Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[tony67]

I would expect that at a certain point but I wouldn't have expected it for the opening timeframe. I remember a poster asking if they should upgrade to an AP (this was earlier last year they were asking the question) when they really wanted Epic and my response was don't purchase the AP if Epic is what you're really wanting purchase the AP if you're content with the existing parks and treat it like a bonus if they include Epic. If all APs could immediately upgrade to Epic what do you think would happen for the normal guests? They would be shut out a lot more. We all saw how Harry Potter lands increased park attendance.

This is a brand new theme park here they haven't opened one in Orlando since the late '90s...cut them some slack

I did and have cut them a lot of slack - but after three months (yes three months) of back and forth with them trying to sort out the issues with my AP and never getting it resolved I'm a bit tired of cutting them slack

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I did and have cut them a lot of slack - but after three months (yes three months) of back and forth with them trying to sort out the issues with my AP and never getting it resolved I'm a bit tired of cutting them slack

But that's unrelated to the comment of yours I quoted. Have your beef about the AP issues you're having but I was responding to the "at a minimum..."

 

[HopperFan]

We have UO APs off and on. Usually a couple years on, then couple off. With EPIC on horizon I let mine and DS#1 go in 2022, DS#2 let his go in 2023. Both parks need refreshing so we aren't missing anything. We don't think EPIC will be included on an AP for awhile, just the option of a discounted day ticket. I mean if they let it be in on an AP it would cannibalize the other parks. They can keep all parks busy keeping it apart. We also think once they offer that inclusive AP it will be very expensive, maybe not in our budget. We'd rather have Disney AP and buy day tickets for EPIC right now. So we decided we would wait until day tickets worked for us time/money wise. Was looking at this fall sometime.

WELL they released these pre-opening tickets, two of us will be at Disney already so the third will fly down for one day at EPIC and we'll all go home the next day. Hoping it will be lighter crowds than once it officially opens. Very excited to visit Dark Universe!

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I have been monitoring hotel prices because I was going to make a quick trip from Texas mid-May with the family to take advantage of the low crowds. We were just going to stay in 2 rooms at Terra Luna. Prior to the announcement of tickets going public, a room was $115. Last night, AP rate popped up to $145 and this morning it's $169. The standard (garage view) room at Helios is no longer available for our dates either.
I think that people were hesitant to book a room without tickets in hand and now it looks like rooms are filling up. This is unfortunate for people making special trips for low crowds. I have my airline tickets on hold and I think I'll let them go. I no longer see the value in a special trip but only because we are going in June too. If I didn't have the other trip booked already, I do think we would go because crowds WILL be less than after opening, but not to the point it was up 'till now.
I really wanted my kids to enjoy SNW without crushing crowds. Sigh.

 

[tony67]

I have been monitoring hotel prices because I was going to make a quick trip from Texas mid-May with the family to take advantage of the low crowds. We were just going to stay in 2 rooms at Terra Luna. Prior to the announcement of tickets going public, a room was $115. Last night, AP rate popped up to $145 and this morning it's $169. The standard (garage view) room at Helios is no longer available for our dates either.
I think that people were hesitant to book a room without tickets in hand and now it looks like rooms are filling up. This is unfortunate for people making special trips for low crowds. I have my airline tickets on hold and I think I'll let them go. I no longer see the value in a special trip but only because we are going in June too. If I didn't have the other trip booked already, I do think we would go because crowds WILL be less than after opening, but not to the point it was up 'till now.
I really wanted my kids to enjoy SNW without crushing crowds. Sigh.

I've seen prices going up steadily and fluctuating daily as I was planning my trip - I had already booked but was watching to see if it got any cheaper - it did not.

The main issue was the Friday and Saturday nights went from 124 to 264 for Dockside AP Rate - the other nights are still like $94 mid week

That said if your going in June then probably not as big a deal.

 

[Aims127]

Do they sell Express Passes on the preview days?

 

[tony67]

Do they sell Express Passes on the preview days?

