Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[OLSinFLA]

Can someone who’s smarter than me explain where all the “new tech” is?

The park has…
* two off-the-shelf carnival rides
* four basic roller coaster models
* a people mover
* a dark ride that’s been open for years in Japan
* a retread of the ~20 year old Forbidden Journey
* a relatively unique carousel

…that leaves Donkey Kong (also open in Japan) and Ministry as truly new tech. I don’t really get this perspective tbh

Ministry is new tech. And while Nintendo has been open in Japan, there were issues as well (in fact, DK opening was delayed). And THOSE are the ones giving headaches. The "carnival rides", coasters, Yoshu and Monsters generally run reliably. The unfortunate is the high tech was used for the most popular rides, leading to long lines and downtime

 

[Alicia]

The massive LED screens integrated into rides and projection faces on Monsters and other smaller things were also all cutting edge for theme park use by the company. Even reliable Monsters is packed with firsts of its kind for Universal.

 

[Clive]

The massive LED screens integrated into rides and projection faces on Monsters and other smaller things were also all cutting edge for theme park use by the company. Even reliable Monsters is packed with firsts of its kind for Universal.

Yeah, there are a lot of somewhat invisibly complex effects and systems on these attractions. It's frankly a marvel that Monsters runs as well as it does.

 

[belloq87]

Even Monsters sounds like it's struggling a bit (in terms of keeping all the show elements working, not in terms of the ride itself breaking down).

 

[Clive]

Even Monsters sounds like it's struggling a bit (in terms of keeping all the show elements working, not in terms of the ride itself breaking down).

It definitely appears to have its off days where you're down three to four figures, but my understanding is, aside from the problematic Finale Dracula (which I hope they can work out a long-term plan for soon), the show set tends to run quite well. Definitely bigger fish to fry throughout the park.

 

[Evan]

It definitely appears to have its off days where you're down three to four figures, but my understanding is, aside from the problematic Finale Dracula (which I hope they can work out a long-term plan for soon), the show set tends to run quite well. Definitely bigger fish to fry throughout the park.

A strobe light and a dream, it worked for Yeti, it can work for Drac.

 

[Brian G.]

Universal Orlando has announced that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe will be closed this week and will remain closed longer than initially scheduled.

Stardust Racers at Epic Universe closes for brief February refurbishment

Universal Orlando has announced that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe will be closed this week and will remain closed longer than initially scheduled. The dual-track launch coaster was originally listed as temporarily closed from February 19 through February 22, 2026. That closure window has since

www.insideuniversal.net

 

[Hatetofly]

I have to wonder how many more Mack coasters they plan on building in the future or the relationship is strained in any way.

 

[quinnmac000]

The constantly changing goal posts is part of the issue. It doesn't matter if this is the most technological advance park etc.

People (Universal execs) dismissed so many things regarding this park. From the need of indoor attractions (Which would have been beneficial during the freezing weather than shut down the parks for multiple days last month) to more capacity being needed even before the park opened, if forums noticed this before executives and park designers without even having the data set, that says way more about the management of the parks being problematic. Eventually, we will see repeated issues if they already lack this much foresight especially when the team should be some of the best in the industry as is.

This is ultimately insulting to the consumer.

There are 13 attractions at Epic Universe not including splash pads/playgrounds. The valuation at peak time and one day ticket (199 per adult with children tickets only being 5 dollars cheaper) each ride is roughly $15.31 dollars per attraction. So when three attractions are down and now have lost approximately 45 dollars, now for a family of four that is $180 dollars of lost value. Is that tolerable for anyone to lose that kind of money? And this is just any three attractions being down. So now lets say Stardust, Battle of the Ministry, Mario Kart are down and then a show goes down. Would anyone here tolerate when you actually look at the numbers a loss of $60 in value? So why are we accepting it from Comcast/Universal?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

The valuation at peak time and one day ticket (199 per adult with children tickets only being 5 dollars cheaper) each ride is roughly $15.31 dollars per attraction.

And animal kingdom goes up to $209 on peak days and offers half the attractions.

 

[RFRees]

The constantly changing goal posts is part of the issue. It doesn't matter if this is the most technological advance park etc.

People (Universal execs) dismissed so many things regarding this park. From the need of indoor attractions (Which would have been beneficial during the freezing weather than shut down the parks for multiple days last month) to more capacity being needed even before the park opened, if forums noticed this before executives and park designers without even having the data set, that says way more about the management of the parks being problematic. Eventually, we will see repeated issues if they already lack this much foresight especially when the team should be some of the best in the industry as is.

