Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[fatmanatee]

Take this with a grain of salt, could just be a test, but as mentioned in the past, they do have VQ capabilities and looks like they’re using it today.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911432801586471010

 

[GhostHost24]

Take this with a grain of salt, could just be a test, but as mentioned in the past, they do have VQ capabilities and looks like they’re using it today.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911432801586471010

I don't know if still there but at one point on the app it mentioned a Vq system for ministry, so it doesn't surprise me. Have a feeling they'll be using it throughout the previews and maybe first month or two after opening. At least til it becomes more reliable

 

[tony67]

This sounds great! We currently have the preferred passes and it doesn't cost much for the upgrade.

I am weighing this into my AP purchase decision - although Ill probably wait till I have to upgrade it since it wont help me during previews.

Also just to say it - I've seen multiple posts for different folks at Universal saying this was the case, but I have also seen some saying no it isn't (from official channels).

I've also seen screenshots saying it is from the Universal site that was later removed.

So - what is my point? Until I see it officially back on the UO site I'll be cautious - even though I'm 98% sure this will be offered.

 

[tjmw2727]

Just an FYI this is the entire email I received. I believe they are still "subject to availability"

Join Us for a Preview of Universal Epic Universe Before Grand Opening​

As an upcoming guest of a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, we invite you to experience Universal Epic Universe while you are staying with us. Preview Tickets to Epic Universe will be available April 17, 2025 and can be purchased at the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center in your hotel lobby upon checking in.

Come explore all five immersive worlds of Universal Orlando's newest theme park before the Grand Opening on May 22.

During this Preview period, we're putting the final touches in place and rehearsing so some attractions and experiences may not be available.

To Purchase Tickets, Visit the Universal Vacation Planning Center in Your Hotel Lobby

Checking in around 7pm on Friday 5/2 and hoping to get preview tickets for the 4th, 5th or 6th. Does anyone know the hours of the planning center at HRH?

TIA
edited for clarity

 

[wendlle]

Checking in around 7 on Friday 5/2 and hoping to get preview tickets for the 4th, 5th or 6th. Does anyone know the hours of the planning center at HRH?

TIA

I used google and it said they should open at 7:30am 7 days a week

 

[fatmanatee]

Alicia happens to be at EU today, hasn’t been able to get a queue spot so far.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911498942053040638

 

[tjmw2727]

I used google and it said they should open at 7:30am 7 days a week

Thanks, I did too actually and found them opening at 7am! What I haven't found yet is the closing hours as we don't check in until 7pm. (I left out the pm in my op sorry!)

 

[GhostHost24]

Alicia happens to be at EU today, hasn’t been able to get a queue spot so far.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911498942053040638

Ya just read on reddit it's been a mess

I'm not surprised. I remember when they had it during covid reopening and it was pretty bad.

It's one of the things Disney has really figured it and works well

 

[sherlockmiles]

Take this with a grain of salt, could just be a test, but as mentioned in the past, they do have VQ capabilities and looks like they’re using it today.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911432801586471010

I HATE that they invoke VQ sometimes, and other times they don't. Just pick one way and deal with it!!!! I don't want to be on my phone any more than absolutely necessary on vacation.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I HATE that they invoke VQ sometimes, and other times they don't. Just pick one way and deal with it!!!! I don't want to be on my phone any more than absolutely necessary on vacation.

I'd rather they do it when they more feel like it warrants it based on crowds than do what Disney does. Granted I agree with you that I honestly don't want VQ at all

Laughably I remember being quite disappointed that Jimmy Fallon was having VQ when needed (I say laughably only because that attraction isn't really that good to me so it wasn't worth my worry over it) but I really hate the game Disney plays. That more than anything makes my vacation more of a hassle.

So truthfully I'm hoping that Universal actually pays attention to crowds and anticipated wait times with a more real-time basis than do a Disney and have something be VQ for years.