Yes you can get them in the park on the day as I understand it - but make sure you review what rides they actually cover.
I think the two big ones are not part of it - so no Donkey Kong or Ministry.
It's also once per ride - they don't offer an unlimited yet from what I have read.

 

[Joe in VA]

Do they sell Express Passes on the preview days?

I came to ask the same question, it looks like EP are not available on any date until 6/22.

 

[Aims127]

I came to ask the same question, it looks like EP are not available on any date until 6/22.

Right I just wasn't sure if you had to buy them day of or in the park if possible. I know people were saying you didn't need them but with them opening the park to all now for the previews I wondered if you could purchase them the day of?

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Right I just wasn't sure if you had to buy them day of or in the park if possible. I know people were saying you didn't need them but with them opening the park to all now for the previews I wondered if you could purchase them the day of?

EP for preview days can only be purchased the day of at the park.

 

[Joe in VA]

EP for preview days can only be purchased the day of at the park.

Anyone know if they have been selling out or if they're readily available?

 

[GhostHost24]

I'm considering canceling my hotel at grand Helios for opening weekend and canceling my ticket and express.

Did everything during my preview day, no need to dump all that money again

 

[Minnie1222]

I'm considering canceling my hotel at grand Helios for opening weekend and canceling my ticket and express.

Did everything during my preview day, no need to dump all that money again.

I would if I could! My daughter coincidentally have some friends going at the same time so she's not budging.

 

[tony67]

I'm considering canceling my hotel at grand Helios for opening weekend and canceling my ticket and express.

Did everything during my preview day, no need to dump all that money again

Personally Id want to be there for the opening day if I could - but I had no luck with tickets.
First theme park opening in a very long time - so just for that experience Id want to go.
I figured I would not even get on a ride - but no I don't think I'd stay at Helios from what I've seen so far - for Epic I think Dockside\Surfside is the best option currently

How was the bar at Helios?

How many days did it take you to do everything?

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Personally Id want to be there for the opening day if I could - but I had no luck with tickets.
First theme park opening in a very long time - so just for that experience Id want to go.
I figured I would not even get on a ride - but no I don't think I'd stay at Helios from what I've seen so far - for Epic I think Dockside\Surfside is the best option currently

How was the bar at Helios?

And I am the opposite, I have zero desire to pay all that money to just say I was there and deal with all the crazies..lol

 

[tony67]

And I am the opposite, I have zero desire to pay all that money to just say I was there and deal with all the crazies..lol

I hear that - I tend to avoid the busy times other than HHN as there really is no option anymore for a slow HHN - but honestly I doubt it will be as bad as a busy day at MK.

Pretty sure they have really limited tickets for the most part - so will be interesting to see.

 

[jrsharp21]

I ended up getting a preview ticket for when we are at US for our work conference on May 12th! I was pretty excited to see that announcement and get tickets.

We are staying at the Loews Royal Pacific for the conference. Any perks or info I should know about staying onsite for a preview day?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Per info I've heard, there is unofficial early entry for only hotel guests during the previews (they're not calling it early entry for some reason, but you can enter 1hr before the official opening time and the typical early entry rides are open - Nintendo area / Stardust Racers).

 

[GhostHost24]

Per info I've heard, there is unofficial early entry for only hotel guests during the previews (they're not calling it early entry for some reason, but you can enter 1hr before the official opening time and the typical early entry rides are open - Nintendo area / Stardust Racers).

It's on their faq there's early entry. I'm fairly certain they've made it known since previews started hotel guests have early entry to Nintendo or stardust

 

[CAPSLOCK]

It's on their faq there's early entry. I'm fairly certain they've made it known since previews started hotel guests have early entry to Nintendo or stardust

Per their FAQ:
Q: Is Early Park Admission at Epic Universe available during the Preview period?
A: While Early Park Admission at Universal Epic Universe does not begin until May 23, 2025, Universal Orlando Hotel Guests can exclusively enter the park up to one-hour prior to park open now through May 19 with valid theme park admission.

So they're offering early entry but specifically saying it's not early entry (?).