Universal EPIC Universe Announces May 2025 Opening Date and Ticket Sales

26 days ago in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art
Posted: Thursday October 17, 2024 9:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its highly anticipated fourth theme park, Universal EPIC Universe, will officially open its gates on May 22, 2025.

The park will offer an immersive experience across several distinct "worlds," including familiar favorites like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, as well as original concepts like Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

Ticket Options and Availability

Tickets for Universal EPIC Universe will go on sale starting October 22, 2024, and will initially be available only as part of multi-day packages. These packages will include access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and a single-day admission to the new EPIC Universe.

Here's a breakdown of the current ticket offerings:

  • Multi-Day Tickets (3-Days or Longer): Available starting October 22, these tickets allow guests to visit Universal's three existing theme parks for multiple days, with one designated day at EPIC Universe. During this initial phase, there won't be single-day or two-day tickets specifically for EPIC Universe. However, Universal has confirmed that these options will become available closer to the park's grand opening.
  • No Date-Specific Admission to EPIC Universe: While you'll need to choose a start date for your multi-day ticket, there's flexibility for when you visit EPIC Universe during the validity of your ticket. There's no need to lock in a specific day for your visit to the new park, but it's important to note that ticket availability and capacity will be managed to ensure a quality guest experience.

Future Ticket Offerings and Add-Ons

Universal plans to introduce more ticketing options as the opening date approaches, including:

  • Single-Day and Two-Day Tickets for EPIC Universe: These will be available before the grand opening.
  • Express Pass and VIP Tours: While not available initially, Express Passes and VIP Tours will be introduced before the park opens. These options will allow guests to enhance their experience with shorter wait times or guided tours through the new attractions.
  • My Universal Photo Products: Photography packages specific to EPIC Universe will also be launched at a later date.

Special Offers for Florida Residents

Though the initial release of tickets won't include Florida Resident discounts, Universal has confirmed that these discounts will be available in future ticket phases. Florida residents will have exclusive ticket options for EPIC Universe, but details about those offerings are expected closer to the park's opening.

Early Park Admission and Transportation

Guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels will enjoy the benefit of Early Park Admission to EPIC Universe, as has been the case with Universal's other parks. Early access will begin on the park's opening day, May 22, 2025, and includes select attractions.

Additionally, complimentary shuttle buses will run between EPIC Universe and Universal's existing parks (Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay), as well as CityWalk, providing convenient transportation for those looking to explore all that Universal Orlando has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Universal EPIC Universe

Q: Is there a one- or two-day option for guests wanting to visit Universal EPIC Universe?

A: During this initial phase, Universal is only offering multi-day tickets (3 days or longer) that include one-day admission to Universal EPIC Universe. Additional ticket options, including single-day and two-day tickets, will be available closer to the park's opening date.

Q: Will there be discounted tickets for Florida residents?

A: Florida Resident discounts will not be part of the initial ticket launch, but Universal has confirmed that exclusive ticket options for Florida residents will be introduced at a later date.

Q: Do I need to specify the date I plan to visit Universal EPIC Universe?

A: No. With the current multi-day ticket options, you do not need to choose a specific date for visiting EPIC Universe. You only need to select the first date your ticket will be valid, and you'll have the flexibility to visit the new park on any day during your ticket's validity window.

Q: Can guests change the date of their tickets after purchase?

A: Yes. Guests can modify the date of their ticket using the self-service tool on the Universal Orlando website. If the new date is priced higher than the original selection, you'll be required to pay the difference. For further assistance, you can contact Universal's guest services.

Q: Are guests guaranteed to visit Universal EPIC Universe on their selected day?

A: Universal will manage attendance at EPIC Universe to ensure a high-quality experience for all guests. While ticket inventory will be controlled, those who purchase a multi-day ticket that includes EPIC Universe will be guaranteed access to the park for one day during the validity of their ticket.

Q: Can I purchase a ticket that allows for more than one day at Universal EPIC Universe?

A: For now, multi-day tickets only allow one-day admission to EPIC Universe. However, additional ticket options that offer more days at EPIC Universe will be available closer to the park's opening.

Q: Will all Universal Orlando tickets include access to Universal EPIC Universe?

A: Only 3-, 4-, and 5-day tickets purchased for visits after the grand opening of EPIC Universe will include one-day access to the park. Single-day and two-day tickets for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay will not include EPIC Universe access, but these options will still be available for those not visiting the new park.

