This week, Universal Orlando Resort officially opened its highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, and visitors were excited to explore the cutting-edge attractions and immersive themed lands. However, much to the surprise of many, several guests have reported much lighter crowds than expected, with one visitor even sharing that they were refunded for their Express Pass.
The guest posted, “It’s actually so dead at Epic I got my express pass refunded! This is amazing.” Express Passes are typically in high demand, particularly during peak times, and are designed to allow guests to skip long lines for popular attractions. But at Epic Universe, the fewer crowds seemed to render these premium passes unnecessary, leading to some surprising refunds and an unexpectedly relaxed park experience.
It’s actually so dead at epic I got my express pass refunded! This is amazing
— Haunt Girl Nikki *first official guest of Epic✨ (@HauntGirlNikki) May 23, 2025
Refunds at Disney?
While many visitors anticipated heavy crowds during the opening week of the park, Epic Universe seems to have exceeded expectations in terms of crowd control. Some fans who arrived hoping to skip lines found themselves walking straight onto rides, with minimal wait times for even the most popular attractions.
Several factors could be influencing the lighter-than-expected attendance at the new park. The timing of Epic Universe’s opening—outside of peak vacation seasons—could be playing a role in the reduced turnout. The ongoing challenges facing the travel and tourism industry, as well as shifting visitor habits, may also be contributing to the smaller crowds. Additionally, some guests have speculated that the ongoing popularity of Universal’s other attractions may have deterred visitors from flocking to the new park immediately.
Despite the surprise of lower attendance, the opening week of Epic Universe has largely been considered a success. Fans have been able to explore the new park’s innovative rides and immersive environments without the usual stress of overcrowding. The park’s debut, paired with the surprising lack of congestion, is creating a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the new attractions in a more relaxed atmosphere.
What’s Next for Epic Universe?
While it remains to be seen whether the current crowd levels are a temporary anomaly or a long-term trend, it’s clear that Universal Orlando Resort will be keeping a close eye on attendance numbers in the coming months. The lower-than-expected turnout could have significant implications for future crowd management strategies, especially as word spreads about the park’s spacious feel and shorter wait times.
For now, guests are taking full advantage of the lighter crowds, enjoying the rare opportunity to visit a newly opened theme park without the usual hectic lines. With more guests planning to visit in the future, all eyes will be on whether Epic Universe can maintain its early success and whether the crowds will follow as the excitement surrounding the park grows.
