Universal Epic Universe Releases Preview Tickets to General Public

Preview tickets are already on sale, with wait times in the 15-minute range.

April 29, 2025

Image: You don't have to wait until May 22 to experience Universal's new theme park.

You don't have to wait until May 22 to experience Universal's new theme park. Universal Epic Universe photo

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If you're counting down the days until the opening of Orlando's newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, the countdown just got a little bit shorter.

Universal Orlando Resort has announced it has released preview tickets to the general public so guests can get a sneak peek of the park's five new worlds before its official grand opening on Thursday, May 22. Preview tickets are already on sale. At press time, the wait time for tickets in the online queue was about 15 minutes. The theme park's site notes availability is limited, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Preview tickets were previously only available to select audiences, including media, guests staying at Universal hotels, military freedom pass holders, and annual pass holders.

While theme park aficionados will likely jump at this opportunity, visitors should note that some kinks will likely still need to be worked out during the preview phase. "Availability of experiences within Epic Universe may vary as Universal puts the final touches on the park," reps said in a statement announcing the new tickets.

Epic Universe will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Friday, May 9, to Wednesday, May 14, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Thursday, May 15, to Monday, May 19 during its preview phase.

The first major theme park to open in the U.S. in 25 years, Epic Universe comprises five new worlds including Celestial Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Universal Epic Universe. 1001 Epic Blvd., Orlando; 407-363-8000; universalorlando.com. Preview tickets start at $144 for visitors ages 10 and up, and $139 for children between the ages of 3 and 9.

Before rejoining Miami New Times as culture editor in 2025, Celia Almeida freelanced for the paper starting in 2016, then came aboard as a staff editor in 2018. Beginning in late 2019, she served as digital editor for Ink. Her writing has been featured in Billboard, Consequence, Paper, and Rolling Stone, among other outlets.

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