Epic Universe Isn’t Just Coming for Disney World, It Wants Dollywood’s Too

As Epic Universe edges closer to opening and the public gets its first views of the park, the scope of immersiveness and ingenuity that went into this new theme park is starting to come into focus. The early reviews are glowing, with some calling Epic Universe the “standard for theme parks.”

Universal’s CEO Mark Woodbury said Epic Universe would be the most technologically advanced theme park ever, and early reviews show he wasn’t wrong. He also told the New York Times that he wanted people to “think of us first” when they thought about theme parks.

Woodbury’s line to the Times was a direct attack on Disney, the company that has long dominated the industry. It was a warning to the Mouse House that Universal was coming for its crown.

Disney executives have said that they believe Epic Universe will benefit Disney World and all Central Florida theme parks. However, that remains to be seen.

However, it appears that Epic Universe isn’t just coming for Disney World; it’s also looking to borrow from Dollywood, the eastern Tennessee park founded by American treasure Dolly Parton. 

For those who have traveled to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, outside of the chance meeting with Dolly Parton and the hospitality of her park, the other bucket-list item at the park is Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread. It is one of the food items that guests routinely rave about and have unusual cravings for when they leave the park.

Epic Universe is now bringing its own version of the famous cinnamon bread to Dark Universe. The new treat will be served at De Lacey’s Cottage in the new land.

There are some differences between the products at the two parks. At Dollywood, guests can choose to top their bread with sugar icing or apple butter.

At Epic Universe, the treat will be served as cinnamon bites topped with cream cheese icing and cinnamon streusel.

Chef Robert Martinez Jr., Director of Culinary and Executive Chef of Shared Services, told Southern Living: 

We’re excited for our guests to experience our delicious Warm Hearted Cinnamon Bites. This shareable treat represents the warm kindness and acceptance shown by the De Lacey family towards Frankenstein.

So, not only will Epic Universe challenge what you believe a theme park can be, but it will also challenge your taste buds, thanks to Dolly Parton.