Universal Engineer Uncovers the Shocking Reason Behind Theme Park Fights
Theme parks are built to provide guests with a fun and immersive experience, offering everything from thrilling rides to magical worlds. However, behind the laughter and excitement, there’s a growing problem that has escalated in recent years — fights among park-goers. While disagreements over small issues have always been part of the park experience, recent trends indicate that the situation is worsening.
As crowds flock to new attractions and wait times extend, tensions have been running high. One of the most significant contributors to this rising tension is the Express Pass, a system designed to shorten wait times for those willing to pay a premium.
Related: Two New Epic Universe Rides Added to Universal’s Skip-The-Line Service
But as the system grows in popularity, so do the frustrations that come with it. Kevin Blakeney, a beloved landscape architect who helped design Epic Universe, shed light on the issue during an interview with The Atlantic.
Blakeney explained that while the Express Pass has undoubtedly been a game-changer for many guests, it has also fueled frustration among those who find themselves waiting much longer in the traditional standby lines.
According to Blakeney:
“That’s a real point of frustration: to see the express moving so quickly when the standby is not. That’s when fights break out among guests.”
Related: Universal Orlando’s Express Pass Gets a High-Tech Overhaul—But Is It a Step Too Far?
This feeling of injustice, compounded by long wait times and growing impatience, has led to more confrontations within the park. As Blakeney pointed out, when Epic Universe was being designed, considerable attention was paid to minimizing conflicts between Express and standby guests.
Many of the queues in the park were specifically designed to keep the two lines separate and ensure that they wouldn’t interact before boarding. Despite this foresight, tensions have only increased.
The introduction of Epic Universe in May 2025 brought with it a new wave of excitement and crowds. The park’s expansive attractions, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, quickly became must-see destinations.
Related: Universal Orlando Officially Begins Work on New Epic Universe Expansion
However, with the surge of visitors came longer wait times, with some rides reaching wait times of over three or four hours. This extended waiting period, coupled with the presence of Express Pass holders skipping ahead, has led to a marked increase in conflicts.
The frustration also stems from the issue of line-cutting, a problem that has been exacerbated by the growing demand for faster access. Many guests attempt to bypass the system, claiming they are meeting friends or family members further up in the queue.
Unfortunately, these tactics have led to confrontations as others refuse to let them through. At both Universal and Disney parks, cast members and team members have had to enforce stricter rules, telling guests that line-cutting isn’t allowed and sending them to the back of the line if caught.
Do you think Universal’s Express Pass has helped or hurt the park experience? Should Universal reconsider how the system works to avoid further tension among guests? Or should more be done to ensure standby guests have a better experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
