Universal Orlando is preparing for one of its biggest summers yet with the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe. As excitement builds, the company has expanded its Team Member Preview period, allowing employees to get a firsthand look at the new park before it opens to the public in May 2025. This change comes as Universal braces for an influx of visitors, especially with Walt Disney World undergoing extensive construction in 2025.
Extended Previews Give Team Members More Time in the Park
Originally, Universal planned to offer Team Member previews from March 1 through March 7. However, an updated announcement has nearly doubled the preview period, now running through March 14. Alongside this extension, Universal has also loosened restrictions on visit limits, allowing employees to visit up to three times instead of just once.
While these changes make it easier for employees to experience the park, other rules remain the same. Team Members must reserve their spot in advance through Universal’s External Ticket Distribution System, and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, strict no-photography rules will be in place during the first phase of previews, prohibiting photos, videos, or live streaming inside the park.
Why Universal Could See Bigger Crowds in 2025
Epic Universe’s grand opening is expected to bring a massive wave of visitors to Universal Orlando Resort. As the first entirely new theme park in the U.S. in decades, Epic Universe offers a fresh experience with new lands, cutting-edge attractions, and themed hotels. Universal has already updated its official app to include a digital map of the new park, and details have been released about single rider lines for several rides.
One factor that could push even more guests toward Universal this summer is Disney World’s ongoing construction. Several projects will be underway in 2025, including the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom into Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, as well as changes in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. With construction walls and ride closures at Disney, many visitors may opt to spend more time at Universal, where Epic Universe offers an entirely new park without the disruption of renovations.
This shift in guest traffic could make 2025 one of Universal Orlando’s busiest years ever. Travelers looking for the latest and greatest theme park experiences may see Epic Universe as the top destination, especially since Universal is rolling out new hotels and other resort expansions to accommodate the demand.
As Team Member previews kick off in March, employees will be the first to explore the groundbreaking attractions and immersive worlds inside Epic Universe. Their experiences will set the stage for what is expected to be one of the most significant theme park debuts in recent history, solidifying Universal’s position as a must-visit destination in 2025.
