Annual pass holders have been wondering for a while: when is Epic Universe going to be included in the Universal Orlando Annual Pass program? It looks like Universal is actively working on it. TouringPlans has gotten a look at some survey options Universal is circulating, and there are some interesting — and in one case pretty wild — ideas on the table.
Where Things Stand Right Now
Currently, Epic Universe can only be accessed via Single Day Admission tickets or multi-day passes. Annual pass holders don’t have direct park admission included, though Universal does offer UOAPs a discounted rate on Epic Universe tickets. It’s a perk, but it’s not the same as being able to walk in whenever you want — and that’s what many annual pass holders are hoping for.
Three Options Universal Is Testing
According to TouringPlans, Universal has been sending out surveys to passholders asking about potential Epic Universe add-on options. The options can be grouped into three categories:
1. Weekday/Weekend Only Pass
This option would let annual pass holders add Epic Universe access, but only on specific days of the week. “Weekday” access would cover Monday through Thursday, while “weekend” access would cover Friday through Sunday. It’s unclear whether Universal would offer a choice between the two or just one type of restricted-day pass. This kind of tiered approach is a common theme park strategy to spread crowd distribution and offer a lower-cost entry point for more frequent visitors.
2. Epic Access Window Bundle Add-On
This option is more flexible — you’d purchase a bundle of a set number of visits to Epic Universe (somewhere between 3 and 10 days), with a redemption window ranging from 3 months up to a full year. You’d need to reserve your spot in advance before arriving at the park. This approach might actually appeal to out-of-towners who visit Universal a couple of times a year and want Epic Universe access without paying full daily ticket prices each visit.
3. Multi-Year UOAP With Epic Universe
The most ambitious option being considered is a multi-year annual pass — think 2, 3, or even 4 year commitments — that includes Epic Universe access at a per-year discount. The trade-off is a long commitment and likely blackout dates. This is the most expensive option from both a per-year and overall cost standpoint, but could make sense for diehard Universal fans who want to lock in access for the long haul.
When Can We Expect Something Official?
TouringPlans notes that Universal isn’t likely to roll out an Epic Universe annual pass option while the current “Get 3 Additional Months Free” UOAP promotion is still running — and that promo runs at least through Mardi Gras in early April. So if you’re waiting for Epic Universe pass news, you probably have a little while yet.
One piece of advice: if you’re considering purchasing a Universal annual pass, now is a good time to do it. The 3 free months promotion is a solid deal, and the 2-Park UOAP is expected to remain available for several more years. Locking in before any potential Epic Universe pricing restructure could save you money.
We’ll be watching for more details as Universal moves closer to officially announcing its Epic Universe annual pass strategy. Given how popular the park has already been since opening, this is a decision that’s going to affect a lot of regular Orlando visitors.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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