Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don’t have an objection to them using a VQ - it’s just that the execution of their VQ is pretty terrible. Disney’s has been pretty cut and dry: give it a spin, hope for the best, and either you make it or you don’t. The needing to keep changing your party size and select different time slots back and forth stuff was annoying. And then to hear people getting multiple times per day, often with a party size larger than they actually have, while others get nothing leaves a bad taste. I was genuinely happy to just be in the park and I imagine I’ll have many years of opportunity to ride it, so it didn’t bother me that much… but the system could definitely use some tweaking.

Oh I think the party size has absolutely been a thing for Disney and it's still a big thing when it comes to dining reservations. As far as Disney has been cut and dried that's because they've been using VQs for their newest attractions for years prohibiting people from ever having the opportunity to ride an attraction unless they get one or after genie plus came around purchasing it. But there were kinks in the beginning at Disney too. There still were many people complaining about when genie plus single ride option came around where they would select a time then it would change to a completely different time that would often conflict with other plans so much so that they were giving a lot of refunds for a while eventually they just told people they weren't going to give any more refunds. A lot of stitch ate the page on the app just trying to secure something. Only just recently has Disney had the ability to search for a dining reservation by availability instead of slogging through day after day time after time on the day. I do think LL has better reliability in terms of software functioning but still runs into issues.

Just to say that just because X company has a system that seemingly works doesn't mean it translates to another company nor that it didn't have their issues themselves. Having a bunch of people trying at specific times is always going to overload a system it's just whether someone's phone worked over another. Universal hasn't done something like this on this scale because past VQs were not in such high demand with an attraction that only opens in the late afternoon.

I think pretty much anything about Epic could be open to tweaking from executions of attractions, dining options, pricing of food and type of food to park hours to everything but it's just something that I know unfortunately not everything is going to be the best.

 

[fatmanatee]

I don’t have an objection to them using a VQ - it’s just that the execution of their VQ is pretty terrible. Disney’s has been pretty cut and dry: give it a spin, hope for the best, and either you make it or you don’t. With UO, the needing to keep changing your party size and select different time slots back and forth stuff was annoying. And then to hear people getting multiple times per day, often with a party size larger than they actually have, while others get nothing leaves a bad taste. I was genuinely happy to just be in the park and I imagine I’ll have many years of opportunity to ride it, so it didn’t bother me that much… but the system could definitely use some tweaking.

Heard the same thing from the complaints and I agree. Would rather refresh once and either win or lose instead of getting bounced back and forth with the time selections.

And since you mentioned it, I saw something on Reddit about a guy offering to pay $200 to get in because his kid was desperate to ride it. I didn't understand at the time that he was referring to some people having extra VQ spots, and yes, someone responded to his offer and got them in with their group. I assumed that they'd block people from getting multiple rides but if that's *also* something happening then that's a major problem.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I saw something on Reddit about a guy offering to pay $200 to get in because his kid was desperate to ride it. I didn't understand at the time that he was referring to some people having extra VQ spots, and yes, someone responded to his offer and got them in with their group. I assumed that they'd block people from getting multiple rides but if that's *also* something happening then that's a major problem.

If that's true (it's reddit it's iffy on reliability) I suspect that violates Universal's ticket terms to sell spots.

 

[tony67]

I don’t have an objection to them using a VQ - it’s just that the execution of their VQ is pretty terrible. Disney’s has been pretty cut and dry: give it a spin, hope for the best, and either you make it or you don’t. With UO, the needing to keep changing your party size and select different time slots back and forth stuff was annoying. And then to hear people getting multiple times per day, often with a party size larger than they actually have, while others get nothing leaves a bad taste. I was genuinely happy to just be in the park and I imagine I’ll have many years of opportunity to ride it, so it didn’t bother me that much… but the system could definitely use some tweaking.

Yeah. I'm not a harry potter fan so I am not too bothered if I don't get it, but I'd like to ride it. I've seen this with their other VQs in the past - the problem is a group of 4 people and they all try to get VQs -and 2 3 or 4 of them may get a VQ and then the group rides multiple times well others don't get to ride it at all.

