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Epic Universe Changing Early Park Admission for February

Big news for early birds! Universal is expanding Early Park Admission at Epic Universe this February. Guests can now step into the Ministry of Magic and the Isle of Berk up to a full hour before the general public, giving you a head start on the magic and dragon-riding action.

Related – Universal Orlando Taking Bids for Transportation System Connecting Epic Universe to Other Theme Parks

early park admission

Through January 31, the Early Park Admission lineup at Epic Universe remains focused on Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe. Guests can enjoy the following attractions one hour before the general public:

  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
  • Yoshi’s Adventure
  • Stardust Racers
  • Constellation Carousel
  • Monsters Unchained
  • Curse of the Werewolf

Originally confirmed during the park’s preview phase, this early-entry perk is available to Universal Orlando hotel guests and select ticket holders, offering a 60-minute head start on the day’s adventures.

The Early Park Admission roster has evolved significantly since its debut. Initially, the lineup was limited to Stardust Racers and the three attractions within Super Nintendo World, with the Constellation Carousel joining shortly after. Following the park’s grand opening, Universal further expanded the perk by adding both headlining attractions in Dark Universe.

Universal Orlando just dropped some great news for Passholders, and it’s the kind of update that deserves a celebratory Butterbeer. While Epic Universe will not offer its own dedicated Annual Pass in 2026, Universal confirmed that Passholders will still get a long list of perks inside the brand-new park all the way through December 31, 2026. You’ll still need separate admission to get in, but once you’re through the gate, the perks keep rolling. Let’s break down what Universal is offering for the next era of Passholder fun at Epic Universe. Premier Passholders get the big one: free Valet or Prime self-parking after their first visit, now valid at the new Epic Universe garages, too. Preferred Passholders enjoy free self-parking after visit one, plus discounts on Prime and Valet. Power Passholders score 50 percent off regular daytime parking and can upgrade to Prime at a prorated rate. Every parking perk specifically includes Epic Universe, which is huge considering how busy those garages will be once the park officially opens. Dining perks carry over in full force. Premier Passholders get 15 percent off at Universal-owned restaurants and carts, while Preferred Passholders get 10 percent. And yes, the list of participating locations inside Epic Universe is long. Whether you’re grabbing a toasty bite at Oak & Star Tavern, slurping up something magical at Bièraubeurre, heading into Toadstool Cafe, or sampling a drink under the stars at Bar Zenith, your pass discount applies. More than two dozen Epic Universe restaurants and quick-service spots are included. Shopping discounts remain the same: 15 percent for Premier Passholders and 10 percent for Preferred. Epic Universe has one of the most stacked retail lineups Universal has ever assembled, from Mario Motors and the Nintendo Super Star Store to Toothless’ Treasures, How to Treat Your Dragon, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, the Guild of Mystics, and more. If you’re planning to outfit your whole crew in new-lane drip, the discount will absolutely come in handy. There are even perks inside the lands themselves, like a 10 percent Passholder discount at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and on VIP Experiences across Epic Universe. Photo fans get My Universal Photos discounts and cheaper Coke freestyle recharges, too. It’s worth repeating that all these perks apply through the end of 2026, even though Passholders must buy separate admission for Epic Universe visits next year. That means Universal wants Passholders in the new park, even if the pass structure hasn’t expanded to include full Epic Universe access quite yet. For Passholders itching to explore the Dragon’s Roost, take their first spin on Starfall Racers, wander Celestial Park, step through portals to Nintendo, the Wizarding World, or Darkmoor, or finally feast their eyes on that stunning Oak & Star Tavern décor, these perks make those visits just a little sweeter.

Beginning February 1, Epic Universe is shifting its Early Park Admission strategy to include a wider variety of lands. Guests will now be able to experience select rides and attractions within three distinct portals:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
  • Super Nintendo World
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

The phrasing of this update suggests that not every attraction within these portals will necessarily be operational during the early entry window. It remains to be seen whether this shift is a permanent policy change or simply a temporary test as Universal refines its guest flow strategy for Epic Universe.

Will this impact your visit to Epic Universe?

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