Universal's new theme park Epic Universe slammed for not having 'shade' or 'enough rides'

Daily Mail​

6 days ago

Universal Orlando's long-anticipated theme park has come under heavy criticism from attendees just days after opening its gates.
Epic Universe, which officially opened on 22 May, marks Universal's third full theme park and fourth gate overall at its sprawling Orlando resort.
The £4.5 billion resort boasts five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.
With its cutting-edge attractions, blockbuster themes and otherworldly design, the park has already drawn fans from across the globe - particularly gamers and movie fans.
But it's not just the rides or the entertainment that have attendees talking - it's the sun.
Visitors have taken to review platforms and social media to voice their frustration over the lack of shaded areas throughout the new park, which is located in one of the hottest and most humid regions in the U.S.
On TripAdvisor, one contributor warned fellow attendees to 'wear sunscreen' as there is 'no shade anywhere.'
Another wrote of the resort: 'It is extremely hot - no shade in the park and all the seats were scalding.'
Over on Reddit, dozens of visitors expressed similar views, as one wrote in a thread: 'My biggest criticism is the lack of shade. A lot of parks like letting people feel the heat to push beverage sales, but Epic was really rough when I went a few weeks ago.
'I remember when I was entering the HTTYD land I wanted to stay under the portal for like 20 minutes because it's one of the few areas in the park with shade from the brutal Orlando sun.'
Adding to the backlash, some parkgoers are questioning whether the $139 (£103) daily ticket price is worth it, especially given what some describe as 'limited' offerings compared to the hype.
One person wrote, 'Outrageous pricing,' while another added, 'I feel it's light on rides, despite there being 14 apparently, the harry potter area is a waste with only 1 ride and Nintendo world does nothing for me, except give me a headache.'
A third said: 'My main concern is that there isn't enough stuff to do. California Adventure opened with twice as many things including shows, walkthroughs etc. and that park was infamous for not having enough attractions.'
A fourth claimed 'some rides are not open at all' and 'some shut down multiple times a day for an extended period of time,' while another alleged there are 'not enough rides and the rides they do have are not good enough.'
Another frustrated attendee added: 'I may not be the majority but I don't think it's worth the money at all! The lines were horrendous…some a 3 hour wait. Which I know it's brand new but when you only have 2-3 rides a park then how will this improve?
'Also when I went half the rides were delayed or broken. So when you only have 10 rides the whole park then the wait times are ridiculous. I hope this improves and they work out the kinks.'
Despite the criticism, many visitors claimed to have enjoyed their time at the park, as one wrote: 'The character actors and rides are truly unique. I am excited to go back and see how this park develops.
'I feel like complaints about down time are kind of out of hand. There are so so many things to do in the park, even with rides down I didn't have a lack of new things to try.'
Another said: 'Its the most majestic park I have ever been to albeit some negatives as mentioned by other users (lack of shade, some technical issues) but genuinely the atmosphere is perfect.'