Heard the same thing from the complaints and I agree. Would rather refresh once and either win or lose instead of getting bounced back and forth with the time selections.

And since you mentioned it, I saw something on Reddit about a guy offering to pay $200 to get in because his kid was desperate to ride it. I didn't understand at the time that he was referring to some people having extra VQ spots, and yes, someone responded to his offer and got them in with their group. I assumed that they'd block people from getting multiple rides but if that's *also* something happening then that's a major problem.

I was thinking about trying for a group of 3 or 4 even though I am solo just to help someone out if they did not get it - NOT TO SELL IT. I've been pulled in by other groups for things in the past since they had an extra spot so would not mind helping out a couple or small family. Just was not sure what the best number to try for is - like will I be more likely to get it with just 1. Hard to know with this system.

 

[disneylover102]

Sorry if this has already been discussed (I don’t have time to read through everything haha). Are the single rider lines any good so far?

 

[HopperFan]

I'll add that I've seen multiple reports now that one of the reasons HP is so unreliable is that they have sensors near everyone's feet for some reason and if the sensors aren't triggered by occupants then the ride stops. It's bad enough that they've apparently had to warn people against crossing their legs. I'm sure they meant well with this (probably to detect if someone is out of their seat?), but it's causing problems.

Anyway, if you manage to get in, feet straight down!

DS#2 told me this as well. DS#1 is disabled and moves/lifts his legs often. We already said he'll be between us and we will keep our hands on his legs to keep him from lifting them.

WHAT a poor design choice. They could have put the sensors at one's torso that likely will not move if they remain in their seat.

 

[Skywalker3]

That's very disappointing that the VQ is set up that way. So, one person can currently get multiple VQs? Can they reserve more than 1 at a time, or do they try again after using one? and like 1 person can get like 4 VQ spots, but only really need one? and then whoever can use the others? that's so different from Disney.
I am not at all a fan of VQ only. DH loves them, but he's never missed getting one. I remember when they first used it for Rise/Resistance, and one had to be in the park at 10 or 2 or whatever, and it was crazy stressful. So much so, our first trip, we got one, rode it, and thought, not worth the stress. But we've done them very often for Guardians, Tron, etc.
We've had lots of issues w the wifi vs cellular on getting VQs, especially in Epcot, there were definitely better places to be in park when the 1PM VQs came up. As someone who has missed a few, it's frustrating for sure.
Sure hope this will start running more smoothly before it opens.

 

[GhostHost24]

I don’t have an objection to them using a VQ - it’s just that the execution of their VQ is pretty terrible. Disney’s has been pretty cut and dry: give it a spin, hope for the best, and either you make it or you don’t. With UO, the needing to keep changing your party size and select different time slots back and forth stuff was annoying. And then to hear people getting multiple times per day, often with a party size larger than they actually have, while others get nothing leaves a bad taste. I was genuinely happy to just be in the park and I imagine I’ll have many years of opportunity to ride it, so it didn’t bother me that much… but the system could definitely use some tweaking.

This was my issue with it when I used it.

Also they tell you drops at 11, 3 and 6..but yet there were times dropped randomly in between those times. So it causes you to be looking at your phone all the time and draining your battery.

This the process itself is dumb. You click on the logo on ride description when it's blue, but to refresh the page you have to back out and click on ride again. Then you choose party size and times show up. But yet when you hit a time you get an error saying it's gone. And you hit 4 other times to be told same thing, then all times are gone and you lost.


I'm not gonna get into the conversation of use of VQ or not. But one thing is true, the process of the way you attempt to obtain a VQ is far superior at Disney.

 

[Cluelyss]

They're not similar in my opinion. Monsters Unchained is the one that's a lot like FJ.

The ride vehicle you're in is similar to Tower of Terror. It's not really intense, it's just visually impressive

Trying to avoid spoilers but I’m a ride chicken and curious about the movement of the vehicle….is it trackless like Rise? Does it spin or tilt at all? Monsters is going to be a no go for me, but hoping I can handle MoM (if I can get a VQ!)

 

[Minnie1222]

What do you all think of Stardust Racers? My relatives said it's not as intense as Velocicoaster, but I think they're lying to get me to ride it. I'm so tempted.

