Epic Universe Ticketing Info, Advice, & Speculation

[boomerthom]

I’d think a possible good starting point for AP access would be admission after 4pm, maybe with reservations required. Last time I was at Epic the park was next to dead after that time, low wait times, restaurants were near empty, etc. Potentially have blockout dates for busier times, idk. Unrestricted access (or all day admission with no blockout dates) seems like a bad idea currently, and they’d have to limit it so much with capacity and reservations that I can’t really see it being a good experience.

 

[Mad Dog]

That boat at the north campus is such a HUGE difference maker. It essentially turns the complex into a resort. Universal needs to figure out how to extend that feeling to Epic, and I have no idea how they do that. It’s probably something they should have dealt with before the park opened.

I recall thinking aloud on these threads, when Epic was first planned, that I was probably going to have that distance from the Universal resort feeling. I hoped I would be wrong, but unfortunately that's the scenario I feel.

Like the date who over estimates her personality and looks, Universal seems enamored by those glowing 'creative professional' reviews, which are well deserved. But, the park operationally falls very short and regular guests aren't all fooled by the looks. It could be a very good day, or a very bad day depending on the operations that day and/or weather.

Universal has painted itself into a corner. Lots of AP use could help, but the capacity concerns won't allow it. Universal is going to AP price this sky high for limited access, no doubt. A plan will take off some of the AP heat but that will probably just be a smokescreen. @SeventyOne really pulls back the drape that could work for all, not just AP's. But the only way that works operationally is if we revisit an old concept that most of us rejected during the early planning stages. Namely, open Epic Celestial land to everyone after say 5:00 PM. A regular ticket would be required for the other four portal lands and the two Celestial rides. The plus is that a lot of North Campus guests, and Orlando residents would probably hop over, filling the bars and restaurants in Celestial. Hell, I don't know if this is operationally feasible, but I don't see anything else that works.

 

[JohnHammondsCane]

I recall thinking aloud on these threads, when Epic was first planned, that I was probably going to have that distance from the Universal resort feeling. I hoped I would be wrong, but unfortunately that's the scenario I feel.

Like the date who over estimates her personality and looks, Universal seems enamored by those glowing 'creative professional' reviews, which are well deserved. But, the park operationally falls very short and regular guests aren't all fooled by the looks. It could be a very good day, or a very bad day depending on the operations that day and/or weather.

Universal has painted itself into a corner. Lots of AP use could help, but the capacity concerns won't allow it. Universal is going to AP price this sky high for limited access, no doubt. A plan will take off some of the AP heat but that will probably just be a smokescreen. @SeventyOne really pulls back the drape that could work for all, not just AP's. But the only way that works operationally is if we revisit an old concept that most of us rejected during the early planning stages. Namely, open Epic Celestial land to everyone after say 5:00 PM. A regular ticket would be required for the other four portal lands and the two Celestial rides. The plus is that a lot of North Campus guests, and Orlando residents would probably hop over, filling the bars and restaurants in Celestial. Hell, I don't know if this is operationally feasible, but I don't see anything else that works.

As we near our Orlando trip in mid April, we are still debating on an Epic Universe day. Roughly $600+ for three of us is a big chunk of change when park operations are such a risk. My wife is a massive fun of the EU food scene and could honestly care less about the rides.

Surprisingly, as I reflect on our EU days over the last year, I feel like SNW was the big miss here. Too small, one set of bathrooms (WTF), DKMM operations, Mario Kart just being good, instead of groundbreaking. Yoshi is OK. Maybe when the expansion pad opens, it'll be better, but I can't picture how that will alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia if it's another small portal from DK to whatever is next (Luigi, Zelda, etc.)

 

[Mad Dog]

Sitting in the AP area for a couple of the Mardi Gras parades, while waiting, we got to talk to a lot of AP holders about Epic. Most of them used their ticket discount in the summer, and the locals attended the soft openings too. Generally they loved Epic during the softs since crowds were light and they got to ride a lot they said. The ones who went in the summer all said that they'd never go in the summer again. Just sample anecdotes, but enlightening nonetheless.

