The Universal Orlando App Keeps LYING to You

You can’t trust everything you read — especially when it’s coming from the Universal Orlando app.

We’ve spent a lot of time in the Universal parks, and one thing we’ve learned the hard way is this: the app is not always telling the truth. We’ve seen it claim rides are “closed for the day,” only for those exact same rides to post wait times shortly after. So if you’re planning your day based on what the app says, you could end up missing out on some major attractions. Let’s talk about what’s really going on here and how you can avoid getting played by the app.

“Closed Today” Doesn’t Always Mean Closed Today

One of the biggest lies we’ve seen from the Universal app is the “Closed Today” status. At first glance, that sounds pretty final — like, go ahead and cross it off your list. But we’re here to tell you not to fall for it.

We’ve caught this lie firsthand over at Epic Universe. Yoshi’s Adventure was marked “Closed Today,” and for a solid 15 minutes, we believed it. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a wait time showed up. The ride was operating. People were getting in line. And if we’d trusted the app completely, we wouldn’t have even looked twice at it.

This isn’t a one-time glitch either. We’ve seen the same thing happen at other rides throughout Universal Orlando Resort. The ride might show up as unavailable early in the morning, only for it to quietly open later — sometimes just 10 or 15 minutes after you thought it was down for the day.

Why Is This Happening?

We can’t say for sure, but there are a few things going on behind the scenes that might explain it. A lot of these attractions don’t run on a super predictable schedule. Technical delays happen. Sometimes rides start the day in maintenance mode but open once things get sorted. The problem is that the app doesn’t seem to handle that in a way that helps guests make the best decisions.

Labeling a ride as “Temporarily Closed” is one thing. That signals there might be a delay or a technical issue, but it could still reopen later. But “Closed Today”? That sounds permanent. That tells guests, “Don’t even bother.” And when the app flips that label to a wait time just minutes later, it makes you wonder how accurate the app really is.

So What Should You Do Instead?

Here’s our best advice: if the app says something is closed, especially in the first half of the day, don’t assume it’s a lost cause. Keep checking.

Give it 10–15 minutes and refresh. We’ve had multiple situations where a ride’s status changes quicklyv—vsometimes right after the park officially opens, sometimes a little later. Either way, we’ve learned not to take “Closed Today” at face value anymore.

If it’s a ride you really want to do, swing by the entrance and check with a Team Member. We’ve found that the people actually working the ride might have a better idea of what’s going on than what’s being pushed to the app.

Plan Your Day, But Stay Flexible

We’re all about going into the parks with a plan, but part of making the most of your day is being ready to pivot. The Universal Orlando app can be a helpful tool, but it’s just that — a tool. It’s not a crystal ball.

This is especially important if you’re someone who likes to rope drop or prioritize certain rides early. If the app tells you a headliner is closed for the day, don’t abandon ship right away. There’s a good chance that ride will be up and running before too long — and if everyone else is being fooled by the app too, you might even get lucky with a shorter wait.

The Bottom Line

Yes, the Universal Orlando app can help you track wait times, mobile order food, and check showtimes. But when it comes to ride closures, take everything it says with a grain of salt.

So next time the app tells you something’s closed, don’t give up. Keep checking. Refresh the app. Walk by the ride. Ask a Team Member. Because the app? Yeah — it keeps lying to you. And we’re here to make sure you don’t fall for it. Stay sharp out there.

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Universal Orlando. Make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest theme park news!