The Country’s First Major Theme Park in 24 Years Nears Opening
Comcast’s new Epic Universe theme park is set to open officially on May 22. Initially, the park relied on positive reviews from on-site hotel guests and annual passholders, with preview access before the public opening. During these preliminary visits, the park managed moderate crowds, minimal operational issues with rides, and favorable weather.
Recently, however, challenges have emerged. Universal Orlando temporarily halted public posting on its annual passholders page on April 27, just before announcing preview ticket sales to the general public. Since then, the park has faced increased crowd levels, frequent ride downtime, and adverse weather conditions. These factors have stressed the park’s operations significantly, highlighting areas needing improvement before the grand opening.
Key Issues to Address
- Virtual Line System Challenges
Epic Universe’s attractions include exciting features like rides, live shows, and interactive experiences. Notably, the Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic ride faces operational difficulties, primarily due to its virtual line system. Unlike Disney World’s past virtual queue system, which limited rides to once per guest, Epic Universe’s implementation has no such restriction, leading to a low chance of guests securing a spot. The ride’s closure for a week suggests efforts are underway to address these issues before the opening.
- Food Service Adjustments
The park is praised for its culinary offerings, yet some aspects need refinement. Increasing wait times and a highly curated menu may pose challenges, particularly for selective eaters. As of late April, limitations in customizing mobile orders complicate the dining experience, requiring attention for improvement.
- App Functionality Improvements
Enhancements to the smartphone app could enhance the guest experience. Currently, users face issues with the Virtual Line system, limited mobile ordering customization, and the need for more accessible ride wait times. Addressing these application shortcomings is crucial for the park’s operational success.
- Accessibility Concerns
Epic Universe features numerous stairways, posing challenges for guests with mobility issues, despite the availability of elevators. With the expected increase in visitor numbers, ensuring accessible and efficient park navigation remains a priority.
- Heat Management
The park’s layout results in prolonged exposure to the sun, notably in April’s already warm conditions. Enhancing shade options and managing the heat will be essential as summer approaches to ensure guest comfort.
- Weather Preparedness
Frequent weather-related delays, such as the one on April 28, underscore the need for better weatherproofing of attractions. Anticipating Florida’s typical stormy weather during peak travel season is vital for uninterrupted operations.
- Capacity Expansion
Currently featuring 11 rides, the park aims to expand its capacity to accommodate more visitors without compromising satisfaction. Increasing all-weather, high-capacity attractions and addressing the current Harry Potter portal’s constraints could achieve this goal.
Epic Universe is poised to be a significant draw for theme park enthusiasts and Comcast investors. While there are several areas needing attention before the official opening, the potential for future success remains promising.