 

[fatmanatee]

Like i said, grain of salt! This ride hasn’t been open for the initial previews, and now it seems like more guests are going for their second visit, which means the biggest priority for them is likely the one ride they couldn’t experience the first time. We’ll have to see how this plays out but part of the reason I’m mentioning it is for people with visits coming up shortly, to be prepared for this possibility.

 

[sandam1]

I HATE that they invoke VQ sometimes, and other times they don't. Just pick one way and deal with it!!!! I don't want to be on my phone any more than absolutely necessary on vacation.

When I saw this, my first thought was that Epic is in testing phase. My guess is that they are testing how well the virtual queue works under real life conditions. Then they'll look at the data and use it to make decisions about if and when to implement the VQ. I suspect that what we're seeing right now may not be what we see after the official opening.

And, honestly, I'm loving (but not surprised) that Universal is taking the time to kick the tires on everything that might happen. It gives me a lot of confidence that almost all of the kinks will be worked out in advance and that the park will be ready from prime time when it does open.

 

[GhostHost24]

From what I've read part of the problem/reason they have it for only ministry is the issues with the operation. As we've seen it's only been operational during media... I've seen reported they've only been able to run like half the cars available. So if they ran it with a standby with half capacity you'd be seeing 5+hr waits most likely

 

[NVDISFamily]

Just an FYI this is the entire email I received. I believe they are still "subject to availability"

So glad I took the time to scan the board and this thread. We have 4 nights at US during our trip in a few days and I totally thought we were going to not be able to see Epic this trip as we thought we were just a tad too early. Your post got me to do some more digging and it looks like we were able to buy a ticket for a day. Kids and @MrsNVDISFamily are so happy. It was a bit pricy but worth it just to walk around and see some of the new things.

 

[tony67]

I HATE that they invoke VQ sometimes, and other times they don't. Just pick one way and deal with it!!!! I don't want to be on my phone any more than absolutely necessary on vacation.

Yeah not a fan - but especially during EU previews I think it will change back and fourth so they can test it and control things - and unfortunately that is part of previews.

I'm not sure they will use VQ day one of official opening if the ride is running well - I think for publicity reasons they will want people waiting in 7 or 8 hour lines for it and then saying how amazing it was.

Of the few people who have ridden it they are saying it was even better than Monsters Unchained - which I find hard to believe.

 

[wendlle]

So glad I took the time to scan the board and this thread. We have 4 nights at US during our trip in a few days and I totally thought we were going to not be able to see Epic this trip as we thought we were just a tad too early. Your post got me to do some more digging and it looks like we were able to buy a ticket for a day. Kids and @MrsNVDISFamily are so happy. It was a bit pricy but worth it just to walk around and see some of the new things.

am I reading correctly that you have tickets now?? or do you mean you're glad you can get them when you check in?

 

[NVDISFamily]

am I reading correctly that you have tickets now?? or do you mean you're glad you can get them when you check in?

We have them now. We upgraded our day tickets to AP last summer as we had pivoted from our typical spring break in California to one more trip to Florida and US/WDW. Looks like AP can buy them now and hotel guests as soon as you check in.

 

[wendlle]

We have them now. We upgraded our day tickets to AP last summer as we had pivoted from our typical spring break in California to one more trip to Florida and US/WDW. Looks like AP can buy them now and hotel guests as soon as you check in.

Ah yes makes sense was curious how you got them but wasn’t aware of the AP

I have an AP but it’s not activated so we need to wait for check in

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Yeah not a fan - but especially during EU previews I think it will change back and fourth so they can test it and control things - and unfortunately that is part of previews.

I'm not sure they will use VQ day one of official opening if the ride is running well - I think for publicity reasons they will want people waiting in 7 or 8 hour lines for it and then saying how amazing it was.

Of the few people who have ridden it they are saying it was even better than Monsters Unchained - which I find hard to believe.

Actually it will look worst it its a 7-8 hour ride because then people will say all they rode in a day was maybe 2 rides ...they don't want that either. Heck no ride is worth that long of a wait, and def not at price of the tickets.

 

[GhostHost24]

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/annual-passes/epic-products

Looks like uo has cleared up ap benefits at epic.

No express for premier as expected