Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We did the expensive package in Japan with unlimited express passes. The lines were all 2+ hours. I'm glad I got to experience it Disney Sea is unique. I want to go back to Japan again, but I have no desire to do TDR again. That was a one and done thing for us. You are right the Japanese have no issue standing in line all day eating popcorn. It's just not for me.

We personally didn't hold back on purchasing DPA and then used the 40th anniversary for precisely that reason of the lines; ordinarily we wouldn't not be purchasing that stuff at least with the frequency but it was more affordable than the U.S. parks for them and well it was Japan didn't know when/if we would be back to do Disney again there.

It did mean, because we didn't do the package, that we had to get there super early to be able to start the day right. We were at the parks waiting in like between 6:45am-6:55am and there was already a ton of people waiting. We waited in line for certain attractions like Toy Story Mania one day which was fairly brutal and we got super lucky getting in Haunted Mansion near park close (we actually had already experienced the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at Disneyland so it wasn't super new to us).

While we did worry about getting access to Fantasy Springs between purchasing DPA and using Standby passes we got in 4 separate occasions and rode 3 of the 4 attractions (the buggies we didn't ride) with one being at night. But we also did 1 weeknight ticket at Disneyland, 1 full day at DL and 2 full days at DisneySea so that helped out.

We stayed at Tokyo Hilton Bay next to Toy Story. The popcorn lines I swear were the longest lines for food in both parks

 

[DurangoJim]

Anyone know if there are plans to offer single day tickets for the few days in May that they’re open? We’re going to be there for the week but we’re hoping to go to epic universe for more than one day and I don’t want to have to buy two 3 day tickets for everyone in our party

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm currently planning a trip in summer, and splurged for the 1 night, 2 day with unlimited premier pass, also Toy Story hotel. The 5-10 min you're quoting definitely makes me think it's a good decision, but like you I'm struggling with the high cost over 2 days of a 3 week trip - in my case it's looking around $950 for the 1n2days for 1 person. But if that's what helps me get to experience what I want in the short time I have, it's worth it.

2 hour lines sound horrendous and would be completely impossible for me. Also, Splash is absolute top on my list - I never got to ride the original in the US as my first Disney park ever was Disneyland in summer 2023...exactly 3 weeks after they closed it for good :/ So getting the premier package guarantees I'll be able to ride it as long as it is open on my one day in that park!!! (crossing fingers).

I know off topic for this thread so I won't talk too much more about it---

I do agree the line access is fairly quick and IMO the primary reason is because the vast majority are fine waiting in lines (sometimes several hours as Beauty and the Beast can get- we paid for DPA twice for that attraction).

A word of caution TDR does ride maintenance on a far more routinely basis than the U.S. parks do (as a result we never had an attraction go down except for Beauty and the Beast briefly but that ride is the most technologically advanced of the parks there so it does happen with it). You'll want to keep an eye out on their refurb schedule as it can change and new ones are added while others finish up early. Looks like Splash is set to reopen on the 19th after having been closed since mid-February so odds are it wouldn't be on refurb again in the summer. For us the big attraction that was refurbed in October was Journey to the Center of the Earth bummed we didn't get to ride it but it happens.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Anyone know if there are plans to offer single day tickets for the few days in May that they’re open? We’re going to be there for the week but we’re hoping to go to epic universe for more than one day and I don’t want to have to buy two 3 day tickets for everyone in our party

My guess is because it's opening weekend plus Memorial Day several days later they probably won't. They seem to be holding those days for those willing to purchase 3 days (even a 2 day ticket with 1 day being at Epic starts June 1st) being a holiday right around it. Plus with the way the tickets are they don't know when those who have them will visit Epic and that might be influencing it too. Just all guesses here.

 

[Keladry84]

I know off topic for this thread so I won't talk too much more about it---

I do agree the line access is fairly quick and IMO the primary reason is because the vast majority are fine waiting in lines (sometimes several hours as Beauty and the Beast can get- we paid for DPA twice for that attraction).

A word of caution TDR does ride maintenance on a far more routinely basis than the U.S. parks do (as a result we never had an attraction go down except for Beauty and the Beast briefly but that ride is the most technologically advanced of the parks there so it does happen with it). You'll want to keep an eye out on their refurb schedule as it can change and new ones are added while others finish up early. Looks like Splash is set to reopen on the 19th after having been closed since mid-February so odds are it wouldn't be on refurb again in the summer. For us the big attraction that was refurbed in October was Journey to the Center of the Earth bummed we didn't get to ride it but it happens.

Oops, didn't realize this was the Epic thread and not one of the many TDR ones I've joined as well! I did check re-furb schedule and so far seems only one so far that will be down during my trip is the monsters inc. Sad as it's unique/not in the US but I'm ok missing it. Also thinking the same re Spalsh and it's current refurb!

Now back to topic: Epic Universe is going to be........EPIC!

