How Were Epic Universe’s September 2026 Crowds?
The last time we evaluated the crowds at Universal Epic Universe, the news wasn’t great.
Even Comcast officials sounded a bit defensive about the park’s second summer.
EPIC
Now, we’re ready to discuss what is historically the slowest month at theme parks.
So, how were Epic Universe’s September crowds? Well, the news is pretty good, all things considered.
The Wait Times at Berk
We will start with How to Train Your Dragon – The World of Berk.
This themed land has proven exceedingly popular, and we all know why.
For whatever reason, U
Image: Universal Studios
niversal officials stacked Berk with the most rides and experiences.
Obviously, one of them has proven much more popular than the rest, but we all know why.
Attractins magazine
What would be the point of How to Train Your Dragon without Toothless? Exactly.
So, people have dutifully stood in line to hug a dragon since the park opened.
Attractions Magazine
Meanwhile, the other family-friendly rides here have sustained their popularity as well.
Was that the case this past month? Here are Berk’s average wait times in September:
Attractions magazine
- Meet Toothless and Friends – 67 minutes, up 10
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 38 minutes, up 3
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – 36 minutes, up 6
- Fyre Drill – 25 minutes, down 3
Attractins Magazine
So, we have three attractions with longer waits and one with smaller crowds. Importantly, Fyre Drill depends on the weather, at least somewhat.
People don’t need the ride as much when it’s not scorching hot.
Universal
Well, August, as you know, was one of the hottest months on record.
September’s slightly cooler weather likely impacted Fyre Drill’s crowds. As such, I’m not reading much into the monthly drop from August.
The Wait Times at Dark Universe
Universal
Every month at this time, I stand on the table and bang the drum for Darkmoor Village.
As a huge fan of Classic Universal Monsters, I want fans to discover this wonderful place.
Universal
This past month, people finally listened to me! Here are the average wait times at Dark Universe:
- Curse of the Werewolf – 56 minutes, up 15
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 20 minutes, up 3
Universal
The sudden surge for Curse of the Werewolf suggests renewed interest at Darkmoor.
I still wish more people were giving Monsters Unchained a chance, though.
The Wait Times at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal
As usual, we only have attraction to discuss here, and it always comes with an asterisk.
Even after 16 months of full operation, Universal struggles to keep this one up and running.
Universal
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the park’s most challenging ride to operate and maintain.
Not coincidentally, the ride’s wait times almost never seem reasonable.
Universal
Last month, guests stood in line for an average of 113 minutes, 36 minutes more than last time.
So, we’re creeping back to two hours per ride, which is…a lot.
Universal
Until Epic Universe adds more rides, there’s just not much that can be done here.
Even then, the technical wizardry (sorry) of this one assures long lines.
The Wait Times at Super Nintendo World
Universal
Then, we have the themed land that everyone loves the most.
A few years ago, Universal officials reportedly considered something outrageous.
To make a bit of money, they debated opening Super Nintendo World first.
With the rest of the park running a bit late, the move made sense.
Attractins magazine
Universal ultimately didn’t do it, and even those reports may have been overblown.
Still, whenever I study the wait times here, I realize the move would have worked.
Universal
Epic Universe as a theme park is really just Super Nintendo World plus more.
As proof, here are the average September wait times at this themed land:
Photo: Universal
- Mine-Cart Madness – 110 minutes, up 21
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 61 minutes, up 5
- Yoshi’s Adventure – 33 minutes, down 6
So, Mine-Cart Madness is way up, while the other two rides largely cancel out one another.
The Other Wait Times
Finally, we have Epic Universe’s other attractions, the ones at Celestial Park.
As I’ve discussed, the negative headlines have clearly done a number on Stardust Racers.
Universal
Even so, as you’re about to see, it increased its average wait last month.
- Stardust Racers – 27 minutes, up 1
- Constellation Carousel – 17 minutes, down 2
Still, the ten-minute gap between the attractions speaks volumes.
Universal
One’s a generic carousel, while the other’s the visual landmark at Epic Universe.
Park officials really need to do something about this issue.
Attraction Insight
Overall, this past month delivered plenty of good news, though.
Guests stood in line for an average of 50 minutes per attraction.
Universal
That’s seven minutes more than in August, suggesting substantially larger crowds.
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Feature Photo: Universal
