Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicEpic Universe is shaping up to be Universal’s most ambitious park yet — cutting-edge attractions, immersive lands, and sleek technology everywhere you look. But while everything seems futuristic and fresh, one element of that tech-forward experience is raising some eyebrows: the new locker system.
At first glance, it feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Guests can now use facial recognition instead of a ticket, key, or fingerprint to open their locker. Sounds pretty convenient, right? Just look at the camera, and boom — your locker pops open. But here’s the problem: the moment something goes wrong, it can go very wrong.
Let’s walk through what’s happening, and more importantly, how you can avoid being stuck outside your locker on a scorching day with your phone, wallet, and water bottle locked away somewhere you can’t find.
The Promise of Face-Only Access
Here’s how the locker system is designed to work: You arrive at the lockers near the ride entrance, step up to a kiosk, and have your face scanned. After you approve the image, a locker door opens. You toss in your stuff, close it, and head off to enjoy the ride.
Once you’re done, you exit the attraction and head to the exit-side lockers. Another facial scan, and your locker opens — assuming the system recognizes you.
No keys, no codes, no tickets to keep up with. In theory, it’s smooth as butter. But anyone who’s ever had their Face ID fail when trying to unlock their phone knows this kind of convenience can be a double-edged sword.
When Technology Isn’t Your Friend
Let’s say your hair’s a little out of place now. Maybe you’re sweaty, sunburned, or took your sunglasses off. Suddenly, the facial recognition software decides you’re not you. Now you’ve got a problem.
In this moment, you can’t just ask for help — at least not easily. Because to get assistance from a team member, you need to tell them which locker is yours. And if you didn’t take a second to memorize your locker number or bay location? Well, now you’re staring at a sea of lockers that all look exactly the same, hoping your day doesn’t go completely off the rails.
And that’s the real kicker: Universal’s system works best when you trust it completely… until it doesn’t. Then you’re stuck relying on a fallback plan you didn’t create.
What You Should Actually Do
Despite the futuristic upgrade, the old-fashioned advice still applies: be prepared.
Here’s a quick checklist for using these new lockers without losing your mind:
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Take a photo of your locker number or location right after storing your items (if your phone is allowed on the ride).
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Look for landmarks near your locker bay — a water fountain, a themed sign, or even a specific lighting fixture can help jog your memory later.
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Use your park ticket instead of your face if you’re even slightly worried. Yes, the system allows this as a backup, and honestly, it might be the safer choice.
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If facial recognition is a must, make sure your look is consistent. Glasses off? Hat on? It may not matter to you, but it could throw off the tech.
It might sound silly to worry this much about a locker, but it’s not just about convenience — it’s about not losing 30 minutes of your day trying to track down your essentials.
One Minor Mistake, One Major Delay
Think about this: You’ve just gotten off a thrilling ride like Stardust Racers. You’re sweaty, your adrenaline’s still pumping, and you’re ready to grab your bag and hit the next ride. Instead, you find yourself stuck, the locker won’t open, and you can’t remember where it is.
Now you’re stuck waiting for a Team Member. You have to explain that you don’t know your locker number. They might need to verify your identity, which could take extra time. And if the park is busy — which, let’s face it, it usually is — this could throw off your entire itinerary.
Epic Universe is already one of the busiest theme park destinations in the world right now. Every delay matters. Don’t let a locker system get the better of your day.
It’s a Cool System — But Don’t Let It Fool You
To be clear: the tech itself is pretty awesome. It’s fast, hands-free, and for most guests, it works perfectly fine. But being too reliant on that convenience can come back to bite you.
Facial recognition lockers represent a leap forward in guest experience — but they still need a bit of human common sense to go with them. Universal made a big swing here by trying to eliminate locker keys and tickets, but it’s up to you to make sure you’re not stuck when things don’t go as planned.
So before your next ride at Epic Universe, take five seconds to remember the number. Snap that photo. Make that mental note. Your future self will be eternally grateful when you’re not standing in a locker bay wondering how many more guests have already ridden the coaster while you’re still trying to get your sunglasses back.
Convenience Shouldn’t Equal Complacency
It’s easy to be wowed by new tech at a place like Epic Universe. And yes, it’s fun to be part of a park that’s pushing boundaries and setting new standards. But even the coolest innovations can come with their share of hiccups.
Facial recognition lockers are a great addition — when they work. But when they don’t, a tiny bit of preparation can go a long way. Don’t fall into the trap of relying completely on convenience. Give yourself a safety net, and you’ll enjoy your day at Epic Universe so much more.
Because when the only thing standing between you and your cold water bottle is a stubborn camera, you’ll wish you had remembered that locker number.