A major change is seemingly coming to Universal’s Epic Universe…and not everyone is happy about it.
Epic Universe
While Universal Orlando’s latest theme park has been acclaimed by both fans and critics since it opened last year, like anything else, it hasn’t been perfect. From issues as serious as a tragic on-ride death to more mundane theme park problems like weather and maintenance-related closures and a lack of shaded areas, Epic Universe has run into its fair share of issues. Now, a new technology policy is an issue.
Earlier this spring, Universal confirmed that its somewhat controversial Photo Validation system will be expanding to Epic Universe and its entrance portals.
The Portal to Dark Universe
Photo Validation at Universal is a system that scans your face upon park entry or at the lockers, and it’s used to confirm that you are the ticket holder. It eliminates the need for carrying a physical ticket or having to log in digitally. Now, when we say that Photo Validation is coming to Epic Universe, we aren’t just talking about the main entrance to the park (although that will be one spot). Instead, Universal stated that this new system will be used at each of the four portals.
Stardust Racers
Which brings up the question: Why do we need Photo Validation to enter portals when you don’t need a ticket to enter the portals? Well, Universal wrote on their website, “To keep your passage easy, you can use Photo Validation for Effortless Entry whenever Virtual Line return times are being used.” This could indicate that Universal is possibly expecting a spike in attendance that could require Virtual Lines to keep the portals and lands at a good crowd level.
Portal Entrance to Super Nintendo World
Or Universal may begin experimenting with the concept of opening Celestial Park to non-ticketed guests at a certain time of day, while the portals remain exclusive to ticket-holders. This system has been rumored for the park since it was under construction, and was tested with convention crowds in late May of 2025. It remains to be seen whether Universal expands this “open hub” concept.
Luna lights up the night in Celestial Park
Whatever the reason for introducing Photo Validation to Epic Universe, the potential privacy issues involved rub some guests the wrong way. Universal addresses some of these issues on its website, writing:
- This process is completely optional, and guests can choose to opt out if they’d like. Guests may opt out at the park entrance, Guest Services, or in Universal Express lines at select attractions during the technical rehearsal period before, during or after enrollment. If opting out, adult Guests will be instructed to present a valid photo ID, as well as their tickets and Universal Express Passes.
- Photos and Photo Templates will be securely stored for no longer than six months after the expiration of the associated ticket or admission product. This is consistent with our legacy finger scan biometric process that was in place for many years.
- Once a guest opts out of Photo Validation, any photos or Photo Templates created/stored are deleted.
Wizarding Paris
Universal is introducing the controversial Photo Verification system to Epic Universe, and not everyone is happy about it. Stay tuned to DFB, as we’ll be keeping a close eye on everything Universe is planning to bring to Epic Universe.
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I kind of like the idea if they are going to use it to allow Celestial park to be like Citywalk where you can walk around and not need a ticket to enter – would be a neat way to see it.