This New Universal Epic Universe Pricing Might Keep You Away From the New Park

For months, anticipation for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has been bubbling like a volcano on the brink of eruption. From leaked concept art to jaw-dropping drone footage and exclusive Team Member sneak peeks, one thing is certain: this isn’t just another theme park—it’s a bold leap forward in Universal’s evolution.

Universal Epic Universe Prepares for Orlando Takeover

Now, with the grand opening just weeks away, Epic Universe is already being hailed as a potential industry game-changer. With fully immersive lands like Celestial Park, Dark Universe, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, fans are gearing up to dive headfirst into experiences where the lines between fantasy and reality all but disappear. Social media is buzzing, content creators are dissecting every frame, and the excitement is reaching a fever pitch.

But amid all the hype around cutting-edge attractions and cinematic worlds, something else—much quieter—is turning heads. And it’s not in the queue for a thrill ride.

It’s happening at the lunch counter.

While everyone’s been focused on dragons, warp pipes, and werewolves, there’s a new price tag attached to the Epic experience—one that’s catching guests by surprise. And let’s just say… your wallet might take a hit before you ever strap into a ride.

Expensive Offerings Might Push People Out

It’s a moment many theme park fans have dreamed about for years: the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe is just around the corner. But while excitement is through the roof and soft openings have already kicked off with passholder previews, there’s a number that’s raising eyebrows—and it’s not the height of a roller coaster.

Epic Universe Average Quick Service Pricing. Universal is attempting higher premium offerings (and price) compared to their previous (and WDW’s) offerings. While expensive, there are several options/restaurants (like Pizza Moon & Cafe L’air) that feature large servings. – @AndrewOfPeace on X

Epic Universe Average Quick Service Pricing.

Universal is attempting higher premium offerings (and price) compared to their previous (and WDW's) offerings.

While expensive, there are several options/restaurants (like Pizza Moon & Cafe L'air) that feature large servings. pic.twitter.com/RTYyQSbWB9

— AndrewOfPeace (@AndrewOfPeace) April 21, 2025

Guests are doing a double take, not at the towering attractions or otherworldly lands, but at the receipts they’re walking away with after grabbing a quick bite to eat. With some single quick-service meals hitting nearly $25, one burning question has emerged: Is Epic Universe becoming Universal’s most expensive park yet?

Let’s break down what this really means—and why this could signal a shift in theme park strategy moving forward.

Soft Openings and Soaring Prices

So far, team member previews and passholder previews at Epic Universe have gone relatively smoothly—minor hiccups aside. Some major attractions, like The Curse of the Werewolf and Starfall Racers, have seen occasional downtime, but that’s expected for any brand-new park still testing its systems.

A new breakdown of average quick-service dining costs at Epic Universe shows a noticeable uptick compared to what guests are used to paying at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure. For example:

• Toadstool Café in Super Nintendo World is currently averaging $18.42 per meal.

• Das Stakehaus, a How to Train Your Dragon-themed spot, clocks in at $18.35.

• Mead Hall, located in the land of Berk, serves dishes averaging $18.28.

Compare that to Universal Studios Florida, where a meal at Mel’s Drive-In averages around $13.06, or Islands of Adventure’s Thunder Falls Terrace, which lands at $18.85—a high-end exception rather than the rule.

A Closer Look: Epic Universe vs. the Classics

Let’s do a quick side-by-side. Across the board, Epic Universe’s average quick-service pricing is higher than its sibling parks:

• Universal Studios Florida: Many meals range from $12–$15.

• Islands of Adventure: Similar, with select venues nudging above $16.

• Epic Universe: Most quick-service spots start at $17 and climb toward $20+, with some standout dishes like Bowser’s Fireball Challenge reaching a staggering $24.99.

Even when compared to Walt Disney World’s pricing—which has long been the subject of price increase criticism—Epic Universe edges ahead in some spots. Disney’s PizzeRizzo in Hollywood Studios averages just $12.22, while Cosmic Ray’s and Flame Tree Barbecue stay between $12.73 and $14.38.

Is This the Start of a Bigger Trend?

What makes this particularly fascinating is that Universal has historically been the more budget-conscious alternative to Disney. Families often praise Universal for offering lower-cost meals and value-packed park options. But if Epic Universe is now setting the tone for future parks and upgrades, are we witnessing a changing tide?

With its lavish lands, high-end tech, and immersive storytelling, Epic Universe is clearly aiming to elevate the guest experience. But that “elevation” seems to be creeping into guests’ wallets as well. And the implications go beyond the food courts.

Will these prices become the new normal across all Universal parks? Will food budgets need to stretch even further in the coming years? Could Universal start shifting its image from “affordable Disney alternative” to “premium theme park powerhouse”?

The Bottom Line: Universal Epic Universe Is Still a Bargain With New Adventures for All

One thing is clear: Epic Universe is shaping up to be a premium theme park experience—food prices and all. And while the food may indeed be delicious (and some items sharable, according to Universal), the sticker shock is very real. For a family of four, even a simple lunch could tip over $80–$100, and that’s without drinks or desserts.

It’s too early to say whether this is a one-time bump due to opening costs or part of a long-term pricing shift. But one thing’s for sure: theme park fans heading to Epic Universe better pack their appetites—and maybe a few extra dollars.

So, will guests stomach the price increases for the sake of immersive new worlds, or will Universal be forced to recalibrate? The countdown to Epic Universe’s grand opening has begun—and so has the debate over its bold new pricing strategy.