Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
In just a few weeks, Universal Orlando Resort will officially debut Epic Universe, its long-awaited third gate, promising cutting-edge rides, immersive lands, and IP-driven experiences designed to rival anything from its competitors. The excitement is palpable—and so is the early access.
Thanks to soft openings and previews for team members and select guests, much of the theme park community has already walked through the gates of Epic Universe. They’ve flown through Celestial Park, explored the Wizarding World’s new Ministry of Magic, and tested attractions inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
By all accounts, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. But not everyone is making a great first impression.
Performer Harassment in Isle of Berk
One of the most talked-about areas of the park is How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, a highly themed environment that brings DreamWorks’ animated franchise to life. Among its centerpiece experiences is a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless—fan favorites and staples of the franchise.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t taken long for some guests to take things too far.
someone who works at the park said this about the Hiccup actors in isle of berk
PLEASE be respectful and i’m begging yall, do NOT do this. they’re still real people under those costumes, and they don’t get paid enough to deal with harassment from obnoxious ppl like these…
someone who works at the park said this about the Hiccup actors in isle of berk
PLEASE be respectful and i’m begging yall, do NOT do this. they’re still real people under those costumes, and they don’t get paid enough to deal with harassment from obnoxious ppl like these… pic.twitter.com/jyKyIWVCIO
— mics (@MicsHaddock) April 16, 2025
“PLEASE be respectful and I’m begging y’all, do NOT do this,” one Universal team member wrote online, addressing how the Hiccup performer has been treated during previews. “They’re still real people under those costumes, and they don’t get paid enough to deal with harassment from obnoxious ppl like these…”
Reports suggest that some guests have made inappropriate comments and posed suggestively with the teen character – behavior many are calling both cringeworthy and uncomfortable.
Fans Speak Out Over Inappropriate Behavior at Epic Universe
While the problematic behavior seems limited to a small group, it has still made waves online. Reactions from longtime fans and casual observers alike have ranged from disappointed to outright disgusted.
“I always worry for the actors of these characters, they get put through so much, their jobs must be tough. People are so disgusting,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another added, “I’ve been seeing some really concerning behavior from a few people, and it really bothers me. And the people posting ‘Daddy’s home’ edits on [TikTok] are just as bad, doesn’t matter if it’s a joke.”
Credit: Disney
This isn’t the first time a theme park performer has become the target of online obsession or inappropriate guest conduct. The Peter Pan fandom has long wrestled with overzealous fans, and just months ago, Disney performers reported growing discomfort during the holiday season with the attention directed toward Tally the Elf.
In 2019, the issue went beyond social media trends when multiple cast members at Disney parks—playing characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck—filed police reports after being touched inappropriately by guests.
As Epic Universe moves closer to opening day, these early incidents have raised fresh questions about what protections are in place for character performers and whether stronger boundaries need to be enforced.
For now, parkgoers are being reminded of what should be common sense: fantasy is no excuse for misconduct.
