Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[hertamaniac]

Ygor almost bumped into me, looked at me, made fun of me as the surrounding guests were in an uproar. I was wearing my backpack, and my chest was inflated as I was adjusting it; he mocked me and I joined in the laughter.

 

[tony67]

At the moment Ygor might be my MVP of the whole park as far as characters go, every interaction I’ve seen with him has been a delight.

In other news, THIS is probably a no from me.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1923750712057479198

Yeah he is probably the best character in the park IMO. Invisible man is pretty good as well.

I guess Id rather have the option of waiting 300 minutes (I would not wait and skip it) than luck of the draw in the app and then still waiting 90+ minutes.

I was basically in the front of the line (well very close to it) and waited 90 minutes to ride it- so those folks in the back with a VL must have waited an extremely long time - that is assuming they even go to ride it as it was the Thursday before it closed for the week

 

[hertamaniac]

• The land is fantastic, though I am super hopeful for the rumored Creature from the black lagoon ride. As Kylo Ren so eloquently states: MORE

This is desperately needed IMO. A ride that, I sense, could accommodate a much wider audience's thrill level. I'm thinking Jungle Cruise meets Jaws style ride with mixing indoor and outdoor sets.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

This is desperately needed IMO. A ride that, I sense, could accommodate a much wider audience's thrill level. I'm thinking Jungle Cruise meets Jaws style ride with mixing indoor and outdoor sets.

I was scared as a kid with Jaws but by the time I was an adult and got to ride it for the last time before it went away I now miss something like that. I agree indoor/outdoor would be cool and they could either make it scary or just make it technologically amazing like the current animatronics being used for Dark Universe. And having a thrill by theme but not by type of attraction (i.e. rollercoaster) is good to have too.

I am glad that at least in terms of the land they bought and the park they have built they had expansion on their minds

 

[tony67]

This is desperately needed IMO. A ride that, I sense, could accommodate a much wider audience's thrill level. I'm thinking Jungle Cruise meets Jaws style ride with mixing indoor and outdoor sets.

Yeah they really need "people eaters" in general IMO

Between Ministry and Minecart standby that is probably a big help - but not sure its enough - we will see

 

[hertamaniac]

Yeah they really need "people eaters" in general IMO

Between Ministry and Minecart standby that is probably a big help - but not sure its enough - we will see

It's the fact that I don't/can't typically do thrill rides anymore. Those robotic arms/screens/sets wipe me out. I think they are fully capable of making E-ticket attractions without using the ride mechanism as the center point, basis, of the thrill. I sort of look at Rise as an example.

This is why, for me, I got a little attraction bored at Epic. Clearly, I'm not the primary target audience at this time. That is perfectly fine, and I applaud what Universal has generally done with Epic.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It's the fact that I don't/can't typically do thrill rides anymore. Those robotic arms/screens/sets wipe me out. I think they are fully capable of making E-ticket attractions without using the ride mechanism as the center point, basis, of the thrill. I sort of look at Rise as an example.

This is why, for me, I got a little attraction bored at Epic. Clearly, I'm not the primary target audience at this time. That is perfectly fine, and I applaud what Universal has generally done with Epic.

I'm exactly like you that I don't do the majority of rides at the existing Universal parks and won't do them at Epic but I do travel with people do do them. I have done a few rides here and there and will always try an attraction once if I think I can do it but I know myself enough to know the rides I can't. I think because of that I found enjoyment in other facets of the park.

I spend a lot of time waiting for my husband to ride rides and find just as much excitement stepping into the Universal parks as I do Disney. I just find the excitement in different places than the thrill seekers (ambient music is a nice touch that I care about that my husband probably doesn't lol).

I do think Universal hands down pays a ton of attention to detail of things and they know they are a park wanting to attract thrill seekers though they said Epic they wanted to have more family friendly (I think Isle of Berk is a good example of that) but that attention to detail helps out quite a lot.

At a normal park I am unlikely to want to go in the queue with my husband but at Universal I know that I'll want to do it on more attractions even if I'm sitting it out. VelociCoaster is one queue that I did not go in however and just let my husband ride that alone but Hagrids I went through the queue with him the second time he rode it (as I decided after the first time of me riding it it was too intense for me) and then I just waited off to the side in the rider swap area right at the loading part for him.

I'm also a people person and have had tons of great conversations with people who are likewise waiting for the rest of their party outside of the queue.

