Epic Universe: A Smooth Launch or Early Hiccups?

The opening of Epic Universe, Universal's newest theme park in Orlando, has been marked by a number of unexpected events, raising questions about the park's ability to handle the massive influx of visitors.

Astronomical wait times have been reported, reaching up to five hours for the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry of Magic ride. An aerial photographer reported being misdirected by a staff member, adding an extra 40 minutes to his wait. These problems, occurring during preview events, raise concerns about the park's queue management capabilities once officially open.

Meanwhile, more unusual anecdotes have emerged, such as a visitor being stopped by costumed 'Aurors' (security guards) for failing to present a (fictitious) wand permit. This level of immersive detail, beyond the simple entertainment aspect, shows Universal's attention to detail, even if crowd management remains a significant challenge.

Finally, Epic Universe's opening also presented a significant logistical challenge concerning the surrounding road infrastructure. A 1.7-mile extension of Kirkman Road, undertaken at a significant cost ($301 million), aims to alleviate anticipated heavy traffic congestion. The extension even incorporates dedicated bus lanes to facilitate public transportation to the park.