One widespread query we’re listening to from readers planning journeys to Common Orlando is whether or not they need to purchase for Specific Move at Epic Universe? This submit weighs the professionals & cons, why line-skipping might be advantageous, different splurges to Specific Move, and our personal inner ‘debate’ about whether or not to buy the expensive add-on.
Whereas we’ve been getting this for some time, it’s been additional prompted by our latest article discussing Why You Ought to Skip Epic Universe, or slightly, why you would possibly wish to wait to go to Epic Universe till this vacation season, winter or someday in 2026. That lays out a number of explanation why some individuals ought to postpone a go to, nevertheless it actually isn’t suggesting everybody waits out the problems (removed from it).
Two of the largest causes recognized mainly revolve round unpredictability. This comes into play with crowds, which principally have been manageable and are anticipated to stay that manner all through a lot of the summer time season resulting from a combination of low attendance caps and smooth demand. It additionally pertains to journey reliability and breakdowns, as a number of points of interest have had prolonged downtime each day at Epic Universe. These are interconnected points that additionally relate to Specific Move–this submit will recreation out why that’s the case and the way it may influence you.
Earlier than we get to all that, let’s begin with the fundamentals. Specific Move permits friends to skip the common standby line for precedence entry to pick out points of interest (a lot of the highest wait time points of interest). You merely go as much as the attraction, scan your move, and use your Specific Move entitlement. Specific Move is a very “dumb” (non-derogatory) line-skipping system, and by that I imply there’s nothing to order or problem with in an app.
Specific Move entails zero display time or expertise from a guest-facing perspective. It’s largely stress-free, extra like Lightning Lane Premier Move than it’s Lightning Lane Multi-Move at Walt Disney World. Apart from that, Specific Move is functionally much like the line-skipping techniques at Disney. Which is to say that it’s not a real “entrance of the road” move, however slightly, a diminished wait or precedence entry move.
Wait instances can differ broadly with Specific Move, which might be doubly true for Epic Universe. Typically, you’ll stroll proper onto a journey. Different instances, you would wait 30+ minutes. That’s some extent we’ll underscore later–we’re getting forward of ourselves. The underside line, although, is that for those who’re accustomed to Walt Disney World’s line-skipping, this is kind of the identical–however with the next worth and fewer friction than the mainstream choices.
To that time, common Specific Move costs prime out at $329.99 for Epic Universe, with the beginning worth being $139.99. In perusing the calendar, the present common is round $250 per particular person for summer time. Costs could be decrease or larger than that, with extra distant dates–together with most of September by means of December 2025, minus vacation weeks and college breaks, costing beneath $200. Not less than, for now.
One factor value noting is that Common makes use of dynamic pricing for Specific Move, that means that the costs can go up or down as dictated by demand. From what I recollect, costs have gone up significantly since we added Specific Move to our tickets. Our dates are now not out there, so I’m not 100% certain of that, nevertheless it seems as if costs are a lot larger–by $100 per day, in some instances. Not an enormous shock for the opening summer time season given FOMO and pleasure, however value stating that purchasing earlier is probably going higher than ready–not less than till the hype dies down.
These costs are all for the single-use model of Specific Move. That’s the one line-skipping product out there for Epic Universe; Limitless Specific Move isn’t presently being offered, and possibly received’t be for some time. No model of Specific Move for Epic Universe is included in lodge stays (extra on all of this in direction of the top).
Epic Universe options 5 themed lands: Darkish Universe (Basic Common Monsters), Easy methods to Prepare Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, and Celestial Park.
The final two of these lands are open for Early Park Admission, which supplies on-site friends and others a head begin on beating the crowds. We extremely advocate consulting our Early Park Admission at Epic Universe Technique Information: Beating Crowds in Tremendous Nintendo World along with this submit, as a result of it doesn’t matter what you resolve to do about Specific Move, you’re nonetheless going to wish a technique for Tremendous Nintendo World.
Epic Universe options 11 rides and two main reveals, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra. Of these, listed below are the points of interest eligible for Specific Move at Epic Universe:
- Constellation Carousel
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Fyre Drill
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
- Le Cirque Arcanus
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- The Untrainable Dragon
- Yoshi’s Journey
There are three rides in Epic Universe that don’t provide Specific Move. The primary two of those are Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity in Tremendous Nintendo World (therefore the necessity for Early Park Admission technique) and Dragon Racer’s Rally in Easy methods to Prepare Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. (The technique we advocate for Dragon Racer’s Rally is skipping it.) These two exclusions are nearly actually resulting from capability, as each have exceedingly low hourly throughput. Including Specific Move would exacerbate standby waits to an unsustainable diploma.
