Universal Studios Orlando Tips for Visits in the Age of Epic Universe & Beyond

Looking for some helpful for Universal Studios Orlando tips and tricks for 2025 and beyond – when Epic Universe has opened.

The third Universal Studios Orlando theme park – Epic Universe – is opening on May 22nd, 2025. And it’s about to change our Universal Studios Orlando vacations forever!

Universal’s first two Orlando parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) opened in the 1990s. So, there’s no shortage of information on how to do Universal Studios Orlando, so you can plan a good trip.

But, Epic Universe is going to make Universal’s Florida resort quite unrecognisable. So, it’s time for us to reevaluate our strategies!

Whether you’re seaching for Orlando tips for first timers to Universal Studios Orlando planning tips, this post covers everything you should know.

This post is dedicated to Universal Studios Orlando tips and secrets for visits once Epic Universe is open and what to know before going to Universal Orlando in 2025 and beyond.

Universal Studios Orlando Tips in The Age of Epic Universe

What Is Epic Universe and Why It Matters

Epic Universe is gearing up to be Orlando’s most innovative theme park.

Opening with 5 lands and 11 rides, ranging from family-friendly to thrilling roller coasters, there’s a lot to experience.

If you’re planning an Orlando theme park vacation, this is probably going to be the best park you can add to your itinerary.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando When Epic Universe Opens?

Choosing the best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando has always been a mix of checking your calendar against crowd sizes, weather, and special events.

But with the upcoming Epic Universe, things are about to get, perhaps, busier than ever.

Crowd Predictions in the Age of Epic Universe

Epic Universe has been very hyped up over the last few years – and it’s not even open yet (at the time of writing and publishing this post).

So crowd sizes are expected to get, well, epic.

Especially during summer 2025 – combining a new Universal Orlando theme park with summer break is VERY likely to mean some serious crowds.

We can also expect the standard “busy times” (i.e. Christmas, Thanksgiving and other major holidays) to be busy at Universal.

But don’t let that scare you off.

The slower periods Universal typically sees—like early February and mid-September—are likely to remain better times if you want fewer crowds during your visit.

Tips to Navigate Crowds:

Weekday Epic Universe Visits: Crowds are usually thinner on Monday-Friday. If you’re visiting Orlando for at least a few days (including a weekend), try to book your time at Epic Universe during a weekday. If you’re visiting older Disney, Universal or other Orlando parks that will be less popular, consider visiting these parks at the weekend instead.
Arrive Early: This always helps, but the best option is to stay on-site at Universal to get Early Park Admission (more on that later).
Utilize Express Passes: Universal hasn’t confirmed when Express Passes will be available for Epic Universe (at the time of writing and publishing this post). However, it is likely that this system (currently implemented at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) will make its way over to Epic Universe. After all, this system is a big money-maker for Universal. After investing an estimated $3-$4 billion into the new park, Universal is going to want a good ROI. And systems like Express Pass can certainly help.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit to Universal Studios Orlando Once Epic Universe Opens

Choosing Universal Studios Theme Park Tickets with Epic Universe Admission

I know, this doesn’t sound that complicated.

But for the foreseeable future, buying tickets for Epic Universe is surprisingly complicated (and kind of annoying) for most guests.

At the moment, the only way to visit Epic Universe is to buy a multi-day ticket. However, the tickets (even the 14-day UK Universal tickets) will only allow you one day at Epic Universe.

Multi-day Universal Studios Orlando tickets including one day at Epic Universe cost between $335 and $467 (potentially less from third-party authorized Universal ticket seller).

How can I get a one-day ticket to Epic Universe?

This is possible, but not for most guests.

In order to purchase a 1-day ticket to Epic Universe, you will need to be a special passholder.

Universal Studios Orlando has four tiers of Annual Passes:

Seasonal Pass:

The cheapest option with most blockout dates and least discounts.

2-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure): $424.99 (or $324.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

3-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay): $524.99 (or $424.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

Power Pass:

The second cheapest with blockout dates and a similar lack of discounts as you’ll find with the Seasonal Pass.

2-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure): $474.99 (or $374.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

3-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay): $584.99 (or $484.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

Preferred Pass:

The second most expensive pass with no blockout dates to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (and limited blockout dates for Volcano Bay). This pass comes with some more discounts and perks (such as Early Park Admission on select dates) than the lower tiers.

2-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure): $629.99 (or $529.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

3-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay): $739.99 (or $639.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

Premier Pass:

The most expensive pass with no blockout dates and the most discounts and perks (such as free Express Passes and Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure after 4 PM, Early Park Admission and a free Halloween Horror Nights ticket (on select nights)).

2-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure): $904.99 (or $789.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

3-Park Option (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay): $1,094.99 (or $979.99 for Florida Residents) + tax

How much is a 1-day Epic Universe ticket for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders?

1-day tickets will cost between $122 and $173 + tax for Annual Passholders for 2025.

According to BlogMickey, Annual Passes including Epic Universe entrance will be released in the future (but details are very limited at the moment).

Why Becoming an Annual Passholder can Save You Money (Even Once Epic Universe Opens)

I recently purchased an out-of-state 3-park Season Pass for $524.99. Sure, it has blockout dates (but they aren’t as limiting as you may think).

Of course, 1-day tickets to Epic Universe are an additional cost, but I am saving money by having the pass.

Over the course of having my Annual Pass, I will have taken three Universal Orlando trips (of around a few days each).

