Epic Universe is still in technical rehearsal, meaning it hasn’t yet reached the polished standards expected at grand opening—and some guests found that out firsthand yesterday.
After years of waiting, we’re now less than two weeks away from the official opening of Epic Universe. For months now, however, select guests have been able to check out Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, whether that’s as a Universal team member, an Annual Passholder, or by specifically purchasing a preview ticket.
While this has given guests a chance to check out some of the park’s most-hyped attractions – including Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Mine-Cart Madness, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – this has also meant dealing with a fair few bumps in the road. Several rides (namely Battle at the Ministry) have experienced lengthy downtime as Universal works out a few final kinks, with an unpopular virtual queue introduced for guests in the meantime.
Epic Universe Preview Leaves Guests Soaked
Yesterday, guests at the park discovered another hiccup in Epic Universe operations.
During a showing of the park’s Cosmos Fountain Show, one of the fountains went rogue and accidentally fired into the crowd, forcing guests to flee the area.
A rogue fountain fired into the crowd tonight in Celestial Park. It was worse before this and the guests in this area scattered 😂
A rogue fountain fired into the crowd tonight in Celestial Park. It was worse before this and the guests in this area scattered 😂 pic.twitter.com/evpvk8lInb
— Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) May 10, 2025
Some viewed the incident as proof that the park simply isn’t ready to welcome the general public soon.
“I’m sorry but this park is not ready for grand opening next week lol,” wrote one X, formerly known as Twitter, user. (For reference, the park doesn’t actually open next week but on May 22).
As others pointed out, Disney – to which many have made a point of comparing Epic Universe – has faced similar issues when debuting new parks. “Let us all remember the condition Disneyland was in on opening day,” one user wrote. “Epic is just carrying on tradition.”
In fact, some pointed out the fact that Disney’s own fountain show in Southern California – World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park – also has its own fair share of rogue fountains. “World of Color at Disneyland has a couple of ones that go rogue,” one user said. “It’s fun being in the wet zone.”
What Can Guests Expect From The Park?
Ready or not, Epic Universe is set to introduce five immersive lands on May 22 that promise to redefine Central Florida’s theme park scene.
At the heart of the park lies Celestial Park, a lush, garden-like central hub featuring attractions such as the Constellation Carousel and the dual-launch racing coaster, Stardust Racers. This area serves as the gateway to the park’s other themed worlds, each accessed through ornate portals.
Like Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD brings the vibrant universe of Mario and friends to life, offering interactive attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an augmented reality dark ride, and Mine-Cart Madness, a coaster themed to Donkey Kong. Guests can also explore Yoshi’s Adventure, an omnimover ride suitable for all ages.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic transports visitors to 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic, featuring the flagship ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a motion-based dark ride that immerses guests in a magical conflict during the trial of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). Additionally, Le Cirque Arcanus offers a live performance experience with puppetry and special effects.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk immerses guests in a Viking village filled with dragons, anchored by Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family coaster simulating flight. Other attractions include Dragon Racer’s Rally, the splash-filled Fyre Drill, and a live show called The Untrainable Dragon. Younger guests can explore the Viking Training Camp play area.
And finally, Dark Universe delves into the realm of classic Universal Monsters, with attractions like the much-lauded Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a dark ride utilizing KUKA-arm technology, and Curse of the Werewolf, a multi-launch spinning coaster. This land offers a gothic atmosphere, complete with themed dining options such as The Burning Blade and Das Stakehaus.
Have you managed to visit Epic Universe yet? Share your thoughts on the park!
