Universal Orlando Announces Epic Universe Preview Hours and Early Park Admission

Epic Universe Preview Hours and Perks Revealed for Hotel Guests and Passholders

The countdown to the official opening of Universal Epic Universe continues, and with Passholder previews in full swing, Universal Orlando has just dropped some important updates on park hours, hotel guest access, and Annual Passholder perks—including when you can enter the park and where you can score some sweet savings.

Related: Annual Passholders Can Now Claim Exclusive Epic Universe Poster During Passholder Previews

⏰ Preview Hours Confirmed

If you’re planning a trip during the preview period, mark your calendars:

• Epic Universe is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m during the preview period.
• On Friday, April 25, the park will close early at 6:00 p.m.—so plan your epic day accordingly!

🏨 Early Entry for Universal Hotel Guests

Staying at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels? You’re in luck!
Guests of all Universal Orlando hotels—including the in-park Helios Grand Hotel—can enter Epic Universe one hour early at 10:00 a.m. during the preview period.

🎢 Important note: Rides are not currently operating during this early entry hour, as the park is in technical rehearsal. But don’t be surprised if select attractions begin to open earlier as previews progress. As always with soft openings—subject to change!

🎟️ Annual Passholder Perks Take Epic to the Next Level

While Annual Passes for Epic Universe aren’t available just yet, Universal is rolling out the red carpet for Passholders during previews with a slew of perks across parking, dining, shopping, and more.

🚗 Parking Perks

• Premier Passholders: Free Valet or Prime Self-Parking (after your first visit)
• Preferred Passholders: Free regular self-parking, discounts on Prime, and 50% off Valet
• Power Passholders: 50% off regular self-parking every visit

🍽️ Dining Discounts

Refuel for your next adventure with Passholder-exclusive discounts:

• Premier Pass: 15% off
• Preferred Pass: 10% off
  Valid at select Epic Universe restaurants like:
• Toadstool Café™
• Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
• Meteor Astropub
• Mead Hall
• Café L’air de La Sirène, and more!

🛍️ Shopping & Monster Makeovers

Time to stock up on souvenirs—and maybe a new monster persona:

• Premier Passholders: 15% off
• Preferred Passholders: 10% off
  At stores like:
• Toothless’ Treasures
• 1-UP Factory™
• Mario Motors™
• Les Galeries Mirifiques
• Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities

Plus, all Pass types get:

• 10% off the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
• 10% off VIP Tours, including inside Epic Universe
• Discounts on Coca-Cola Freestyle® cups and My Universal Photos

Related: Epic Universe Merchandise Store First Look at the Orlando Airport

🚫 What’s Not Included (Yet)

A few standard Universal perks are not available at Epic Universe during previews:

• Early Park Admission for Passholders
• Express After 4 p.m. for Premier Passholders

Rumors have swirled that Express access could be added once the park officially opens, but Universal has noted Express after 4 pm will not be extended to Epic Universe.

And nope—Annual Passes specific to Epic Universe are not currently available, with no timeline yet announced for when the new park will join the rest of the Universal Orlando lineup for Pass sales.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first visit or making repeat runs through Celestial Park, these updates are a must-know for maximizing your preview experience. Stay tuned—we expect more surprises and announcements as Epic Universe prepares for its grand opening on May 22, 2025!