Universal Nights coming to Epic Universe this October with rides, entertainment, and snacks
Universal Orlando Resort has announced the first-ever separately ticketed after-hours event for Epic Universe. Called Universal Nights at Epic Universe, the limited-capacity event will take place on two nights this October and include nighttime access to attractions, entertainment, and character encounters, along with complimentary specialty snacks and beverages.
Universal Nights at Epic Universe will debut on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 17, giving guests the opportunity to experience the park after regular operating hours.
The event runs from 9 p.m. to midnight, with ticket holders able to enter Epic Universe as early as 7 p.m. That early admission also allows guests to experience Universal Celestial Goodnight, the park’s nighttime spectacular, before the exclusive event begins.
The announcement comes on the same day Epic Universe debuts Universal Celestial Goodnight, the park’s first nighttime spectacular. The new show premieres tonight and will also be included for Universal Nights guests, who can enter beginning at 7 p.m. before the after-hours event officially starts.
According to Universal, Universal Nights will feature:
- Nighttime access to Epic Universe attractions
- Entertainment
- Character interactions
- Complimentary specialty snacks and beverages
- Limited attendance
Tickets go on sale Aug. 13 and will start at $179.99 plus tax per person.
How it compares with Disney After Hours
| Universal Nights at Epic Universe | Disney After Hours |
|---|---|
| 9 p.m.–midnight | Typically 3-hour event |
| Entry from 7 p.m. | Early entry before event |
| Complimentary specialty snacks & beverages | Complimentary ice cream, popcorn and bottled drinks |
| Attractions, entertainment and characters | Attractions with lower waits and select entertainment |
| Starts at $179.99 | $155–$199, depending on park and date |
At $179.99 plus tax, Universal Nights enters the market at a price comparable to Disney After Hours events. Disney’s 2026 After Hours tickets range from $155 to $199 plus tax, depending on the park and event date, and include three hours of after-hours access plus early park entry beginning at 7 p.m.
Like Universal Nights, Disney also includes complimentary snacks and beverages, although Disney currently offers discounts for some Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members on select parks.
Among Disney’s After Hours events, Magic Kingdom consistently sees the highest demand and is typically the first park to sell out. Tickets for select dates at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have remained available longer.
Which rides?
Universal says more information will be announced soon. We are on the lookout for confirmation on which attractions will be open during the event, whether any exclusive entertainment or character appearances are planned, what complimentary snacks and beverages will be offered, and if Annual Passholders will receive any ticket discounts or early purchase opportunities.
Photo provided by Johanna Atilano
What this means
Universal Nights marks the first separately ticketed event ever announced for Epic Universe since the park opened in 2026. The October event also gives guests another opportunity to experience the park after dark, building on the recent debut of Universal Celestial Goodnight, Epic Universe’s new nighttime spectacular.
And yet, still no announcement about annual pass access to Epic Universe. Months ago, a survey was sent out to Universal annual passholders about various options.
Stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for daily theme park news, and subscribe to our email newsletter as more details are revealed.
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