CONFIRMED: Day One of Universal’s Epic Universe Blocked for Thousands of Guests: Sold Out in Record Time
Universal Orlando’s much-anticipated Epic Universe theme park is already setting records ahead of its May 22, 2025, grand opening.
Universal’s Epic Universe Grand Opening Tickets for Passholders Sell Out in Record Time
Single-day tickets for Annual Passholders sold out in under an hour, underscoring the massive demand for Universal’s first new park in over 20 years. Passholders were granted early access to buy tickets for opening day early this morning.
By 6 a.m., the tickets were completely gone, despite Universal’s use of a virtual queue system designed to manage high web traffic. The excitement and rush left many scrambling to secure their spot at this monumental event.
It appears that Epic Universe’s opening day has sold out for Annual Pass single day tickets within the first hour.
It appears that Epic Universe's opening day has sold out for Annual Pass single day tickets within the first hour. https://t.co/Ob5u8DDJ5a pic.twitter.com/4I02Sc9cFW
— Alicia Stella Nova Resort (@AliciaStella) October 24, 2024
Virtual Queue Overwhelmed by Demand
Universal had anticipated the surge in interest for Epic Universe and rolled out a virtual queue system to facilitate ticket sales. Beginning shortly before 5 a.m., Passholders flooded the system. Within an hour, all tickets for the grand opening were claimed, demonstrating the incredible anticipation surrounding the park’s debut.
In an official statement, Universal confirmed the sellout:
“1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket add-ons for Passholders on Grand Opening Day (May 22, 2025) are currently unavailable.”
This rapid sell-out is a testament to the excitement Universal’s Annual Passholders have for Epic Universe, as they eagerly await their first opportunity to explore the new park.
Epic Universe Ticket Details and Availability
Prices for single-day tickets to Epic Universe vary based on the date selected, ranging from $122 to $173. For the grand opening, the price was set at $156 plus tax. Currently, only Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholders have been given the chance to purchase single-day tickets, and no timeline has been provided for when general public sales will begin.
Each Annual Passholder is allowed to buy up to six tickets per transaction, though multiple transactions may be needed for those with more than six linked Passholders. Additionally, Universal has reserved ticket inventory for dates throughout 2025 to ensure continued access for Passholders beyond opening day.
Tickets must be linked to a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass at the time of purchase and are non-transferable. Both the linked pass and a photo ID will be required for park entry, reinforcing Universal’s effort to keep high-demand tickets in the hands of the passholders who bought them.
Demand Remains High
The rapid sellout of Epic Universe tickets for the grand opening indicates continued high demand in the lead-up to the park’s official launch. Annual Passholders are expected to quickly snap up remaining tickets as more dates become available. Universal has yet to release information on when non-passholders can begin purchasing single-day tickets.
“We’re thrilled to offer our Passholders this exclusive opportunity to be among the first to experience Epic Universe,” Universal said in a statement. “We will be sharing more details about general ticket sales in the coming weeks.”
Universal also hinted that additional ticketing options, including Annual Passes that include access to Epic Universe, will be announced at a later date.
Important Information for Passholders
For those fortunate enough to secure tickets for opening day, Universal has some key reminders. Each single-day ticket is automatically tied to the Annual or Seasonal Pass used at checkout, and park entry will require both the linked pass and a valid photo ID. These tickets are date-specific and cannot be transferred, exchanged, or refunded.
This policy helps Universal manage the intense demand, ensuring that tickets for high-interest dates, such as opening day, remain with the original purchasers.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Builds for Epic Universe
As Epic Universe’s grand opening approaches, excitement continues to mount for what is expected to be Universal Orlando’s most ambitious park to date. Promising cutting-edge attractions, immersive lands, and innovative technology, Epic Universe is set to become a game-changer in the theme park industry.
While Annual Passholders have already secured their places for opening day, many are still eagerly waiting for the chance to experience Universal’s latest creation. With tickets for general guests expected to go on sale soon, interest in Epic Universe is only likely to grow as May 2025 draws nearer.
Universal Orlando is moving full steam ahead with the opening of Epic Universe, and the strong demand from its Annual Passholders signals the park is set for a hugely successful debut.
With SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Celestial Park, an expansion for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How To Train Your Dragon Land and the Dark Universe, this Universal destination promises to deliver millions a unique Universal park experience.
Get ready to experience the epicness by staying at Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel next door to Universal Park.
Universal Creative and Universal Destinations and Experiences have been hard at work building this new place where guests can experience things like Super Mario Land, Donkey Kong County, a Mine Cart Madness ride designed to feel like Mario Kart, your favorite Universal Monster, Diddy Kong, the Constellation Carousel, and so much more.
Unlike Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Beijing, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Japan, or Universal Studios Hollywood, this new theme park will give Walt Disney World a run. Check out the Epic Universe preview center inside of Universal CityWalk in Orlando for all the new and exciting things coming in May 2025.
