Disney’s Animal Kingdom Creator Joe Rhode Praises Universal, Compares Epic Universe to DAK Development

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Joe Rohde, a former Disney Imagineer, recently saw a presentation by Universal’s creative team and was very impressed. He noted that their approach to design reminded him of the philosophy behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a park he played a key role in creating.

Rohde has shared that he hasn’t been to Epic Universe in person yet. He did attend a presentation by the park’s creative team during a dinner hosted by entertainment designer Bob Rogers, and afterwards, he wrote down his impressions and shared them on Instagram.

He pointed out key ideas that were important to him – principles he used when creating Animal Kingdom, and which he also sees reflected in the new Epic Universe.

Design Philosophy: “A Park is First a Park”

A key message from Rohde’s presentation at Epic Universe was the importance of creating a true park experience. He explained that they wanted to move away from the typical, rushed feeling of visitors simply trying to hit the most popular rides, and instead focus on the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of being in a park. The idea of prioritizing the ‘park’ aspect of a ‘theme park’ was a central theme throughout the event.

He explained that a believable world, whether it’s real or fictional, feels layered and complex. Focusing too much on grand, impressive elements while ignoring smaller details and the overall atmosphere actually makes it feel less real.

Joe Rohde, a key figure in the creation of Epic Universe, explains that the park will focus on more than just big attractions. It will also prioritize smaller, personal experiences that aren’t easily quantified by standard park measurements. This approach is similar to what he and his team tried with Animal Kingdom – creating a place where visitors can truly explore and become part of a story, instead of just going from one ride to the next.

(Wow, remember when Disney used to think like that?)

Design Structure: Lands as “Cul-de-sacs”

During the presentation, the team behind Epic Universe explained that each themed area is designed like a quiet, self-contained loop, rather than a main path connecting different attractions. This means guests will explore each land fully before moving on to the next.

Rohde believed this design was effective because it created distinct and immersive areas. He felt it was better to focus on creating a strong atmosphere and rich details rather than relying on large, sweeping environments.

The park’s design focuses on creating fully immersive experiences. Instead of just feeling like a series of rides and shops, each area is meant to feel like a complete and believable world.

Artistic and Creative Approach: Teams, Value, and Detail

Rohde also stressed the need for designers to have control over their work and maintain its artistic quality. He explained that while budgets and deadlines are important, the design team should lead any efforts to adjust designs based on these factors, rather than having those decisions imposed from elsewhere.

He noted that a lot of the people working at Epic Universe have a wide range of skills, and the creative teams prefer working together in a fluid, collaborative way rather than in strict, separate departments.

As a movie lover, I really connect with what Rohde said – every character, every story, is unique. You can’t just apply a one-size-fits-all approach to design or, honestly, to understanding people. There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ person, so you need to tailor things to the individual. It’s about recognizing that everyone deserves a personalized touch.

As a huge theme park fan, I always loved what Rohde believed – that the best parks aren’t just about the rides. They really should reward you for taking the time to look around, notice the little details in the design, and appreciate the stories they’re trying to tell. The team at Universal clearly felt the same way, and it’s something Rohde championed throughout his career: the idea that theme parks can be a real art form, blending things like amazing architecture, beautiful landscaping, compelling stories, and music all into one incredible experience.

Context: Epic Universe in the Current Theme-Park Landscape

Universal Orlando Resort welcomed Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. This new park is part of a larger expansion and includes five unique themed areas.

The team designing Epic Universe seems dedicated to creating a cohesive and immersive experience, carefully blending well-known stories and characters with detailed environments. According to Rohde, their approach is similar to the ambitious, artistic vision of early Disney Imagineering, but updated for what modern theme park visitors expect.

Epic Universe seems to be striving for more than just thrilling rides; it wants to create immersive worlds that offer a complete experience, something you can’t just measure in terms of attractions. They’re focusing on the small details that fully transport you, making you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite story – or a brand new one.

High Praise

Rohde ended his post with some high praise for the Universal team.

I was really struck by what he said about the crowd – so many young faces, eager to hear everything. He believes they’re on the cusp of taking action, and that they received some truly valuable guidance the day before. Coming from a man who essentially invented something entirely new, it felt like a really meaningful observation, a real compliment to everyone there.

Joe Rohde, a highly influential theme park designer, has noted similarities between the design approach of Universal’s new Epic Universe and the original Animal Kingdom. This highlights how much importance some creators are placing on the new park. Rohde’s observations suggest Epic Universe is striving for a balance – combining grand, exciting attractions with smaller, more personal experiences, all built on strong, immersive environments and solid design principles.

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2025-12-20 15:57