After testing facial recognition technology for entry to individual Epic Universe worlds, Universal has confirmed this will be used at select times.
Epic Universe Photo Validation
The Photo Validation Image webpage on the Universal Orlando Resort states the following:
Effortless Entry to Your Favorite Epic Universe Worlds
There’s nothing like stepping into the worlds of Universal Epic Universe. To keep your passage easy, you can use Photo Validation for Effortless Entry whenever Virtual Line return times are being used.
Source: @Florida_Coasters_1
Photo validation uses cameras on stanchions to recognize a guest’s face so they don’t have to present a ticket. Epic Universe guests saw these cameras and stanchions testing at Epic Universe portals earlier this month.
Though the Universal Orlando website states the tech would be used when Virtual Line return times are required to enter a portal, Virtual Lines have rarely been necessary at Epic Universe. The park does not operate at full capacity.
This new information could indicate Universal will raise the park’s capacity, especially if they are planning to open new offerings. In addition to potential expansions, a fireworks show is rumored and an existing restaurant still has yet to open.
As we speculated in our original article, Universal could also use photo validation for individual worlds when companies buy out a section of the park for a special event, or for early entry for hotel guests and passholders.
Back in 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury said Epic Universe would be the “most technologically advanced park,” using facial recognition technology for park entry. Other Universal parks also implemented the technology.
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