A family returning to their car after a thrilling day at Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park expected the usual post-park exhaustion—maybe even a bit of sunburn. What they didn’t expect was a jaw-dropping EV charging bill that rivaled the cost of their park tickets. Some guests reported being charged over $210 just to power up their electric vehicle.
The outrage didn’t take long to surface online. But what Universal did next? That’s where things get interesting.
From Helpful Amenity to Hidden Expense
Universal’s addition of EV charging stations at Epic Universe was initially praised as a forward-thinking move—one in step with the rising number of electric vehicle owners visiting the parks. However, that applause quickly turned to frustration when guests discovered the $3.00 per kilowatt-hour rate, far above Florida’s average and even steeper than most national charging networks.
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.
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.
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— RivianTrackr (@RivianTrackr) May 23, 2025
For some travelers, that meant facing triple-digit bills for what should have been a standard overnight charge—leaving many to ask: Was this eco-friendly convenience worth the cost?
The frustration hit forums, social media, and even EV enthusiast groups, calling Universal’s pricing “out of touch” and “exploitive.”
Universal Responds Without Saying a Word
Rather than releasing a public statement or offering refunds, Universal did something more subtle: it dropped the pricing model altogether. Guests began reporting in mid-May that the steep per-kWh fee had quietly disappeared. In its place? A far more reasonable system—either free charging access with a small service or parking fee, or modest flat rates.
The shift didn’t come with a press release or grand announcement, but word quickly spread among visitors and EV communities.
The timing suggests that Universal took note of guest sentiment and moved swiftly behind the scenes to address it—an approach that’s starting to define the company’s guest-first mindset heading into the launch of its most ambitious park yet.
What This Means for Epic Universe—and for Guests
This pricing change isn’t just about charging cars—it’s about charging ahead with better guest experiences.
In the post-pandemic era, travelers are more value-conscious than ever. Vacation costs are climbing, and when visitors feel they’re being nickel-and-dimed for essential services, it can quickly sour the experience. Universal’s decision to reverse the EV fee appears to be a calculated effort to avoid exactly that.
It also speaks to a broader understanding of guest expectations. Electric vehicle owners often choose their destinations based on convenience and cost of charging. Pricing them out doesn’t just lose a few dollars—it could drive them toward other resorts entirely.
A Sign of What’s to Come?
Epic Universe is set to change the game in 2025, boasting new lands, cutting-edge technology, and immersive experiences. If Universal hopes to deliver on its promise of a next-generation resort, every detail matters—including how guests power their vehicles.
This quiet shift suggests that Universal is paying attention to the little things—the kinds of decisions that don’t make headlines but make a big difference in guest loyalty and satisfaction.
With Disney and other theme park giants watching closely, Universal’s move could set the tone for more equitable, guest-friendly infrastructure changes industry-wide.
Final Thought: A Win for Sustainability and Service for Universal’s Epic Universe
While Universal never officially acknowledged the change, the message is clear: the resort is listening. Guests spoke out, and instead of pushing back, Universal pivoted.
It’s a small win that could have a big impact—not just for EV drivers, but for all guests who hope to see more value, more fairness, and more thoughtful planning as the theme park industry evolves.
And for Epic Universe? The road to opening day just got a little smoother—one quiet decision at a time.
