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Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicUniversal’s new crown jewel has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions to the Orlando theme park landscape. Since opening earlier this year, Epic Universe has dazzled guests with its sprawling layout, immersive lands, and bold attractions that push the envelope of storytelling and technology.
With themed zones ranging from the eerie Dark Universe to the nostalgic thrill of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, reviews have been glowing. It’s been hailed as a turning point for Universal Orlando Resort — not to mention a direct challenge to Disney’s dominance.
But no park, no matter how ambitious, is immune to the occasional incident.
Epic Universe Incidents Send Guests to Hospital
A new quarterly report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirms that three guests were hospitalized after visiting Epic Universe between April and June 2025. All three were admitted for at least 24 hours following incidents involving one of the park’s headline coasters, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
The Isle of Berk ride, inspired by DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon franchise, saw a 32-year-old man report chest pain during an early preview event on May 5. Two more cases were filed: a 63-year-old man who experienced “dizziness/altered state of consciousness” and a 47-year-old woman who reported “visual disturbance/numbness.”
The latter two incidents took place on Celestial Park’s Stardust Racers, which Universal describes as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph.”
Other Parks Also See Guest Hospitalizations
Epic Universe isn’t the only major attraction to record hospitalizations in the second quarter of 2025. Several other Orlando-area theme parks, including Universal’s legacy parks, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld, also submitted reports.
At Universal Studios Florida, a 72-year-old woman felt weak and dizzy while riding the Jimmy Fallon-themed simulator Race Through New York. At Islands of Adventure, a 77-year-old man experienced chest pain on the high-speed Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Disney’s reports included an 87-year-old woman who passed out while riding DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom, a ride known for its intense motion and darkness. At Magic Kingdom, a 76-year-old woman injured her leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
SeaWorld Orlando also faced its share of incidents. A 78-year-old woman fell unconscious while riding the park’s carousel. Separately, a 24-year-old woman reportedly suffered a medical issue on Infinity Falls, the park’s river raft attraction known for its towering 40-foot drop.
All guests were hospitalized for at least 24 hours.
What are your thoughts on Epic Universe?
