NEWS: Epic Universe Has a NEW Locker Rule

Guess where we just went? Hint: it’s someplace EPIC. That’s right — we were among the first to visit the brand-new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, and we’re sharing ALL the things you need to know.

©Universal

You probably have a million questions about Universal’s new theme park — that’s why we’re here to help! This time, we’re here to share a little insight into a fascinating new rule. Let’s talk lockers!

Epic Universe is the newest Universal Orlando theme park addition, complete with five new lands inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, the Harry Potter universe, classic Universal monsters, and more. There are lighting-quick roller coasters, flaming windmills, real dragons, and so. much. more.

Epic Universe!

One of the most important new things you need to know about is something you probably won’t think about until you get to the park. Let’s say you booked a trip to Epic Universe. Scanned your tickets. Entered the park. Headed to a new roller coaster. Wait. What are you going to do with your park bag?

Newt Scamander Backpack

Some of Universal’s biggest attractions, like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster (to name a few) have a strict rule that states all large items must go inside a ride locker.

The lockers

Over at Epic Universe, the new Stardust Racers dueling coaster requires you to go through a metal detector AND use a locker. But, unlike Universal’s other lockers, these lockers have a special new feature.

©Universal

The lockers at Epic Universe use facial recognition technology! The process is simple, and you can opt to scan your ticket instead, but it seems like Universal is hoping to streamline the process of storing your bags with a more efficient system. Here’s how it works.

VelociCoaster Lockers — OLD system

If you choose not to scan your ticket, you’ll press a button on the locker, and a camera will scan your face. Once the system takes your photo, you can either retake the photo, submit the photo, or cancel the process. Once you have an approved photo, you’re ready to go! After the ride, you’ll find the opposite side of your locker, tap a button, take a second photo, wait for the system to confirm your identity and your locker will automatically open. Ta-da!

You’re gonna need a locker for some rides

It’s that easy! Remember, you don’t have to use the facial recognition software. You can still scan your ticket to open and close your locker. We’ll be interested to see how people react to this major locker rule change when the park opens. Don’t forget — Epic Universe officially opens on May 22nd, 2025.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!