How Were Epic Universe’s August Crowds?
We’re now 100 days into the Universal Epic Universe era at Universal Orlando Resort.
Each month, UniversalParksBlog will check the crowds to monitor how well the park’s doing.
So, how were Epic Universe’s August crowds? Well, that’s a complicated question…
The Wait Times at Berk
Thus far, the longest crowds at Epic Universe haven’t been where people had predicted.
In fact, six months out, nobody was calling the Toothless character greeting as THE hot spot.
Attractions Magazine
That’s precisely what has happened thus far at the park, though, and as you’re about to see, it stayed that way.
To a larger point, five attractions at Epic Universe required hourlong waits. Two of them are here.
Image: Universal Pictures
So, there’s clearly massive demand for the How to Train Your Dragon themed land.
The question becomes whether Universal can sustain momentum beyond 2025.
Attractins Magazine
In case you’ve forgotten, the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake debuted in theaters in mid-June.
So, at least part of what we’re witnessing stems from renewed interest in the brand. Can that last?
Photo: Universal
This question isn’t one we can answer anytime soon, but it’ll be vital to the mid-term future of Epic Universe.
Anyway, here are the themed land’s average wait times for the month of August.
Photo: Universal
- Meet Toothless and Friends – 88 minutes, up 5
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 64 minutes, down 12
- Fyre Drill – 53 minutes, down 21
- Dragon Racers’ Rally – 48 minutes, down 4
The Wait Times at Dark Universe
Image: Universal
One data point on this list surprised me…and in a good way.
Early on, I’d heard that the throughput on the Frankenstein ride would be really good.
Universal
I’m happy to report that this appears to be true. The only explanation for what we’re about to see isn’t one I’d believe.
Unless people are actively rejecting an exceptional Frankenstein ride, it’s masterful at handling heavy traffic.
Universal
That’s my belief, especially since the reviews are glowing. Here the data so that you can decide for yourself:
- Curse of the Werewolf – 55 minutes, down 5
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 22 minutes, down 10
Folks, let me be clear. Monsters Unchained is among the top five attractions at Epic Universe.
Thrill Geek
I’d call it top three, and my wife believes it’s the best thing at the park.
When you compare this one’s wait time to the rest at the park, it’s absolutely baffling.
You could ride Monsters Unchained three times or the attraction in the next section once. That’s wild to me.
The Wait Times at the Ministry of Magic
Universal
Speaking of which, here’s the average wait time for the only ride at this themed land.
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – 117 minutes, down 12
The good news is that it’s getting better. The bad news is that “better” means a two-hour wait.
Comcast
Still, Battle at the Ministry has improved its uptime over the last month, which is a good sign.
We’ll continue to monitor this one in the coming months, but some former ride engineers sound concerned.
universal
A couple of YouTubers I trust worry that this ride’s never going to maintain its consistency in terms of uptime.
Since Battle at the Ministry is Epic Universe’s signature attraction, that would be a problem.
The Wait Times at Super Nintendo World
Universal
At Super Nintendo World, the news is mostly good, with two rides lowering their wait times.
Here are the themed land’s averages last month:
Universal
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 108 minutes, down 29
- Mine-Kart Madness – 106 minutes, up 7
- Yoshi’s Adventure – 50 minutes, down 10
I’m thrilled to see Bowser’s Challenge drop under 100 minutes and am hopeful for continued improvement.
Universal
This is a ride that shouldn’t require more than an hour-long wait a year from now. At least, that’s my hope.
Meanwhile, Mine-Kart Madness went the other way, which isn’t something I’d expected.
Photo: Theme Park Insider
Still, Yoshi dropped more than Mine-Kart increased. So, I’m calling it a net win.
Realistically, we’ve got data from two other parks that lead to an obvious conclusion. Super Nintendo World will remain crowded for years to come. It’s the reason why Epic Universe exists.
The Other Wait Times
Universal
Finally, here are Universal’s other attraction wait times last month:
- Stardust Racers – 43 minutes, down 17
- Constellation Carousel – 19 minutes, down 2
Overall, Epic Adventure attractions averaged a wait of 65 minutes. That’s nine minutes less than last time.
Attraction Insight
I’m not reading anything into that, as I previously warned you that this behavior would happen.
Theme parks are inevitably the most popular during their first weeks.
NBC
What we’re discussing today better reflects expected trends for the next year or so.
I’d expect Epic Universe’s average wait time to settle in the range of 50 minutes by early next year.
Today Show
I’d feel some concern if it slowed more quickly than that, but my brother was just there the other day.
Based on his comments, I have no reason to expect demand to slip at Epic Universe anytime soon.
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Feature Photo: Universal