This is ultimately insulting to the consumer.

There are 13 attractions at Epic Universe not including splash pads/playgrounds. The valuation at peak time and one day ticket (199 per adult with children tickets only being 5 dollars cheaper) each ride is roughly $15.31 dollars per attraction. So when three attractions are down and now have lost approximately 45 dollars, now for a family of four that is $180 dollars of lost value. Is that tolerable for anyone to lose that kind of money? And this is just any three attractions being down. So now lets say Stardust, Battle of the Ministry, Mario Kart are down and then a show goes down. Would anyone here tolerate when you actually look at the numbers a loss of $60 in value? So why are we accepting it from Comcast/Universal?

No need to create a strawman. No one could reasonably argue those three specific attractions being down the entire day is acceptable; that would probably warrant a refund.

Aside from stormy weather days, has Epic ever had three attractions closed the entire day? (Maybe Fyre Drill, Werewolf, and Stardust?)

And stormy days crippling the park aren't unique to Epic, it also impacts IOA, Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Busch Gardens. But it's worth the criticism; these parks need more indoor attractions to balance things out.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

No one could reasonably argue those three specific attractions being down the entire day is acceptable; that would probably warrant a refund.

And, additionally, these things do happen and refunds are offered. Epcot just this week had major issues with several attractions, including SSE being shut down most of the day. Are the issues more pronounced because there's a more critical eye on this NEW park and how many of these issues actually rise to consciousness of other guests?

 

[Tbad556]

The constantly changing goal posts is part of the issue. It doesn't matter if this is the most technological advance park etc.

People (Universal execs) dismissed so many things regarding this park. From the need of indoor attractions (Which would have been beneficial during the freezing weather than shut down the parks for multiple days last month) to more capacity being needed even before the park opened, if forums noticed this before executives and park designers without even having the data set, that says way more about the management of the parks being problematic. Eventually, we will see repeated issues if they already lack this much foresight especially when the team should be some of the best in the industry as is.

This is ultimately insulting to the consumer.

There are 13 attractions at Epic Universe not including splash pads/playgrounds. The valuation at peak time and one day ticket (199 per adult with children tickets only being 5 dollars cheaper) each ride is roughly $15.31 dollars per attraction. So when three attractions are down and now have lost approximately 45 dollars, now for a family of four that is $180 dollars of lost value. Is that tolerable for anyone to lose that kind of money? And this is just any three attractions being down. So now lets say Stardust, Battle of the Ministry, Mario Kart are down and then a show goes down. Would anyone here tolerate when you actually look at the numbers a loss of $60 in value? So why are we accepting it from Comcast/Universal?

I'm not really seeing anyone blindly defending the park's issues, though? And inherently, the level of technology does, in fact, matter. More as an explanation than a defense, but it's still relevant to the conversation about the issues holding the park back currently.

I went to the family & friends preview three times last year and it was one of my favorite theme park experiences ever. However, I have not returned to or spent a dime at the park since then due to the capacity issues. You don't have to accept anything, and I'm not sure why we're acting like Universal is forcing anyone to spend money. We're all grown adults with self-control.

At the end of the day, I'm just not really sure what the end goal is with these discussions. The capacity was certainly not supposed to be this limited still a full year later, and no sides are happy about it. It's embarrassing and rough, but certainly not intentional. Universal obviously wishes that it could start selling more tickets and stop refunding angry guests. I certainly wish annual passes finally existed for this park and get frustated about it constantly. It's a no win situation here.

 

[Brian G.]

This is what @Clive alluded to about the discussion going in circles. We’ve all agreed that reliability, capacity, and protection from the elements need improvement. I don’t think the goal posts are moving. The main point has been consistent: Guests deserve a good experience.

Epic’s problems feel bigger because it’s brand new. Every downtime or bad day gets amplified. That said, there are absolutely legitimate visits that have been impacted by rough days. There are also guests who’ve had great visits. Both can be true!

The only real difference seems to be how people view right now versus the long-term outlook. But we’ve already said both things: it needs help today, and Universal needs to fix it.

 

[Mad Dog]

Yes, @Clive is probably right. We're actually more in agreement concerning Epic's issues than we realize. I'm certainly not enamored with the Epic management side of planning and operations, but at the very least, Orlando Execs. righted the post covid operational problems at the North Campus for the most part, so I can still enjoy the overall Universal experience.