The ultimate exclusion is Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Our expectation is that this can have Specific Move sometime, however doesn’t presently as a result of the attraction has important reliability woes and prolonged downtime. When it does function, it does so at considerably diminished capability.
As such, it’s presently utilizing a digital queue and is difficult to entry. An important Epic Universe planning submit you may learn is our VL information: Easy methods to Be a part of the Digital Line for Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry.
Should you’re a Walt Disney World fan debating whether or not to buy Specific Move at Epic Universe, I’d advocate considering of the park like Disney’s Hollywood Studios–however with a pair extra rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This isn’t an ideal comparability, nevertheless it’s the closest approximation and one which places you in the proper mindset to evaluating whether or not or to not purchase.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is essentially the most disagreeable park at Walt Disney World throughout busy weeks because it has such a top-heavy journey roster and there’s an inadequate supporting lineup to assist take up crowds. (See Disney’s Hollywood Studios: WDW’s Greatest Rides & Most Irritating Park from across the time Rise of the Resistance opened.) These points are exacerbated when a number of rides break down, ballooning wait instances in all places else.
It’s going to be an identical story at Epic Universe, however amplified. Epic Universe has had some nice days and actually tough ones so far. We’ve solely skilled the great ones, fortunately, however have talked to associates who’ve been there for the dangerous ones (and have noticed from afar through the Common Orlando app).
A number of headliners happening has a cascading impact, inflicting congestion in all places else, and spiking the wait instances of the rides which are open. And this has occurred throughout days when attendance is closely capped. When rides come again on-line, the backlog of Specific Move means sky-high standby wait instances. There have been cases of most points of interest having <30 minute waits, however one which returned from prolonged downtime posted triple-digit waits for the rest of the day with the intention to prioritize the backlog of Specific Move friends.
This similar factor occurs with Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World, so that you’re in all probability accustomed to it. In any case, for this reason it’s not possible to say how lengthy the Specific Move waits might be at Epic Universe. Should you’re doing a journey that has simply returned from 4 hours of downtime, it could possibly be a forty five minute wait through Specific Move, even with a 99:1 pull ratio, just by advantage of that backlog. However the friends in standby could be ready 240 minutes!
Suffice to say, you’re not going to wish to be in Epic Universe the primary time there’s an operational meltdown with the park working at or nearer full capability. It’s going to be a nightmare. There might be horror tales of friends solely getting a few rides performed all day lengthy, and getting dumped from a number of queues resulting from breakdowns.
This brings us to the principle purpose to purchase Specific Move at Epic Universe: insurance coverage.
Specific Move is mainly a hedge in opposition to having a kind of days. It’s not a assure, nevertheless it’s as shut as you’re going to get to 1 for these 10 points of interest. The explanation it’s not a assure, on the threat of stating the apparent, is as a result of the journey nonetheless must be operational with the intention to redeem the Specific Move. And there have been some days when points of interest have damaged down in the previous few hours of the night and that was it–they have been performed for the day. However that’s a problem that’s downstream of all this.
Should you solely have sooner or later to do Epic Universe, Specific Move is an efficient insurance coverage coverage in opposition to a kind of operational meltdowns. With solely sooner or later to spend within the park, Specific Move is a security internet that buys you not simply shorter wait instances–however peace of thoughts.
Like the most effective insurance policy, hopefully you received’t want Specific Move.
That is to say that hopefully the day you go to might be one of many nice operational days. Journey breakdowns might be minimal and points of interest might be working effectively, to the purpose that almost all wait instances–besides the rides that exclude Specific Move, mockingly–might be pretty low. You would possibly even be inclined to have purchaser’s regret, considering you “wasted” cash on Specific Move. I point out this as a result of it’ll undoubtedly occur for some planners who splurge on the service.
Simply keep in mind that it was unknowable upfront whether or not you’d have an operationally superior or terrible one. On stability, you might be significantly better off not having wanted that insurance coverage and feeling prefer it was a waste of cash.
There are a few options to Specific Move at Epic Universe.
The primary of those are pretty self-evident to diehard Walt Disney World planners. Benefit from Early Park Admission (don’t be discouraged by heavier than anticipated crowds throughout this) adopted by rope drop and savvy technique. Keep late, wait out the gang, and soar into high-priority traces on the finish of the night time. You in all probability know the drill.
