Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Midnight Detective]

My apologies if this has been asked before or if it's fit for another thread but are expections for crowds to just be non-stop busy the first year plus? I'm under the assumption that it'll be extremely busy, but the first few weeks even more so

 

[rhino4evr]

Think it’s safe to say it will be crowded for awhile. Going mid week , and when Public school is in session would be your best bet for a “less” crowded day. Ultimately there are only so many people that can and will go to a theme park. I expect the parks will be really busy this fall. Especially during HHN.

 

[docholiday]

Important question… what are the parking sections called? Wolfman? Mario? Etc

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Important question… what are the parking sections called? Wolfman? Mario? Etc

They were mentioned about 2 pages ago I think

 

[Parkscope Joe]

My apologies if this has been asked before or if it's fit for another thread but are expections for crowds to just be non-stop busy the first year plus? I'm under the assumption that it'll be extremely busy, but the first few weeks even more so

I'm expecting crowds and congestion in the park like MK on a busy day (not the same attendance, obviously). So I think all super headliners and headliners will have hour + lines, shows you will have to queue early for, and dining might be hard to get.

Important question… what are the parking sections called? Wolfman? Mario? Etc

From St P

Spoiler: Minor Epic Universe spoilers? It's just the parking lot names lol.

EU Parking Lot Names (from TPS):
Gamer
Monster
Hero
Viking
Explorer

 

[Lucky Planet]

Think it’s safe to say it will be crowded for awhile. Going mid week , and when Public school is in session would be your best bet for a “less” crowded day. Ultimately there are only so many people that can and will go to a theme park. I expect the parks will be really busy this fall. Especially during HHN.

I'm expecting crowds and congestion in the park like MK on a busy day (not the same attendance, obviously). So I think all super headliners and headliners will have hour + lines, shows you will have to queue early for, and dining might be hard to get.



From St P

i wonder how it will affect city streets around the park area, a lot of traffic? would there be an hour in the day that gets more congested? mornings?

 

[devinp267]

i wonder how it will affect city streets around the park area, a lot of traffic? would there be an hour in the day that gets more congested? mornings?

I was saying last year idk if the extension is enough, it’s possible that entire side of town is in for a rude awakening. Hopefully wrong

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I'm definitely planning on every single ride having at least an hour long wait in September.

 

[HandsomePete]

I was saying last year idk if the extension is enough, it’s possible that entire side of town is in for a rude awakening. Hopefully wrong

I suspect the Universal Blvd. exit off 528 will get a bit nasty, especially given that the ramp onto 528 eastbound from I Drive that carries a fair bit of traffic becomes the exit only lane to get off at Universal Blvd. less than a mile down the road.

SeaWorld used to be notorious for gridlocking Central FL Parkway and I Drive between the cars going to the main park and Aquatica up until the point it was made clear in no uncertain terms that a fire truck or ambulance not being able to get through to an emergency could be on them. Personally I don't think traffic backing up from the Epic parking plaza will be an issue, it'll just be an intersection or two slightly removed from property that people will learn to avoid (like the exit to Universal off I-4 eastbound today... that's more of a mess than the actual garage backup).

 

[Brian G.]

For housekeeping purposes:

Here are the Review Forums for Epic Universe.

https://forums.insideuniversal.net/forums/epic-universe-reviews.257/

Please read this thread first to make moderating easier for the Staff. Thanks!

Thread 'Epic Universe Review Guidelines'

Mar 2, 2025

We have created review threads for all the lands and some of the most anticipated attractions for Epic Universe.

Some things to keep in mind for these threads.

1. There will be SPOILERS!
2. The threads are created to share reviews & experiences. We understand that some side chatter may occur, but please keep it to a minimum.
3. In an effort to not overwhelm the threads, we ask for the time being - you only share photos that you have taken. Sharing video links from others is fine.
4. A good rule of thumb to use is "If it's a spoiler, post it here". Second-hand Reviews should be posted in...

• Brian G.
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Epic Universe Reviews

• 
• 

The existing threads have been renamed to "General Discussions" threads.

A helpful guideline is: "If it contains spoilers, post it in the Reviews." Second-hand reviews should be shared in the general discussion threads (e.g., "I heard from a TM," etc.). However, posts/links to spoiler reviews should be posted in the Review Forums.

 

[SeventyOne]

I suspect the Universal Blvd. exit off 528 will get a bit nasty, especially given that the ramp onto 528 eastbound from I Drive that carries a fair bit of traffic becomes the exit only lane to get off at Universal Blvd. less than a mile down the road.

Especially because it will still be under construction at open.

I suppose it comes down to how GPS apps route traffic. It's not like Sand Lake Road is a picnic as is, any added traffic is going to snarl things. Universal/Destination Pkwy would feel the added traffic, but going to get worse when there's a volleyball tourney or convention in town. Let's just say the uncertainty has increased my desire to escape the I-Drive District when our lease is up this August.

 

[Bobharlem]

Especially because it will still be under construction at open.

I suppose it comes down to how GPS apps route traffic. It's not like Sand Lake Road is a picnic as is, any added traffic is going to snarl things. Universal/Destination Pkwy would feel the added traffic, but going to get worse when there's a volleyball tourney or convention in town. Let's just say the uncertainty has increased my desire to escape the I-Drive District when our lease is up this August.