As we near our Orlando trip in mid April, we are still debating on an Epic Universe day. Roughly $600+ for three of us is a big chunk of change when park operations are such a risk. My wife is a massive fun of the EU food scene and could honestly care less about the rides.

Surprisingly, as I reflect on our EU days over the last year, I feel like SNW was the big miss here. Too small, one set of bathrooms (WTF), DKMM operations, Mario Kart just being good, instead of groundbreaking. Yoshi is OK. Maybe when the expansion pad opens, it'll be better, but I can't picture how that will alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia if it's another small portal from DK to whatever is next (Luigi, Zelda, etc.)

I actually liked Nintendo, though it is indeed claustrophobic, and I'm no Nintendo game boy. The best ride, DK Minetrain has a severe capacity shortfall. The park looks great but that capacity shortfall is a real killer. The cost is very tough for what you get. First day was fine since the curiosity factor kicked in. Second day there were major operational issues, so we really felt the second day wasn't needed, especially in lieu of costs. We had good weather and my non Holiday week Sunday formula worked great. We didn't have to stand in long lines, so I was able to experience the park in its best clothes. But, even under those almost ideal conditions, the park felt incomplete. Having already experienced the curiosity factor it is sure hard to spend $200 per person to go back. We're fairly well off financially, but I still don't like to overpay. The attractions aren't real repeatable, there's too many coasters, and there's only one drop dead great attraction, Monsters.

I don't think Universal anticipated it would be like this. I'd guess their original AP plans were to perhaps increase the three park pass to something like a 30% increase and maybe expand the blackout days to all Holiday weeks. But somewhere along the executive path line, they greatly overestimated the capacity, didn't expect such long lasting maintenance issues, and made a big mistake with too high a percentage of outdoor attractions.

It is what it is, and the weight will fall on AP holders, who deserve better, but there's no short term easy way out of the capacity mess. I'm guessing an AP 3 park pass that will be priced super high with very limited access. Universal really has no other choice under the circumstances.

 

[Frank Drackman]

I believe before Epic UoR would price AP's such that an AP became the better value if one was going to the parks for more than 5 days so the 5 day park to park price was a good indicator of where AP pricing would start (I think the VB add on was something like a little less than two days at VB).

I believe this year they introduced a 6 and 7 days park to park (includes Epic/IoA/US) and it is currently offered at the same price as a five day park to park. I sort of wonder if they will come up w/ a price for the 7 day park to park and then use that as the starting point for an AP.

I imagine they have lots of options as the park was built with the infrastructure to take tickets at each portal. So they could certainly play w/ a concept of access to Celestial w/o access to all the portals.

 

[Mad Dog]

I'm sure they will reach a point in the future where the curiosity of the new park wanes and all those who've already experienced Epic for a day, or two, or three will balk at paying $200 for a one day ticket. Of course, there will still be those who haven't been to Epic, but overall demand might take a hit if there's no/few AP's in the attendance mix. I think Universal Orlando relies on AP's more than WDW does. Right now, Universal is probably making a ton of money off of the very expensive Express Pass sales, but that number will surely drop as the newness wears off. The question though, is how far in the future this stuff starts happening. Universal is in a tough spot on this AP decision. Their signals are that it will be priced high initially, but that could bite them in the butt. They had a similar problem when they opened Potter at USH, and management butchered it. Epic is a much bigger problem of course, but they can learn a lesson from what happened at USH and the chaotic responses/changes that followed it.

 

[JonsMovies]

Given how restrictive all the ticketing is, it seems the best route right now is to just buy a 7 day pass and pretend you are an AP with access to all 3 parks for a week.

 

[Mad Dog]

Given how restrictive all the ticketing is, it seems the best route right now is to just buy a 7 day pass and pretend you are an AP with access to all 3 parks for a week.

