Epic Universe may be the crown jewel in Universal Orlando Resort’s expansion strategy, but one unsolved incident from before the gates even opened is now drawing renewed scrutiny.
The newest addition to Universal’s Florida portfolio officially opened in May 2025 and represents the company’s most ambitious park to date. Located a few miles south of Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe is part of a 750-acre expansion that includes hotels, dining, and transportation upgrades — all designed to reposition Universal as a full-week destination resort.
Much more than just a theme park, Epic Universe serves as the centerpiece of this strategy. The park is divided into five immersive lands: Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Each land is accessed through a hub-and-spoke layout centered around the lush and futuristic Celestial Park — a notable departure from the more linear layouts of Universal’s existing parks.
Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Attractions such as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment have been especially praised for their storytelling, ride technology, and next-level theming. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD — already a proven success in Japan and Hollywood — has drawn massive crowds, thanks in part to the interactive Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride and augmented-reality gameplay.
Universal’s long-term vision is clear: position Epic Universe as a serious rival to Walt Disney World Resort by offering an equally expansive, fully integrated resort experience. That vision reportedly includes potential upgrades like a proposed tunnel system developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company, which would connect the existing resort area with the new park.
But even with the glowing debut, Epic Universe has had its share of growing pains.
Three guests at Epic Universe were hospitalized for at least 24 hours following separate medical incidents reported during the park’s second-quarter operation. On May 5, during preview events, a 32-year‑old man riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders experienced chest pain. Two additional guests – a 63‑year‑old man and a 47‑year‑old woman – were hospitalized after reporting dizziness, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, or numbness following the same ride.
Now, a criminal incident has been reported at the theme park.
A Stolen Vehicle Before Opening Day
As per a report filed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a theft occurred at the Epic Universe construction site in February 2025 — just months before opening day.
According to the report, a construction foreman arrived at the site around 7 a.m. one morning and noticed that his 2023 Polaris UTV had been moved from its original location. The key had been broken in the ignition. He contacted the rental company and received a replacement. The following day, the vehicle was gone entirely.
“No one was given permission to take the vehicle and it was not loaned out,” the foreman told authorities.
The estimated value of the UTV ranges from $10,000 to more than $20,000, depending on the model and customization. As of now, no arrests have been reported in connection with the incident.
A Pattern of Thefts Across Orlando’s Theme Parks
Epic Universe is not the only Central Florida attraction to have experienced vehicle-related theft.
In 2023, a $300,000 Bentley Bentayga — loaded with over $20,000 worth of valuables — was reported stolen from the valet at ICON Park on Orlando’s International Drive. Owner Cora Johnson said the valet acknowledged the theft but failed to notify police. A lockbox containing the car keys had reportedly been pried open.
That same year, a Walt Disney World tour guide was caught on surveillance stealing a baby stroller from EPCOT’s France Pavilion. The stroller contained keys to a KIA Sportage, which the suspect then entered and attempted to search before being intercepted by Disney Security at Hollywood Studios.
Theft hasn’t been limited to vehicles. In early 2025, a guest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge claimed a $5,000 purse went missing from their room. The guest alleged that a member of the housekeeping team was responsible. And more recently, reports surfaced of guests removing custom car magnets from vehicles parked at the theme parks.
Despite these incidents, Florida’s theme parks remain overwhelmingly safe, with extensive security and surveillance systems in place. But as Universal and other resort operators continue to expand — building more lands, opening more hotels, and welcoming millions more guests — the scale of what needs to be managed only increases.
