by Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine publisher
I’m writing as I return from my media preview of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Simply put, the park is stunning. Because of production deadlines, InPark’s main coverage of Epic Universe will appear in our next issue. But I had just enough time to share some initial thoughts with you here.
So much thought and care has been put into everything – from overall concept design to individual shows and attractions. And the amount of technology built into the park is unrivaled.
But honestly my biggest takeaway from the week is hope. I have been open about my recent concerns for the industry as well as the global economy, largely thanks to the instability inflicted by our own government here in the United States. While I still have those concerns, the opening of Epic Universe provides a much-needed shot of optimism for me – and, it seems, the thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to creating magical and engaging visitor experiences both in Central Florida and around the world.
Expo 2025 Osaka is another bright spot on the landscape, and our coverage of that event in this issue highlights some of the best pavilions and experiences to be had there. Although Expo and Epic are different in many ways, they both seem to share a common purpose of inspiring a passion for exploration (both the world as we know it and the celestial universe!). Additionally, I think they both want guests to engage in a more thoughtful way with their experiences. Guests are referred to as “travelers” once inside Epic’s central Celestial Park and inspirational quotes are inscribed around the park and attractions. It’s fun, of course, but it’s also refreshingly cerebral.
Obviously, I cannot predict the future of the industry, but I am hopeful that an amazing new park like Epic Universe helps create an additional surge of interest and investment in themed entertainment. In turn, that should further encourage and reward the professionals and companies that bring these experiences into existence. And what could be better than that?
