WARNING: A HUGE Hotel Perk Is Missing From Epic Universe on May 22nd

Epic Universe officially opens its doors to the public on May 22nd, which is less than a month away!

Epic Universe

We’ve been visiting the park a LOT lately to make sure we can help you plan your upcoming vacation so that you don’t feel like you’re walking in unprepared. If you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, one of the perks you receive is Early Entry into the theme parks, but we just noticed that this popular perk currently is NOT available for Epic Universe on one very important day.

Epic Universe recently revealed its opening day hours, and upon closer examination, we found that there are currently no Early Park Admission hours listed for May 22nd. This means that no matter which Universal Hotel you’re staying at, the only two parks currently eligible for Early Admission that day are Volcano Bay and Islands of Adventure.

©Universal

Now, beginning the next day, May 23rd, Early Park Admission hours are available at Epic Universe, and this continues through the current calendar date. So, why is there a restriction on May 22nd, you may ask?

©Universal

Well, we still don’t know exactly what Universal has planned for opening day! The opening day could involve a special ceremony, which might require Universal to carefully regulate exactly when people can go inside the park. Plus, Universal may be anticipating some opening day kinks that will need to be worked out. According to a Universal Team Member, during early previews, the park is operating at around 20% capacity. Seeing as the park is sold out on opening day, that’s going to be quite a jump in park attendance. That said, we’re just speculating here; Universal has not made any official announcements about Early Admission on May 22nd.

Portal Entrance to Isle of Berk

As a reminder, the Early Park Admission perk comes with a few rules. First of all, only Universal Orlando hotel guests and other select groups can access the parks early. That means valid theme park admission is required. Early Admission is typically up to one hour prior to park opening, though Universal Volcano Bay allows access up to 30 minutes prior to park opening. Additionally, not all parts of the parks are open for Early Admission, and
available theme parks, attractions, and times for Early Park Admission may vary.