One important aspect though....Universal may not have the best and brightest theme park executives, BUT, Universal is light years ahead of who's running the Sea World and Six Flags chains. Something to be thankful for on this snowy Sunday in the northeast Cheers, I'll be there for Mardi Gras at this time next week, same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel....ooops, this is the Marvel park....Thank god, again.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Yes, @Clive is probably right. We're actually more in agreement concerning Epic's issues than we realize. I'm certainly not enamored with the Epic management side of planning and operations, but at the very least, Orlando Execs. righted the post covid operational problems at the North Campus for the most part, so I can still enjoy the overall Universal experience.

One important aspect though....Universal may not have the best and brightest theme park executives, BUT, Universal is light years ahead of who's running the Sea World and Six Flags chains. Something to be thankful for on this snowy Sunday in the northeast Cheers, I'll be there for Mardi Gras at this time next week, same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel....ooops, this is the Marvel park....Thank god, again.

I really, really like Epic and my visits have been enjoyable. However, I think its problems are more glaring not simply because it’s new and gets more attention because of that but because most of the core issues were very, very obvious during planning and construction. It’s grating when potential but avoidable problems become very real, current problems that inconvenience paying guests. I’d argue that Epic opened as a more complete experience than did either AK or MGM, but Epic also had the advantage of having seen the struggles of those parks. Further, the decision makers who underbuilt those parks are long gone while the ones who underbuilt Epic are still in control, further sharpening criticism. That leads to another core issue - many of the management philosophies that caused issues for Epic, particularly the overemphasis on coasters which exclude a portion of guests, can’t run in inclement weather, and don’t add much to the variety of park experiences, continue to plague the resort.

I’m inclined towards patience regarding Epics issues because they seem to be trying to address them and underbuilding new parks has simply been the norm since Epcot. That said, it would be very reassuring if Epic would quickly add a couple family-friendly indoor attractions and offer some more reasonable ticket options.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Imagine if they built more and had more problems….

 

[Brian G.]

I really, really like Epic and my visits have been enjoyable. However, I think its problems are more glaring not simply because it’s new and gets more attention because of that but because most of the core issues were very, very obvious during planning and construction. It’s grating when potential but avoidable problems become very real, current problems that inconvenience paying guests. I’d argue that Epic opened as a more complete experience than did either AK or MGM, but Epic also had the advantage of having seen the struggles of those parks. Further, the decision makers who underbuilt those parks are long gone while the ones who underbuilt Epic are still in control, further sharpening criticism. That leads to another core issue - many of the management philosophies that caused issues for Epic, particularly the overemphasis on coasters which exclude a portion of guests, can’t run in inclement weather, and don’t add much to the variety of park experiences, continue to plague the resort.

I’m inclined towards patience regarding Epics issues because they seem to be trying to address them and underbuilding new parks has simply been the norm since Epcot. That said, it would be very reassuring if Epic would quickly add a couple family-friendly indoor attractions and offer some more reasonable ticket options.

It’s fair to question planning choices, but the Forums have a mixed track record when it comes to predicting how things will actually play out. Saying “forums saw this, and executives didn’t” is a little Monday Morning QB and assumes these issues weren’t discussed or weighed as tradeoffs.

Epic clearly leaned into swinging big with high-level immersion and big headliners. That likely meant accepting a trade-off of not having fewer smaller attractions at launch. That doesn’t mean it was the right call, but it doesn’t automatically mean they missed something obvious either. We've all admitted that new parks are underbuilt intentionally. Sometimes it’s smarter to start with a controlled situation, test how it performs in real crowds, and then expand where needed. That doesn’t excuse current issues; it just means not every missing piece is a mistake.

Coasters are among the most popular and highest-demand attractions in theme parks. They can absorb large crowds when operating normally, and they create major draw value in a way that smaller family rides often don’t. The risk, of course, is weather and demographic limits, but that’s a tradeoff decision and one that’s clearly been part of Universal’s strategy lately. leaning into high-profile thrill headliners. (VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, F&F).

The real issue is reliability. When the big-ticket rides are down or inconsistent, especially all at the same time, the lack of extra indoor attractions becomes more obvious. If those headliners were running more consistently, the park probably wouldn’t feel as strained.

All of that to say - yeah, adding a couple of family-friendly indoor somethings would help a lot. Even if it's something as simple and quick as a Capt Cacao M&G.

Imagine if they built more and had more problems….

I was a little wordier, but yeah...