Social media has been buzzing with news of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, since the first media event was held this past weekend. Content creators and journalists shared multiple videos at the park as this was the first time footage has been allowed since previews began.
Since this footage went live, everyone has been buzzing about how to get early access for Epic Universe. Previously we thought these previews would be just restricted to Universal passholders but now we found out even more guests can take advantage of it.
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Epic Universe Preview Tickets On Sale Now
Preview tickets for Epic Universe are now on sale for April 17 through May 8, 2025. According to Universal during this preview period some attractions and experiences may not be available as they are “putting the final touches in place and rehearsing.”
Ticket prices for the preview period start at $118.15. Details on the second preview period for May 9 through opening day, May 22, 2025, will be released at a later date. Tickets are available on Universal Orlando’s website with consistent wait times of over 45 minutes all day to get into the site. The demand is clearly there for Epic Universe preview access!
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We initially thought Epic Universe preview tickets would only be available for Universal Orlando passholders but today it was revealed that tickets are also available for Universal hotel guests, activated 2025 Military Freedom ticketholders, and Universal Rewards Visa Signature cardmembers. This means if you want to visit Epic Universe during this preview period, you can get access by booking at least a one night stay at Universal Orlando hotel.
This is essentially like a soft opening and while it’s not exclusive to Universal Orlando passholders, a certain amount of tickets are allocated to passholders for each day to ensure they get a chance to experience it. Universal is definitely feeling confident that Epic Universe is ready to be up and running so extending the preview offerings to more guests gives them additional time to test drive the park and its services. This is a strategic move that makes so much sense. Open the floodgates a bit more to get all the kinks out before the park officially launches to the public.
Epic Universe Testing Express Pass and Early Admission
During this preview period, Universal Orlando will be testing out Express Pass which according to their website will be available for purchase at the Concierge/Guest Services kiosks inside the park. This makes sense as this preview period is a perfect time to test out Express Pass before it is widely offered since the park will open with Express Pass on opening day. What better time to test out this service when guests entering the park understand that the service may be more limited during the preview period. This way they can collect data on how Express Pass is working at Epic Universe before it officially launches.
No word yet how expensive Express Pass will be but prices for Epic Universe Express Pass after official park opening have been far higher than for the other Universal theme parks. Keep in mind that unlimited Express Pass is not available for Epic Universe, only once per day Express Pass. We could see lower prices for Express Pass during the preview period though especially since the entire park isn’t guaranteed to be running since this is a preview period.
Universal will also test out Early Park Admission for Universal hotel guests during the preview period. Guests staying at one of the Universal Orlando hotels can enter the park an hour before the park opens. Park hours during the preview period will run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is great to see how late the parks will be open! Epic Universe looks beautiful at night and I hope this means we will consistently see later park hours when the park officially opens.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel Opening Early
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is now officially opening early on April 16, 2025 just in time for previews to start on April 17. Guests can start booking stays at this deluxe hotel now.
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers direct access to Epic Universe with their own dedicated theme park entrance. All the early reviews of this hotel during the media event have been a rave especially with its amazing views of the park.
As for guests staying at other Universal Orlando hotels during the preview period, Universal will begin offering complimentary transportation from all their hotels and Epic Universe starting on April 17.
READ MORE- 10 Things We’re Looking Forward to at Epic Universe
First image via Universal Orlando.
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