On its opening day, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe drew massive crowds, leading to long wait times for its key attractions. The highlight, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” recorded wait times soaring up to 300 minutes, or five hours, as fans eagerly anticipated the launch of the park on May 22.
Guests, many of whom arrived as early as 3:30 a.m. to access the parking lot by 5:45 a.m., made a beeline for the Ministry of Magic attraction once the gates opened. By 9 a.m., reports indicated that the wait had peaked, though later in the day, it dropped to approximately two and a half hours. Some users on social media shared experiences of waiting over five hours without the chance to ride due to delays.
Technical difficulties are not uncommon for high-demand rides, and the Universal app reflected an “Delayed” status at times during the busy day. Despite challenges, by Friday, the wait times had improved significantly, down to about 60 minutes.
Photographs revealed significant crowds, especially in Epic’s central area, Celestial Park. In contrast to the long wait at the Ministry, other attractions such as Monsters Unchained and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness maintained relatively short wait times, fluctuating between 5 to 20 minutes during the day.
In addition to the anticipated attractions, guests were able to explore thematically rich environments, including a meticulous recreation of the Ministry of Magic lobby. This immersive experience is complemented by well-decorated queues, featuring scenes from the Harry Potter films, including Dolores Umbridge’s infamous pink office.
Epic Universe, the fourth park in Universal Orlando’s lineup, represents a highly anticipated expansion, first revealed in 2019 but delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This opening marks a significant milestone, with excitement already building for future projects, including a planned Universal resort in the U.K. set to be unveiled in April 2025.
Despite the initial wait challenges, the overall anticipation and experience of the park suggest a promising start for Epic Universe, inviting fans into a world of magic and adventure.