Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[tony67]

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 (?).

Yeah probably just covering their butts if things are down or closed - not really needed since its a technical rehearsal but you know how it is.

 

[Lewisc]

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

Hotel guests can enter an hour early. The early entry program includes additional categories of guests such as AP holders

 

[DarthEsquire]

The way they phrase that also reflects that there will be no early access (even for hotel guests) on May 22nd for those attending opening day. Probably other reasons to get there early that day though,

 

[tony67]

The way they phrase that also reflects that there will be no early access (even for hotel guests) on May 22nd for those attending opening day. Probably other reasons to get there early that day though,

Yeah - did not expect early open that day - assume there will be a ribbon cutting etc... or some such

Not sure how that will affect Helios since I assume anything related to the grand opening will be at the main gate

 

[jrsharp21]

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).

We are staying at Disney World and checking out the morning of the 12th and driving over to US. I am guessing since we don't check into Loew's until that day, we can't take advantage of the early morning. I may have to look at maybe checking in a day earlier.

 

[keishashadow]

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

We needed the end of June to add onto wdw trip

For some reason the last Thursday & Friday (6/26 & 6/27) have been wildly high priced Especially Thursday @ the epic values???

I lopped a day off & booked the Fri & sat and APH rate dropped substantially (as in half)

Maybe convention or carry over from opening day My point, a degree of date flexibility with the new properties may be way to go

 

[Captain UP]

My daughter and I are going to Epic U on July 3! We got the group VIP tour- it's reasonably priced (around $400 per person) and promises 6 rides with no wait. Not sure what the other perks will be, but I know at the other UO parks, they give you Express passes for the rest of the day.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

My daughter and I are going to Epic U on July 3! We got the group VIP tour- it's reasonably priced (around $400 per person) and promises 6 rides with no wait. Not sure what the other perks will be, but I know at the other UO parks, they give you Express passes for the rest of the day.

Did you buy that super early? I see that July 3rd for Epic is $610 per person. I do see that IOA and the Studios combined are $410 per person for the same date. Studios by itself is $390 and so is IOA by itself.

 

[Captain UP]

Did you buy that super early? I see that July 3rd for Epic is $610 per person. I do see that IOA and the Studios combined are $410 per person for the same date. Studios by itself is $390 and so is IOA by itself.

yes- I bought the day they went on sale. Glad that I did! Haha.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

yes- I bought the day they went on sale. Glad that I did! Haha.

I'd say so!!

 

[Captain UP]

Here's the full description from NBC on the Epic U VIP tour:

Thank you for booking spaces on a Universal Epic Universe Non-Private VIP Experience. We look forward to having you with us and the opportunity to provide you with an exclusive “Red Carpet” visit to our resort.

You and your party, along with other Non-Private VIP Experience guests, will be combined together into a group of no more than 12 to take part in a structured, guided walking tour of Universal Epic Universe. Your Non-Private VIP Experience will last up to 4 hours during which you will receive Immediate VIP Entry into 6 attractions.

Below is the information on file for your Universal Epic Universe Non-Private VIP Experience:​

Name of Party: , Jon

Number in Party: 2

Tour Date/Check-in Time: 07/03/2025 9:00 AM

Order Number:

Parking for your VIP Experience –​

Complimentary standard valet parking is included with your VIP Experience (1 vehicle; subject to availability). Please be sure to have your valet parking claim ticket validated while checking in with us for your VIP Experience.

Should you choose to utilize self-parking, preferred parking or any upgraded valet parking option the charge would be non-refundable.

Click HERE for driving directions to Universal Orlando Resort. Follow the signs to Valet Parking once on Universal Orlando Resort property.

Tour Check-in –​

Upon arrival at Universal Epic Universe, follow the main walkway from the parking lot to the front gate. When approaching, proceed to the far-right side, there will be signage for the exclusive "VIP Entrance" security checkpoint, which you and your party can utilize to enter. After completing the standard security screening, please proceed to Club Jupiter, the Universal Epic Universe VIP Check-in Lobby, which is located to the far-right side of the main entrance to Universal Epic Universe.