I am planning to stay on-site during these visits, and even though I have the cheapest tier of annual pass, I can still get passholder discounts on Universal hotels (potentially saving hundreds of dollars on each stay).

Becoming a Universal Orlando passholder won’t make sense for everybody, but it’s certainly worth running the numbers – especially if you plan on visiting more than once in a 12-month period.

Navigating Between Parks and Epic Universe

Getting between the parks has never been easier. Universal Orlando will provide free bus transportation that will take guests to Epic Universe seamlessly from the other Universal parks.

These buses will run regularly and help ensure you’re not wasting precious hours trying to get from one park to another.

However, if you only get one-day at Epic Universe, I recommend spending your day there to maximize your experience of the new park.

Pro tip: If you’re staying on-site, these hotels offer free transportation to Epic Universe.

Taking Advantage of Early Park Admission

Speaking of staying on-site …

Have you decided to stay at an on-site hotel? Congratulations—you’ve unlocked Early Park Admission.

This perk lets guests enter the parks before the crowds, typically an entire hour ahead of general park-goers. Use this time wisely to hit high-traffic rides without the chaos. Be sure to check which rides are included, as this can vary by day.

If you’re wondering where to stay to go to Universal Studios Orlando, check out the hotels on-site at Universal Studios Orlando to see which one matches your budget and needs.

Consider Express (or Hotels with Free Unlimited Express Pass)

Express Passes can feel like a hefty investment (at $100 + per day), but they pay off when you’re cutting hours of wait time off your day.

Some Premier Hotels (including Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort), even offer Unlimited Express Passes for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure included in your stay.

universal studios orlando tips and tricks — Loews Royal Pacific Resort

That means you can ride most attractions swiftly without adding extra costs to your ticket.

For longer stays or peak travel seasons, this is an absolute game-changer to ensure you ride the attractions you don’t want to miss.

Making the Most of Your Universal Orlando Visit

Using Universal’s App to Maximize Efficiency

What makes this app so helpful? Why should you bother downloading it before your Universal Studios Orlando visit?

Ride Wait Times: Don’t waste precious minutes standing in line for no reason. The app provides real-time updates on wait times so you can choose the right moment to join the queue.
Mobile Food Ordering: Feeling hungry but don’t want the hassle of waiting in long lines? Place your food orders through the app and pick them up when they’re ready.
Interactive Park Maps: The days of fumbling with paper maps are long gone. Use the app’s interactive map to navigate through the Universal parks.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Studios Orlando Tips in the Age of Epic Universe

Is Universal Studios Orlando worth it?

Yes, if:

You want to experience Epic Universe – the most innovative Orlando theme park in decades.
You like thrill rides (some being far “scarier” than what Walt Disney World has to offer).
You like Harry Potter (when Epic Universe opens, there will be THREE Harry Potter lands at Universal Studios Orlando – one in each park).

What time should I get to Universal Studios Orlando?

If you’re trying to be productive, as early as possible.

Early Park Admission (for on-site guests) allows you to enter a park an hour earlier than off-site guests.

How much does it typically cost to go to Universal Studios?

A trip to Universal Studios isn’t exactly cheap, so be ready to budget. A single-day ticket starts around $109 per person—but that’s for the most basic option.

If you want to go to Epic Universe, and you buy a multi-day ticket, it will cost a few hundred dollars.

Want to stay on-site? This will cost around $200 – $800 + per night (depending on the hotel and season).

Eating in the parks? Quick service meals usually cost $12 – $20.

Entrées at table service locations often cost $19 – $35.

How to maximize your time at Universal Studios Orlando?

Arrive at the parks early.
Stay on-site for quicker transportation to the parks and Early Park Admission.
Visit in the spring/summer months (when the parks are open for more hours each day).
Consider purchasing Express Pass (or staying at a hotel with complimentary Unlimited Express Pass, as discussed above).
Mobile order your food to spend less time waiting when you don’t have to!

How long should you spend in Universal Studios Orlando?

It depends on how much you need to say and do, but with Epic Universe opening, 3+ days at Universal Studios Orlando would be better if you want to visit every park, and get to ride as much as possible.

Can you do everything at Universal Orlando in one day?

No. With 3 parks, it would be pretty impossible to see every show and ride every attraction in just one day (and most guests won’t be able to purchase 1-day tickets anyway, yet).

Which park is better at Universal Orlando?

When Epic Universe opens, it will likely feel more advanced than Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. As the rides are newer and more technologically impressive, most guests will probably consider it to be the best park at Universal Studios Orlando.

What to do first at Universal Studios Orlando?

It usually makes sense to ride the most popular attractions first at Universal Orlando.

For example, if you’re going to Islands of Adventure, you’ll want to head on over to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first. It usually has the longest wait time by far, and Express Pass is not accepted here.

Can you bring a backpack to Universal Studios Orlando?

Yes, you can bring backpacks to the parks at Universal Studios Orlando. I recommend that you read Universal’s bag policy before your visit.

I recommend trying to take a small bag if possible, so that it fits into the free lockers for certain rides (otherwise you have to pay for the larger lockers). More details available in this post.

What not to bring to Universal Studios?

Read the bag policy for more information on this.

Ta Ta For Now

Do you plan on visiting Universal Studios Orlando when Epic Universe is open?

Do you have any Universal Studios Orlando tips to help with planning for 2025 and beyond?

Please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