Massive $10,000+ Theft Reported at Epic Universe

A huge theft has been reported at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.

Since debuting in May, Epic Universe has made a huge impact on Orlando’s theme park scene.

With five lands – Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – the park has received rave reviews for the quality of its attractions in particular, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment typically generating the most praise.

A large, ornate archway with a golden and bronze design marks the entrance to the Epic Universe theme park area. People walk through the arch, set against rocky terrain and lush landscaping under a blue sky. — Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

Some have gone so far as to dub the park a “Disney killer” with the potential to knock nearby rival Walt Disney World Resort off its spot as Orlando’s most-visited theme park destination. This certainly seems to be Universal’s long-term goal, with the resort reportedly looking into ways to mimic the famous “Disney bubble” via a possible tunnel system, courtesy of Elon Musk’s Boring Company.

But Epic Universe isn’t totally free of growing pains.

Although the overall response has been positive, some parkgoers have raised concerns about a few key issues: limited shade during Florida’s peak heat, shorter-than-expected operating hours – especially disappointing given how striking the park looks at night – and occasional ride downtime, which is not uncommon for a newly opened theme park.

Bowser's Challenge at Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood — Credit: Universal Studios

As with all theme parks, there has also been a small number of issues relating to Epic Universe guests. During the park’s previews in April, a guest was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Videos have also emerged of antagonistic behavior, such as a guest who was caught on camera shouting at a team member after they snuck into the single rider line for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, only to discover that the single rider line moved at a slower pace.

Now, a report has emerged of another incident that took place at the park.

Theft Reported at Epic Universe

Notably, the incident took place in February, before Epic Universe opened. As per Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a construction foreman reported a stolen vehicle at the Florida theme park.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe — Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

The worker in question had previously arrived at work at 7 a.m. on a Monday morning, discovering that his 2023 Polaris UTV had been parked in a different spot and the key was broken in the ignition. He went on to inform the rental company and received a new key. However, when he returned to work the next day, the vehicle was gone for good.

The foreman told Orange County Sheriff’s Office that “no one was given permission to take the vehicle and it was not loaned out.”

Depending on the model, the trade-in value of a 2023 Polaris UTV starts at approximately $10,000 and can stretch to well over $20,000.

A Pattern of Vehicle Thefts at Theme Parks

This isn’t the first time a vehicle theft has made headlines at a Florida theme park.

Back in 2023, it was reported that a $300,000 Bentley containing over $20,000 worth of belongings had been snatched from the valet at Orlando’s ICON Park.

Credit: Icon Park

Cora Johnson, a real estate broker and owner of Wynnmore Realty, said she left her $300,000 Bentley Bentayga with ICON Park’s valet on May 17, 2023, while dining on I-Drive. When she returned two hours later, the car was gone.

Johnson told Orlando News 6 the valet attendant admitted it had been taken but hadn’t called police. The key lockbox had reportedly been pried open. This incident followed a string of luxury car thefts from valet services across Orange County.

Disney guests walking around World Showcase in EPCOT at Disney World — Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

That same year, a 24-year-old man who worked as a tour guide for Walt Disney Orlando Tours was caught on surveillance cameras taking a baby stroller parked in the France Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase.

He later found the keys to a KIA Sportage in the stroller and broke into the vehicle, where he started the engine, moved the car to another spot in the parking lot, and rummaged through the vehicle to find valuable items.

After this, the man – identified as Ahmed Snina – attempted to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Disney Security intervened, and he was arrested by Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Theme park guests have also fallen victim to other forms of theft over the years – even in their own hotel rooms. Earlier this year, a guest staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge alleged that a $5,000 purse was snatched from their room.

The guest in question pinned the blame on housekeeping. Meanwhile, a report earlier this week claimed that some guests have taken to snatching magnets from the vehicles of fellow parkgoers.

While Florida’s theme parks are generally extremely safe vacation destinations, it’s always worth taking basic precautions to protect your belongings. Lock your vehicles, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, double-check your hotel room security, and be cautious when using valet services.

Have you ever witnessed a theft at a Florida theme park?