The opposite different is doing 2 days at Epic Universe versus a single day with Specific Move. The associated fee is sort of actually going to be decrease for getting a second 1-day ticket versus buying Specific Move. Heck, you would possibly even come out forward shopping for 2 further tickets versus sooner or later of Specific Move!
That is likewise an insurance coverage coverage. As soon as once more, it doesn’t assure a superb day, nevertheless it will increase your odds of 1. The probabilities of two days of operational meltdowns are lots decrease than sooner or later. And possibly you’ll luck into two nice days!
Since Specific Move is costlier than a second day in Epic Universe, that is an age outdated time vs. cash dilemma. Which is extra expensive or invaluable to you: your time or cash? Clearly, that’s circumstantial, so I can’t provide you with a definitive reply.
I do plan on making the ‘argument’ for doing 2 days at Epic Universe very quickly, as I believe there’s a persuasive case to be made past insurance coverage; what I’ll say now’s that Epic Universe undoubtedly isn’t a 2-day park within the conventional sense of the time period. I’d additionally add that doubling your makes an attempt at EPA and VL is savvy.
I can share what we’ve got performed and are doing, as we’ve been confronted with this dilemma twice already, making two completely different choices.
For my solo visits now and sooner or later, I’ve opted in opposition to buying Specific Move and as a substitute doing extra days. Past these being “analysis journeys” that profit extra days and being ‘pressured’ to make use of standby traces, I’d personally choose extra time in Epic Universe from an expertise enjoyment perspective. I can’t get sufficient of the park and can at all times select extra days versus effectivity. If I can’t expertise one thing, oh effectively, I’ll be again.
So far, my strategy has been vindicated. I’ve had nothing however nice days in Epic Universe, and achieved considerably extra throughout a number of days than I might’ve throughout sooner or later with Specific Move. Not simply by a slim margin, however by orders of magnitude. With the advantage of hindsight, it was the proper name. But it surely was of venture.
For our first household journey, including on days was not doable resulting from Common’s trip bundle and ticketing insurance policies. So we added Specific Move. Truthfully, even when the bundle would’ve allowed us to do a number of days in Epic Universe, we in all probability wouldn’t have chosen that choice. The park has little or no to supply our toddler, so effectivity is the secret.
Furthermore, I’m undecided when Sarah may have an opportunity to revisit Epic Universe, making the insurance coverage extra invaluable. Realistically, there’s an opportunity she received’t be again till our daughter is of a extra applicable age, or we’ve got a winter go to with further days to burn. (Even then, if it’s a alternative between Epic Universe or “extra Disney,” I’m about 95% assured Sarah will select the latter.)
Though a combination of Single Rider and Baby Swap would’ve sufficed, however taking the whole lot into consideration, a single day ticket with line-skipping was the simple reply for us. There are simply too many operational wildcards with Epic Universe, and that’s powerful for folks with younger youngsters. (And by mother and father, plural, I actually imply tough for dad if mother occurs to be the one caught in a protracted line.)
I might hazard a guess that most individuals studying this are extra aligned with our circumstances as a household versus mine as a solo blogger doing analysis. Regardless, it comes right down to your threat tolerance and the place you come down within the time vs. cash stability.
It’s additionally value emphasizing that there’s one other low-cost choice: most rides at Epic Universe provide Single Rider traces. And never solely that, however with the park skewing in direction of vacationers throughout its opening season(s) resulting from a scarcity of native Annual Passholders, these Single Rider traces could be the last word intersection of time and price effectivity.
That’s hopefully sufficient to weigh and decide whether or not to buy Specific Move at Epic Universe. Nevertheless, I additionally needed to briefly contact on the inns, as that is at all times a scorching matter in terms of Common Orlando and Specific Move…
In relation to each the paid and lodge variations of Specific Move, there are a few issues to notice. First, Common Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t provide Limitless Specific Move. This implies friends staying at Helios Grand solely have entry to Early Park Admission, not line skipping at any of the three theme parks.
Second, Epic Universe doesn’t provide Limitless Specific Move, interval. You can not buy it and it’s not out there through stays at any of the Premier Motels. Whereas we ultimately anticipate Epic Universe to promote Limitless Specific Move, that day in all probability received’t come till 2026 or later.
