Credit: Universal Orlando ResortUniversal Orlando Resort decided to close out the year with a twist—one that no one saw coming. Guests gearing up for New Year’s Eve celebrations suddenly discovered that Universal had introduced an exclusive experience inside Epic Universe, and it’s something fans will only ever get once.
Just for a single night, the resort is offering a moment that won’t return, making it feel like one of those “you had to be there” theme park stories that future visitors will envy. Universal has only recently pulled back the curtain on what this night will entail, and the buildup has fans buzzing about what could warrant a one-night-only debut.
Before getting into what Epic Universe has planned, it’s worth stepping back and remembering just how big a milestone this moment really is.
A New Era for Universal’s Most Ambitious Park
Epic Universe already feels like a destination that changes the game. With massive themed worlds and some of the most advanced attractions ever built by Universal, the park has quickly become the crown jewel of the resort. Guests can soar with dragons in the Isle of Berk, step into the iconic gaming adventures of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, or wander through Celestial Park’s sprawling gardens and waterways.
This newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort was developed to push boundaries, blending storytelling, technology, and immersion in ways that rival anything the company has ever attempted. Every land feels like its own full-scale universe, and each area operates with a level of detail that brings guests deeper into the environment than ever before.
For a park that already feels like a special event every day, having a one-night-only experience layered on top of it gives New Year’s Eve an entirely new meaning.
And speaking of the holidays, the resort is already deep into its seasonal celebrations, which only makes the night even more electric.
The Holidays Are in Full Swing at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando always feels lively this time of year, but the holiday season adds a whole new energy across the parks. Festive entertainment, themed treats, dazzling decorations, and seasonal overlays make every corner feel alive with winter excitement. With Christmas winding down and New Year’s celebrations gearing up, the resort enters one of its most spirited weekends of the entire year.
New Year’s Eve tends to be a wild mix of entertainment across the entire property—from CityWalk to onsite hotels—and this year Universal is going all out. Guests can find celebrations happening at every turn, including some returning favorites and brand-new offerings designed to make the big night unforgettable.
Islands of Adventure Brings the Party to Life
Universal Islands of Adventure is rolling into New Year’s Eve with a full evening lineup. According to Universal, festivities begin at 6:15 p.m. with a “live DJ set in the Port of Entry,” followed by more entertainment throughout the night. Guests can expect “music, character meet and greets, and themed interactions” across the park, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
To top it off, IOA will host a midnight countdown, complete with designated viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon. It’s designed to keep the celebration flowing seamlessly through each island, offering guests a variety of options for where they want to welcome the new year.
Universal Studios Florida Turns Up the Energy
Not to be outdone, Universal Studios Florida is also putting on a full-night event. Universal states that New Year’s festivities kick off at 6:15 p.m. with “a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage,” along with roaming entertainment that includes stilt walkers and select floats from this year’s Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s available for photos. The park will also host a showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10 p.m.
When midnight approaches, guests can join the countdown celebration near the Music Plaza Stage, turning the heart of the park into a lively gathering spot filled with music, dancing, and end-of-year excitement.
CityWalk’s Party Stretches Through the Night
The entertainment extends well beyond the theme park gates. Universal says that at CityWalk, guests can enjoy “live music and DJ sets at the Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club,” which features themed décor, entertainment, and holiday cocktails.
Stilt walkers and other performers will be roaming through the complex, making every corner feel festive and alive. CityWalk will also host a property-wide midnight countdown, giving guests a vibrant, open-air celebration to ring in 2026.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels Join the Celebration
The onsite hotels aren’t missing out on the fun, either. Universal describes a full array of New Year’s offerings tailored to different styles and age groups. At the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, adults can attend the first-ever “New Year’s Eve Party at the Palace,” which includes dinner, drinks, a DJ, and stunning views of Epic Universe from Bar Helios.
Families can celebrate together at the Party on the Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which features food stations, desserts, wine, beer, and lively entertainment. Over at Universal Aventura Hotel, adults (21+) can head to the rooftop for a celebration with Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, specialty cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando.
And that’s not all—special buffets and seasonal menus will be offered across several hotels, including Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Endless Summer, Stella Nova, and Terra Luna.
A One-Night-Only Celebration at Epic Universe
Now, back to the star of the show: Epic Universe’s one-night-only experience. For the first time, Epic Universe is joining Universal’s New Year’s Eve festivities. Universal says guests can enjoy “access to the award-winning thrills of the park,” along with live entertainment and a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park.
As midnight approaches, the park will launch a special countdown accompanied by a unique fountain show spanning Celestial Park’s waterways.
This is the first New Year’s Eve party in Epic Universe history—and that alone makes it an event fans won’t want to miss. Universal is offering a taste of what future holidays in the park could look like, but this exact experience is available for one night only. The new attraction Universal quietly slipped into the lineup is part of that exclusivity, giving guests something that will never be repeated in the same way.
While guests soak in the New Year’s celebration, they can also enjoy the final days of Universal’s Holidays lineup, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
The Beginning of a New Tradition?
Epic Universe’s hosting of its first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration marks a significant milestone. This isn’t just another event—it’s the start of what could become one of Universal Orlando’s most iconic traditions. By introducing a one-night-only attraction, Universal set the tone for how boldly it plans to use this new park in the years ahead.
And for the lucky guests who get to be part of this first chapter, it’ll be a night they’ll never forget.