How Were the December Crowds at Epic Universe?
Universal Epic Universe just celebrated its first Christmas.
The newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort has experienced an uneven opening year.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
While the park has earned rave reviews for its attractions and experiences, it’s also had some nightmare PR.
The Stardust Racers tragedy and ensuing lawsuits have kept Epic Universe in the headlines.
Universal
Unfortunately, they’ve been the wrong kind of headlines. That’s the big knock on the park.
Other than that, the lack of many indoor attractions has gained a bit of criticism.
Image: Universal
Beyond those two factors, Epic’s year went about as well as could have been expected.
So, how were the December crowds at Epic Universe? Read on to find out.
The Wait Times at Berk
Photo: Universal
As a How to Train Your Dragon superfan, I was so excited about the creation of this themed land.
The film franchise is one of the best in the industry today, and people are loving Berk, too.
Photo: Universal
Well, they’re loving one part of Berk as much as anything at the park.
Universal officials couldn’t have possibly anticipated the popularity of the character greeting here.
Attractions Magazine
Fans have been standing in line for hours to meet Toothless…and I get it!
The recreation of the dragon is pitch-perfect and an absolute delight. Who wouldn’t want to hug a friendly dragon?
Attractins magazine
How long did people spend in line for it last month? Here are Berk’s average wait times:
- Meet Toothless & Friends – 85 minutes, down 4
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – 64 minutes, up 7
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – 49 minutes, up 2
- Fyre Drill – 25 minutes, down 2
The Wait Times at Dark Universe
Universal
As much as I love Berk, Dark Universe is the themed land for me, though.
I grew up watching Universal Classic Monsters and could never get enough of those films.
Universal
So, I was thrilled to learn that they would get their own themed land at Epic Universe.
In terms of execution, I believe that this place is the park’s most impressive achievement.
Universal
Everything about Darkmoor feels straight out of a black-and-white horror movie.
Since this is 2026, everything is stylishly colored, with some stunning special effects.
Image: Universal
The perennial fire on the restaurant windmill is an especially nice touch.
Anyway, here are Darkmoor’s average wait times last month:
Thrill Geek
- Curse of the Werewolf – 57 minutes, down 2
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 29 minutes, no change
The Wait Times at the Ministry of Magic
Comcast
There’s been plenty of discussion recently about expansion happening at Epic Universe.
First, let me state in clear terms that this will happen. It’s been inevitable for years now.
NBC
Comcast officials bought extra land specifically to give themselves room to grow.
We’re hearing about it more right now due to aforementioned complaints about the lack of indoor attractions.
Universal
Universal knows it must do something about the amount of time that guests spend standing in line.
As proof, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry averaged a wait of 148 minutes.
Universal
Folks, that’s two and a half hours that people stood in line here in December to enjoy the ride.
Now, this is an E-ticket attraction by any standard and an absolute masterpiece.
Universal
Still, the average wait increased by 21 minutes from November, which tells a story.
As Epic attendance increases, the guests don’t have anywhere to go.
Universal
So, all the wait times at the popular attractions swell to unreasonable numbers.
Universal WILL fix the problem; it’s just gonna take some time.
The Wait Times at Super Nintendo World
When I said earlier that I prefer Dark Universe, I know some of you screamed bloody murder.
To many of you, Super Nintendo World is the pinnacle of theme park design right now.
Photo: universal
Well, speaking as someone who has two GameCubes in my house, I love Nintendo, too.
The theming here is absolutely impeccable. I just happen to prefer Darkmoor.
Universal
That’s more my vibe as someone who grew up as a movie lover, although I admire the video game elements.
Still, I realize that’s a divisive opinion and fully respect the opinions of those who disagree.
Universal
Anyway, here are the average wait times at Super Nintendo World last week:
- Mine-Cart Madness – 119 minutes, down 3
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 105 minutes, up 11
- Yoshi’s Adventure – 58 minutes, up 1
The Other Wait Times
OC Register
Now that the major Stardust Racers lawsuit is settled, we can get back to focusing on Celestial Park.
Yes, I know that some other lawsuits are pending, but those felt choreographed to me.
WESH
The attorneys meticulously waited until the Zavala family settled, which makes the lawsuits feel like cash grabs.
If I’m wrong about this, I’ll acknowledge it later, but that’s my immediate take on the matter.
Attraction Insight
Here are the other wait times at Epic Universe this past month:
- Stardust Racers – 33 minutes, down 4
- Constellation Carousel – 25 minutes, up 1
Epic
Overall, guests at Epic Universe stood in line for an average of 66 minutes per attraction.
While that’s only two minutes longer than last time, it does reflect reality here.
Epic
Once we get into the territory of every attraction taking an hour, it’s hard to go much higher.
Make no mistake on the point. Epic Universe was absolutely mobbed in December.
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Feature Photo: Universal