Yeah. That's what I was saying above about my long term strategy if I got to the point I wanted to go to Epic a lot. And just drop my AP for a while.

 

[MrRoamer]

I get the premium idea because its new but it also has all of these issues because its new. I love the rides for the majority, but I don't feel like each ride is specific for x type of guest for the most part. Universal has always struggled with this a bit but the number of rides I feel at Epic vs the other parks never really even out (not counting breakdowns or rain)

Personally if they go too high for it, I'll be cancelling 4 of my 5 families APs and just keep mine for HHN parking again like I did before. I had thought there would be an option to get epic earlier this year was the only reason 2 of them weren't already cancelled.

Its a beautiful park with great food, ambiance, and immersion but I just wouldn't pay more than $250-$300 than I already am on my preferred.

 

[Casper Gutman]

There’s another issue, at least for me personally, with APs and new parks. Yes, new parks are interesting and exciting and calling out for exploration. But, for someone who visits the resort enough to buy an AP, old parks are familiar and comfortable and homey, with lots and lots of spots that invoke happy memories of friends and family. That’s largely why I visit enough to consider an AP. If Universal wants to create a system in which Epic is a seldom-visited spike of excitement in a trip focused on relaxation, well, that fits my preferences just fine… but I don’t know that it fits Universal’s.

Frankly, that’s why Universal needs to be REAL careful while Disney offers discounts and adds new lands (even if I think a couple are bad ideas). I love Uni and have been pretty loyal to it for a decade and a half, but Disney World was my family’s destination for many, many more years than Universal, and making it my home resort again is like slipping on an old comfortable shoe.

 

[Rideguy70]

Sorry to interrupt any flow here--longtime member here, but on the Hollywood end, not Orlando as much. Intending to make our firs visit to Epic this summer (late July/early August). I haven't really visited this thread much before because I'm trying to stay as spoiler-free as possible.

We are planning for two days at Epic. We weren't planning on getting Express, but if we buy a base ticket now and then later decide after our first visit that we want it for the next day, is that an option?

Also, any food recs (and crowd levels/management for food)? Do any food places require reservations or have long wait times?

Which rides have Single Rider? Are they reliably open for SR (as out here, SR can often close off and on throughout the day)?

Veteran park goer, but just very new to Epic, so give me the nitty gritty or please direct me to a helpful post in this thread. Thanks much!

Also, even though I know this is the Epic thread, we're considering a visit to Volcano Bay, but haven't heard much about how to work that park either now that the reservation system is gone, so any quick advice there would be helpful as well

 

[HHN Maddux]

Sorry to interrupt any flow here--longtime member here, but on the Hollywood end, not Orlando as much. Intending to make our firs visit to Epic this summer (late July/early August). I haven't really visited this thread much before because I'm trying to stay as spoiler-free as possible.

We are planning for two days at Epic. We weren't planning on getting Express, but if we buy a base ticket now and then later decide after our first visit that we want it for the next day, is that an option?

Also, any food recs (and crowd levels/management for food)? Do any food places require reservations or have long wait times?

Which rides have Single Rider? Are they reliably open for SR (as out here, SR can often close off and on throughout the day)?

Veteran park goer, but just very new to Epic, so give me the nitty gritty or please direct me to a helpful post in this thread. Thanks much!

Also, even though I know this is the Epic thread, we're considering a visit to Volcano Bay, but haven't heard much about how to work that park either now that the reservation system is gone, so any quick advice there would be helpful as well

1. As long as it's not sold out for the day, you can buy Express day-of to add on to your ticket.
   
   
2. Epic has tons of great food options. I'd recommend Oak & Star for breakfast, Das Stakehaus or Meteor Astropub for lunch, and Pizza Moon for dinner. The only restaurants that need reservations are Atlantic and Blue Dragon which are the full table-services. Also if you can, try to get the mac-n-cheese cone at Berk!
   
