Packed Energy Meets Challenges
The highly-anticipated three-day edition of EDC Orlando concluded with strong performances and big crowds. Yet, it also surfaced notable concerns around crowd movement and venue layout. Attendees reported dense congestion, particularly near major stage transitions. These concerns extended to the one water station available for all GA/GA+ guests, prompting scrutiny of how the event managed flow and safety.
Festival organiser Insomniac Events acknowledged the feedback in a public statement. They emphasize that while the event did not experience a “crowd crush” in the sense of the tragic events at other festivals, there was clear crowd-flow strain caused by weather, layout and infrastructure factors. He cited a Sunday downpour and lightning‐related stage shutdowns which reduced usable pathways and exacerbated pressure points.
Recurring Crowd Gridlock at EDC Orlando
However, this follows last year’s similar gridlock incident on Day 3 of the 2024 festival, with the notable difference that last year’s event took place under dry conditions. Many festivalgoers (myself included) hoped the issue would be resolved this year, perhaps by opening the stadium or implementing other crowd-flow solutions. Unfortunately, we were left disappointed once again. CEO Pasquale Rotella’s response to this year’s concerns closely mirrored his statement from last year, leading many fans to believe that no meaningful changes will be made and prompting some to consider boycotting Insomniac festivals altogether.
Several attendees voiced worries. I had the chance to speak with some and here is what they had to say:
“It’s starting to feel the same every year” Saayonce (27), Year 6 at EDCO
“People that went during peak times had to wait 10-30 minutes to get water. One of my friends in my group spent over $100 on water on Saturday alone…” Maria (23), Year 2 at EDCO
“There was too many people at Kinetic, I didn’t go back after Porter Robinson” Victoria (22), Year 1 at EDC
Security Concerns and Unchecked Entries
Another major concern circulating online revolves around the event’s security measures. Many attendees reported that bags were being allowed in without proper inspection. While others have claimed that individuals were bribing staff for 21+ wristbands or festival entry, among other issues (this is not confirmed). Personally, on Days 1 and 2, my entire rave fam was able to enter without bags being checked at all, which left us feeling uneasy and questioning the overall safety protocols throughout the weekend.
Possible Remedies And Looking Forward To 2026
On the positive side, Insomniac highlighted several venue changes implemented this year aimed at improving flow: food and beverage areas were shifted outward as well as container walls removed. The organiser stressed that “nothing is off the table” for future improvements and emphasised the continual evolution of large-scale event logistics.
Overall, while EDC Orlando 2025 delivered memorable moments for the vast majority of its attendees, the crowd flow and layout issues underscore the ongoing challenges of managing very large audiences in confined or changing environments. Event-goers, organisers and the broader festival community will be watching closely how these concerns are addressed ahead of upcoming editions.
A few Tips To Prepare For 2026:
Have the map as your lock screen (set times in camera roll)
Plan multiple routes to each stage
GET A TOTEM
Don’t split up if you can help it
Plan a group schedule beforehand
Don’t be selfish about your schedule BE FLEXIBLE
Avoid drinking alcohol excessively (quickest way to dehydrate yourself)