As the excitement builds around Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park, some guests are already voicing strong concerns—not about the attractions themselves, but about what happens before you even get on the ride.
A recent post from theme park guest and entertainment podcaster Nick Hutson has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), stirring up debate about Universal’s evolving locker policy and security protocols. His criticism? That the process has become unnecessarily strict, disorganized, and disruptive—especially at the new park, Epic Universe.
“As much as I love @UniversalORL – their locker policy needs to change,” Hutson wrote. “Being YELLED at by staff members that they’re ‘Stricter than the TSA’ was not the vibe. What does one do with their medication if EVERYTHING has to go in the locker? Being made to take my watch off?!”
As much as I love @UniversalORL – their locker policy needs to change. Being YELLED at by staff members that they’re “Stricter than the TSA” was not the vibe.
What does one do with their medication if EVERYTHING has to go in the locker?
Being made to take my watch off?!
— Nick Hutson (@NickHutsonMusic) September 16, 2025
While Hutson didn’t specify which ride prompted the interaction, many online believe it was likely Stardust Racers, one of Epic Universe’s headline coasters. The attraction reportedly uses a strict no-loose-items policy, requiring guests to pass through a metal detector before boarding—meaning every item, including watches and medical necessities, must be stowed in a locker. And here’s where things get more complicated.
Facial Recognition Lockers: High-Tech, Low Efficiency?
Universal has rolled out a new facial recognition locker system at Epic Universe, presumably to streamline access and minimize the need for physical locker keys or ticket scans. In theory, it’s a modern solution to a long-standing theme park inconvenience.
“At EU, only having one camera scanner for however many lockers in a bay is ridiculous,” Hutson wrote in a follow-up reply. “I appreciate the tech… but it doesn’t speed the process up. By the time you’ve done all this—you’ve missed your ride photo!”
Missing your on-ride photo might seem minor, but in a park experience built around seamless thrills and memories, it adds up. Many parkgoers echoed Hutson’s sentiments, with some calling the locker bottlenecks “insane” and others claiming the staff handling the locker areas “had attitudes” or were unhelpful.
One user commented, “Agreed. Met some awful staff members at Universal yesterday, insane attitudes.” Another chimed in, “The camera system at EU has bigger lockers, but it’s still frustrating compared to other parks. Gringotts lockers are a nightmare, and it’s even worse now.”
Universal’s Locker Policy: Why It’s There
Universal’s locker policy isn’t new. The same strict no-items rules apply at The Incredible Hulk Coaster and VelociCoaster, where items are banned from the ride to prevent them from falling onto paths or hitting people below. It’s a matter of safety—and liability.
But that doesn’t mean the policy is perfect, especially when it interferes with guest convenience or becomes a barrier to accessibility.
Guests have pointed out that other international parks, like Germany’s Europa-Park or even Disney parks, handle loose items differently—either allowing guests to take small bags on rides or implementing platform lockers with a much quicker flow.
As Hutson put it: “Take note from Europa-Park or Disney and just allow bags on the ride or have double-sided lockers on the platform.”
Universal Responds
To their credit, Universal Orlando’s official account responded to Hutson’s complaints directly. “Hi Nick, it’s never our intention to cause any sort of frustration, and we’re concerned to hear about your experience. Can you please send us a DM with more information about this, so we can properly document your feedback? Thank you.”
Still, the public nature of Hutson’s post has sparked a broader conversation about whether high-tech security systems and rigid safety measures are beginning to erode some of the magic that makes visiting a theme park enjoyable.
A Pattern of Over-Policing?
This isn’t the first time Universal’s security policies have drawn criticism. From overly aggressive bag checks to inconsistent enforcement of rules about filming and mobile phones, some guests have suggested that the company’s efforts to protect itself legally are starting to feel a little overbearing.
It’s a delicate balance. Theme parks must prioritize safety—and there’s no doubt that Universal, which operates some of the most intense coasters in Orlando, has plenty of reason to be cautious. But when safety starts to feel like surveillance, or when security measures delay or detract from the actual experience, it may be time for the company to reevaluate its approach.
As Epic Universe gears up for its grand opening, feedback like Hutson’s may offer valuable insight. Universal has clearly invested heavily in technology designed to enhance guest experience—facial recognition lockers, high-speed coasters, immersive queues—but it seems the execution still needs some fine-tuning.
What Can Be Done?
Some simple solutions have already been proposed by the theme park fan community:
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Add more camera scanners at each locker bay to reduce bottlenecks.
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Provide exception options for guests with medical needs or urgent items.
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Reevaluate staff training to ensure rules are enforced respectfully.
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Offer platform lockers that guests can access immediately before boarding and after riding.
None of these ideas are revolutionary—but they could make a world of difference for guests who just want to enjoy a smooth, stress-free day in the park.
For now, guests visiting Epic Universe should be prepared for longer pre-ride procedures, especially at headline attractions like Stardust Racers. Leave your watch and loose items behind—or at least be ready to part with them temporarily—and don’t count on grabbing your ride photo right away.
Whether Universal takes this feedback to heart remains to be seen. But as the resort moves into its most ambitious expansion yet, striking the right balance between technology, safety, and guest satisfaction will be more important than ever.
