How to Get Early Admission to Universal Orlando – Including Epic Universe!

The Universal Orlando theme parks have become extremely popular in the last few years, especially with the opening of incredible attractions such as Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster.

These and other popular attractions often result in long lines throughout the day. Additionally, the Express Passes for Universal Orlando are expensive, starting at about $90 per person to over $300 per person during peak times!One way to avoid long lines and experience Universal Orlando's best attractions is through early admission.

As an Universal Orlando Annual Passholder who loves to stay at Universal's hotels, I often take advantage of early admission. Below I will discuss how to gain early admission to Universal Orlando, including how early admission works for Epic Universe!

Early Admission to Universal Orlando

Early admission to Universal Orlando is a special benefit that allows select guests to enjoy the park's attractions before the general public arrives.

Early admission is available to guests who are staying at Universal Orlando and Universal Orlando Partner hotels, such as the Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, or Sapphire Falls Resort. Certain types of Universal Orlando Annual Passholders may also be eligible for early entry on select days.

The benefit generally starts between 30 minutes and one hour before the official park opening, and the specific parks or attractions available for early admission may vary depending on the day. This exclusive perk is a great way to maximize the time spent in the parks, allowing guests to experience high-demand attractions before the crowds surge in.

How to Gain Early Admission to Universal Orlando

Gaining early admission to Universal Orlando is relatively simple, but it typically requires staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels or having an annual pass. Guests who book a stay at one of Universal's on-site hotels automatically receive early park admission as part of their reservation. This includes all of Universal's signature, prime value, and value inns and suites such as the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Staying at these properties not only provides the convenience of being close to the parks but also grants you access to the early entry perk without any additional cost.

Universal Orlando also offers hotel and ticket vacation packages for Universal Partner hotels such as Drury Inn & Suites and Doubletree by Hilton. Although these vacation packages must be purchased directly through Universal, they also offer early park admission, which gives guests even more options to gain early park entry.

Lastly, Universal's Preferred and Premier Annual Passholders also have access to early park admission on select dates. However, it's important to note that this benefit may be limited to certain times of the year or specific days, so checking Universal's calendar for availability is essential. Whether you're a hotel guest or a passholder, early admission gives you the chance to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds, making it an invaluable advantage for maximizing your time at Universal Orlando.

READ MORE – Universal Studios Orlando Bag Policy EXPLAINED for 2025 – What you Can and CANNOT Bring

Universal Orlando Hotels that Offer Early Admission

Early Admission for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders

Universal Orlando offers early admission as a perk for certain annual passholders, providing them with the opportunity to enter the parks before the general public on select days. This benefit is typically available to Preferred and Premier Annual Passholders only, giving them early access to Universal's popular attractions.

It's important to remember early park admission for annual passholders is not available every day and may be limited to specific dates or seasons. Universal Orlando publishes an annual calendar with the exact dates when early admission is available to passholders, so it's essential to check the schedule in advance. As a Universal Orlando Premier Passholder, I take advantage of this perk as often as I can, and it's one of the best things about being a Universal Orlando passholder. I've been able to get on Hagrid's Magical Creatures MotorBike Adventure in 30 minutes or less, which is way faster than what the line is throughout the day.

READ MORE – Will Universal's Epic Universe Offer Express Pass?

Book Your Next Trip to Universal and Gain Early Admission with Get Away Today

If and when you're ready to book your next unforgettable trip to Universal Orlando, we always highly recommend checking out our favorite theme park reseller, Get Away Today! In addition to great discount prices on tickets and vacation packages, their customer service and support is unmatched. They have an entire department dedicated to making sure every order has a wonderful experience and they are on-call to help you during your vacation if you need them.

Right now, Get Away Today is offering a special offer of buy two days, get three free at Universal Orlando! They are also currently offering packages to experience Epic Universe. Here at Mickey Visit we also have a complete guide to discount Universal Orlando tickets, including all the deals at Get Away Today. Definitely be sure to check out this amazing company if you're looking to save money and make your vacation planning stress free.

Universal Orlando Early Admission Hours and Availability

Currently, only Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay offer early park admission for hotel guests and select passholders. According to Universal's website, the Universal Studios Florida park does not offer early admission at this time.

Although Universal Studios Florida is a great park with amazing attractions, it's not too surprising that Islands of Adventure is the only park that offers early admission. This is because the most popular attractions are located at Islands of Adventure, and most guests would choose this park when given the option to enter early. Typically, both of these theme parks are open between 9 AM and 9 PM, with Islands of Adventure closing at 10 PM on busier dates including weekends. Early admission for Islands of Adventure is one hour prior to park opening, which gives you plenty of time to hit up at least a few, if not all, of the attractions available during early admission.

Universal Volcano Bay is usually open between 10 AM and 6 PM, and offers early entry 30 minutes prior to opening. It's a great perk to be able to be one of the first guests inside Volcano Bay in order to get in line for the popular waterslides or grab a conveniently located chair to relax in the sun.

Although 30 minutes to an hour may seem like a long time to enjoy early admission, I still recommend getting to Universal between 20-30 minutes before guests are allowed inside for early entry. There will be many other guests taking advantage of this perk, and to truly maximize early admission, you'll want to be one of the first people inside. Therefore, be sure to plan accordingly whether you are driving to the park or taking advantage of complementary hotel transportation.

Open Attractions During Early Admission

Some of Universal's best attractions are open during early admission! See the list below for all attractions that are typically available during early park entry. Please note some of these rides may not be open or operational, and are subject to change.

Universal Islands of Adventure:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• Ollivanders
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Anyone who has visited Universal Orlando will tell you to prioritize Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster during early admission. These two attractions are arguably the most popular, especially Hagrid's which almost always has a 90 minute wait or more.

Universal Volcano Bay: 

• Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
• ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Ko'okiri Body Plunge
• Waturi Wave Pool

At Universal Volcano Bay, I recommend heading to the Krakatau Aqua Coaster first to avoid the large lines that typically gather for this slide when it opens!

READ MORE – New Look at Fan Favorite DreamWorks Character Coming to Universal Orlando

Early Admission to Epic Universe

The attractions that will be open for early entry include:

• Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
• Yoshi's Adventure
• Mine-Cart Madness
• Stardust Racers

These four attractions are expected to be extremely popular, and therefore if you're not a preferred or premier annual passholder, I highly recommend staying at a Universal resort that offers early park entry if you plan on visiting Epic Universe!

Read More Disney Planning Advice!

For more information about the parks and the best planning information for your Disney trip, subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter. We’ll provide you with helpful guides, all of the latest news, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.