Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Epic Universe, faced a 5-hour wait on its opening day due to technical issues with its biggest attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Fans lined up as early as 3:30 a.m., but several reported waiting “5.5 hours” without getting to ride. The Universal app showed a delayed status at one point, prompting guests to consider exiting or opting for an Express pass, which itself had a two-hour wait.
In contrast, other thrill rides like Monsters Unchained and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness saw lines of only 5-20 minutes throughout the day. Battle at the Ministry’s long wait time was not unexpected, given its complex design and previous technical issues. The Wizarding World was consistently crowded, with fans eager to explore the themed areas, including the magical streets of Paris and a full-scale recreation of the Ministry of Magic lobby.
Despite the technical hiccups, Epic Universe has shown promise in other areas, such as the surprise hit Isle of Berk and the highly-acclaimed Stardust Racers. The park’s opening on May 22 was initially announced in October 2024, following significant delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A new Universal resort is set to open in the U.K. in April 2025, marking a growing global presence for the theme park chain.
Source: https://people.com/universal-epic-universe-harry-potter-ride-5-hour-line-wait-time-opening-day-battle-at-the-ministry-may-22-11740954