Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, has quickly become a magnet for attention. The sprawling property, which debuted earlier this year, is packed with elaborate lands and blockbuster rides, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Central Florida’s theme park landscape. Yet amid the excitement, the park has faced a string of unsettling incidents that have left guests rattled.
The latest unfolded in Dark Universe, a gothic-inspired area themed around Universal’s classic monsters. Just before closing on October 14, multiple guests reported witnessing a medical emergency near the attraction Curse of the Werewolf. Team members were seen rushing to clear pathways as medics converged on the scene.
“My friend and I went on Curse of the Werewolf right before the park closed tonight, and they were frantically trying to escort us out to the portal,” one guest shared on Reddit. “When I was wondering why, we saw a man on the ground being resuscitated. One of the scariest things I’ve ever witnessed.”
Another parkgoer recalled a rush of medical staff arriving with CPR equipment. “I asked a lady watching if the man was okay but apparently he wasn’t breathing and he was also there alone,” they explained (via Reddit). “I didn’t want to crowd the area more than it already was so I went to the tavern but by the bathrooms on the way a mess of security and employees came screaming at everybody to leave towards the back of Dark Universe.”
Guests noted that Universal employees were insistent that the area remain clear, with some using flashlights to direct traffic. “I hope that man is okay, but the way they were acting made it seem like they needed us out fast and that makes me super worried about that man,” another wrote. Others reported being escorted out through employee-only exits because medical personnel had blocked off the main path.
Heat and Health in the Parks
In the wake of the episode, fans reignited a familiar debate about conditions at Florida’s theme parks. Epic Universe, like its competitors, has faced ongoing criticism for a lack of shaded areas and limited places to sit and cool down — an issue that can amplify dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
“These parks do NOT have enough shade and they do NOT have enough places for guests to sit and relax — they’re nothing but concrete cattle shoots,” one user vented online. “Makes it all the more galling when they post those promo videos talking about all the CARE and PLANNING that go into making the parks such a magical experience….for the shareholders who demand maximum turnover each day.”
Another added, “I got dehydrated my last trip and it can sneak up on you so fast. After my first ride I felt a little off, but Forbidden Journey was a walk on so I figured I’d just do it real quick before getting something. Huge mistake… Basically spent the rest of that day recovering and hobbling around instead of doing more rides.”
A Troubled Start for Universal’s Boldest Project
The medical scare comes less than a month after a fatality on Epic Universe’s headline roller coaster, Stardust Racers. On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after the ride concluded. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
His family’s attorney, Benjamin Crump, later alleged that other injured riders have come forward, even as Universal reopened the attraction with restrictions for guests using mobility devices. Zavala, who had a pre-existing spinal condition and used a wheelchair, was required to transfer independently onto the ride. Crump maintains that his disability did not cause his death.
Despite these incidents, Epic Universe remains the centerpiece of Universal’s expansion strategy. The park boasts multiple immersive lands — Celestial Park, Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
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