With Epic Universe’s opening date revealed, May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando Resort changed summer 2025 in an instant. It seems that the already busy theme park capital of the world just got even busier.
Opening dates for new attractions and, in this case, an entire theme park, are done with tremendous planning. Some people might muse that the particular number was written in the stars, but it is not just a roll of the dice. Similar to have every detail has been carefully considered, that opening date is equally as vital.
Epic Universe’s opening date sets Universal Orlando Resort to have a gigantic summer. Given that the brand is requiring multi-day tickets to multiple theme parks for a one-day entrance to Epic Universe, it assumes that all the parks will be packed. Patience, sunscreen, and lots of water will be necessities beyond the thrills.
The requirement for multi-day, multi-park ticket is an interesting choice for Universal. While it might limit the overall experience for Epic Universe guests, it ensures that Universal has lots of guests all summer long. The possibility of a less than 90-minute wait on Hagrid’s seems unlikely.
Since guests will be limited to just a one-day visit to Epic Universe, it will be curious to see how guests approach their day. Express Passes seem like a necessity. No one wants to spend that limited time just waiting. Yes, it would be an added expense, but probably a worthy investment.
With some on-site hotels offering Express Passes as part of a stay, many guests will find the benefit huge with the new theme park opening. If the dollar amount difference is cost effective, it is an easy decision. For the person who really wants to be able to ride that How Your Train Your Dragon roller coaster, they will be willing to pay for the experience.
Some people might need to prioritize which land or experience is tops. Whether Universal Orlando Resort uses some type of crowd control or other space limitation remains to be seen. But, it does not seem beneficial to have everyone hovering in the Ministry of Magic while the Dark Universe area is not as busy.
Additionally, it can be assumed that the “influencer” crowd will be touting their best hacks or other “look at me” scenarios. Hopefully these ideas are helpful, not just self-promotion. Entertainment can be one thing, but useless babble is not necessary. People want to ensure that their personal visit is the best, instead of being led astray by a silly video or coordinated outfit.
Lastly, given that Universal Annual Passholders will be able to buy some tickets, it will be curious to see how the theme park entertainment company balances the loyal crowd with the demand. While it is vital to keep that group happy, it will not be a free-for-all.
Those guests need access but it will come with a cost, both at Epic Universe and the other theme parks. Summer 2025 might not be the time to just drop in for a Butterbeer or hit the Hulk for a ride before dinner at City Walk.
For now, the highly anticipated, long-awaited Epic Universe has an opening date, May 22, 2025. It is going to be a busy Summer 2025 in Orlando, but the City Beautiful is ready to shine.