20. Your Epic Questions Answered – Volume 2: Lockers, Bathrooms, Accessibility & More | Universal Orlando

From sprained ankles to sneaky bathroom tips—I'm tackling another round of listener questions about Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between facial recognition and photo validation? Whether Epic has lockers (and which ones to use)? Or if that boot on your foot means you qualify for an Attraction Assistance Pass? I’ve got you.

Plus, yes—I'm naming names when it comes to the best (and busiest) bathrooms at Epic Universe. Spoiler: there’s a themed mirror involved.

Grab a Butterbeer (or maybe a giggle bottle of water if we’re talking bathroom breaks), and let’s unlock some answers together.

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🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

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Transcript

Holli: You've got questions about lockers, bathrooms, sprained ankles and facial scans, and not the kind people argue about endlessly in Facebook groups. I'm talking real, "what do I actually need to know before I go" kind of questions. And today we're unlocking the answers because let's be real. Epic universe is finally here.

And while the excitement is off the charts, so are the unknowns. And when you're standing outside Fyre Drill, dripping wet, or facing one of those endless ramps in a walking boot, those details matter.

So whether you're trying to figure out if Photo Validation is just a fancy marketing phrase, where to stash your bag , or if there's a bathroom that won't make you question life choices. This one's for you.

Julian: Welcome back to Unlocking Universal, your Key to all things Universal Orlando and beyond. Now here's your guide and unfair Advantage Holli.

Holli: That's right. Theme park fan, professional travel planner, and someone who knows exactly where the good bathrooms are and isn't afraid to name names. This is Volume Two of 'Your Epic Questions Answered' where I answer the real questions straight from you. If you missed Volume One, go back later and check out episode 17.

But today we've got fresh questions from new listeners and seasoned park goers alike.

Let's dive in.

Question one comes from Carrie:"

"New listener here. Is there a difference between Photo Validation and facial recognition. I just listened to that episode and it's got me wondering. Or is it just a fancy trademark term?

That's a great question, Carrie. And welcome. So while they sound familiar, they're not the same thing. Photo Validation is Universal's term for capturing your photo, either at the entry gate or before with Mobile Enrollment, and then associating it with your ticket or pass.

It's used to make sure that you are the one using your ticket. Think of it like a photo Id check, but faster. Now, facial recognition on the other hand, is more advanced biometric technology. It scans your face and matches it to store data. Think AI realtime matching and a little more high tech (z) and sometimes controversial), Universal has not implemented facial recognition across the parks. Instead, they use the simpler Photo Validation method, which is less invasive and only used for identity confirmation at park entry and express pass checks. They don't keep it on file forever. So yeah, there's a difference.

And no, they're not just using a shiny name. Photo Validation keeps things efficient and secure without crossing that 'creepy tech' line.

Next, Marcus tells us: "I admit it, I bring too much stuff with me into the parks. LOL does Epic have lockers, like the other parks where I can stash my stuff?" 

Listen, I've been there, Marcus. And yes, Epic has you covered. Like its sister parks in the North Campus- Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay- Epic also has All Day Lockers for guests to use. This is a really good option if you like to or need to bring lots of stuff with you for the day.

It's secure, you have access to it, and you don't have to haul it around with you in the heat. Now, I am pretty sure Marcus knows this, but for those who haven't used them yet, Universals All Day Lockers come in two sizes, large and family sized, and the cost is currently a flat $15 or $20 for the whole day. And you can get in and out as many times as you want. Just remember, each time you open the locker, you'll be prompted to choose whether this is your final time opening it. Just hit no, and you can continue to use it the rest of the day.

Here's my pro tip for Epic Lockers, though. Use the ones near Isle of Berk. They're right in the middle of the park for easy access, and if you're planning to ride Fyre Drill near the end of the day, it's perfect. You can stash a change of clothes in there... ride, then come back and swap out before heading out. Because no matter how warm it is, once you're wet and you hit that air conditioning.

To do a little merch haul, or if you're getting on the bus to go back to your resort, you're gonna be shivering and miserable really fast.

Question number three comes from Maria and she says: "We're so excited for our trip to Universal next month. Unfortunately, I sprained my ankle and will be in a boot for six weeks. Even though I should be out in time for the trip, I'm a little concerned with the terrain. I'm hearing. There are tons of stairs at Epic.

