“Better Rides.” Fans Share 6 Controversial Epic Universe Problems

When Epic Universe opened in 2025, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park was lauded by many as an overall triumph thanks to the scale and scope of its portals, and highly advanced attractions like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. However, not everything is perfect, and there’s room for improvement in several areas.

To that end, we recently took to Facebook and asked our readers, “What problems have you noticed at Epic Universe that need fixing?” We also offered bonus points if they already had the “perfect solution!” As you can imagine, that question elicited a lot of responses.

Since many guests would argue that the key to a theme park’s success or failure is rides, let’s begin there.

Reader Jay had some less-than-complimentary thoughts on the park’s overall array of offerings, writing, “Better rides. Let’s be honest IOA (Islands of Adventure) has better rides. Other than Monsters Unchained IOA has better rides. The celestial swirl is amazing on Stardust (Racers). But thats it the rest of that coaster is mediocre at best. Hiccup’s (Wing Gliders) is great for a family coaster, but Hagrid’s is better. Unpopular opinion I’d rather ride Hulk than Stardust. But any of the big 3 at IOA are a better coaster than Stardust. The tech is neat on Mario cart but the ride just isn’t that good. Donkey Kong is rough and just a mediocre ride at best. There just wasn’t a lot there that I thought “man I want to ride that again”. IOA I’ll ride Hulk or Velocicoaster multiple times back to back. Heck even (Revenge of the) Mummy I’ll ride 2 or 3 times in a row. Other than the rides I enjoyed most of the portals. Other than Nintendo they felt lived in and well thought out.”

Ouch. Can’t say we particularly agree with Jay’s take, but it does shine a light on the fact that Epic Universe’s somewhat light ride count means that someone who doesn’t like 2-3 of the park’s main attractions may come away underwhelmed.

Readers Julie and Lacee both continued the focus on rides and Epic’s selection of them, with the former writing, “There aren’t enough smaller attractions and people eater rides to accommodate the crowds. I was just there and it was pretty exhausting to wait in an hour long line, ride the ride, then see that every other ride had at least an hour long line. They need smaller shows, smaller live entertainment offerings, more meet and greets and more C- and D-ticket rides that can be ridden between the E-tickets”, while the latter added “I have extreme motion sickness and there is almost nothing I can do there. At Disney there is plenty for pregnant moms, babies and toddlers, old people, people with health concerns, etc. Universal is for brave kids, teens, and healthy adults. I understand that stuff is a lot more exciting but why not make some things that everyone can enjoy?”

Reader Erin then touched on an issue we’ve discussed in the past, pointing out that of Epic’s 11 attractions, 8 of them (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 susceptible to weather-related shutdowns. They wrote, “More indoor rides so there is more to do during lightning.”

Reader Finley moves on from ride specifics to a more general thought about Universal’s Express Passes. They began, “Express and regular line merge too early push that point back some. If all you can purchase is single use express it’s not going to have the same impact drastically shortening the express line the way it would with unlimited express over in the two original parks.” Furthermore, they stress that the Helios Grand hotel, “needs some type of express for the price they generally want. Even if it’s a pack of single use for each Epic attraction for each night stayed.”

Meanwhile, reader Sarah touched on the ongoing consternation of Annual PassHolders over their continued lack of access to Epic Universe, writing, “The biggest problem right now is no annual pass options. As is now, this park is great for locals to come and just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere only. But people aren’t going to do that for the cost of an individual park ticket.”

Finally, reader Brennie brought up a basic design issue unrelated to ticket, passes, or even ride design: “They need more shade. There are places that they could plant trees and easily erect umbrella like shelters over benches. Do not sit on the benches when it is hot out, you will get burned!” Given the fact that we spent plenty of time in Celestial Park this summer, that’s definitely one we agree with.

Universal’s Epic Universe may be critically acclaimed, but that doesn’t mean Florida’s newest park doesn’t have some issues. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the AllEars Facebook to join in on the next conversation!

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What are your thoughts on Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below.

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