Universal Epic Universe – WOW!

If Universal Studio’s announcement about Epic Universe isn’t a shot – not over the bow but at the heart of Disney, I don’t know what is. They are gunning for #1 and I dare say, they may get it. I love, love, LOVE Disney and in my heart it will always be the best. And I have Walt Disney to thank for that. He was a visionary. It has been very frustrating and sad to watch Disney be taken over by people who are not only the polar opposite of Walt Disney but they lack any vision, focus and quite frankly the Disney Spirit that has made Disney the giant that it was.

The giant that it was…. Universal Studios really does seem to have captured that spirit of ingenuity, entertainment and magic that once was the core of what made Disney so special. As a former cast member, I can remember vividly the rigorous vetting and training I received to make sure I fit that mold. Disney didn’t conform to ME. I conformed to Disney. Either I was of the same vein as Walt Disney or I wasn’t. If I didn’t have a pure love of the magic and wonder that was Walt Disney, Inc then I was not cast member material. Today’s standards and Disney’s refusal to adhere to the standards that THEY SET are reasons why the Disney theme park experience has failed to live up to the expectations of so many. The mighty dollar feeds the souls of the executives and even the Disney board who emphasize profit over guest happiness. They simply DO NOT CARE.

Universal has smelled blood and it’s going to pay off for them big time. I’m not sad about it because I love visiting Universal Studios, too. Although the Hollywood, CA version leaves much to be desired after visiting the Florida counterpart. The only thing I am sad about is seeing my beloved Disney spiral out of control. If they don’t bring in new blood that embodies the spirit of the Walt Disney Company of old, they will be in a world of hurt for a very VERY long time.