Sorry, couldn't resist. I also have tickets during opening week and am insane excited. I wasn't going to do Universal Florida this year at all, but then lucked out with 3 days of the passholder tickets, yay!

 

[Keladry84]

My guess is because it's opening weekend plus Memorial Day several days later they probably won't. They seem to be holding those days for those willing to purchase 3 days (even a 2 day ticket with 1 day being at Epic starts June 1st) being a holiday right around it. Plus with the way the tickets are they don't know when those who have them will visit Epic and that might be influencing it too. Just all guesses here.

I'm guessing along the same lines as you. They could also be trying to keep lower attendance during opening week for positive feedback, etc. Or at least that's what I'm personally hoping for (as per my previous post ;0)

 

[DCLMP]

I'm currently planning a trip in summer, and splurged for the 1 night, 2 day with unlimited premier pass, also Toy Story hotel. The 5-10 min you're quoting definitely makes me think it's a good decision, but like you I'm struggling with the high cost over 2 days of a 3 week trip - in my case it's looking around $950 for the 1n2days for 1 person. But if that's what helps me get to experience what I want in the short time I have, it's worth it.

2 hour lines sound horrendous and would be completely impossible for me. Also, Splash is absolute top on my list - I never got to ride the original in the US as my first Disney park ever was Disneyland in summer 2023...exactly 3 weeks after they closed it for good :/ So getting the premier package guarantees I'll be able to ride it as long as it is open on my one day in that park!!! (crossing fingers).

I think you made a great choice. Toy story is great. I don't really see advantage to one of the more expensive hotels when you are in the park all day. It's not a WDW or Universal vacation where you are spending a several days. and lounging around the pool in the evening.
You will be able to do everything in two days. The worst line you'll experience is getting into the park. I don't think you need to get there when it opens. Just waltz in at your leisure.You won't be waiting in lines.

To turn this back to Epic Universe. I went back and forth about going this Summer, but without any reviews I think it's in my best interest to wait and see what the wait times are like. I've never been to Universal without express passes. We always stay at a resort that offers them.

 

[GhostHost24]

I'll be there day 3 on Saturday. I'll take any limits

 

[jacksdadcan]

CURRENT UK OFFERS:

For 2025
View attachment 947621


For 2026
View attachment 947622

Oooooo really like this.

I've been (im)patiently waiting on more Epic ticket options for a planned Nov 2025 trip but if I can somehow convince my son that we wait til early 2026 we could get way more park days for same prices in Nov '25.

(Priced two single days at Epic + one 2-day ticket option- total 3 days Epic but a 14 day pass would allow us way more options!)

 

[fatmanatee]

Starting to see character photo ops being posted (mainly dark universe and isle of berk), would guess there’s an allowance to this bc these areas are final and there’s no sign of construction work. Bioreconstruct has continued to post photos and vids and has noticed some areas where they’re still doing some work.

Anyway, here’s a link:

https://attractionsmagazine.com/universal-epic-universe-photos-inside-team-member-previews/

 

[Chuck96]

After the Friday announcement, wife and I tacked on an extra day after our Disney cruise over Halloween - will stay at Helios and spend a day at Epic on November 2. Can't wait.

 

[Minnie1222]

Family previews have been extended to April 5th.

 

[Lashed34]

Has Battle for the ministry been opened for previews yet or are they still perfecting it?

 

[fatmanatee]

Has Battle for the ministry been opened for previews yet or are they still perfecting it?

Rumored technical issues, as far as I know no ride reports, people have just been going through the queue.

 

[Dubb]

Oooooo really like this.

I've been (im)patiently waiting on more Epic ticket options for a planned Nov 2025 trip but if I can somehow convince my son that we wait til early 2026 we could get way more park days for same prices in Nov '25.

(Priced two single days at Epic + one 2-day ticket option- total 3 days Epic but a 14 day pass would allow us way more options!)

That's why I have been keeping an eye on them. Ideally, we want to visit December 2025. But if we have to wait one month until January 2026 to get 14 days, then we will.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Ideally, we want to visit December 2025. But if we have to wait one month until January 2026 to get 14 days, then we will.

I sincerely hope lots of people are thinking this and doing this. I'm going Dec 2025 specifically because I think lots of people will go before then (ASAP or HHN seems most likely), or wait until multi-day Epic tickets are available in 2026. That would potentially make Dec 2025 a sweet little lull.
Here's hoping! It'll be fun even if it's packed though.

 

[EACarlson]

Just bought my flight and hotel for a trip in January of '26. My younger son is incredibly excited for Epic Universe.

 

[Pyxie]

I'll be there day 3 on Saturday. I'll take any limits

same!

 

[sandam1]

Has anyone heard what the security set-up is going to be at Epic? Any chance that they have the walk-thru scanners like Disney? Also, I'm curious out how things will be handled at Helios.

 

[fatmanatee]

Been hearing chatter that they're moving to facial recognition-based entry so it seems like they have their eyes on getting people in quicker.