You plan your Universal vacation expecting thrills, immersion, and a little line-waiting. What you don’t plan for? Being told you can’t ride because of a long list of restrictive rules that seem more about shutting people out than keeping things safe. Universal’s “new” ride policies have quickly become the talk of the theme park world—rules that can keep you from enjoying the park or, worse, from ever setting foot on the ride.The epicenter of all this drama is none other than Universal’s newest park: Epic Universe. This much-hyped expansion was supposed to be the ultimate theme park destination. Still, it’s also home to some of the most frustrating and exclusionary ride policies we’ve ever seen.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicEpic Universe: Thrills With a Side of ChaosEpic Universe is massive, impressive, and… kind of a headache. The park is packed with immersive lands and headline-grabbing attractions, but it’s also where Universal seems to have tested the limits of how many hoops guests will jump through just to ride.The rules here aren’t small changes—they’re complete game-changers. From ride requirements that feel unnecessarily strict to in-park policies that rival airport security, Epic Universe has set itself apart from Disney, and not in a flattering way.Credit: Inside The MagicSeats Too Small for ComfortOne of the most persistent complaints about Universal’s rules is that guests are restricted based on their size. For years, guests have pointed out that Universal’s attraction designs tend to be uncomfortably tight, with restraints and seating that exclude many riders altogether. Universal workers will even stop certain guests for a “seat check” in front of other park-goers. Universal knows this is an issue. Otherwise, employees wouldn’t be trained to do this.It’s not that it can’t be done safely. Disney World has proved it’s possible to build thrilling attractions accessible to many body types. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a perfect example of a ride that delivers high-intensity fun while still accommodating guests comfortably and efficiently.Fans had hoped that with a brand-new park, Universal would take the opportunity to fix the problem. Instead, the same issues persist—ride vehicles that are too small, restraints that pinch or press uncomfortably, and no meaningful changes to make the rides more inclusive.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortHeight Requirements That Leave Little Room for FamiliesIf you’re visiting with little ones, brace yourself: Epic Universe is not toddler-friendly. Almost every major attraction requires riders to be 40 inches or taller. That means most of the park’s offerings are instantly off-limits to the smallest guests.There are only a few exceptions. The Fyre Drill water play area and the Constellation Carousel require no height. But even those come with a catch. For the carousel, Universal will only allow small babies to ride if they can sit up independently—and yes, employees will check. Yoshi’s Adventure, one of the more family-friendly rides, still requires a minimum height of 34 inches.This isn’t Disney. At Epic Universe, your day with a stroller-aged child will be more about sitting on benches and people-watching than jumping on rides together.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortNo Phones, No Filming—PeriodWant to capture your ride experience for TikTok or relive the moment later? Forget it. Universal has taken a hard stance on banning phones and filming devices on nearly all major attractions. The policy is enforced strictly, and team members have no problem sending you away if you try to sneak a phone in your pocket.Even rides that seem harmless when it comes to filming—like gentle dark rides—often fall under the no-device rule. Universal claims it’s all about safety, but for guests, it feels like another way the park limits how they enjoy their visit.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicThe Locker ShuffleIn addition to the no-phone policy, several rides require you to store your belongings in a locker before boarding. And we’re not talking about a suggestion—it’s mandatory.Stardust Racers takes it to another level by installing metal detectors at the entrance. This means even if you try to keep your phone or keys in a zipped pocket, you’ll be stopped before you set foot in the queue. Sure, it’s efficient for safety, but it can also be a logistical nightmare when the locker areas get crowded and guests scramble to store their things.Capacity Cut-Offs That Kill the FunYou’d think the park would let you if you were willing to stand in line all day for a ride. Not at Epic Universe. On hectic days, certain attractions hit capacity so early that team members close the line altogether.The Ministry ride is a prime example. Guests have reported showing up in the morning only to find that the line was already capped for the entire day. It doesn’t matter how dedicated you are or how long you’re willing to wait—if the ride is “full,” you’re out of luck.Credit: UniversalWeather Delays That Stop Everything in Its TracksTheme parks can’t control the weather, but at Epic Universe, the approach to bad conditions feels extreme. If the sky turns gray, prepare yourself for widespread closures.When “inclement weather” hits, only a handful of rides—sometimes as few as four—remain open. And even that number can drop depending on technical issues. Guests have found themselves stuck wandering with little to do, watching entire lands grind to a halt at the first rumble of thunder.Even when the weather is perfect, ride breakdowns at Epic Universe are pretty common. A ride can reopen after a delay only to close again later in the day, which is a recipe for disappointment for visitors who have planned their trip around certain must-do attractions.When you combine capacity limits, weather rules, and technical hiccups, your chances of actually riding everything on your list can seem slim.Credit: UniversalIs Epic Universe Worth the Hassle?Epic Universe was designed to be a bold step forward for Universal—bigger, more immersive, and more technologically advanced than anything they’ve done before. And in many ways, it delivers on that promise. The lands are gorgeous, the theming is impressive, and the headliner attractions are thrilling.But with restrictive rules, high height requirements, mandatory lockers, phone bans, and the potential for weather to derail your plans, Epic Universe has also made itself one of the most challenging parks to enjoy fully. Guests looking for a more flexible, family-friendly experience might find themselves longing for the days when theme park fun didn’t come with a rulebook this thick.The post Universal Introduces Restrictive Rules That Will Keep Guests From Riding Attractions appeared first on Inside the Magic.