Park Admission –​

Park admission is not included in the price of your VIP Experience. Each guest must have the appropriate park admission to participate in the VIP Experience. Admission tickets can either be purchased separately, or can be added to your VIP Experience order. If you choose to have admission tickets added to your VIP Experience order they will be issued to you upon arrival and check-in at Club Jupiter.

Changes to your VIP Experience –​

If the number in your party should increase or decrease, the VIP Reservations Office must be notified at least 3 days in advance of your VIP Experience date. Should your party size increase to 7 or more guests you will be required to purchase a Private VIP Experience.

Please be advised that any changes made to your VIP Experience (including change of date, change of starting time, cancellation or increase/decrease in the number of guests)less than 2 days prior to your scheduled VIP Experience date cannot be guaranteed and are 100% non-refundable. All tours are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

For your safety –​

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while taking part in the VIP Experience. All guests must meet the appropriate height requirements and understand the safety recommendations in order to experience the rides and attractions, no exceptions.

Please note –​

• The VIP Experience is not valid for separately ticketed or after hours special events
• Gratuities are not included, and not required, but always appreciated. VIP Guides may accept gratuities via cash on the day of the tour. If you wish to leave a gratuity via credit card, you may call our VIP Experience Team, or meet with a VIP Experience Team Member in-person at the conclusion of the tour in our VIP Lobby at the front of Universal Epic Universe.
• The VIP Experience is a guided walking tour and guests should be prepared for a large amount of walking/standing and are urged to wear comfortable shoes
• Access may be restricted during certain times at certain rides and attractions or backstage areas
• No photography of any kind is permitted while in backstage or behind the scenes areas
• VIP Experience pricing, benefits and inclusions are subject to change at any time without notice and additional restrictions may apply
• Your VIP Experience may be observed for quality assurance and guest satisfaction purposes. If you have any concerns or wish to opt out of this practice, please contact the VIP Experience Department at 1-866-346-9350 option 2

Contact Us -​

For exclusive VIP concierge service, you can contact one of our VIP Experience Operations Specialists at 1-866-346-9350, Option 2 or via email atviptours@universalorlando.com. We are available 7 days a week, 9:00AM-7:00PM (EST).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Here's the full description from NBC on the Epic U VIP tour:

Thank you for booking spaces on a Universal Epic Universe Non-Private VIP Experience. We look forward to having you with us and the opportunity to provide you with an exclusive “Red Carpet” visit to our resort.

You and your party, along with other Non-Private VIP Experience guests, will be combined together into a group of no more than 12 to take part in a structured, guided walking tour of Universal Epic Universe. Your Non-Private VIP Experience will last up to 4 hours during which you will receive Immediate VIP Entry into 6 attractions.

Below is the information on file for your Universal Epic Universe Non-Private VIP Experience:​

Name of Party: , Jon

Number in Party: 2

Tour Date/Check-in Time: 07/03/2025 9:00 AM

Order Number:

Parking for your VIP Experience –​

Complimentary standard valet parking is included with your VIP Experience (1 vehicle; subject to availability). Please be sure to have your valet parking claim ticket validated while checking in with us for your VIP Experience.

Should you choose to utilize self-parking, preferred parking or any upgraded valet parking option the charge would be non-refundable.

Click HERE for driving directions to Universal Orlando Resort. Follow the signs to Valet Parking once on Universal Orlando Resort property.

Tour Check-in –​

Upon arrival at Universal Epic Universe, follow the main walkway from the parking lot to the front gate. When approaching, proceed to the far-right side, there will be signage for the exclusive "VIP Entrance" security checkpoint, which you and your party can utilize to enter. After completing the standard security screening, please proceed to Club Jupiter, the Universal Epic Universe VIP Check-in Lobby, which is located to the far-right side of the main entrance to Universal Epic Universe.

Park Admission –​

Park admission is not included in the price of your VIP Experience. Each guest must have the appropriate park admission to participate in the VIP Experience. Admission tickets can either be purchased separately, or can be added to your VIP Experience order. If you choose to have admission tickets added to your VIP Experience order they will be issued to you upon arrival and check-in at Club Jupiter.

Changes to your VIP Experience –​

If the number in your party should increase or decrease, the VIP Reservations Office must be notified at least 3 days in advance of your VIP Experience date. Should your party size increase to 7 or more guests you will be required to purchase a Private VIP Experience.

