I think it is intentional to make a busy bustleing place. Maybe they just had no faith it would be that good?
It's better to think they're opting for a different in-park experience, whatever that is (we'll find out when we literally, physically get there). That said it's also safe to assume that between SNW, HP, and HTTYD, this land isn't likely to be attracting a majority of the rope-droppers. I have to assume they're aware of that and these changes are a reflection of that reflection but personally I'd be hesitant to immediately judge the quality on this area at all right now, bad or good.
There once was an era for Jaws, now it is an era of Monsters in a new park (in context of having an attraction/land with that "Classic Universal" feel), something for fans of older things while introducing a new generation to these classics. I think what's been happening over at Mummy with the recent merchandise has been both for early marketing and merchandise testing and to get these icons in the minds of Universal park goers so they're not a total surprise come EU's opening day. (Keep in mind the average vacationer still has no idea what's going on and won't until they're in the park, if they're sentient.)
I think it'll be fine.
It's hard to know all the adjustments that have been made since these plans were first made. The downtime we had over the last few years did cause a lot of problems but creatively, it gave artists and designers some breathing room they otherwise wouldn't have had and not specific to this industry. This may be a result of being able to change some things before it was actually too late if the original timeline had stuck.
Eek, will be cool kinetic energy but concerns me about the sight lines for the land with the coaster potentially going in front of the facade for the main attraction.
I wouldn't write it off so quick. Since HP's been the comparison here I would expect the coaster and the mansion to be a similar to the train bridge and the dragon atop Gringotts. It's a good way to get guests to look up and get pulled towards the back of Diagon Alley. It'll probably work the same here.
After Diagon Alley and Jurassic Park with Veloci, sightlines and facades should be the least concern here. I don't think we're dealing with another Epcot situation.
We know nothing about this coaster and the surrounding theming yet. At least wait until permits come out.
It's not our fault Universal went off script. There's also concern they forgot what "last summer" means when it comes to reopening Mummy! It's utter chaos! We're entering the most precarious years in Universal history!
