The Epic Universe theme park in Orlando will open on May 22, and as of now the only way to get into the park is via a multiday ticket package that includes a single day inside Epic.
Kari Dillon
While more ticketing options are expected to go on sale before the park opens, Universal said it is taking this tactic to manage the expected high demand for Epic as well as to ensure that guests have a good experience in the new park.
Travel advisors, many of whom have lengthy waitlists of customers itching to get inside Epic, praised the plan.
Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels in Huntersville, N.C. (No. 72 on Travel Weekly’s Power List), called it “a brilliant strategy to disperse parkgoers across all the parks.”
“Epic will not be able to handle the demand, so this is critical and a great strategy to manage capacity,” Dillon said.
Anthony Sickinger, executive director of Universal sales and marketing and Disney Destinations at Academy Travel in Manahawkin, N.J. (No. 71 on the Power List), said the ticket policy will not keep his clients from visiting Universal when Epic opens.
Anthony Sickinger
“There are so many new and exciting enhancements and technologies incorporated that are fun for everyone,” Sickinger said. “People want to take advantage of any time that they can get in there, even if only for one day right now. And the client will, of course, be able to visit the original theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.”
And for first-time Universal Orlando Resort visitors, there is plenty to do in addition to Epic, he said. “Otherwise, they are seeing the sequel without seeing the original story — you need to take it all in or you will miss so much.”
Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale (No. 59 on the Power List), predicted that by the latter part of 2025 or 2026, there will be more ways to visit Epic Universe. He added that Universal implemented the one-visit policy for Epic because it was a simpler solution than managing capacity with a reservation system.”
News of Epic’s opening date was a big deal for clients eager for the chance to visit a new park.
Sickinger said many “have been anxiously waiting for the announcement of opening day.” Universal bookings had declined over the last quarter of the year as many clients said they were waiting for Epic’s opening date.
“We haven’t seen this much excitement in a long time,” he added. “For travel agents, that’s great news. Anyone who struggles with summer sales, this is great timing. It’s going to be a busy summer for Universal Orlando Resort.”
Fernando Flores, vice president of consumer sales and head of Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, encouraged advisors to join the Universal Partner Community, Universal’s hub for travel advisor news and updates, training, sales and promotional tools.
There, they will find sales training opportunities with Universal’s travel industry sales team, Flores said, including training on Epic and the ticketing options that are available.
