CONFIRMED: A Universal Hotel Perk Officially Starts TODAY

Epic Universe is officially open! Universal’s brand-new theme park opened on May 22nd, 2025, and now a Universal Hotel perk officially starts today, May 23rd!

Epic Universe

Staying at a Universal hotel offers several perks, including complimentary transportation and Early Park Admission. If you are staying at a Signature Collection hotel, you can also take advantage of Universal Express Unlimited. And the perks just got even better, as Early Park Admission now has more options!

Epic Universe opened with a bang — literally, they shot off daytime fireworks to open the park yesterday! However, there was a hotel perk that was missing on grand opening day that is now available. Guests staying at Universal hotels can now take advantage of Early Park Admission at Epic Universe.

Universal Stella Nova

Early Park Admission was available during previews, but it wasn’t offered on the grand opening day. However, the perk has now returned as of May 23rd, and hotel guests can enjoy an extra hour inside Epic Universe before other guests are allowed in. If you are staying at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, you can even take advantage of a special entrance into Epic Universe!

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

During previews, guests could ride Stardust Racers and the Super Nintendo World attractions: Yoshi’s Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Mine-Cart Madness. Of course, attractions are still subject to availability, and not all attractions might be operational during the Early Park Admission window.

Mine-Cart Madness

Early Park Admission is currently available at Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. With this exclusive hotel perk, you can get into the park one hour before it opens to all guests. However, be sure to check Universal’s park hours, as the parks included could change. As well, only certain attractions will be available during the Early Park Admission window.

Celestial Park in Epic Universe

At Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Ollivanders, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be available. At Volcano Bay, Honu of the Honu, Ika Moana, ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana, Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, and the Waturi Wave Pool will be available.

Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Epic Universe trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.