Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Magic-Man]

If they leak something then yes but technically no

That's why I'm surprised that they didn't have the guests sign an NDA to enter. Would have been an easy solution to this.

 

[Brian G.]

Here's my question then. What if these influencers and media are family members? Would it still be a firable offense?

I’m sure there are a few family members that fall under this category, but under that circumstance - yes… Still doesn’t change the At-Will State part.

Do I think anyone will be getting fired? No. I believe the recent communications were more of a warning. With how strict they’ve been with what got out, it was a dangerous game to play - but Universal should’ve drawn a harder line in the sand about what can be posted.

Now? I would advise TMs to not risk it.

 

[Rhian]

Actually, it was never explicitly stated “friends”. It was originally “family” but extended to those also “considered family” to be more inclusive to broader familial groups.

But it was always a Family Preview, not “Family & Friends”.

Also - Florida is a at-will state. If they wanted to fire someone for this, they could.

Some confusion may have been due to Universal switching things up at the last minute to strictly make it family because internally that was the expectation amongst TMs before any previews started.

This article indicted internal emails said as much.

In a message to workers – called “team members” in the Universal vernacular – the resort said previews would be held from March 1 to 7 exclusively for team members, before expanding to include employees’ families and friends in a second phase soon after.

The state of the park may be a reason why both TM and 'Family' previews got extended dates, why it changed from the expected family and friends preview to just family so they could try to limit what got out.

I do wonder if there will be another phase to formally include friends or if this will be the last phase before AP previews.

 

[Alicia]

For the record all warnings are for no photos, videos, FaceTime calls, or using social media while in the park. Nothing about not being able to review the experience—as TMs have been doing for weeks prior to family previews.

I’d hate to see a witch hunt for people who are actually following the rules to be attacked when I know of actual videos from the park on YouTube and Instagram floating around, which may have something to do with an email reminding folks not only who they should be bringing but also of the no photos and videos rule.

 

[Brian G.]

For the record all warnings are for no photos, videos, FaceTime calls, or using social media while in the park. Nothing about not being able to review the experience—as TMs have been doing for weeks prior to family previews.

I’d hate to see a witch hunt for people who are actually following the rules to be attacked when I know of actual videos from the park on YouTube and Instagram floating around, which may have something to do with an email reminding folks not only who they should be bringing but also of the no photos and videos rule.

I do agree here. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and again - Universal didn’t inherently say what could be shared. I just don’t think they anticipated the amount of “My Day at Epic” videos to come out like they did.

 

[Ryuniversal]

I do agree here. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and again - Universal didn’t inherently say what could be shared. I just don’t think they anticipated the amount of “My Day at Epic” videos to come out like they did.

It’s a little bit of everyone is at fault here it’s not one specific party;

 

[Brian G.]

It’s a little bit of everyone is at fault here it’s not one specific party;

I don’t think fault is the right word as there were some innocent intentions by a good majority.

But I do think certain people should’ve known better.

 

[Evan]

I don’t think fault is the right word as there were some innocent intentions by a good majority.

But I do think certain people should’ve known better.

Agreed. What Universal will say is “your guests are your responsibility”, so if they don’t follow the rules it will fall on the TM’s shoulders, sadly. Already saw a video on YouTube of the reveal into Berk. Yeesh.

 

[Scott W.]

• Attendance to the Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration on May 21, 2025

TODAY’s Epic Family Getaway Sweepstakes

You have the chance to win a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort!

www.today.com

 

[Mike S]

Seeing a lot of chatter online about some TM’s bringing in influencers/media, who are not family, who have been posting about their experience for content, and it’s turning into a bit of a scandal, with potential firings.

TM’s, don’t lose your jobs to court favour with personalities.

And the flip side;

Personalities, don’t cost your friends their job after doing you a HUGE favor.

• Attendance to the Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration on May 21, 2025

TODAY’s Epic Family Getaway Sweepstakes

You have the chance to win a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort!

www.today.com

This should be on the 22nd in front of everyone on Day 1.

 

[vgp]

Seeing a lot of chatter online about some TM’s bringing in influencers/media, who are not family, who have been posting about their experience for content, and it’s turning into a bit of a scandal, with potential firings.

