1
Credit: UniversalUniversal is implementing a controversial technology to replace an important feature in all attraction lockers throughout Islands of Adventure. Something that Epic Universe is already doing, Universal Studios Florida and Volcano Bay will soon do as well.
What Is Universal Orlando Changing Across Its Lockers at Islands of Adventure?
Universal Islands of Adventure facial recognition lockers are reportedly replacing traditional locker systems at several major attractions, bringing technology already used at Epic Universe into another Universal Orlando Resort theme park.
The reported change affects attractions including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Although the technology could simplify locker access, it also raises an important operational question: What happens when facial scanners become another obstacle between guests and their rides?
Islands of Adventure has transitioned to the facial recognition lockers. They work similar to the Epic ones, where you can facial or barcode it. The payment looking console at the bottom isnt in use , but does mention using a pin as a form of locker, so maybe itll be incorporated as a form of entering a pin someday. When you end the rental, its similar to Monsters Unchained single riders, where it asks you if you want to open it or end rental. The problem is they are timed but they dont tell you a time. Velocicoaster is the only ride in the park with the regular ones and they dont know when they will receive new ones. I noticed these at : Hagrids, Hulk, Forbidden Journey, and Ripsaw Falls. USF has none yet on their 3 locker rides. I think this helps the ops and people understand this better. The cameras are all shaded so the photos are taken well. Hagrids now has plenty of available lockers unlike before. – @CoasterK24 on X
Islands of Adventure has transitioned to the facial recognition lockers. They work similar to the Epic ones, where you can facial or barcode it. The payment looking console at the bottom isnt in use , but does mention using a pin as a form of locker, so maybe itll be incorporated… pic.twitter.com/NCmvYutxMt
— RockNstardust🎸✨ (@CoasterK24) October 21, 2026
The development comes as Universal continues refining how visitors store belongings before boarding attractions. For guests trying to maximize their time in the Orlando parks, the effectiveness of these new systems could matter considerably.
Universal Orlando Reportedly Expands Facial Recognition Lockers Across Islands of Adventure
According to a report shared by @CoasterK24 on X, Islands of Adventure has transitioned several attraction locker locations to systems supporting facial recognition and barcode scanning.
The account identified four attractions where the newer equipment was observed: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
The report also identified one notable exception: Jurassic World VelociCoaster. According to the account, the attraction continues using its previous locker system, with no confirmed installation date for replacement equipment.
Universal has not independently confirmed the reported rollout through an official announcement located for this article. The exact installation timeline and full operational status therefore remain unverified.
The reported transition follows earlier changes to Universal Orlando’s attraction restrictions, including policies requiring guests to secure loose belongings before riding certain attractions.
Epic Universe Technology Brings a Familiar Problem to Older Attractions
Facial recognition lockers aren’t entirely new to Universal Orlando. Epic Universe already uses similar technology, allowing guests to access designated lockers without relying exclusively on traditional ticket scanning.
Under the system described by @CoasterK24, Islands of Adventure guests can reportedly choose facial recognition or barcode access. The account also observed an interface referencing PIN access, although that functionality was not reported as operational.
The distinction matters because guests who prefer not to use facial recognition reportedly retain another access method.
However, the technology introduces potential complications. A camera that struggles to recognize someone, a delayed scan, or confusion at a shared terminal could slow movement through an already crowded locker area.
Inside the Magic previously examined facial recognition locker problems at Epic Universe, including the difficulty guests could encounter when attempting to retrieve belongings.
Those concerns do not establish that the same failures are occurring at Islands of Adventure. They do, however, provide context for why this reported expansion deserves attention.
New Locker Scanners Could Create Bottlenecks at Major Universal Rides
The biggest question isn’t necessarily whether facial recognition works. It’s whether the system can process large numbers of guests efficiently during busy operating periods.
Locker banks serve as transition points between attraction entrances, queues, and exits. When several guests need access simultaneously, even small interruptions can create congestion.
A facial recognition scanner that requires repeated attempts could hold up guests waiting behind someone experiencing difficulty. Barcode scanning offers an alternative, but switching methods may still require additional interaction.
Direct sunlight and glare are potential concerns for camera-based systems, although no verified evidence establishes that either has caused problems with the newly reported Islands of Adventure equipment.
Interestingly, @CoasterK24 reported that the cameras appeared shaded, suggesting the installations may be positioned to limit problematic lighting conditions.
The account also described improved locker availability at Hagrid’s, a potentially encouraging observation. That individual report does not establish broader improvements in capacity or processing speed.
Previously, guests reported locker-related delays at Epic Universe, highlighting how scanner access and attraction restrictions can complicate an otherwise straightforward process.
Universal’s Locker Rules Still Matter for Families and Coaster Riders
The technology changes how guests access lockers, not necessarily which belongings they must store.
According to Universal Orlando’s official theme park services information, standard attraction lockers for small loose articles are complimentary while guests ride at designated attractions. Larger lockers require an additional fee.
Water-based attractions, including Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, have separate paid locker arrangements listed by Universal.
The reported upgrade also does not establish changes to locker pricing, complimentary rental periods, or attraction-specific restrictions.
Inside the Magic has previously covered Universal Orlando locker fees and timed rental concerns, which remain relevant when guests must store belongings before entering an attraction.
Families carrying backpacks, merchandise, or other personal items should check locker requirements before joining a queue. Guests should also follow posted instructions rather than assume every attraction uses identical procedures.
What Happens Next for Universal Orlando’s Locker Technology?
The reported rollout raises questions about whether Universal Studios Florida and Volcano Bay could eventually receive comparable upgrades.
Neither expansion has been confirmed in the available official material. Universal’s published locker information continues distinguishing between attraction lockers, all-day rentals, and Volcano Bay storage locations.
Meanwhile, VelociCoaster’s reported exclusion leaves another question unanswered: When, if ever, will that attraction receive matching equipment?
For now, visitors should expect potential differences between locker locations and ask Team Members for assistance when necessary.
The most meaningful measure of this technology won’t be its novelty. It will be whether guests can secure their belongings, experience an attraction, and retrieve everything without creating another line along the way.