Someone in my Facebook group recommended using the attraction assistance pass. Is that something I can do and how do I go about getting it?"

Okay, first, Maria, I am sending all the healing vibes your way. I get it. My daughter has severe hip dysplasia and often needs her wheelchair when we go to the parks. And I am just a few months out from having a total hip replacement myself. So mobility stuff is always top of mind for our family.

Well, let's start with the A A P. The Attraction Assistance Pass was designed for guests who cannot wait in a traditional queue environment due to a disability. It's not designed for mobility concerns alone, though. That's not me editorializing. It's straight from Universal's official guidelines.

But here's the good news. All of Universal Orlando, including Epic Universe, is really accessible.

Yeah, there are a lot of stairs at Epic Universe, but there are also a lot of ramps, elevators, and plenty of wide gently sloped walkways. That said, mobility challenges are real. Everyone's talking about the stairs at Epic right now, but let me tell you, the sloped walkway, right when you leave Universal Studios and heading left past the globe, and then again when you're leaving City Walk and going toward the hub... both are brutal with any mobility issue. I have been there too many times thinking, how am I going to do this? So I totally get you. I'm with you.

If you are worried about stamina, strength, or terrain, my advice is this: Purchase, borrow, or even rent a mobility device ahead of time, whether that's a knee scooter, a manual wheelchair, or even a motorized one.

Bring it with you or get it delivered to your hotel. Don't wait to see if you need it and then rent one at the parks. First and foremost, that's gonna mean that you've likely overdone it and you're in pain. I don't want that for you. Plus, they're pricey. They're not great quality. I mean, they're fine, but you know, they're just not the best and they're not guaranteed.

They're first come first serve. Also, you'll waste precious park time in the rental process each day. If you want help finding a reliable rental company, I've got trusted suppliers and I'd be happy to help get you set up. I hope you feel better soon, and you have a great trip.

Our final question of the day is from Paola who asks: "So, what are your favorite / the best bathrooms and are there any I should avoid?"

Yes. Finally, someone asked the real question. Well, my favorite? That should be no surprise. Dark Universe. Hands down. The theming is spooky perfection. The lighting is dim.

The toilets are black. Yep. Black porcelain. The mirror, even it, it's aged around the edges. It is eerie like stepping into another horror set. A weird thing to say about a bathroom? Maybe, but it's just cool, figuratively and literally. Because of the lighting being so dim, it's also noticeably cooler temperature- wise than other restrooms, which is a total win in my book.

Something I love about the Epic Universe bathrooms overall, and it shows how they are always looking to improve the guest experience... The baby changing stations are no longer part of the main bathroom stall area. They're in a separate little nook with their own sink. It's quieter, more private, and honestly, it's just so thoughtful.

If you've ever tried to change a baby or toddler while a line of people is bustling around you, you get why this matters. And when that table's not being used, it's a great little spot to set your bag down and just regroup a little bit.

Oh, fun fact. 11 of the 13 restroom areas in Epic universe have family restrooms right there with them. So that's another bonus.

And with the good comes the well, you know, not so good. Are there bathrooms to avoid? Yeah. The ones between Super Nintendo World and Pizza Moon. That spot is where everyone is exiting Super Nintendo World, and it is chaotic to say the least. Lots of kids, families, it gave beehive on crack.

Not the most relaxing stop.

But you wanna know my little secret favorite? Okay. I'll tell you because we're friends. There's a restroom tucked between Dark Universe and the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian restaurant, you know, over in front of Helios Grand. It's a little out of the way and kind of hidden, so it's pretty quiet.

If you need a potty break and a people break, that's the one.

You can thank me later.

All righty. That's a wrap on another round of your quick-fire questions. Thank you to Carrie, Marcus, Maria, and Paola for sending those in. You know, I love getting to do these because they remind me just how much real world info we all need before walking through the portal of something new.

If you have questions for a future episode, click the link to text me. It's right at the top of the show notes. Easy peasy. And listen, don't keep all this toilet wisdom and locker strategy to yourself. Hit that follow button, leave a review, share the episode, and be the theme park hero your group doesn't deserve.

See you soon.