Please be advised that any changes made to your VIP Experience (including change of date, change of starting time, cancellation or increase/decrease in the number of guests)less than 2 days prior to your scheduled VIP Experience date cannot be guaranteed and are 100% non-refundable. All tours are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

For your safety –​

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while taking part in the VIP Experience. All guests must meet the appropriate height requirements and understand the safety recommendations in order to experience the rides and attractions, no exceptions.

Please note –​

• The VIP Experience is not valid for separately ticketed or after hours special events
• Gratuities are not included, and not required, but always appreciated. VIP Guides may accept gratuities via cash on the day of the tour. If you wish to leave a gratuity via credit card, you may call our VIP Experience Team, or meet with a VIP Experience Team Member in-person at the conclusion of the tour in our VIP Lobby at the front of Universal Epic Universe.
• The VIP Experience is a guided walking tour and guests should be prepared for a large amount of walking/standing and are urged to wear comfortable shoes
• Access may be restricted during certain times at certain rides and attractions or backstage areas
• No photography of any kind is permitted while in backstage or behind the scenes areas
• VIP Experience pricing, benefits and inclusions are subject to change at any time without notice and additional restrictions may apply
• Your VIP Experience may be observed for quality assurance and guest satisfaction purposes. If you have any concerns or wish to opt out of this practice, please contact the VIP Experience Department at 1-866-346-9350 option 2

Contact Us -​

For exclusive VIP concierge service, you can contact one of our VIP Experience Operations Specialists at 1-866-346-9350, Option 2 or via email atviptours@universalorlando.com. We are available 7 days a week, 9:00AM-7:00PM (EST).

If you remember come back and let us know how you liked it and how it worked with the rides you selected. I'd count it as a super splurge for my husband and I to do it but am interested in hearing how people found it for the new park.

 

[Captain UP]

If you remember come back and let us know how you liked it and how it worked with the rides you selected. I'd count it as a super splurge for my husband and I to do it but am interested in hearing how people found it for the new park.

I absolutely will!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

We are staying at Disney World and checking out the morning of the 12th and driving over to US. I am guessing since we don't check into Loew's until that day, we can't take advantage of the early morning. I may have to look at maybe checking in a day earlier.

As soon as you check in, you receive your room keys. Your room will likely not be ready, but that makes no difference as far as early entry - all you need to do is show the room keys for early entry. So drive over in the morning with enough time to get checked in at the hotel, and either leave bags in the car or drop them at luggage services for the day.

 

[angryduck71]

My daughter and I are going to Epic U on July 3! We got the group VIP tour- it's reasonably priced (around $400 per person) and promises 6 rides with no wait. Not sure what the other perks will be, but I know at the other UO parks, they give you Express passes for the rest of the day.

I posted a thread about the group VIP. I'm going July 25.

 

[jrsharp21]

Last question, I think...LOL. It looks like EU opens at 10am the day we are going. What time does the first VL for Battle at the Ministry open and what other times are the allotments? I was reading some things and it seemed like the articles were geared for an 11am opening. So just wanted to be sure we are ready to go for the VL.

 

[GhostHost24]

Last question, I think...LOL. It looks like EU opens at 10am the day we are going. What time does the first VL for Battle at the Ministry open and what other times are the allotments? I was reading some things and it seemed like the articles were geared for an 11am opening. So just wanted to be sure we are ready to go for the VL.

11am is first drop. Times available just depends when the ride opens. When I was there 3pm was first return time as that's when the ride opened.

 

[jrsharp21]

11am is first drop. Times available just depends when the ride opens. When I was there 3pm was first return time as that's when the ride opened.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if the first drop was park opening or always 11am.

 

[GhostHost24]

Thanks. I wasn't sure if the first drop was park opening or always 11am.

I guess they could change it as I believe park opening has been 11 every day so far. Didn't realize they had earlier hours coming up.

 

[jrsharp21]

I guess they could change it as I believe park opening has been 11 every day so far. Didn't realize they had earlier hours coming up.

Looks like on May 9th, opening switches to 10am. May 15th it switches to 9am.