How Were the Halloween Crowds at Epic Universe?
Universal Epic Universe has just achieved another milestone.
For the first time ever, Epic has finished a Halloween season, which is a big deal.
Photo: Universal
I’d mentioned in 2020 (!) that the Dark Universe portion of the park served a purpose.
Universal wants Dark Universe to function as a kind of permanent Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal
Surprisingly, the results haven’t been as positive as I’d expected thus far.
This themed land seems to be lagging behind some of the others at Epic, which is maddening to me.
Universal
I consider Dark Universe the pinnacle of Universal theme park design to date.
Hopefully, in year two, this area will pick up as Halloween approaches.
Image: Universal
Still, I’m excited to check how the park handled its first wave of holiday crowds.
So, how were the Halloween crowds at Epic Universe last month? Let’s find out!
The Wait Times at Berk
Image: Universal Pictures
Fun fact: Astrid cosplay is very popular, especially around Halloween.
Still, this park probably gains the smallest Halloween boost of any we’ll discuss today.
Photo: Universal
I’d go so far as to say that if its wait times are way up, that’s a sign of a rising tide lifting all boats.
Did that happen? Here are the average wait times at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk last month:
Image: Universal Studios
- Meet Toothless and Friends – 92 minutes, down 2
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 71 minutes, up 4
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – 50 minutes, up 4
- Fyre Drill – 39 minutes, up 6
Photo: Universal
So, we’re trending upward from September, but there are two factors in play here.
The first thing is that we’re examining the data for the past 30 days.
Photo: Universal
Theoretically, October’s crowds should be larger than the ones in September, which is the slow season.
However, since this park is new, its September was flatter than the other parks at Universal Orlando Resort.
Photo: Universal
As a reminder, Epic Universe attractions averaged the same wait in September as August.
That’s rare in the theme park industry and hints that the second factor is the more important one.
The Wait Times at Dark Universe
Image: Universal
On a personal level, I want these numbers to be significantly increased from September’s data.
Dark Universe is my happy place at Epic, although I’ll confess that Super Nintendo World is, too.
Image: Universal
Hey, I like movies and video games! Who doesn’t? Seriously, though. This park should benefit from Halloween crowds.
Dark Universe embraces Universal’s history as the home to Classic Monsters.
Image: Universal
So, if this themed land is slow in October, it’s got real problems as a tourist draw.
Is that the case? Here are the average wait times at Dark Universe last month:
Image: Universal
- Curse of the Werewolf – 63 minutes, up 8
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 34 minutes, up 6
Image: Universal
Thus far, the park definitely appears a bit more crowded than last time, but it’s still not a foregone conclusion.
The Wait Times at the Ministry of Magic
Universal
I’ll just say it. Death Eaters are jerks. We learn this each year at Halloween Horror Nights.
Those punks show up at the park and act menacingly. Why am I thinking about this?
Comcast
Well, the latest version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter isn’t quite as threatening.
You don’t find Death Eaters walking down the street here, which is probably for the best.
Universal
Again, they’re jerks. Still, this themed land is another that shouldn’t get much of a Halloween bump.
Here are the average wait times at Potter Land last month:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – 164 minutes, up 38
NBC
Woof. Okay, that’s a sizable leap and takes us back to the earliest days of this ride.
I had hoped that guests wouldn’t still be waiting two hours and 45 (well, 44) minutes after five months.
Universal
Alas, that’s exactly what is happening, which isn’t ideal.
The Wait Times at Super Nintendo World
Universal
Presuming that you live in a place where kids Trick Or Treat, you know the deal here.
Nintendo costumes remain consistently popular each year, and 2025 was no different.
Even if fans weren’t into dressing up like Mario and Peach, they’d still visit this themed land.
Universal is currently operating three versions of this area, with a fourth coming soon.
Universal
So, we all know that demand is VERY high here, which should lead to sustained crowds for the foreseeable future.
Was that the case last month? Let’s find out as we expect the average wait times at Super Nintendo World:
Universal
- Mine-Cart Madness – 139 minutes, up 7
- Mario Kart – Bowser’s Challenge – 102 minutes, up 2
- Yoshi’s Adventure – 54 minutes, up 10
The Other Wait Times
Finally, we have the attractions at Celestial Park. Here are their average wait times for the past month:
- Stardust Racers – 38 minutes, down 6
- Constellation Carousel – 23 minutes, up 7
Universal
So, not counting the Toothless character greeting, Stardust Racers is the only attraction that dropped last month.
That’s a rather telling data point that at least some park guests have reconsidered riding the roller coaster.
Attraction Insight
Overall, Epic Universe’s attractions trended upward by a significant amount.
The attractions averaged a wait of 72 minutes, which is seven minutes or ten percent more than in September.
Photo: USH
This data suggests that the park DID experience a seasonal drop in September.
Still, demand obviously remains outrageously high as Epic approaches the half-year mark.
Thanks for visiting UniversalParksBlog.com! Want to go to Universal? For a FREE quote on your next Universal vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from Let’s Adventure Travel will be in touch soon! Thank you!
Feature Photo: Universal
