Guests Outraged After $210 Upcharge Bill at Epic Universe—Universal Responds Swiftly

Imagine wrapping up a magical day at a theme park, only to return to your car and discover you’ve racked up a bill higher than your hotel stay—just from charging your vehicle. That’s exactly what happened to some visitors at Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe property, and the backlash was immediate.

With guests stunned by electric vehicle (EV) charging costs reaching $3.00 per kilowatt-hour, some were hit with unexpected fees topping $210 for a single charge. The shocking sticker price ignited online outrage, but Universal’s next move took many by surprise. So what changed—and why does it matter more than you think?

Universal Epic Universe: Charging Guests More Than a Day in the Parks?

As Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s ambitious new resort and theme park, begins to roll out its offerings ahead of its grand opening, sustainability has played a key role. With EV ownership on the rise, the inclusion of EV charging stations seemed like a progressive step—until guests noticed the sky-high rates.

Checked out the new EV chargers at Epic Universe and saw they were $3.00 per kWh to charge. After a bunch of complaints, Universal dropped it to $0 plus a small fee. It’s better now, but I wonder how many people got hit with that wild price before the fix.

– @RivianTrackr on X

Checked out the new EV chargers at Epic Universe and saw they were $3.00 per kWh to charge. After a bunch of complaints, Universal dropped it to $0 plus a small fee. It’s better now, but I wonder how many people got hit with that wild price before the fix.

Read more:… pic.twitter.com/Jafudlu7zo

— RivianTrackr (@RivianTrackr) May 23, 2025

At $3.00 per kWh, Epic Universe’s initial charging fees were more than six times higher than most public stations in Florida. The typical cost to fully charge an EV in the U.S. hovers between $10 to $25. At Universal’s rate, guests were being billed more than $200, which many found both alarming and excessive.

Social media posts quickly exposed the pricing, with some users sharing photos of their receipts and charging summaries. The public response was fast and fierce—prompting Universal to quietly roll back the fee.

Universal’s Quiet Course Correction

Rather than issuing a public statement, Universal removed the $3.00 per kWh rate without fanfare. In its place, the chargers now operate under a significantly reduced flat fee or even free access, depending on the charger location.

While no official announcement was made, visitors noticed the change almost immediately. According to recent reports from guests, EV charging at Epic Universe is now either complimentary with a minor connection or parking fee, or bundled as part of resort services—drastically lowering the cost to around $5–$10 per session.

Though subtle, the decision speaks volumes about Universal’s current approach to customer feedback and value-driven guest experience.

Why This Matters for Guests—and for Universal

Theme park vacations aren’t cheap—and today’s visitors are scrutinizing every dollar. By reversing the controversial pricing structure, Universal has signaled a strategic commitment to ensuring that convenience doesn’t come at an unreasonable cost.

This move also aligns with growing expectations around sustainable travel. EV-driving guests are typically already investing in eco-conscious transportation; penalizing them with inflated fees could damage a brand’s image and loyalty. Universal’s decision to correct this quickly shows a willingness to adapt and prioritize long-term goodwill over short-term profit.

Setting a New Standard for Theme Park Infrastructure?

As Universal prepares for Epic Universe’s full debut in 2025, this EV pricing pivot could hint at broader efforts to modernize and improve infrastructure across the resort. More than just a theme park, Epic Universe is positioning itself as a state-of-the-art destination—one where the guest experience extends far beyond the rides.

With electric vehicle use projected to continue growing, major resort destinations are under pressure to support this shift without exploiting it. By making EV charging accessible and fairly priced, Universal sets a competitive benchmark that others—yes, even Disney—may feel compelled to follow.

Final Thoughts: Guest Experience Comes First at Universal Epic Universe

What started as an overlooked fee structure turned into a brand opportunity for Universal to showcase its responsiveness. In an industry where customer satisfaction drives loyalty, this quiet policy reversal may prove to be more impactful than any new attraction.

Universal’s shift isn’t just about EV chargers—it’s about the bigger promise they’re making to their future guests: we want you to come back. And that starts by listening.