Universal has officially upped the ante with its announcement of Epic Universe’s details; now, fans are questioning Disney’s ability to outdo their rival.

D23 2022 was supposed to be a big deal. The fan event was back after a long break during the pandemic and fans were thrilled at the possibility of having all new information and announcements about what is to come at the Disney Parks—whether Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, or a global Disney theme park like Hong Kong Disneyland.

However, when Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro took to the stage… the presentation turned out to be quite a letdown.

Josh D’Amaro Paints a Wonderful Blue Sky Picture, Fans Are Unamused

In the 2022 D23 Expo, Josh D’Amaro painted a wonderful picture of a blue sky. What could the Disney Parks look like if money was no object, if challenges or regulations were no object? It’s a lovely thought, of course. The only issue was that many fans wanted news that was more tangible, not a recap of a Walt Disney Imagineering brainstorming session.

Read More: Fans Underwhelmed with D23 Expo’s Disney Parks Panel

Now, Universal just made an epic announcement, and fans have turned to Disney with raised expectations.

Disney,

The pressure is now on… you need to DELIVER at D23 Expo in August (should have done this 2 years ago).

No more blue sky brainstorming sessions nonsense. Just ACTUAL announcements, shovels in the ground, get on with it!

Or you’ll lose market share and mind share. https://t.co/CSULmOK8jM

— DSNY Newscast (@DSNYNewscast) January 30, 2024

On Universal’s announcement of Epic Universe, fans commented to Disney, “The pressure is now on… you need to DELIVER at D23 Expo in August (should have done this 2 years ago). No more blue sky brainstorming sessions nonsense. Just ACTUAL announcements, shovels in the ground, get on with it!” 

Another wrote, “The fact they didn’t have something to announce today to minimize the noise for universal is very telling. I don’t think Disney has anything to fully announce.”

A third fan mocked the Disney Parks panel from D23 2022: “Exciting news everyone! For all you Disney fans who are looking for an exciting parks announcement… we may or may not have some big plans in the work that could potentially be coming to WDW! Let’s take a look at some pics that probably won’t be realized ever… maybe.”

Universal Announces Epic Universe’s Details

On January 30, 2024, Universal released a video that gave fans a little more insight into their upcoming Epic Universe, complete with a message from the CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, Mark Woodbury.

Epic Universe opens in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort and comes with five immersive worlds in the theme park. Fans were so thrilled at the news that one even said they “teared up.”

JUST ANNOUNCED: Five immersive worlds. One amazing theme park. Universal Epic Universe opens 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort. #EpicUniverse

Click the link to learn more: https://t.co/VUcJgK8CAG pic.twitter.com/71CHh9kyRT

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 30, 2024

It will certainly be interesting to see how this whole rivalry plays out! Will Disney lose market share and mind share as one fan predicted? Or will it come back swinging now that Disney CEO Bob Iger has returned?

Only time will tell!