How Were Epic Universe’s October Crowds?
The Themed Entertainment Association just posted its most important update.
Each year, the T.E.A. releases the Global Experiences Index.
In simplest terms, it’s the annual theme park attendance estimate.
Let’s just say that the news wasn’t great for Universal Studios.
Photo: Universal
All their American theme parks experienced attendance declines, save for one.
The lone exception is Universal Epic Universe, which didn’t open until 2025.
Photo: Universal
From what we just learned, its performance wasn’t great, either. We also know that the news has been even worse lately.
So, how were Epic Universe’s crowds in October 2026? Let’s just say that I have low expectations.
The Wait Times at Berk
I’m being a bit cheeky here, as it’s a topic I’ll discuss in detail next week. While you await the next UniversalParksBlog News update, I’ll drop a hint.
Epic Universe gained four million park guests during 2025. Before you argue that the park wasn’t open all year, I’ll cede the point.
Universal
Yes, we all know that, but even if we account for it, the numbers are still a bit alarming.
By extrapolating the full year of data, Epic would have wound up around 6.7 million.
Image: Universal Studios
Let’s be honest. We all hoped for better than that for the park’s first year. I’d indicated that I expected eight million guests during the first 12 months.
Now, I’m not sure Epic got there, and even if it did, we know it’ll drop. I say this because Comcast executives have made the point clear.
Attractins Magazine
During the past two earnings calls, they’ve provided excuses for Epic’s attendance. Those earnings calls cover the most recent six months at the parks.
We’re talking about April through September, which is the heart of American tourism. So, yeah, things could be going better for Universal Studios.
Attractins magazine
Comcast has already washed its hands of the whole thing by confirming a spinoff. One day soon, Universal Studios will no longer be a part of Comcast.
Attractions Magazine
At that point, private equity is licking its chops to grab NBCUniversal. Let’s just say that this is a stressful time for everyone at Universal.
The parks need to start performing a lot better to avoid an unwelcome fate. So, how were the crowds at Berk last month?
Attractions magazine
- Meet Toothless and Friends – 67 minutes, no change
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 46 minutes, up 8
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – 39 minutes, up 3
- Fyre Drill – 25 minutes, down 3
The Wait Times at Dark Universe
That’s great news for Universal officials to see those four attractions a bit more crowded. The same statement applies to my beloved Dark Universe, too.
Universal
Here are the average wait times at the two rides here last month:
- Curse of the Werewolf – 57 minutes, up 1
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 25 minutes, up 5
Image: Universal
Nothing has been up by a lot so far, but the line is pointing north. That’s really all anyone can hope for right now as we head toward the end of 2026.
The Wait Times at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal
On the bright side, the end of the Halloween season comes with a hidden benefit. For the first time ever, the entire park will celebrate the holidays.
Epic Universe will glow with the festive lighting we expect at Christmas.
Photo: Universal
That factor may draw in the crowds, although we’ve already seen it once.
Last year, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter added some yuletide decorations.
Universal
As for Halloween, the most popular ride here wasn’t in as much demand. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry fell to a 93-minute wait.
That’s a drop of 20 minutes from September. We’ll take it, though. We all know that the wait for Battle at the Ministry is just too long.
Universal
On the bright side, Comcast officials swear they’re working on it.
This past month of shorter waits may reflect some success in this regard.
The Wait Times at Super Nintendo World
The one thing everyone loves at Epic Universe is a visit to Super Nintendo World. I adore Berk and Dark Universe as well, but the people have spoken.
We want our Nintendo-based attractions during a park visit. As proof, here are the average wait times at Super Nintendo World last month:
Universal
- Mine-Cart Madness – 110 minutes, no change
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 76 minutes, up 15
- Yoshi’s Adventure – 41 minutes, up 8
The Other Wait Times
OC Register
As you can see, we have generally trended upward this month. That statement applies to the other two rides here as well.
Here are their average wait times last month:
- Stardust Racers – 27 minutes, no change
- Constellation Carousel – 21 minutes, up 4
Attraction Insight
Overall, Epic Universe guests waited for an average of 52 minutes per attraction. That’s nine minutes more than last time, as it should be.
September’s supposed to be the worst month of the year. At Universal Orlando Resort, up has been down quite a bit lately, though.
EPIC
Sometimes, the conventional rules don’t apply. So, it’s nice to see some normalcy for a change.
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Feature Photo: Universal
