This week, Universal Orlando Resort unveiled its much-anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, with fans eager to experience the latest addition to the resort. The park, which features immersive themed lands and state-of-the-art attractions, had been the subject of excitement leading up to its grand opening. However, to the surprise of many, reports are flooding in about the park’s lighter-than-expected crowds.
One visitor shared their experience on social media, revealing a surprising twist: they received a refund for their Express Pass, a service typically designed to help guests skip the long lines at popular attractions. The guest posted:
“It’s actually so dead at Epic I got my express pass refunded! This is amazing.”
The comment quickly gained traction, sparking further discussion on social media about the unexpectedly low attendance.
It’s actually so dead at epic I got my express pass refunded! This is amazing
— Haunt Girl Nikki *first official guest of Epic✨ (@HauntGirlNikki) May 23, 2025
The Case of the Empty Park
Express Passes are usually in high demand, particularly during peak times, when visitors flock to theme parks and long lines are expected. In contrast, the lower-than-expected turnout at Epic Universe has led to some guests skipping the need for premium services like the Express Pass entirely. With fewer crowds in the park, many guests have been able to enjoy the attractions without the typical hassle of waiting in long lines, which has led to some surprising experiences, including the refund of those premium passes.
The reasons for the unexpectedly low crowds at Epic Universe are still unclear, but several factors could be influencing the visitor turnout. Some speculate that uncertainties in the travel and tourism industry, along with changing visitor trends, may be contributing to the lack of crowding. Others point to the continued popularity of Universal Orlando’s established attractions, which could be drawing visitors away from the new park. Additionally, the opening occurred outside of a major holiday period, which may have also limited initial guest attendance.
Though it’s uncertain whether these lower-than-expected crowds are a sign of a post-opening lull or an ongoing trend, it’s clear that Universal Orlando Resort will closely monitor attendance data over the coming months. The park’s long-term success will depend on maintaining strong interest and ensuring a consistent flow of visitors, especially as word of mouth spreads and more guests plan to visit in the future.
Early Signs of Success and Surprises for Guests
Despite the lower crowds, Epic Universe’s opening week is largely being considered a success. Fans have been able to explore the park’s new attractions without the stress of overcrowding, and many have expressed surprise at how easily they could move between the rides and experiences. The refunding of Express Passes, while initially surprising, seems to suggest that Universal may be recalibrating its crowd management strategy for future events or holidays, aiming for a smoother experience for all guests.
For now, guests are enjoying the unexpected bonus of fewer visitors, which has allowed for a more relaxed experience in a park that had been anticipated to be packed to the brim. As the park continues to settle into its opening months, all eyes will be on whether the lower crowds remain or if attendance picks up as the excitement surrounding Epic Universe grows. One thing is certain: Universal’s new theme park has certainly made its mark, even if the crowds didn’t quite match the initial expectations.
Possibly its because these places are so expensive, people are financially drained.
The fact that legal ID’s are now required to fly might be part of the issue, if you’re not legal you can’t get an ID that says you are without a birth certificate! TSA was refusing passengers at different airports over the past week due to illegal ID’s!