Universal Orlando Resort has a long history of offering previews before the grand opening of new attractions and special events. Over the years, the theme park giant has invited annual passholders, team members, and media members to experience major new rides ahead of the general public.
With the highly anticipated debut of Epic Universe on the horizon, set to officially open in May 2025, speculation is running wild about whether Universal will offer a similar preview opportunity for its newest theme park.
Recently, a post from the Epic Universe Updates page on Instagram has sparked discussions online about the possibility of early access to the park. While Universal has yet to confirm any official plans, there’s plenty of precedent to suggest that a preview period is likely.
Looking back at Universal’s past attraction openings, soft openings, technical rehearsals, and exclusive previews have been common practices. These allow the company to test ride operations, crowd management, and overall guest experience before welcoming the full force of visitors on opening day.
From Epic Universe Updates page on Instagram. Is this true? pic.twitter.com/gviXRCKOGM
— Universal Apex (@universalapex) February 23, 2025
One of the most notable recent examples is VelociCoaster, which opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2021. Before its official launch, Universal conducted a soft opening period that allowed team members and annual passholders to ride early.
These test runs not only generated buzz but also helped the park identify any operational issues before the coaster was fully opened. A similar approach was taken with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, though that ride still faced technical difficulties even after its public opening. The phased opening approach, however, helped the company refine operations before experiencing full-fledged crowds.
Given the immense scale of Epic Universe, Universal could very well implement a similar strategy. The park is by far the company’s largest expansion yet, featuring immersive themed lands like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic.
Each of these areas will contain multiple new attractions, advanced technology, and complex ride systems that could benefit from an initial testing phase.
So, if Universal does decide to hold previews, what might they look like? Historically, Universal has provided early access to new rides and areas in the following ways:
- Technical Rehearsals: This is the most common form of soft opening at Universal. Essentially, rides open sporadically to guests while still undergoing final testing. Attractions might be available one day and closed the next as adjustments are made. If Universal follows this approach, certain areas of Epic Universe could open on an unpredictable schedule in the weeks leading up to the official May 2025 debut.
- Team Member Previews: Before the general public steps foot in a new attraction, Universal team members often get a chance to experience it first. This not only rewards employees but also allows the company to get internal feedback. Given the massive size of Epic Universe, it’s likely that team member previews would occur in phases, allowing different groups access at different times.
- Annual Passholder Previews: Universal has historically allowed select annual passholders to experience new attractions early. These previews are typically announced in advance and require passholders to register online. Considering Epic Universe is an entirely new park, Universal could choose to offer limited-time early access to its most loyal guests.
- Media and VIP Previews: The park will undoubtedly host a major media event ahead of the grand opening, allowing journalists, influencers, and industry insiders to showcase Epic Universe to the world. Universal may also offer VIP experiences or invite travel agents and partners to get an exclusive first look.
- Special Ticketed Events: Another possibility is that Universal could sell limited-time preview tickets, granting early access to guests willing to pay for the experience. Disney has done this in the past for major attraction openings, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Universal explored a similar revenue-generating option for Epic Universe.
A key question surrounding any potential preview is crowd control. Epic Universe is set to be Universal’s most ambitious project yet, and demand for early access will be incredibly high. If Universal does open the park in phases or allows only certain groups in at a time, it will need to carefully manage expectations to avoid overwhelming guests.
While annual passholder previews and team member test runs are standard practice, the sheer scale of Epic Universe presents a unique challenge that will require careful planning.
Additionally, another major factor to consider is how Epic Universe’s transportation system might affect its preview schedule. The park will not be connected to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in the same way the current parks are.
Instead, it will rely on an all-new transit system, including dedicated roadways and a planned expansion of Universal’s hotels to accommodate guests. This means Universal may need additional time to ensure all aspects of the guest experience, from parking to shuttle systems, are running efficiently before allowing full access.
Universal also faces high expectations when it comes to the overall execution of Epic Universe. With the park positioned as a major competitor to Walt Disney World, the company cannot afford any major hiccups during its launch period.
If previews are mishandled, it could lead to negative first impressions and logistical nightmares. However, if done correctly, a phased opening approach could build even more anticipation while giving Universal valuable data on how to improve operations before the official grand opening in May 2025.
For now, fans eagerly awaiting Epic Universe will have to keep an eye on official announcements from Universal Orlando Resort. While rumors and speculation continue to swirl, history suggests that some form of early access will be made available before the park’s official launch.
Whether it’s through technical rehearsals, limited previews, or exclusive ticketed events, there’s a good chance that select guests will be able to experience Epic Universe ahead of time.
Regardless of how previews are handled, one thing is certain—Epic Universe is set to be a game-changer in the theme park industry. With cutting-edge attractions, groundbreaking technology, and some of the most immersive lands Universal has ever built, it’s no wonder that the anticipation is at an all-time high.
If Universal follows its usual pattern, guests will likely get their first taste of the park well before the official May 2025 opening. The question is, who will be the lucky ones to get in first?