Universal's Epic Universe: Is This the Start of Something Amazing or Just a Lot of Hullabaloo?

Avengers Assemble... at Universal?

Folks Captain America here reporting for duty! I've been reading about this new 'Epic Universe' opening at Universal Studios Orlando. Seems like Comcast is trying to give that Mouse House a run for its money. For years Universal's been playing second fiddle but they're saying this fourth park is a game changer. 'This fourth gate changes everything,' says Karen Irwin. Well everything changed for me when I woke up 70 years later! But can a theme park really change the world or is it just another distraction from the real battles we're facing? I always say 'We have to be better than this!' But is this park better? That is the question.

Economic Uncertainty: Can You Afford a Vacation Soldier?

Now I'm no Tony Stark when it comes to economics but even I can see there's some turbulence in the skies. Tariffs trade wars stock market roller coasters… it sounds like a job for the Avengers! Apparently these economic headwinds can affect theme park attendance. People get nervous and their wallets get a little lighter. As Jason Armstrong from Comcast put it 'When there's consumer uncertainty the parks tend to feel it.' But he also says bookings are still strong. So who knows? Maybe everyone just needs a good distraction or maybe they have lots of money! Either way as someone who grew up in the Great Depression I have to tell you: A vacation is nice but security and stability are better.

A Thousand Dollars for Tickets? What Would Peggy Say?!

Craig Moffett some fancy analyst guy says theme parks might be getting too pricey for the average Joe. A thousand bucks just for tickets? That's highway robbery! Back in my day a dime bought you a movie and a soda. Peggy Carter would have a field day with these prices. And that's before you even get to the hotels and food! Still Moffett thinks they might not see sensitivity because some people will pay whatever it costs. All I'm saying is if you're spending that kind of dough make sure you're getting your money's worth. Don't let them swindle you with smoke and mirrors and empty thrills!

Epic Universe: A New Hope or Another Supervillain Scheme?

This 'Epic Universe' has been in the works for nearly a decade. That's longer than it took me to adjust to the 21st century! They've sunk a fortune into it – somewhere around $7 billion they say. That's more than Stark spends on his toys! The park features themed worlds like Harry Potter Nintendo and How to Train Your Dragon. Sounds like a kid's dream come true or a breeding ground for a future supervillain who knows! But apparently Comcast is betting big on theme parks. And why not? Growth is good for business as long as no one gets hurt along the way and people are enjoying themselves.

Innovation and Competition: Stark Would Be Proud

Universal's spending big bucks and Disney's upping their game too. Competition breeds innovation they say. They say if you want to get to the top you can't cut corners. Tony Stark would be proud. New rides new effects new robots… Sounds like they're pulling out all the stops. Universal even has 161 patents for their new park! Trackless ride systems augmented reality high resolution projections – it's all very impressive. I just hope they're using this technology for good and not for some nefarious purpose.

To Infinity... and Beyond (Orlando)?

The bigwigs at Universal seem pretty excited about the future. They're already planning expansions and new attractions. They want to bring in even more characters and stories. The How to Train Your Dragon and Super Nintendo worlds are supposedly attracting a younger crowd. In the past Disney had that market cornered so Universal is trying to appeal to everyone. Ultimately everyone is trying to make more money. I say let's just hope it leads to more fun for everyone and less Hydra level evil!