Universal Orlando is rolling out a pair of late-night parties at its newest park this fall, turning Epic Universe into a limited-capacity playground after dark. On Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, October 17, Universal Nights will let guests linger in the park’s five themed worlds with access to rides, character meet-ups and complimentary specialty snacks and beverages. Tickets go on sale August 13 and start at roughly $179 per person.
According to a press release from Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Nights will officially run from 9 p.m. to midnight on the announced dates, with event guests allowed to enter the park as early as 7 p.m. The idea is to let visitors catch the new Universal Celestial Goodnight nighttime spectacular before the after-hours window begins. The release confirms October 3 and October 17 as the first public event nights and reiterates that tickets will be available beginning August 13.
Early coverage and event listings put a spotlight on the food and drink angle. As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Universal Nights will feature berry-flavored Celestial Popcorn and crispy kimchi bao in Celestial Park, along with refills from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines using a cup provided for the night. Character appearances will be scattered around the park, and the limited-capacity setup is intended to keep waits shorter and emphasize the new nighttime entertainment instead of simply stretching normal operating hours.
Tickets, price and passholder perks
The event page from Universal Orlando Resort lists a starting price of $179 per person for Universal Nights. Annual and seasonal passholders can save 10% on tickets, and Premier Passholders get additional discounts on food and merchandise. Passholder pricing applies to up to six Universal Nights tickets per pass. The site notes that attractions and experiences will remain open from 9 p.m. to midnight during the event, with Universal saying more details will roll out closer to the August 13 on-sale date.
Volcano Bay Nights shows the strategy
Universal has been testing this formula across the resort. Volcano Bay Nights, which ran on select summer evenings, offered shorter waits, a DJ beach party and complimentary treats, with tickets starting at about $99, as local outlets reported. Coverage from FOX 35 Orlando presents Volcano Bay’s summer schedule as a template for how the company is bundling exclusive nighttime access.
After-hours events have become a reliable revenue stream for theme-park operators and a way to sell premium nights that promise lighter crowds and extra entertainment. Industry observers expect demand to be strong once Universal Nights tickets are released, with fans and locals likely facing quick sell-outs if attendance is capped. Attractions Magazine and other outlets note that the format lines up with similar after-hours offerings already popular elsewhere in Orlando’s theme-park scene.
