In this week’s Beyond the Castle edition, I’m back with PART TWO of my Epic Universe coverage! Last week, we explored all the incredible lands and attractions coming to Universal’s groundbreaking new theme park. This week, I’m breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about tickets, hotels, and planning strategies to make your Epic Universe experience truly… well, EPIC!
Opening day (May 22, 2025) is just over a month away, and tickets are SELLING FAST! Here’s all the info you need to start planning your visit.
TICKET OPTIONS & PRICES
Universal has rolled out several ticket options for Epic Universe, and it can be a bit confusing to navigate. Let me break it down for you!
Single-Day Tickets
Great news! Single-day tickets to Epic Universe are NOW AVAILABLE for everyone! Initially, Universal only offered them to Annual Passholders, but as of March 2025, they’ve opened single-day sales to the general public.
Single-Day Ticket Pricing:
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- Starting at $139 for adults and $134 for children for dates in June 2025
- Prices vary by date (just like Disney’s dynamic pricing)
- Peak times and weekends will cost more
- Opening day (May 22) tickets are currently $156 plus tax
For Annual Passholders, single-day tickets range from $121-$173 depending on the date you visit.
Multi-Day Ticket Options
If you’re planning to experience more of Universal Orlando, these multi-day options include Epic Universe:
2-Day Option:
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- One day at Epic Universe + one day at Universal Studios Florida and/or Islands of Adventure
- Starting around $156.50 per day
3-Day Option:
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- One day at Epic Universe + two days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
- Starting around $117 per day for adults ($351 total)
- Florida residents can access the same package starting at $117 per day ($351 total)
4-Day Option:
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- One day at Epic Universe + three days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
- Pricing varies by date
5-Day Option:
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- One day at Epic Universe + four days at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and optional Volcano Bay
- Pricing varies by date
Express Pass & VIP Options
Want to skip the lines? Epic Universe Express Passes are now available!
Express Pass:
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- Starting at $130 per person (in addition to park admission)
- Grants one-time entry into eligible attractions
- Unlike at other Universal parks, Express Pass is NOT included with stays at premium Universal hotels
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VIP Experience:
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- Starting at $300 per person (in addition to park admission)
- Includes a four-hour guided tour with Express line access
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Annual Pass Considerations
If you’re a current Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, your existing pass will NOT include Epic Universe. Passholders need to purchase separate single-day tickets to visit the new park. I suspect that eventually there will be a version of the Universal Orlando Annual Pass that includes a specific number of days each year for Epic Universe; however, it will likely be some time before such an option is available. And, in all likelihood, such a pass will come at a premium price. Most likely, based on the response to early previews of Epic Universe, the park will be extremely popular for potentially years to come. Universal may not feel the need to make any accommodation for Annual Passholders until demand levels off.
Universal Resort Guests: PREVIEW TICKET Opportunity for Epic Universe!
BREAKING NEWS: Universal Helios Grand Hotel was originally slated to open on May 2, 2025, the same day as Epic Universe’s opening day. However, that has changed. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is now opening on April 16, 2025. Reservations are available to be booked immediately.
Even better, there will be a select number of Epic Universe PREVIEW TICKETS available for purchase for guests staying at ANY Universal Hotel every day from April 16 through May 21. This will give you EXCLUSIVE access to experience Epic Universe BEFORE it opens to the public!
There is of course no guarantee that you’d be able to obtain an Epic Universe PREVIEW TICKET. They are very limited and subject to availability each day. You’ll visit guest services at your resort to see if any tickets remain available, and you COULD be disappointed. But imagine if you’re able to be one of the very limited early guests? How AMAZING would that be?
