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Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicUniversal Orlando’s Epic Universe has officially opened to the public, and there’s no denying it’s making a massive first impression.
With five immersive lands—including the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—the park is packed with rich storytelling, boundary-pushing attractions, and some of the most ambitious theming Universal has ever delivered.
From the moment you walk through the portals, you can tell Universal set out to build a park that would rival anything Disney has done. The rides like Stardust Racers and Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness have quickly become headliners, and the park’s attention to detail—right down to the cobblestone cracks and themed signage—is top-notch.
But it’s also already ruffling feathers, not just from long wait times or ride breakdowns, but because of a surprisingly strict new policy in one of its restaurants.
Guests Are Being Turned Away with Leftovers in Hand
A recent report from UPNT reveals that Pizza Moon, the quick-service pizzeria located in Celestial Park, has enforced a policy that’s catching a lot of guests off guard: no takeout. That’s right—if you buy a pizza at Pizza Moon, you are expected to finish it right there at your table. If not? You leave it behind.
Team Members have reportedly been informing guests that they are not allowed to leave the restaurant with any pizza, regardless of whether it’s a slice, half a pie, or a full uneaten meal. Even more puzzling, boxes are no longer available—so it’s not even a matter of choosing to take your pizza elsewhere. Unless you smuggle it out in a backpack or bag (yes, that’s apparently been attempted), you’re out of luck.
Guests hoping to carry their pizza over to Meteor Astropub, a nearby location that does offer takeout boxes, were denied. Staff reiterated that the policy is strict and applies to everyone. While some were offered refunds, the core concern remains: Why is one of the park’s biggest family-friendly food stops not letting anyone take leftovers?
No Boxes, No Mobile Order, No Exceptions
As if the dine-in only policy wasn’t confusing enough, Pizza Moon is also currently offering a limited menu. As of this week, several fan-favorite options—including the Hala Kahiki Mahina, Space Cowboy, The Giant Mushroom, and Harvest Moon—were removed from the available offerings. Mobile ordering, which had been a convenient feature for guests at other Universal parks, is also reportedly temporarily unavailable.
The timing couldn’t be worse. As guests pour into Epic Universe during its grand opening season, quick, flexible dining should be a priority—not something bogged down by restrictions that feel unnecessary and out of sync with the rest of the resort.
Fans Question Why the Epic Universe Policy Exists at All
Food waste is already a big concern at theme parks. When guests pay $15–$20 for a meal — and this grows exponentially when you’re paying for an entire family — and aren’t allowed to take leftovers with them, it not only creates frustration—it fuels waste. And when those same guests are navigating long lines, sweltering heat, and limited dining seating, the option to grab and go with your pizza shouldn’t be off the table.
So far, Universal hasn’t offered a clear explanation for the policy, and there’s been no indication if this is a temporary operational issue or a long-term decision. But it has left many guests scratching their heads. Is it due to crowd control? Cleanliness? Is Pizza Moon testing something that other restaurants may adopt? For now, no one knows.
What’s clear is that the rule isn’t sitting well with guests—and that frustration is boiling over online.
Not the Only Headache for Guests at Epic Universe
The controversial pizza policy is just one example of some broader guest experience concerns at the new park. While the lands themselves are beautifully crafted, the infrastructure has been struggling under the weight of opening crowds.
One of the biggest sources of stress? Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This attraction operated with a Virtual Queue—allowing guests to reserve a return window rather than wait in a long standby line. Of course, most guests were never able to score a time to enjoy the attraction. But that feature has now been removed, and the ride frequently posts some of the longest wait times in the park.
Not only that, but technical issues continue to plague the attraction. As one report noted, guests who manage to brave the hours-long line aren’t even guaranteed a ride—some have been turned away after breakdowns or capacity issues. It’s a frustrating experience, especially for those who consider Harry Potter the centerpiece of their day.
There are several other things that Universal is clearly working through, as well, when it comes to Epic Universe, and it will be interesting to see if they are eventually able to get these kinks worked out.