Universal Epic Universe Previews Begin April 17 for Select Guests

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Universal Epic Universe concept art

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Posted: Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort will begin previews of its new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on April 17, 2025—more than a month ahead of the official opening on May 22.

Select groups, including annual passholders and guests staying at Universal Orlando hotels, now have access to purchase preview tickets.

Universal Epic Universe - Front Gate

Who Can Attend the Previews

Beginning April 8, the following guests are eligible to purchase preview tickets for Universal Epic Universe:

Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders
Guests with a 2025 Military Freedom Pass
Universal Rewards Signature VISA Card holders
Guests with confirmed stays at Universal Orlando hotels

Additional ticket access for other audiences will roll out in the coming weeks.

What to Expect During Previews

Guests with preview access will be among the first to experience Epic Universe and its five immersive lands:

Celestial Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Dark Universe

Universal has noted that availability of attractions, dining, and other offerings may vary during the preview period as final preparations continue for the full launch on May 22.

New Hotel Opening April 16

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Loews property located adjacent to Epic Universe, is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning April 16. Guests staying at the hotel during previews will be just steps away from the new park and can enter through a dedicated entrance from the hotel lobby (valid theme park admission required).

Universal Helios Grand Hotel a Loews Hotel - Exterior

More Information

Preview ticket availability is limited. For details on how to purchase and to check eligibility, visit UniversalOrlando.com/epicuniverse.

Discuss on the Forums

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Tom Morrow1 hour ago

Hearing rumors that Ministry's movements were toned down to attempt to alleviate some of the downtime. Can anyone confirm? I hope not, I was already disappointed that it didn't have any moment that felt like a true drop like Tower of Terror or RotR.

brb10063 hours ago

Going to be tuning into The Today Show's morning coverage.

jrhwdw5 hours ago

Look at all those Launch Spots! Hopefully one's on the Way.....Rollseyes....

Comped6 hours ago

The number I know of in Creative alone who are working overnight is astonishing...

EricsBiscuit6 hours ago

Honestly the best thing they can probably do is actually to open. I’m sure there are many people pulling overnighters and burning the midnight oil to get things working properly. I have done so many times for new openings at my business. Setting a deadline and sticking to it helps tremendously.

Squishy6 hours ago

So sad there won't be a nightly firework show.

DCBaker6 hours ago

DarkMetroid5678 hours ago

I was actually really bummed when I heard this at Epic. I preferred the existing entrance music at USJ and Hollywood, the Celestial Parkified version just doesn’t do it for me.

Comped8 hours ago

A source of mine who works at Universal Creative says that he is "afraid that we are not ready for opening", amid continuing problems... It will open, but I just wonder how problematic things will be given that they can't magically flip a switch in the next two days and solve all the operational issues they are currently having.

TennHokies9 hours ago

Someone should tell Universal that having these portal openings each and every day would put Disney on notice, of being outdone by kid brother. 😎 Given the staggered portal opening times, many on-site guests could benefit from getting to see two portal opening shows in a single day.

Agent H11 hours ago

I noticed that too. Absolutely perfect piece of music.

MrPromey12 hours ago

That's crazy. My son (who's been playing Galaxy on emulation even though we still have a Wii U) recognized the song by name and commented on it being his favorite out of all the Mario music. Small world... or just good taste? ;)

MrPromey12 hours ago

Love the retro feel! Reminds me of pictures of my family and myself as a child in the MK and EPCOT.

Bill Cipher12 hours ago

I haven't really seen it talked about much anywhere, but the music loop outside of the Super Nintendo World portal in Celestial Park is a rendition of the track Gusty Garden Galaxy from Super Mario Galaxy. It's a strong contender for my favorite piece of theme park music of all time now. Boisterous and orchestral, and reminiscent of the old Epcot loops.