Credit: DisneyWhat does Disney’s recent decision regarding children mean for the future?
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Things are always changing at Walt Disney World, though the last few months have been exceptionally transformative. Guests have seen iconic rides and attractions come and go as Disney works on updating multiple areas around its Orlando theme park resort.
This year is a year of change for Walt Disney World, as several decades-old rides, attractions, and locations are set to close or have already shut down permanently. This includes areas like Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand, Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America, and Hollywood Studios’ Muppets Courtyard.
One of the most controversial projects Disney recently undertook was its new Disney Vacation Club member lounge, which took over the former spot of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. An opening-day attraction, guests had become quite fond of the shooting arcade, as it was not only incredibly well-themed but also completely free.
Another new lounge is being developed for EPCOT, though this one is quite unique due to it being designed exclusively for adults. This recent announcement has also sparked controversy, leaving some fans wondering what the future holds for “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Disney Goes Adults-Only
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While fans have known about this new lounge coming to EPCOT for quite some time, the “adults-only” descriptor is new. Disney confirmed the new lounge, named GEO-82 in reference to when EPCOT first opened, would be for adults only earlier this month, something that has divided fans.
While Walt Disney World is a family-friendly theme park resort first and foremost, adults need a space they can enjoy, too. Over the last few decades, fans have seen more and more adult-friendly locations, rides, and attractions open up, but it’s still quite rare for something to be only available to those 21 and over.
The new space will act as both a lounge and a bar, serving up small plates and cocktails. Guests will be able to enjoy their drinks and snacks with a stunning view of EPCOT. GEO-82 is set to open in the Spring of 2025, with Disney opening its other new lounge in Frontierland earlier this week.
“At GEO-82, you’ll be immersed in the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon,” reads part of Disney’s description of the new lounge. “Discover a sophisticated hideaway nestled within the iconic geodesic sphere at EPCOT that’s home to Spaceship Earth. Here, you can experience global flavors blended with culinary artistry in classic cocktails and small plates.”
It’s certainly a big move by Disney, though considering the uptick in “Disney adults” over the last decade, it’s not all that surprising that Disney would design an area intended for older guests.
The term “Disney adults” is quite loaded and has caused a significant amount of backlash and controversy, with some using it as an insult toward those who like to think of places like Walt Disney World and Disneyland as their second home.
Disney has made it obvious it wants to cater to this section of its customers, though few projects have been as clear-cut as this newly announced adults-only lounge at EPCOT.
It’s all fun and exciting, though some fans may wonder how far Disney intends to take its adult-only entertainment options, especially with Epic Universe on the rise.
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Fans have been eagerly awaiting Epic Universe’s opening day since the theme park was announced in 2019. Advertised as an ambitious and immersive new vacation destination, Epic Universe will likely be the talk of the town for years to come, making it and the rest of the Universal Orlando Resort Florida “must-do” spots.
Epic Universe will be anchored by several key brands like Super Mario, How to Train Your Dragon, and Harry Potter, with each one receiving its own dedicated area, rides, and attractions.
However, perhaps Epic Universe’s most interesting and anticipated area is Dark Universe, a section of the park that is themed to Universals’ collection of classic monsters.
Horror icons like Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Frankenstein’s Monster will call this slice of Epic Universe their home and will all be found inside the land’s “E-ticket” attraction, Monsters Unchained – The Frankenstein Experiment.
Promised to be an immersive industry-defining adventure, Monsters Unchained is already receiving rave reviews from the lucky guests who have gotten to attend Epic Universe’s preview events. Praised for its various ride systems and overall theming, if these early reviews ring true, Monsters Unchained is set to be one of Florida’s leading attractions.
Monsters Unchained is also geared toward older guests, seeking to provide both thrills and chills. These aren’t your average theme park shocks, as a number of early reactions have labeled Monsters Unchained as being quite scary.
Sure, both Disney and Universal have dabbled with frightening rides and attractions in the past, but early footage of Monsters Unchained shows that Universal went above and beyond when designing the ride and the various creepy animatronics that lurk inside.
As mentioned earlier, Monsters Unchained is just one small part of the entire Epic Universe experience. Guests will also be able to take off in their own Harry Potter adventure on The Battle at the Ministry, as well as take part in their own roller coaster race with Stardust Racers.
Epic Universe will also feature its own selection of unique food and beverage options, with the Dark Universe section offering some rather inventive bites.
Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025.
Will you be visiting Epic Universe this summer?