Epic Universe Guests Will Face a Big Change, Universal Confirms

Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025. Since then, guests have applauded and raved about Universal’s latest massive theme park. From modern rides to new IPs, this theme park offers something new and exciting for guests of all ages.

But for those traveling between the final weeks of August and into the first week of September, we have some exciting news for you.

Universal Epic Universe Has a Big Announcement for You

The afternoon sun beat down on Epic Universe, casting long shadows over its freshly built skyline. Guests were still buzzing about the park’s newest rides—until a sudden tech hiccup sent ripples through the crowd.

For much of the day, the Universal Orlando Resort app refused to show park hours, leaving both day guests and vacation planners in limbo. Whispers spread: Was the park still closing early at 8 p.m.? Or was something bigger in the works?

When the app finally came back online, the answer caught fans completely off guard—and may have just changed their Labor Day weekend plans.

Epic Universe Pushes Closing Time Back to 10 p.m.

On August 15, 2025, Universal quietly rolled out an update in its app that revealed extended hours for Epic Universe. From August 24 through September 8—including the busy Labor Day weekend—the park will stay open until 10 p.m. instead of shutting its gates at 8 p.m.

A technical problem today prevented display of Epic Universe operating hours in the UOR app. pic.twitter.com/c2B0ISW4yP

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 15, 2025

The timing isn’t random. This will be Epic Universe’s first major holiday period since opening, and the company appears to be making sure guests get a full evening experience. While Universal hasn’t released a formal statement, the updated times are now live in the app and confirmed by multiple in-park users.

Epic Universe now has operating hours in the UOR app. pic.twitter.com/UVZe6Lr0HW

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 15, 2025

Ways to Make the Most of the Extra Time

Two extra hours might not sound like much—until you realize how much more ground you can cover at night.

• Plan a split-day visit: Arrive late afternoon to dodge the midday heat, then enjoy rides under the evening lights.

• Hit nighttime-only highlights: Some lands look entirely different after sunset, with special lighting and ambiance you can’t see during the day.

• Snag late virtual queue spots: Popular rides may have openings after dinner when early guests start heading out.

• Eat ahead of the rush: An early meal frees up prime ride time later in the night.

Pro insight: The park’s biggest attractions often see shorter waits in the last hour of operation—sometimes by 20 minutes or more.

After-Dark Hacks Only Regulars Know

Evening hours change the game at Epic Universe, and those in the know can maximize every minute.

• Exit strategy: Look for lesser-used exits to avoid being caught in the fireworks exodus.

• Quick bites: Seek out small food stands in less trafficked areas; they often stay open until park close with minimal waits.

• Short-queue gems: Keep an eye on the app’s wait time list for rides dropping under 15 minutes late at night.

Why This Matters for Fans

This isn’t just a scheduling tweak—it’s an opportunity to see the park in its most immersive state. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the night experience “cinematic” and “worth the extra coffee.”

With two more hours to explore, guests can fully experience Epic Universe’s elaborate nighttime lighting, atmospheric music, and entertainment that often gets missed in the daytime rush. And for a park that was built with intricate detail in mind, that extra time feels like a gift.