TM’s, don’t lose your jobs to court favour with personalities.

Literally saw two people meet each other outside the front gates, say "Hi, I'm <whoever>, nice to meet you!" and then walk in together, so given that happened in a random 30 second sampling I'm guessing it was pretty widespread and people weren't trying to hard to conceal it.

That said, I didn't see anyone taking pictures/videos. TM's are probably well too aware that there's ops cameras everywhere.

 

[OLSinFLA]

So got to experience Epic today and I have to be honest - it was overwhelming. From the moment I stepped in (Luna is MUCH bigger that I thought) to the moment I left it was so full of details and areas to explore - not even counting the incredible rides - was everything I hope for and more. Monsters in amazing pandemonium, Stardust had me giggling, and even Mario Kart was a blast (I bested my friends). Besides Monsters, Starfall and Marion we did Donkey Kong, Drago Gliders, the Carousel, the Untrainable Dragon show and had lunch in Paris. Not one thing was a disappointment. Only thing we missed that we wanted see to time was the Circus show in Potter. Even the Fyre Drill boat ride was open (too cold for us)

My jaw hurts from being open so much

 

[Rhian]

• Attendance to the Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration on May 21, 2025

TODAY’s Epic Family Getaway Sweepstakes

You have the chance to win a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort!

www.today.com

I find it a little funny even this contest only gets you one day at Epic.

Literally saw two people meet each other outside the front gates, say "Hi, I'm <whoever>, nice to meet you!" and then walk in together, so given that happened in a random 30 second sampling I'm guessing it was pretty widespread and people weren't trying to hard to conceal it.

One heck of a trust exercise right there, putting your job on the line for someone you just met.

 

[Frank Drackman]

I’m sure there are a few family members that fall under this category, but under that circumstance - yes… Still doesn’t change the At-Will State part.

Do I think anyone will be getting fired? No. I believe the recent communications were more of a warning. With how strict they’ve been with what got out, it was a dangerous game to play - but Universal should’ve drawn a harder line in the sand about what can be posted.

Now? I would advise TMs to not risk it.

I imagine you would be shocked at the number of terminations since the 1st mock services (it is not what I would consider a small number). All employees should be full aware that they are responsible for the behavior of their guest (anyone they bring on any type of complimentary ticket).

There are plenty of warnings to anyone in attendance that photos/videos/social media use/video phone calls/drones are all prohibited behaviors/actions at Epic (someone actual brought a drone which caused the addition to the sign)

 

[Magic-Man]

I imagine you would be shocked at the number of terminations since the 1st mock services (it is not what I would consider a small number). All employees should be full aware that they are responsible for the behavior of their guest (anyone they bring on any type of complimentary ticket).

There are plenty of warnings to anyone in attendance that photos/videos/social media use/video phone calls/drones are all prohibited behaviors/actions at Epic (someone actual brought a drone which caused the addition to the sign)

Imagine bringing a drone to any amusement park, let alone one that isn't even open yet. Jesus.

 

[Rhian]

Imagine bringing a drone to any amusement park, let alone one that isn't even open yet. Jesus.

I read that on the sign but I thought it was Universal covering all their bases. Never would've guessed it was a reaction to someone having brought one.

 

[Magic-Man]

I read that on the sign but I thought it was Universal covering all their bases. Never would've guessed it was a reaction to someone having brought one.

I wish I could have seen the look on the security guards faces. "You brought a what?!?"

 

[SeventyOne]

One heck of a trust exercise right there, putting your job on the line for someone you just met.

I'm old and cynical, but I've also lived in Orlando for decades -- I suspect PayPal or a C-note or two verified that trust. Which is dumb -- I've known decades-long CMs termed from Disney for selling a Maingate on an ordinary slow day -- but I'm surprised Universal didn't see this coming.

I do agree here. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and again - Universal didn’t inherently say what could be shared. I just don’t think they anticipated the amount of “My Day at Epic” videos to come out like they did.

Again, I'm shocked Universal didn't see this coming.

Or given their pricing policy, maybe I'm not.

 

[GAcoaster]

I’ve heard the media event which was supposed to be this coming weekend has been pushed back two weeks— they want more time to get Ministry up and running.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Nothing about not being able to review the experience

"I'm altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it further."