. Regardless, it remains to be seen if or how the “GENSLER-ification” will affect the rest of the Universal Parks.
The competition between Universal and Disney is not only fierce but unique, and the two companies have taken different approaches to their parks. Universal has focused on attractions that offer a thrilling experience, while Disney has placed more emphasis on storytelling and immersive theming. However, both companies have been successful in their own ways.
Universal Studios has become known for its thrilling rides and attractions, such as the Harry Potter-themed lands at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. These lands offer an immersive experience for fans of the beloved book and movie series, allowing them to step into the world of Hogwarts and explore Diagon Alley. Additionally, Universal has also introduced attractions based on popular franchises like Jurassic Park and Transformers.
On the other hand, Disney’s parks have always been known for their immersive theming and storytelling. Attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion transport guests into another world, while newer attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Rise of the Resistance use cutting-edge technology to create an even more immersive experience. Disney’s parks are also known for their parades and shows, which offer guests a chance to see their favorite characters up close.
While Universal and Disney may have different approaches to their parks, both companies have been successful in attracting visitors. However, with Universal’s recent announcement of Molly Murphy as their new president of Universal Creative, fans are concerned about the park’s future.
Gensler, the company where Murphy previously worked, is known for its focus on modern and minimalist design, which has led to concerns that Universal’s parks could become bland and uninspired. While Murphy has not yet made any major changes to Universal’s parks, fans are watching closely to see what the future holds.
One concern is the potential for Universal to retheme existing attractions in favor of popular IPs (a.k.a Intellectual Properties). This has been a major point of contention for Disney fans, with many feeling that the company has been too focused on retheming attractions instead of creating new ones. If Universal were to follow in Disney’s footsteps, it could lead to the removal of original attractions, which could alienate longtime fans of the park.
However, there is also the potential for Universal to strike a balance between modern design and immersive theming. Epic Universe, which is set to open in 2025, is already being touted as an immersive and colorful park that will offer guests a unique experience. If the park is successful, it could pave the way for more immersive and creative attractions in the future.
Another concern is the potential for Universal to phase out heavily themed concepts in favor of modern design. This has already been happening at Disney resorts, with hotels like the Villas at Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel unveiling toned-down, modernized facades and decor. Fans have been disappointed by these changes, as they feel that the heavily themed concepts are part of what makes a Disney vacation special.
If Universal were to follow suit, it could lead to a loss of the park’s identity. However, there is also the potential for Universal to find a balance between modern design and immersive theming. If they can strike this balance, it could lead to a unique and memorable experience for guests.
Recently Universal Hollywood introduced new headgear, and fans got a glimpse of some of the Nintendo accessories through a TikTok video. The video, shared by user @phylofthepast, showcases the new headbands, some of which bear a striking resemblance to Mickey Mouse ears at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The comments on the video were varied, with some expressing excitement for the new head accessories, particularly the Minion headband. However, others criticized Universal for copying Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse ears. User @Hoodikat ANIMALJAM commented, “Yes, but then they look like Disney’s ears… Meh, they need to be more creative.”
Ultimately, the future of Universal’s parks remains uncertain. While the company has been successful in the past, the recent announcement of Molly Murphy as president of Universal Creative has left fans concerned about the park’s future. However, there is also the potential for Universal to strike a balance between modern design and immersive theming, creating a unique experience for guests.
Both companies have been successful in their own ways, and the competition has pushed both to continue innovating and creating new attractions. While Universal’s future may be uncertain, it is clear that the company will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the theme park industry.
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