We by no means anticipate Epic Universe to supply “free” Limitless Specific Move with lodge stays. I’ve seen some feedback from followers suggesting they’ll wait to do Epic Universe till that’s out there. Through which case, they’ll by no means go to.
The explanation for each this and Helios Grand not providing Limitless Specific Move is contractual. The present Limitless Specific Move lodge perk is a part of a deal Common Orlando inked with Loews to entice them to be the hotelier on the resort complicated. That deal doesn’t prolong to future parks or resorts (e.g. Epic Universe and Helios Grand), and Loews now not has the leverage to extract such a dedication out of Common Orlando.
Outdoors of Helios Grand, Limitless Specific Move is on the market on the Common Orlando’s top-tier Premier Motels.
Friends who keep at Royal Pacific, Arduous Rock Lodge, and Portofino Bay all obtain Limitless Specific Move included with their keep at no extra cost (together with check-in and checkout days).
We hesitate to name Limitless Specific Move that comes with lodge stays “free” because it’s arguably priced into the nightly fee. Nevertheless, we’ve had some stays that actually price lower than Specific Move would’ve when paying out of pocket, so maybe free is apt!
As a basic matter, all three of those inns are good and on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts. In case your funds permits for it, we’d advocate contemplating one in all Common’s Premier Motels in order for you the Limitless Specific Move perk or a superb location close to the legacy parks or a cool luxury-caliber themed resort. Should you’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is worthy of your consideration.
See our evaluations for photographs, video, and complete ideas:
Nevertheless, if the query is whether or not it’s best to splurge on one in all these inns or paid Specific Move at Epic Universe, I’m selecting the latter, for sure. There are just a few causes for this…
First, charges for these inns have spiked significantly for the rest of this 12 months, to the purpose that they’re tough for me to justify.
Second, I think that Islands of Journey and Common Studios are going to see decrease crowds as Epic Universe absorbs all of the oxygen within the room. These parks are extra of identified portions, so all the above factors about insurance coverage are irrelevant. If crowds are decrease on the older gates this summer time, Specific Move merely received’t be as invaluable at them.
Lastly, I’d slightly be nearer to Epic Universe, which suggests staying on the brand new campus. That final level means staying at Common Helios Grand Lodge, or Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resort for those who’re on a tighter funds. I’ll have full evaluations of all of those inns (together with Park View at Helios and its Membership Degree) quickly–hopefully throughout the subsequent few weeks. For now, contemplate testing We’re Reside from Common Helios Grand Lodge, Epic Universe’s In-Park Resort (Images & Video).
In case you have a wholesome funds or wish to splurge, I’d advocate a Park View Room at Helios Grand and staying Membership Degree (prioritize view if it’s one or the opposite). Observe that the lounge has a metropolis view, so each Membership Degree and the Park View Room are perfect. It’s expensive, to make certain, however I discovered that charges in the course of the previews are inexpensive than later this 12 months. However Common Orlando makes use of dynamic lodge pricing, so YMMV.
If staying at Helios Grand Lodge, interval, could be a splurge, I don’t advocate doing it. As an alternative of doing the most affordable normal room, save that cash and simply keep at Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resort. Allocate your splurge funds to both further days at Epic Universe or Specific Move. We will certainly be doing precisely that on some future stays.
If you’d like skilled professionals to guide one in all these inns for you or to assist decide which Common Orlando/Epic Universe trip packages will work greatest for your loved ones, we advocate requesting a free quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, a no-fee Common Most popular Journey Company.
Hopefully this has given you a lot to ponder with the intention to make not less than a semi-informed determination about whether or not to purchase Specific Move at Epic Universe. For no matter it’s value, I’d anticipate a lot of the similar underlying reasoning right here to VIP Excursions. These can be found as a VIP public group or a VIP non-public tour and run for 4 hours for one park. Costs begin at $299 per particular person plus tax, which makes the VIP Excursions a non-starter for us. However in order for you excessive insurance coverage and mitigating threat additional in terms of Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity, that’s your greatest (and solely) wager.
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation in your go to to Central Florida? Be sure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for the whole lot about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for the whole lot about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Will you be shopping for Specific Move at Epic Universe or sticking to standby? If confronted with the time vs. cash dilemma, would you select 2-3 days at Epic Universe through common traces or 1-day with Specific Move? Another splurge you’d choose? Agree or disagree with my evaluation on the worth of Specific Move at Epic Universe as insurance coverage? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share every other ideas or questions you’ve within the feedback under!
