Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicUniversal is taking the chance to make many guests happy while also angering some others, as Epic Universe seems to be making a pretty significant change without warning.
Epic Universe Makes Surprising Change Without Warning Anyone
It’s nearly 9:15 p.m. The stars have risen, but the real show is still glowing down below. Celestial Park at Universal’s new Epic Universe isn’t going dark just yet. Some guests, unsure of whether they’ve missed the memo or are part of something exclusive, are discovering that the park doesn’t fully sleep at its posted bedtime.
What’s going on behind the scenes at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest—and most ambitious—theme park? And why is this surprise leaving some guests delighted, and others furious?
The Park That Shines After Dark
Epic Universe opened nearly a month ago to widespread acclaim, drawing praise for its jaw-dropping theming, cutting-edge attractions, and immersive lands. Guests have raved about the sensory overload of the new park—from the portal entrances that whisk you away into other worlds, to the futuristic rides that use real-time tracking and next-level tech.
But one feature in particular has turned heads: the lights.
CELESTIAL PARK IS NOW OPEN BEYOND PARK HOURS! Stardust is open till 10pm despite the rest of the park closing at 9pm. Wow! – @DrewTheDude123 on X
CELESTIAL PARK IS NOW OPEN BEYOND PARK HOURS! Stardust is open till 10pm despite the rest of the park closing at 9pm. Wow! pic.twitter.com/MXKqqlf9Lw
— Drew TheThemeParkDude (@DrewTheDude123) June 18, 2025
Universal has engineered Epic Universe as a full sensory experience built for the night. Millions of twinkling lights embedded throughout the park—especially in the sprawling and serene Celestial Park—create a dreamlike environment after sunset. Guests have likened the experience to “walking through a galaxy” or “stepping into a living constellation.”
Given the park’s emphasis on evening ambiance, many assumed Epic Universe would stay open until midnight or later. But to the dismay of many, the park has been officially closing at 9 p.m. throughout June.
A Hidden Extension—Discovered by Accident?
However, something unusual has begun happening—something that Universal hasn’t officially announced or promoted. Guests are noticing that parts of the park are staying open past the posted closing time.
Videos and posts across social media platforms have surfaced over the past week showing Celestial Park still open and lit well past 9 p.m., with visitors leisurely strolling through the gardens, fountains, and illuminated pathways.
Even more curious? Some guests report that portals into other lands remain accessible, despite the attractions within them being closed. It’s unclear whether this is an intentional test or a soft rollout of extended hours, but Universal hasn’t made any formal comment—and the mobile app and official website still list 9 p.m. as the daily closing time.
Guests React—Some in Awe, Others Annoyed
For those lucky enough to discover this hidden extra time, the surprise has been magical. They describe having quieter moments, fewer crowds, and the rare opportunity to take in the park’s beauty without the hustle and bustle of daytime traffic.
But not everyone is pleased.
There’s a whole lot of park operations not being communicated with Epic Universe right now.
There’s a whole lot of park operations not being communicated with Epic Universe right now.
— Jonathan Cooper (@dxwwf3) June 18, 2025
Other guests, who promptly left at closing time, are now expressing frustration online. Many feel like they missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime moment—especially those who didn’t get a chance to experience Celestial Park fully lit.
Found that out the hard way the other night when I visited. Spent 8:30-9:00 riding stardust for the night ride to find out it was open till 10, which is nice but I was PISSED I wasted nighttime around Darkmore because I could’ve had both. Zero warning about this
Found that out the hard way the other night when I visited. Spent 8:30-9:00 riding stardust for the night ride to find out it was open till 10, which is nice but I was PISSED I wasted nighttime around Darkmore because I could’ve had both. Zero warning about this
— ThemeParkScout (@ThemeParkScout) June 18, 2025
The unspoken nature of this after-hours opportunity has led to confusion and even accusations that Universal is being unfair. Some speculate that it’s an unofficial test of longer hours; others wonder if it’s simply a staff delay in ushering guests out.
Why It Matters: Is This a Soft Launch for Extended Park Hours at Epic Universe?
There’s a larger undercurrent here that shouldn’t be overlooked: Universal may be quietly exploring extended hours as a strategy to test crowd flow, operational costs, and guest satisfaction.
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s biggest expansion yet, and with Disney down the road keeping close tabs, any shift—especially one involving guest experience—could foreshadow something larger. If this after-hours access is indeed intentional, it could hint at a future where Celestial Park becomes a late-night destination all its own, even after the rest of the park shuts down.
In the meantime, however, the lack of communication is leaving fans split. Is this an “Easter egg” for those who stay late? Or a planning failure in need of clarification?
One thing’s for sure—the stars are still shining after 9 p.m. at Epic Universe… if you know where to look.