Credit: Republica, PixabayUniversal Studios has updated the way guests pay while inside its original theme park.
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It seems Universal Studios Hollywood may be testing out a cashless payment system. According to first-hand accounts from visitors, the resort recently introduced a new system in which only specific registers accept cash.
While not unexpected, given how popular mobile ordering and tap-to-pay systems have become in recent years, this change will certainly come as a surprise for those who are used to carrying around paper notes during their day at Universal Studios.
Twitter/X user insideuniversal noticed the change, sharing a photo of the new Card and Mobile-only payment sign online.
The Universal Studios Store inside the park are testing a new set up where only one or two registers accept cash while the others accept only Card & Mobile.
The Universal Studios Store inside the park are testing a new set up where only one or two registers accept cash while the others accept only Card & Mobile. @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/CoQhVBgkcq
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) October 27, 2024
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Over the last few years, Universal Studios Hollywood Resort has seen plenty of changes, with multiple new rides, attractions, shows, and restaurants opening. However, it’s not every day that guests see changes to how payment works.
For now, guests can still use cash for payment at select registers, though Universal could reduce the number of cash registers even further. The payment changes are only in effect at the Universal Studios Store.
Other theme parks have gone cashless in recent years. Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the country’s most cherished theme parks, turned to a cashless system in 2022. Six Flags Over Georgia has also gone cashless in recent years.
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In Other News…
It’s an exciting time to be a Universal Studios fan, as the company is in the process of expanding its footprint in Florida with Epic Universe. This massive and ambitious new expansion will mark the company’s third theme park to open in the Orlando area and will undoubtedly tighten up competition even more against the Walt Disney World Resort, which rests just a few miles away.
Epic Universe was officially confirmed back in 2019, and guests have watched the new theme park take shape over the last five years. Epic Universe will feature several new lands and attractions, with multiple intellectual properties (IP) anchoring these lands.
Alongside more Harry Potter magic and another version of Super Nintendo World, Epic Universe will also feature a land dedicated to classic monsters called Dark Universe and an area anchored by How to Train Your Dragon.
Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025.
Will you be visiting Epic Universe in 2025?