But I completely agree an additional two at least attractions over the coming years to help the non-thrill seekers is going to be much appreciated.

 

[hertamaniac]

I'm exactly like you that I don't do the majority of rides at the existing Universal parks and won't do them at Epic but I do travel with people do do them. I have done a few rides here and there and will always try an attraction once if I think I can do it but I know myself enough to know the rides I can't. I think because of that I found enjoyment in other facets of the park.

I spend a lot of time waiting for my husband to ride rides and find just as much excitement stepping into the Universal parks as I do Disney. I just find the excitement in different places than the thrill seekers (ambient music is a nice touch that I care about that my husband probably doesn't lol).

I do think Universal hands down pays a ton of attention to detail of things and they know they are a park wanting to attract thrill seekers though they said Epic they wanted to have more family friendly (I think Isle of Berk is a good example of that) but that attention to detail helps out quite a lot.

At a normal park I am unlikely to want to go in the queue with my husband but at Universal I know that I'll want to do it on more attractions even if I'm sitting it out. VelociCoaster is one queue that I did not go in however and just let my husband ride that alone but Hagrids I went through the queue with him the second time he rode it (as I decided after the first time of me riding it it was too intense for me) and then I just waited off to the side in the rider swap area right at the loading part for him.

I'm also a people person and have had tons of great conversations with people who are likewise waiting for the rest of their party outside of the queue.

But I completely agree an additional two at least attractions over the coming years to help the non-thrill seekers is going to be much appreciated.

I used to do the eye test on an attraction to see if it even warrants a try. The test is simple. If I close my eyes on the ride, will most/all of it being uncomfortable go away. For some attractions, it works just fine where there is little dynamic ride vehicle movement(s). But the swinging arms, no matter how hard I keep my eyes closed, has little effect to calm down the mind/stomach.

I completely agree about the music and environment. This is where Epic has such great potential in Celestial Park. Between the water features and landscaping, they could remedy what I feel is a fundamental flaw.

We've probably heard it before, and I think it is valid; they need to, or should have, incorporated more cover/shade and seating in this portal/land.

I look at EPCOT's World Celebration and still feel that is almost perfection. And it has charging stations which are woefully absent at Epic. Epic has the capability to upstage it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I used to do the eye test on an attraction to see if it even warrants a try. The test is simple. If I close my eyes on the ride, will most/all of it being uncomfortable go away. For some attractions, it works just fine where there is little dynamic ride vehicle movement(s). But the swinging arms, no matter how hard I keep my eyes closed, has little effect to calm down the mind/stomach.

I completely agree about the music and environment. This is where Epic has such great potential in Celestial Park. Between the water features and landscaping, they could remedy what I feel is a fundamental flaw.

We've probably heard it before, and I think it is valid; they need to, or should have, incorporated more cover/shade and seating in this portal/land.

I look at EPCOT's World Celebration and still feel that is almost perfection. And it has charging stations which are woefully absent at Epic. Epic has the capability to upstage it.

The Kuka arm is no joke, Forbidden Journey was a one and done for me.

Spinning rides are another one for me. I did try Guardians as much as I was apprehensive about doing it and yup one and done for me and I was glad it broke down halfway through (it was during previews) . That knocks out Werewolf for me. However, I was able to do Aquatopia at Tokyo Disneysea and the Mater/Baymax/Alien Swirling Saucers but tea cups is a no for me. Carousels I can typically do but as I mentioned not normally ones I look to do though the Celestial one I'd like to do. I know we'll like the water feature aspect to the fountains though I doubt I'll be chilling there in the mid-day sun waiting for my husband to ride Stardust Racers.

Major drops for me are typically out though I have done Dudley Do Right Ripsaw falls (we skipped it last time though), I don't do loops either.

But I love the thrill aspect for my husband who tends to find the Disney parks lackluster as a whole with the type of rides. That said I wait for him to rides, he'll wait and go on attractions he's not excited for so I think the makeup of one's traveling party makes a difference. Solo going to a park where you aren't riding much at all but then are also not waiting on other people to ride rides is probably going to be different in the perception of the park.

 

[keishashadow]

Those robotic arms/screens/sets wipe me out

I didn’t have problems until I developed a case of vertigo. Ever since, they became an issue for me.

The test is simple. If I close my eyes on the ride, will most/all of it being uncomfortable go away

two different doctors suggested to me that closing eyes completely will trigger motion sickness/vertigo feeling for many.

