Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced Annual Passholder perks for its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. While Epic Universe doesn’t officially open until May 22nd, Annual Passholder previews will begin this week and stretch into May. Here’s a look at the announced perks, including one massive perk that Universal has backtracked on.
Annual Passholder Perks for Epic Universe
Before we dive in, we must clarify that Universal is not yet offering an Annual Pass for Epic Universe itself. Instead, when we’re discussing Annual Passholder perks for Epic Universe, we’re talking about perks that Universal says will be available for Annual Passholders for the existing two theme parks.
Honestly, Universal didn’t have to offer any perks at all, so the fact that some Passholder perks are being honored at Epic Universe is a nice thing. Of course, there will come a time when Universal will financially need Annual Passholders to frequently attend Epic Universe (and maybe sooner rather than later), so it makes sense that the theme park operator is playing nice.
Ok, with that little caveat out of the way, we’re going to start with a discussion of a perk that doesn’t transfer to Epic Universe: Universal Express access after 4pm. For existing Premier Pass guests, a wonderful perk offered for the pass type is access to the Express Pass line for eligible attractions after 4pm. Of course, we wouldn’t expect it to be offered at Epic Universe, but the official Universal Orlando Resort Facebook page actually said that it would be a perk that was offered at Epic Universe once the park officially opened on May 22nd.
Here’s a look at the comment made by the Universal Orlando Resort Facebook page in response to a guest inquiry:
Premier Passholders will be able to use their Universal Express After 4pm benefit from May 22, 2025 onward with valid theme park admission.
The comment was immediately picked up by social media, with a ton of Passholders both surprised and delighted by the news. It seemed too good to be true, so instead of reporting on it right away, we reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for confirmation.
Unfortunately, Universal did not respond to our request for comment, and they still have not, so we’re not sure if the comment posted by Universal Orlando was a mistake or not. Either way, Universal has published a webpage with Annual Passholder perks for Epic Universe, and the Express After 4pm benefit is not listed. In fact, Universal Orlando Resort specifically states that the Express After 4pm perk will not be available at Epic Universe.
Passholders will not be able to use their Early Park Admission or Universal Express After 4PM benefits at Epic Universe.
So, what perks will be available to Annual Passholders when Epic Universe opens (and during the preview period)? Here’s the current list from Universal:
Epic Universe Passholder Perks: Parking
- Premier Pass
– Free Valet or Prime self-parking (after first visit; subject to availability)
Free Valet or Prime self-parking are not valid on your first visit to the theme parks. Subject to availability. Valet discount not valid on Mardi Gras concert nights, 4th of July and Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Full price applies on event days after 7:00pm. Valid at Universal Orlando parking garages (inclusive of Universal Epic Universe) only. Not valid for parking at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice. - Preferred Pass
– Free self-parking (after first visit)
Free self-parking is not valid on your first visit to the theme parks. Valid at Universal Orlando parking garages (inclusive of Universal Epic Universe) only. Not valid for parking at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
– Prime self-parking discount (after first visit; subject to availability)
Discounted Prime self-parking is not valid on your first visit to the theme parks. Discount is valid on regular daytime Prime self-parking price only. Valid at Universal Orlando parking garages (inclusive of Universal Epic Universe) only. Not valid for parking at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
– 50% off valet parking (after first visit; subject to availability)
Valet discount not valid on Mardi Gras concert nights, 4th of July and Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Full price applies on event days after 7:00pm. Excludes valet parking at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Valet discount eligible for use at Universal Epic Universe. Subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice. - Power Pass
– 50% off regular daytime self-parking each time you visit (after first visit).
