This Universal Update Could Mean BIG Changes Are Coming to Epic Universe

We just got word of a Universal update that could potentially have important implications for the future operation of Epic Universe.

Celestial Park

Universal has begun using Photo Validation for entry at their other parks, and even for the lockers within Epic Universe. However, this update confirms that Universal will be expanding the use of Photo Validation at Epic. Here’s everything we know so far.

Now, before we get into all the details, what exactly is Photo Validation? Essentially, this is a system in which your face is scanned upon park entry or at the lockers, and that is your ticket. This eliminates the need for a physical or digital ticket.

Locker

On the surface this seems like a normal update, Universal is going to start implementing Photo Validation upon entry. However, that’s not what’s happening. Instead this update from Universal states that they will be using Photo Validation at each portal.

Super Nintendo World portal

And if you’re thinking, but you don’t need a ticket to get into the portals, can’t you just walk right in? You’re right, Universal has never required you to show a ticket to get in the portals, so this is where things get interesting.

Isle of Berk Portal

On the Universal website, it states that the portal Photo Validation will be used, “To keep your passage easy, you can use Photo Validation for Effortless Entry whenever Virtual Line return times are being used.” However, at this point a “Virtual Line” system has not been used.

Dark Universe Portal

This suggests that Universal is expecting a spike in attendance that could require Virtual Lines to get the portals at a manageable level in the future. We can think of two potential reasons as to why Universal is expecting this spike.

Epic Universe

First, the summer crowds are right around the corner, and we know Orlando gets extremely busy when school gets out. So Universal could potentially start using this system to keep those summer crowds under control.

Crowds!

Second, this could potentially mean that the Epic Universe Annual Passes everyone has been hoping and waiting for might be coming, and with the implementation of Annual Passes, this could mean larger crowds!

Crowds

Either way, it is still unclear exactly what this update will mean for the future of Epic Universe. However, we will make sure to keep you informed of any news with the Photo Validation system or Virtual Lines and let you know how it could potentially impact your trip if anything changes.