Their suggestion that once that sickening feeling starts to rear its head on a ride, to look down to a fixed point in the vehicle (without the background movement in view). Works well for me when combining with OTC dimenhydrinate; which works better for me, no side effects ala Dramamine or scopolamine RX.

Disclosure: not a medical provider, it’s Always best to check with one’s doctor etc. before taking any OTC meds etc.

 

[keishashadow]

Just bringing over something from FB. Of course, YMMV. Also, the poster may or may not have been happy with the results of their encounter with GS. A disappointing experience for many @ least they are offering something as recovery and the option to speak to a supervisor if not satisfied with the initial decision.

Good luck to all having a great day in the parks!

Today was terrible- 7 out of 13 rides down. we were in the park about 2 1/2 hours before we went to customer service. She kept repeating how staying over two hours makes it difficult to do anything but yet what she offered was a pass for a future day, but understand these passes have stipulations. You either have to use it by May 19 or you can’t use it again until after September 1, and then there are several blackout dates such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. we accepted the future pass with four express tickets. They could be used on any ride no exclusions. She said this was the best she could do at her level, but if we would like to push for a refund, she could get a manager. We opted out of that option. We’re going to go over in the morning, but if the rides are down, we don’t plan to stay.
We understood it was in previews and we also understood MOM would be down but over half of the rides is a bit excessive. I’m sure guest services is overwhelmed, but they’re handling it very well and giving great options.

 

[GhostHost24]

Still debating on calling and canceling my tickets for next Saturday.

 

[mikeuno]

We can't wait to check out the new game in town

 

[Minnie1222]

Still debating on calling and canceling my tickets for next Saturday.

I think it's going to be rough that weekend for standby lines, especially with VIP tours and EP all sold out.

 

[GhostHost24]

I think it's going to be rough that weekend for standby lines, especially with VIP tours and EP all sold out.

I have express too.

But my preview day was a good day and did everything I wanted (including ministry).

Really the only thing I'm wanting to go is being there at night. I left before it got dark.

 

[hertamaniac]

If you have time, there's a thread called Epic Universe food pics that would appreciate more food & drinks pics with reviews.

I didn't go into too much detail, but hopefully gives a general overview with pics.

Post in thread 'Epic Universe food pics'

May 17, 2025

Thank you! To confirm, we should find a table first then mobile order from the table?

Yep.

• hertamaniac

• 

 

[Minnie1222]

Really the only thing I'm wanting to go is being there at night. I left before it got dark.

Me too. I hope they'll have fireworks.

 

[PrincessV]

Just bringing over something from FB. Of course, YMMV. Also, the poster may or may not have been happy with the results of their encounter with GS. A disappointing experience for many @ least they are offering something as recovery and the option to speak to a supervisor if not satisfied with the initial decision.

Good luck to all having a great day in the parks!

Today was terrible- 7 out of 13 rides down. we were in the park about 2 1/2 hours before we went to customer service. She kept repeating how staying over two hours makes it difficult to do anything but yet what she offered was a pass for a future day, but understand these passes have stipulations. You either have to use it by May 19 or you can’t use it again until after September 1, and then there are several blackout dates such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. we accepted the future pass with four express tickets. They could be used on any ride no exclusions. She said this was the best she could do at her level, but if we would like to push for a refund, she could get a manager. We opted out of that option. We’re going to go over in the morning, but if the rides are down, we don’t plan to stay.
We understood it was in previews and we also understood MOM would be down but over half of the rides is a bit excessive. I’m sure guest services is overwhelmed, but they’re handling it very well and giving great options.

Maybe my bar is placed extremely low, but this is just wild to me. They only spent 2.5 hours in a park where 6 rides were working and wanted compensation?? They weren’t willing to stay longer than that to do more? Surely I’m missing something here, because what they received seems VERY generous to me.

 

[New Mouse]

Maybe my bar is placed extremely low, but this is just wild to me. They only spent 2.5 hours in a park where 6 rides were working and wanted compensation?? They weren’t willing to stay longer than that to do more? Surely I’m missing something here, because what they received seems VERY generous to me.

Very generous?

 

[nlenguyen]

I was able to go to a preview last Sunday, had a great time, while everything was not working, I really think that this is going to be a competitve park. I am wondering how the attendance is going to play with the other two parks. It seems like there is a lot of resources for this park. Hoping to go again sometime in the next year