2026 Megacon + Epic Open and all during Spring Break week in March. That'll be a huge test. Some days it may make more sense to park at CityWalk and use the buses.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Especially because it will still be under construction at open.

I suppose it comes down to how GPS apps route traffic. It's not like Sand Lake Road is a picnic as is, any added traffic is going to snarl things. Universal/Destination Pkwy would feel the added traffic, but going to get worse when there's a volleyball tourney or convention in town. Let's just say the uncertainty has increased my desire to escape the I-Drive District when our lease is up this August.

We were planning on moving to the Courtney or Addison in prep for Epic, but realized that not only traffic will get worse, but just exiting the apartments themselves is a PITA and it'll be surrounded by hotels completely once the W hotel begins construction.

Universal Blvd doesn't do too much traffic now, so I don't think that'll be a concern just yet. The 528 east exit ramp onto Universal Blvd will suck now though since the I-drive ramp before it uses the same lane... so it's gonna cause a heck of a merge problem.

We shall see what happens, but the pro-tip might be to get off on John Young Pkwy, and then take Destination Pkwy to Epic since that's out of the way option for tourists.

I have to imagine the county will need to approve some sort of improvement to the roads once (or if) Brightline gets approved for a station on Destination Pkwy since the area can't handle significant volume anymore.

 

[TaylorMade]

Does anybody know May hours will be announced? I'm curious to see how long the park is open for the first month.

Yeah, still a lot they need to announce like VIP tours, the fireworks show, and Express Pass.

Also, I know a save the date was sent out to the media for previews. Does anyone know that date(s) of that?

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Based on F&B QSR Menus as of TM Preview... Epic Universe will have the most expensive Quick Service options in all WDW/UOR Orlando parks. Things can obviously change, but they're obviously trying to offer a more premium offering/product at Epic.

Overall $17.59

• Pizza Moon $16.49
• Oak & Star Tavern $18.16
• Meteor Astropub $17.37
• Mead Hall $17.99
• Spit Fyre Grill $17.99
• Cafe L'air la Sirene $17.19
• Le Gobelot Noir $16.56
• Das Stakehouse $18.89 -> most expensive
• Toadstool Cafe $17.66

For reference, other WDW/UOR avg. Entrée pricing:

• Magic Kingdom $12.75
• Epcot $13.20
• Hollywood Studios $12.88
• Animal Kingdom $14.00
• Universal Studios $16.25
• Islands of Adventure $13.58

This data excludes large family platters.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

I talked to a few friends who are also TMs who were part of the "technical rehearsal" over the last few days. Every one of them said Monsters was a next level experience and one of the best rides they've ever been on. A few mentioned the animatrics as being unbelievably realistic anecdotes were impressive Over all sounds like this is gonna be where I head first (a few also remarked ithat the ride motion is bit more aggressive than FJ(

GProdigy reaching Tony Baxter levels of consistency with his attractions.

EDIT: Not sure if he was the head of Monsters Unchained, but between this and Velocicoaster, everything he's been associated with has been high quality.

Das Stakehouse $18.89 -> most expensive

Bleeding you dry both literally and figuratively? That's thematic consistency babee.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Based on F&B QSR Menus as of TM Preview... Epic Universe will have the most expensive Quick Service options in all WDW/UOR Orlando parks. Things can obviously change, but they're obviously trying to offer a more premium offering/product at Epic.

Overall $17.59

• Pizza Moon $16.49
• Oak & Star Tavern $18.16
• Meteor Astropub $17.37
• Mead Hall $17.99
• Spit Fyre Grill $17.99
• Cafe L'air la Sirene $17.19
• Le Gobelot Noir $16.56
• Das Stakehouse $18.89 -> most expensive
• Toadstool Cafe $17.66

For reference, other WDW/UOR avg. Entrée pricing:

• Magic Kingdom $12.75
• Epcot $13.20
• Hollywood Studios $12.88
• Animal Kingdom $14.00
• Universal Studios $16.25
• Islands of Adventure $13.58

This data excludes large family platters.

I've been wondering when they were going to post the official menus - is there anywhere that they've been shared?

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I've been wondering when they were going to post the official menus - is there anywhere that they've been shared?

There have been postings/screenshots on social media from the UOR mobile order site. Not posting here as it's technically not official yet.

 

[ssirin88]

Based on F&B QSR Menus as of TM Preview... Epic Universe will have the most expensive Quick Service options in all WDW/UOR Orlando parks. Things can obviously change, but they're obviously trying to offer a more premium offering/product at Epic.

Overall $17.59

• Pizza Moon $16.49
• Oak & Star Tavern $18.16
• Meteor Astropub $17.37
• Mead Hall $17.99
• Spit Fyre Grill $17.99
• Cafe L'air la Sirene $17.19
• Le Gobelot Noir $16.56
• Das Stakehouse $18.89 -> most expensive
• Toadstool Cafe $17.66

For reference, other WDW/UOR avg. Entrée pricing:

• Magic Kingdom $12.75
• Epcot $13.20
• Hollywood Studios $12.88
• Animal Kingdom $14.00
• Universal Studios $16.25
• Islands of Adventure $13.58

This data excludes large family platters.

I don’t mind if the portions or at least quality of ingredients lend to the higher price points.

 

[saint.piss]

Spoiler: Minor Epic Universe spoilers? It's just the parking lot names lol.

EU Parking Lot Names (from TPS):
Gamer
Monster
Hero
Viking
Explorer