 

[Charade67]

Let us know how you do with getting VQ.

No luck today. The ride was closed most tod the say. I think it finally opened at 6:00, but I completely forgot to look for the VQ.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Also they tell you drops at 11, 3 and 6..but yet there were times dropped randomly in between those times

Could it be that people are canceling their VQs or modifying them?

 

[DL1WDW2]

I posted earlier about changing my Preview ticket date (October 24, 2024) sales date for annual pass holders only and the ticket date was June 8 .
I was able to change it today on phone to 12/4 one day Epic …
Took forever almost half hour so be prepared like go to the bathroom before you call Haha I got a $15 refund for price difference too.
So no refunds but modifications allowed.
I called the 866Pass4Fun and talked to Anthony Universal Resorts Team Member for excellence on survey that followed.
They needed my AP number and credit card number and email to verify and refund …

Not to worry,I still have my May 22 EPIC ticket and Helios arrival 5/22 but thinking I should have booked arrival 5/21 to avoid traffic congestion, etc…
I have been checking availability and rates. The price surging has gotten ridiculous … and no availabilty for one or two nights but magically available exact dates if I try to search for 4 nights …

I also think Universal has made a mistake with so many previews … Are guests cancelling their hotels because they don’t need to wait until 5/22 for the one & only Grand Open ?
I expect this is happening . I know I would cancel my $500 Heliosfor one night if I had already been to Epic 1 or 2 times.
Plus reports of brutal sun as “ summer “ is here !

 

[tony67]

What do you all think of Stardust Racers? My relatives said it's not as intense as Velocicoaster, but I think they're lying to get me to ride it. I'm so tempted.

I have heard some say its more intense and others say less - so pretty similar I guess.

There is more airtime I guess with Stardust as I understand it. Watching videos I feel like Velocicoaster is more intense

 

[PrincessV]

Trying to avoid spoilers but I’m a ride chicken and curious about the movement of the vehicle….is it trackless like Rise? Does it spin or tilt at all? Monsters is going to be a no go for me, but hoping I can handle MoM (if I can get a VQ!)

Monsters is nothing like Rise, or anything else at Disney, really. Have you been on Forbidden Journey? The ride vehicle is very close to that, as is the movement, only more intense. Yes to huge amounts of tilting - you’re essentially on your back for extended periods. No spinning, exactly, but many abrupt turns and changes of direction. I’m a petite person and was tossed around a lot within my seat/harness. Nothing uncomfortable to me, just a LOT of movement.

 

[schumigirl]

Trying to avoid spoilers but I’m a ride chicken and curious about the movement of the vehicle….is it trackless like Rise? Does it spin or tilt at all? Monsters is going to be a no go for me, but hoping I can handle MoM (if I can get a VQ!)

As PrincessV described it is designed like FJ.

It was designed to be less nauseating than FJ and I did find it much better despite you changing position more. It’s not rough as such but you do change positions a lot, it tilts you forward and back but it’s not horrible, however it’s a fantastic ride and probably my favourite of the few we did yesterday, theming is incredible!

 

[PrincessV]

What do you all think of Stardust Racers? My relatives said it's not as intense as Velocicoaster, but I think they're lying to get me to ride it. I'm so tempted.

I haven’t been on Stardust yet: I had a sinus headache on my Epic day, so I decided to wait. But from what I’ve seen, the intensity of Stardust lies in its negative G-forces - read: lots of air time. Versus Velocicoaster, which pulls higher G-forces and hits a higher top speed.S I think perceived “intensity” is going to depend on what people prefer: air-time vs. high Gs.

Could it be that people are canceling their VQs or modifying them?

I don’t think anyone outside of UO ops can say for sure, but that seems to be the general belief over on Reddit. From what I’ve read, you can initially book for any party size and then later modify that party size up or down.

 

[schumigirl]

What do you all think of Stardust Racers? My relatives said it's not as intense as Velocicoaster, but I think they're lying to get me to ride it. I'm so tempted.

I thought if felt faster than Velocicoaster at times but not as intense, that might not make sense but it’s a brilliant coaster and worth doing.

If you can do Velocicoaster, honestly, you can do SR.