Universal Orlando is in the midst of an unprecedented period of growth. However, the resort still has some issues to deal with.
In the past 6 months, the Universal Orlando resort has expanded at a massive scale with the opening of the Epic Universe theme park, as well as its corresponding hotels: The Helios Grand, Stella Nova, and Terra Luna resorts. Now with three full theme parks, an entertainment district, a water park, and eleven resort hotels, Universal Orlando has grown to a size that can arguably rival Disney World down the road. That said, not everything is perfect.
Options for Young Kids
Even with the opening of Epic Universe, the resort overall is still lacking in options for young kids. Across the three theme parks — the aforementioned Epic Universe, as well as Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure– there are 8 ride options with no height requirement. To put things in perspective, the Magic Kingdom alone has 16 rides with no height requirement.
Now, obviously, thrill rides and themes aimed at slightly older audiences are a big part of the Universal brand, and we’re certainly not calling for that to be changed. But a FEW more options could definitely help.
Still No APs at Epic
Currently, Epic Universe access is not included in Universal’s Annual Passholder program. According to the resort, “More details regarding Annual Passes that include Universal Epic Universe will be announced at a later date. Although a Universal Epic Universe-inclusive Pass isn’t currently available for purchase, Passholders are currently able to purchase 1-Day Universal Epic Universe tickets at a special price.”
Transportation Woes
Those visiting Universal for the first time (or the first time in a while) to see Epic Universe may be surprised to see just how far the new park and its hotels are from the original theme parks, CityWalk, and other Universal hotels, most of which are in easy walking distance to each other.
While the resort does have a robust system of shuttle buses connecting its various properties, the distance between them and the time considerations that guests need to make when planning their day can cause issues for those unfamiliar with Universal Orlando’s new expanded layout.
Epic Weather Issues
Epic Universe’s stacked lineup of 11 attractions features exclusive new E-Tickets, thrilling coasters, and the first Nintendo-based attractions available to East Coast parkers. However, EIGHT of those attractions: Constellation Carousel, Curse of the Werewolf, Dragon Racer’s Rally, Fyre Drill, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Mine-Cart Madness, Stardust Racers, and Yoshi’s Adventure are all at least partially outdoors, and vulnerable to weather delays.
While that’s nothing new for Orlando area theme parks — certainly many rides in Universal’s other parks as well as Disney World’s four theme parks are operationally dependent on the weather — the fact that such a high percentage of Epic Universe’s attractions can be shut down by inclement weather looks to be an issue with the park, especially given what Orlando’s summer weather is like
This has led to days where a vast majority of the park’s attractions are closed or heavily delayed, and in turn, the wait times for those that can operate in bad weather see their wait times massively inflated.
If you’re heading to Universal Orlando this summer, be sure to keep these issues in mind. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Epic Universe!
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Have you been to Universal lately? Let us know in the comments below.
Recently came back from epic universe May 27 through June 4. Took a family of six people all adults 17 year-olds and my son and his wife we stayed at the Helios grand Hotel for three days. We stayed at the cabana Bay hotel for three days and we stayed at the Royal Pacific for the rest of the time to accomplish this I needed to buy express passes for Helios at $300 a day per person three day tickets for Helios, which were $450 per person. Three Park annual passes which range from $600-$1200 per person hotels. The Helios was $950-$1300 a night and I had to get two rooms. The cabana Bay was the cheapest hotel that was 650 for the suite overlooking volcano Bay for six people per nightthe cabanas at volcano Bay for six people ran $1000 per day. The cabana at the Helios Hotel ran $300 a day. The food was approximately $1000 per day.
Not having child friendly rides is exactly why some people choose Universal over Disney. Say it louder for the ones in the back….
Another problem is food prices. If you think WDW food is expense (hotels and parks) it’s even more expensive at Univerasl. Went there last year on Thanksgiving leaving Sunday evening to go to WDW. Give just two examples: Thanksgiving dinner all you can eat at Royal Pacific $80 per person and milk only sold in pints there so cost for a gallon is $32.
We just came back from a universal vacation the prices at universal are no where near as expensive as WDW. Stakehouse burgers with fries are 16 bucks my salad was 12. That’s on par with parks like cedar point, knots berry farm etc. and the theming at these restaurants are far superior to wdw.
Epic also has a stupid mandatory mobile order thing. Went to order two drinks – was told I had to use the app. I did. Got a time of 15 minutes to pick up my two drinks. They never called us up to get them. I saw them inside cleaning and talking but not working on orders. I went to the window and then they grabbed our two drinks. It was an empty cup for the self-serve machine and an icee that was pre-made and they just pulled the lever.
What a joke!