Q: Will Express Passes be available for Universal EPIC Universe?

A: Express Pass options for EPIC Universe will be introduced at a later date. Guests can expect more information about these passes to be released closer to the park's grand opening.

Q: Are VIP Tours available for Universal EPIC Universe?

A: VIP Tours that include Universal EPIC Universe will be available before the park's opening. Details about these exclusive tour experiences will be announced soon.

Q: Will there be photo packages for Universal EPIC Universe?

A: Yes, Universal will launch My Universal Photo products specific to EPIC Universe closer to the park's opening. More details about these packages will be provided in the coming months.

Q: Will Early Park Admission include Universal EPIC Universe?

A: Yes, Universal hotel guests will enjoy Early Park Admission to EPIC Universe starting on the park's grand opening day. Early access will include select attractions, and valid park admission is required.

Q: Will there be transportation between Universal EPIC Universe and Universal's other parks?

A: Yes, Universal will provide complimentary shuttle bus transportation between EPIC Universe and Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk, ensuring guests can easily move between the parks during their visit.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

JT300045 minutes ago

Can we at least wait until the part of DAK that resembles a parking lot has actually been replaced before dumping heaps of hyperbole onto it?

lazyboy97o2 hours ago

They’re still interested in investing but they also really want to get costs under control.

Stripes3 hours ago

What do you mean by “fronts?” Front entrance?

TalkToEthan3 hours ago

I said **fronts** only——you remark as if I’m talking about all thematic facets to a park Furthermore I’m placing a bet on what I wrote and we’ll have to wait to see if this over the top Epic theming will materialize

andre854 hours ago

I truly don't see how one can say Epic Universe will rival Disney Sea thematically, and in the same breath say Animal Kingdom does not. At the bare minimum, there's a level of cohesion and authenticity to AK as a whole Epic Universe will not be able to even begin to approach from what I can tell, and I think could be argued as meeting, if not exceeding DisneySea as well, especially with how perfectly it blends nature with manmade creations.

TalkToEthan4 hours ago

As for fronts, strictly talking facades here……I bet Epic will be just as good thematically as Disney Sea on a pound for pound, inch for inch basis It’s just that Disney Sea will still enjoy so much more depth and size compared to Epic. AK as far as I’m concerned is nowhere near the theme levels as Disney Sea——AK impresses no doubt but it ain’t no TDS

Andrew254 hours ago

To be fair, there are still buildings & utilities easily visible throughout Hagrid's... both onboard and offride. As for HTTYD coaster, as of right the backside of Mead Hall will be quite easily seen on the ride, similar to how you see a few BoH buildings on Slinky Dog. It's just for a few seconds, not the end of the world, but it's annoying they couldn't add more scenery to block (like the giant fence). I do think this park will offer the strongest collection of rides, but thematically it's far from the level of Animal Kingdom or DisneySea.

OG Runner5 hours ago

Two small points. That was an aerial view of the ride. You may not be able to see the back side or facades of any buildings. Even when Hagrid's was testing, you could see a building and they painted it to help it blend in. Also, even though they are testing the ride, it is a long way from be completed.

Andrew255 hours ago

Alicia Stella (and others) have been saying this for about 2 years now. Nothing new. While I'd love Epic Universe to get an immediate expansion, the two current parks (especially USF) need to be prioritized. Epic (along with some of the other UDE ventures in the works) has put a strain on the company, but resources and cash should start to free up relatively soon. I still believe Comcast is interested in continued investment at their parks, it's just a matter of which projects they end up prioritizing.

MisterPenguin6 hours ago

Have you heard where Comcast is going to get the cash to do that with all the other rumored new lands throughout all three parks?

cheezbat7 hours ago

I’ve heard through the grapevine that Super Nintendo World may be fast-tracking an expansion to open a year or so after Epic Universe opens.

ParkPeeker22 hours ago

Didn’t think I’d be this excited for a Donkey Kong land but that looks straight out of DKCR, wow! I want a pic with DK!

drkarcher221 day ago

I love the mural in the queue of the original Donkey Kong game. Also that must feel so surreal for Miyamoto walking through multiple areas based off a video game that he helped create forty years ago

networkpro1 day ago

I love how Universal is actually following through with thier plussing of the areas, hopefully not like the rat trap down the road that just does things for press parties and then immediately abandons them.