In addition, Power Passholders can use their 50% self-parking discount to upgrade to Prime parking at a prorated rate which varies by season and day. Discounted self-parking is not valid on your first visit to the theme parks. Discount is valid on regular daytime parking price only. Valid at Universal Orlando parking garages (inclusive of Universal Epic Universe) only. Not valid for parking at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
Epic Universe Passholder Perks: Dining
Discount on purchases at all Universal Orlando owned and operated restaurants and carts (excluding alcoholic beverages):
- Premier Pass: 15% discount
- Preferred Pass: 10% discount
Valid locations at Universal Epic Universe:
- Atlantic
- Aquaria Bar
- Bar Moonshine
- Bar Zenith
- Bièraubeurre™
- Café L’air de La Sirène
- CelesTiki
- Comet Dogs
- Das Stakehaus
- De Lacey’s Cottage
- Frosty Moon
- Holligan’s Grog & Gruel
- Le Gobelet Noir
- Mead Hall
- Meteor Astropub
- Ministry Munchies
- Pizza Moon
- Spit Fyre Grill
- Star Sui Bao
- Starbucks®
- The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
- The Bubbly Barrel
- The Burning Blade Tavern
- The Oak & Star Tavern
- The Plastered Owl
- The Tiger Bar
- Toadstool Cafe™
- Turbo-Boost Treats
- Yoshi’s Snack Island™
- Food and Beverage Cart
Discount applies to all Universal Orlando owned and operated restaurants and carts (excluding alcoholic beverages). All dining discounts exclude alcoholic beverages, gratuity, or tax. All dining discounts apply to food and non-alcoholic beverages only, except when otherwise noted. Separate theme park admission, valid Premier or Preferred Annual Pass and photo ID must be presented at time of purchase and redemption. Must have valid non expired Annual Pass to redeem benefits. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
Epic Universe Passholder Perks: Shopping
Discount on purchases at all Universal Orlando owned and operated merchandise stores and carts (excluding alcoholic beverages):
- Premier Pass: 15% discount
- Preferred Pass: 10% discount
Valid locations at Universal Epic Universe:
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
- Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy
- Hiccup’s Work Shop
- How to Treat Your Dragon
- K. Rammelle
- Lens Flare
- Les Galeries Mirifiques
- Mario Motors™
- Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets
- Nintendo Super Star Store
- North Star Wintry Wonders
- Other Worlds Mercantile
- Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities
- Sensorium Emporium
- Shop-in-Shop
- The Guild of Mystics
- The Manor Storehouse
- Toothless’ Treasures
- Tour en Floo
- Viking Traders
- 1-UP Factory™
Discount applies to all Universal Orlando owned and operated merchandise stores and carts (excluding alcoholic beverages). All dining discounts exclude alcoholic beverages, gratuity, or tax. Separate theme park admission, valid Premier or Preferred Annual Pass and photo ID must be presented at time of purchase and redemption. Must have valid non expired Annual Pass to redeem benefits. Additional restrictions may apply, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
Epic Universe Passholder Perks: Services
- 10% discount on Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience (all Pass types)
Discounted bookings can only be made in-person at the venue (once venue opens to the public) or Universal Orlando Front Gate/Guest Services locations. No other discounts or promotions can be applied.
Discounted tickets will only be available for purchase at the venue, Front Gate and Guest Services. Must present valid Annual or Seasonal Pass and photo ID at time of purchase. Pricing and availability vary depending on the time, date, and product selection. Restrictions apply.
- 10% discount on VIP Experiences (all Pass types)
Offer is available to Annual and Seasonal Passholders for purchase starting January 1 – December 31, 2025, for a redemption period of January 1 – December 31, 2025. Separate theme park admission required for all VIP Experiences. This benefit is only offered at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe. It is not available at Universal Volcano Bay. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. VIP Experience pricing and availability vary depending upon the date and product selection. Reservations are required. Valid Annual or Seasonal Pass and photo ID must be presented at time of purchase and redemption. Limit one (1) VIP Experience guided tour (Up to 6 guests), or one Private VIP Experience guided tour (Up to 5 Guests) per valid Annual or Seasonal Pass per day. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion, discount, or prior purchase. Additional restrictions apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.
- Discount on Coca-Cola freestyle® souvenir cup (excludes additional day recharge)
- Premier Pass: 15% discount
- Preferred Pass: 10% discount
- All Pass Types: $1.00 off per Coca-Cola freestyle® additional day recharge
- Discount on My Universal Photos (excludes packages)
For our comprehensive review of Universal Epic Universe, check out our article below!
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