Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[PetePanMan]

Yes- such a planning nightmare. I really wish they would just send hotel guests a link- then maybe you have to show your room key to get in with the ticket. We have a Disney trip in a couple weeks. My son (16) has a Universal AP because his was purchased after ours and had the 15 months. Mine & DH let ours expire since we wouldn’t be going back to Universal for 6 months. We bought him an AP preview ticket and are now *hoping* DH and I will be able to get a ticket at the hotel. I’m going to stress about it at least until some reports start coming in on availability.

Given that tickets may be available the day of in the lobby subject to availability, I wonder when lines will start to form. This could be a gong show.

 

[tony67]

Given that tickets may be available the day of in the lobby subject to availability, I wonder when lines will start to form. This could be a gong show.

Yeah - was thinking the exact same thing - I'm sure (well I hope) ) they will provide more details. I really dont want to start waiting in line at 4AM, but Ill be up anyway so...

 

[disney-inspired]

I live in a small city that has a tiny airport with service by only 1 airline. I have to drive at least an hour to have choices.

I get that but DFW is not a tiny airport by any means - it's a major hub.

 

[Minnie1222]

Yeah - we will have to wait and see what happens - I cant see them blocking folks out other than in the morning and I cant see them turning away folks for dinner and drinks etc..

I think they will allow guests with a dining receipt to use the dedicated entrance. We're checking in on May 22 and staying for 4 nights. I expect to see a very large crowd of non-hotel guests using the entrance.

 

[fatmanatee]

One preview date already sold out. Would guess that means no availability for same-day? Not interested in being the guinea pig on this one.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1910020188424044722

 

[GhostHost24]

Seems like a random one to sell out. I know it's a Saturday but you'd think first weekend would

 

[FunluvinJ23]

Has anyone else heard that the dedicated entrance at Helios may not be open for previews? I was chatting through the app with a Universal TM who said that. She also said that the entrance can only be used by the hotel guest. Just wanted to see if this is the case.

 

[GhostHost24]

Has anyone else heard that the dedicated entrance at Helios may not be open for previews? I was chatting through the app with a Universal TM who said that. She also said that the entrance can only be used by the hotel guest. Just wanted to see if this is the case.

Have a hard time believing that, where else are guests supposed to go? Doubt they'd bus them all the way around to the front.

 

[GhostHost24]

But for the bigger question. Will the ministry ride be operational during the previews

 

[Minnie1222]

But for the bigger question. Will the ministry ride be operational during the previews

This is how I look at things: if I go, there's a 50% chance I get to ride. If I don't go, there will be absolutely 100% chance of not riding.

 

[wendlle]

We don't know if that's an enforced policy. Transportation from Helios to the main entrance? Unlikely. Will they make you bus to citywalk then bus back to the main gate? They could be that mean.

My AP tickets for the first week don't have codes. It's in our wallet. Maybe scanning our AP will link everything. The park is supposed to be.using facial recognition for entry.

I read on the UOAP facebook group a post where Universal themselves said you had to use your room key to access the gate. So doubtful they will let ANYONE use the entrance except paying guests, otherwise people will be going there in droves just to use the dedicated entrance.

Given that tickets may be available the day of in the lobby subject to availability, I wonder when lines will start to form. This could be a gong show.

I'm hoping that you can select a day from anyday thru your stay. I'm there for 6 days, I really hope I don't have to get up each and every morning to find out if I can go to Epic. I should be able to just go to the ticket desk after check in as the email stated and pick a day as long as it's during my stay.
The email I got said and I quote "Preview Tickets to Epic Universe will be available April 17, 2025 and can be purchased at the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center in your hotel lobby upon checking in"

 

[Lewisc]

Have a hard time believing that, where else are guests supposed to go? Doubt they'd bus them all the way around to the front.

Bus to the front, via connection at Citywalk.

Edited to add I don't know how to add a smiley

 

[PetePanMan]

I hope you are right. My email doesn’t say any of that (booked yesterday). Most other wording I’ve seen on this from Universal also had “subject to availability” which is not included in your email.

 

[PetePanMan]

I'm hoping that you can select a day from anyday thru your stay. I'm there for 6 days, I really hope I don't have to get up each and every morning to find out if I can go to Epic. I should be able to just go to the ticket desk after check in as the email stated and pick a day as long as it's during my stay.
The email I got said and I quote "Preview Tickets to Epic Universe will be available April 17, 2025 and can be purchased at the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center in your hotel lobby upon checking in"

I sure hope you are right. Unfortunately I haven’t received any email like yours. Most of the Universal wording on this that I have seen also says “subject to availability” which concerns me. Are they planning to hold some for hotel guests or will access be dependent on not selling out to annual pass holders?

 

[Lewisc]

I sure hope you are right. Unfortunately I haven’t received any email like yours. Most of the Universal wording on this that I have seen also says “subject to availability” which concerns me. Are they planning to hold some for hotel guests or will access be dependent on not selling out to annual pass holders?

Or will there be virtually no limits. Is the plan is to test the extended queues?

 

[wendlle]

Just an FYI this is the entire email I received. I believe they are still "subject to availability"

Join Us for a Preview of Universal Epic Universe Before Grand Opening​

As an upcoming guest of a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, we invite you to experience Universal Epic Universe while you are staying with us. Preview Tickets to Epic Universe will be available April 17, 2025 and can be purchased at the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center in your hotel lobby upon checking in.

Come explore all five immersive worlds of Universal Orlando's newest theme park before the Grand Opening on May 22.

During this Preview period, we're putting the final touches in place and rehearsing so some attractions and experiences may not be available.

To Purchase Tickets, Visit the Universal Vacation Planning Center in Your Hotel Lobby

 

[GhostHost24]

Yea everything I read was the AP tickets were a separate allotment

On reddit someone was able to get the HTML source code and see the amount each day had. If I remember correctly the most was 6k for AP tickets on one of the weekends

 

[tony67]

Also not sure how they do this allotment in their system and how long they hold tickets for etc.. but for the credit card allotments a day that was sold out yesterday is available today so be sure to check back - I would have made completely different plans but now I am a little stuck.

 

[Minnie1222]

Are there express passes for the previews?

 

[GhostHost24]

Are there express passes for the previews?

According to the faq they'll sell them in the park that day