Universal EPIC Universe Plans Memorial Day Weekend 2025 Opening, Creating New Rivalry with Disney World

Oct 15, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

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Universal Epic Universe concept art

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Posted: Tuesday October 15, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

According to our sources, Universal EPIC Universe is now projected to officially open on Memorial Day Weekend 2025.

Although no official opening or preview dates have been announced, the highly anticipated theme park, which will be Universal Orlando Resort's largest expansion to date, is expected to begin offering previews in the months leading up to the late May 2025 grand opening.

Universal Epic Universe - Front Gate

The preview period is anticipated to last for a couple of months, providing guests with a first look at select attractions and areas of the new park. While details on which specific lands will be included in these early previews remain under wraps, it's clear that Universal aims to build excitement ahead of the Memorial Day launch.

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View map

EPIC Universe is set to bring intense competition to Walt Disney World as Universal continues to expand its offerings in the Orlando theme park landscape. With lands including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Dark Universe, EPIC Universe is expected to deliver immersive experiences that rival Disney's established parks. This new addition will challenge Disney's position as the dominant theme park destination in Orlando, with Universal aiming to capture more of the region's tourism market, especially amongst families with teens.

WWOHP World Overview

Stay tuned for more updates as the opening of EPIC Universe approaches.

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Andrew C8 hours ago

I recall in 2012 or so, we were at DHS until 2am one night for extra magic hours. Glorious and without a special ticket.

sedati16 hours ago

As a night-owl, part of me wishes all parks in Florida were opened from dust-to-dawn.

JoeCamel17 hours ago

Just get an invite/ticket to the after hours event. I doubt they will operate this park differently than the others and that buyout income is sweet sweet music to the bottom line

Tom Morrow1 day ago

Yes! Epic was made to be seen at night. If they don’t want to increase the hours then they should consider opening the park later than 9:00 AM so it can be open for longer at night. The theme park enthusiast community should really push for this.

TennHokies1 day ago

Imagine how fantastic this park would look at night if it was open? And no, I don’t consider closing at 9pm enough time to enjoy a nighttime park atmosphere. Come on Epic U - give the people what we want! And at the very least give creative their just deserves.

jrhwdw1 day ago

That's a Start. Thanks!

EricsBiscuit1 day ago

I’m not sure if it will match the test or when it will be ready. They just know that it’s happening.

Disstevefan11 day ago

With previews now open to general public it will be interesting to see the wait times.

Unbanshee1 day ago

Monsters is averaging like a 45-minute wait, with wait times below 30 minutes in the afternoon and almost no wait in the early evenings. You should be able to ride, no problem!

Sir_Cliff1 day ago

That makes sense. I am interested to know what their plans are in terms of a nighttime show, as I think we have all been assuming that the park has been planned with that in mind. I am sure people who have been there have a better sense of whether it would be viable to stand around the fountain area with the focus being fireworks launched behind the hotel. Are the show buildings of Ministry and Monsters Unchained, for example, close enough that fireworks launched from there would be in your field of vision from that vantage point? Or perhaps there are alternative viewing areas further back?

jrhwdw1 day ago

I believe the High Fireworks Launch is the Lagoon by Helios Parking Lot.

lazyboy97o1 day ago

Some of the showbuildings were designed to be able to launch pyrotechnics from their roof.

Sir_Cliff1 day ago

I hadn't thought of it, but that's actually a good point: wouldn't the Helios Hotel be too tall and wide to hold regular fireworks shows that are launched from behind the hotel and were intended to be viewed in Cosmic Park? I can't imagine they would be launching fireworks off a hotel full of people on a regular basis and there is nowhere in the park from which to launch fireworks as far as I know, so I think launching them from behind the hotel is the only option. The logical viewing spot would be the areas around the fountains, but they're right up against the hotel.

sedati1 day ago

How high would the fireworks have to be if standing around the fountain so Helios didn't block the view? Also, would they turn out everyone's park-facing room-lights? Would the rooftop bar go dark? Don't the parks usually dim their lights for their nighttime spectaculars (for good reason)?