Universal is pulling back the curtain on Epic Universe—and fans are already pouring through the gates during special previews. The highly anticipated theme park officially opens on May 22, but from April 16 to May 8, it’s getting a soft launch for select guests.
If you’re planning to be part of this early sneak peek, there’s some important info to know. Especially if you’re expecting to hit the rides the minute you walk in.
Universal has mapped out daily operating hours for the preview period: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. is the standard, with one early close (6 p.m.) scheduled for April 25. Guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel, including the in-park Helios Grand Hotel, will be able to enter at 10 a.m.—a full hour before the general crowd.
That sounds like a great head start… but there’s a catch: none of the attractions will be open until 11 a.m. You can explore the park, soak in the atmosphere, browse shops, or enjoy a bite to eat—but riding anything is off the table until the full preview opens.
While the idea of early access without ride availability might seem odd, it’s a calculated move. Epic Universe is brand-new, and Universal is using this time to run “technical rehearsals”—basically test drives for park operations. It’s a standard step in the theme park world when rolling out a major expansion or brand-new experience.
Everything from crowd control to queue systems and attraction mechanics needs to be tested in real-world conditions. Opening up the park without ride access during that first hour gives the staff breathing room and time to prep the attractions for a smooth start.
Annual Passholders attending the previews won’t be able to use their Early Park Admission or express Pass perks at Epic Universe during this time. It’s a preview—meaning the goal is to simulate real park days while still keeping things limited for internal adjustments.
The good news? These previews are a rare chance to experience Epic Universe in a way most people won’t. Even if rides aren’t running during early entry, it’s still a unique, crowd-light opportunity to enjoy the park’s atmosphere.
Even without ride access, there’s plenty to do between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. You can explore lands like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, see the dragon atop Isle of Berk, and admire the beautiful central hub that ties the park together. And if you’re lucky, some dining locations and shops might already be open.
Take this time to snap photos, plan your ride strategy, and soak in the vibe of a park that’s bound to be packed in just a few weeks.
Epic Universe is shaping up to be a game-changer, and these previews are an exciting way to get a first look. Sure, you’ll have to wait a bit longer to ride your first coaster of the day, but you’ll still be one of the first to walk through Universal’s bold new vision.