NEW HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS
Three brand new hotels are opening as part of the Epic Universe expansion.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
This is the crown jewel of the Epic Universe hotel collection:
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- Located INSIDE the theme park with its own dedicated entrance
- Mediterranean-themed with 500 rooms
- Features sweeping views of Celestial Park
- Rooftop bar and lounge
- Resort-style pool, hot tub, and poolside bar
- Signature restaurant: Florida Taverna
- Starting at approximately $352 per night, varying by date
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The concept art and early preview pictures we’ve seen are stunningly beautiful! This resort is truly gorgeous, and is the first Universal resort that has seriously tempted me out of my Disney bubble.😉
Lush landscaping, lots of flowing water and striking views of Epic Universe from many vantage points–Universal Helios Grand Hotel appears to be a unique deluxe property.
And perhaps most intriguing? Universal Helios Grand Hotel features 35 suites themed to “How to train your dragon”. How cute are these rooms?!?
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Already open! This cosmic-themed hotel features:
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- 750 rooms themed around stars and galaxies
- Resort-style pool
- Poolside bar and grill
- Quick-service dining hall
- Walking path to Epic Universe
- Starting price point is lower than Helios Grand Hotel
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Universal Terra Luna Resort
Now open with:
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- 750+ rooms themed around planets and outer space
- Interactive planet projection in the lobby
- Outdoor pool
- Poolside bar and grill
- Several dining options
- Similar price point to Stella Nova
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MY TOP EPIC UNIVERSE PLANNING TIPS
1. When to Visit
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- Avoid Opening Week if Possible: Expect MASSIVE crowds May 22-31
- Weekdays in June: Potentially lower crowds before summer vacation season fully kicks in
- September/October: After summer rush but before holiday season
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2. Ticket Strategy
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- Book Multi-Day if Possible: One day simply won’t be enough to experience everything
- Consider Express Pass: Given the expected crowds, Express Pass might be worth the investment despite the high price
- Book Early: Tickets for popular dates will sell out
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3. Park Strategy
Remember, Epic Universe uses a hub-and-spoke design, which means:
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- You’ll need to return to Celestial Park to move between lands
- This creates more walking than at traditional parks
- Plan your day by grouping attractions in each land
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4. Attraction Priorities
Based on similar attractions at other parks, here’s my prediction for longest wait times:
Highest Priority (Ride First or Get Express Pass):
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- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Mine-Cart Madness
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
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Medium Priority:
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- Stardust Racers
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Yoshi’s Adventure
- Fyre Drill
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Lower Priority:
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- Constellation Carousel
- Shows and walkthroughs
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5. Early Park Admission
Starting May 23, 2025, Early Park Admission will be available at Epic Universe, granting access to:
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- Super Nintendo World
- Stardust Racers
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This perk is typically available to Universal hotel guests and select pass holders.
6. Where to Stay
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- For Ultimate Convenience: Universal Helios Grand Hotel ($$$$)
- For Value & Still Close: Universal Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts ($$$)
- Budget-Friendly Option: Stay at an off-site partner hotel with shuttle service ($$)
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Is It Worth Adding To Your Disney Trip?
As a Disney-focused travel planner, I know many of you are wondering if you should add Epic Universe to your next Walt Disney World vacation. Here’s my take:
YES if:
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- You’re planning a trip of 7+ days
- You love immersive themed experiences
- You’re a fan of Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, or classic horror
- You enjoy thrill rides
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MAYBE NOT if:
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- You only have 4-5 days total (stick to Disney)
- You’re traveling with very young children
- You’re on a tight budget
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My Recommendations
If you’re planning to visit Epic Universe in 2025, I strongly recommend:
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- Book your hotel NOW (especially if you want to stay at Helios Grand)
- Purchase tickets in advance
- Consider a 2-day Epic Universe ticket if your schedule allows and IF Universal allows.
- Add Express Pass if it’s within your budget
- Plan for a rest day after your Epic Universe visit – this park is going to be HUGE!
I’m personally planning my first Epic Universe visit for later this summer, and I cannot WAIT to share all the details with you! Stay tuned for my full review once the park opens.
Who’s planning to visit Epic Universe this year? Drop a comment below!