   
3. All the headliners have single rider- Stardust, Mario Kart, DK, Curse, Unchained, Ministry and Wing Gliders.

Have fun!

 

[Rideguy70]

Thanks much! Generally, does express sell out for Epic?

 

[HHN Maddux]

Thanks much! Generally, does express sell out for Epic?

Not that I've heard of.

 

[maxairmike]

Just adding my anecdotal experience that I wouldn’t count on single rider being open for Stardust or Wing Gliders, as singles for Stardust has never been open on my four visits for the multiple times I have checked throughout each day, and Wing Gliders singles was only open on one of those visits. Both have a small locker bank which may influence their availability, but it seemed to me more like once they’re closed, they just stay closed (at least for quite a while) instead of reopening when more lockers clear out. Also, Wing Gliders’ singles lockers were completely powered down and I think the sign may have been covered up on my last visit.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

Sorry to interrupt any flow here--longtime member here, but on the Hollywood end, not Orlando as much. Intending to make our firs visit to Epic this summer (late July/early August). I haven't really visited this thread much before because I'm trying to stay as spoiler-free as possible.

We are planning for two days at Epic. We weren't planning on getting Express, but if we buy a base ticket now and then later decide after our first visit that we want it for the next day, is that an option?

Also, any food recs (and crowd levels/management for food)? Do any food places require reservations or have long wait times?

Which rides have Single Rider? Are they reliably open for SR (as out here, SR can often close off and on throughout the day)?

Veteran park goer, but just very new to Epic, so give me the nitty gritty or please direct me to a helpful post in this thread. Thanks much!

Also, even though I know this is the Epic thread, we're considering a visit to Volcano Bay, but haven't heard much about how to work that park either now that the reservation system is gone, so any quick advice there would be helpful as well

EXPRESS - like Maddux said it will be unlikely to sell out (it has earlier on but not so much anymore) but it WILL increase in price EXPONENTIALLY the closer you get to your travel dates. You might be kinder on yourself and your wallet if you secure it now. (Source: Travel Agent selling Universal for 10+ years - i sell a lot of Epic and a lot of Express for Epic. This last week alone saw ANOTHER $10 per person price increase, and this is after anyone who saw the first price increase before easter, so it's already up $25-$30 for Summer/Fall dates than what it was earlier this year).

Express can be added/ordered at any time, but i would personally say do it sooner, save yourself the trouble and money of adding it later. Theoretically, i would also tell my clients to get express for your FIRST day at EPIC that way if anything goes wrong, you can ask then to move it to your second day. Not trying to knock the park's unpredictability BUT should you see a BAD park day where more than 50% of the stuff is shut down or you're getting crappy weather all day we've seen/heard people move/refund their -costly- express tickets with guest services. Not a hack, just a recommendation. Flexibility is key, as a theme park stan you know this already. Maximizing that flexibility is how you turn a bad day at Epic into a less bad day at Epic.

FOOD - the only places that require reservations within Epic are Atlantic and Blue Dragon and i'd recommend them for both if either interest you. I would also add Helios' Flora Taverna and Bar Helios as adjacent reservation-required restaurants. My personal favorites at EPIC are Flora Taverna, Oak & Star, and Pizza Moon. I've not yet personally experienced bad wait times with food, i actually think this park's food management is really well done and keeps lines moving very quickly. Never had to wait for pretty much anything except the Mac n Cheese cone at Berk and even that was fast.

SINGLE RIDERS - like Maddux said, the BIG ONES have single rider and the only two i've ever seen it closed for are the two rides that also close queues EARLY: DK and Ministry. I've seen Single Rider closed for both of them for 50% of the day sometimes. I don't personally remember seeing it for Curse or Hiccup's but i'm probably wrong or just wasn't paying attention. lol MaxAir seems more accurate at this one than I.

Never done VB but doing it for the first time in September and ALSO looking for anything people have to say about that!!