Universal Orlando’s newest theme park is full of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, delicious food, live entertainment, and so much more! And since it’s their newest park, it can get quite crowded, but don’t worry — there’s a way to get around those crowds!

Epic Universe offers a separately ticketed after-hours event on select nights, and we got to attend one! But be warned: Not every attraction may be available the entire night, including some of the most popular ones.

What Are Universal Nights?

Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a specially ticketed event with limited capacity that allows you to enjoy the park after it closes to the general public. This event runs from 9 PM to midnight, but you can enter as early as 7 PM. It’s very similar to the After Hours events at Disney World.

During these events, attendees will experience fewer crowds and shorter wait times than a guest would during regular operational hours. Daytime park guests are required to leave at 8 PM.

The $180 Epic Universe After Hours Event Ruined Regular Park Days for Us

Universal Nights At Epic Universe Dates and Prices

There are three more dates for Universal Nights at Epic Universe in 2026:

• Saturday, October 24th
• Friday, November 6th
• Friday, November 20th

Tickets start at $179.99 plus tax per person, but some guests are eligible for a discount. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders save 10% on tickets. If you’re just looking to attend the after-hours event, there is no need to buy a daytime ticket. The Universal Nights ticket will grant you admission into the park starting at 7 PM, but no earlier. If you’re hoping to get into the park earlier, you must buy a general admission ticket as well. This event also happens rain or shine.

Should You Still Be Worried About Epic Universe Crowds?

What’s Included In Universal Nights At Epic Universe?

Weather permitting, EVERY ride in Epic Universe will be operational during the event. This includes:

Celestial Park

• Stardust Racers
• Constellation Carousel

Super Nintendo World

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
• Mine-Cart Madness
• Yoshi’s Adventure
• Power-Up Band interactive games throughout the land

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Le Cirque Arcanus

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• Dragon Racer’s Rally
• Fyre Drill
• The Untrainable Dragon

Dark Universe

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Curse of the Werewolf

And since you’re able to enter the park beginning at 7 PM, you’ll also be able to watch Universal Celestial Goodnight. This nighttime spectacular features fountains, lights, and fireworks that take over Celestial Park.

Unlimited complimentary snacks and beverages are also available throughout the event. This includes Celestial Popcorn and Kimchi Bao, and refills of Coca-Cola beverages and over 100 drink options! You’ll be provided with a cup, which works at any Coca-Cola Freestyle location.

Universal Orlando Extends Closure For Popular Ride

Be Warned: Some Attractions May Close Early

However, while all of the attractions may be available, it’s possible that some will close earlier than others, and this all depends on the capacity of the attraction. Unlike Disney World, where guests can enter up to the minute before park close, Universal will close attractions when the lines get too long to ensure guests will not be at the park HOURS after it closes (which is sometimes the case).

During our time at the after-hours event, almost EVERYTHING closed before midnight, with some attractions closing as early as 11:40 PM. At this time, Mine Cart Madness hit capacity, and Team Members were not allowing any more guests in the queue. Unfortunately, the attraction was also down for a good amount of the night, so we were not able to ride it during the event.

Additionally, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry hit capacity around 11:50 PM, and both Constellation Carousel and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment closed around 11:52 PM. Fyre Drill also closed during this time.

By 11:59 PM, only ONE ride was still open, and that was Stardust Racers, but once midnight hit, the attraction queues were closed, and they even shut the music off (but don’t worry, it was only for a minute — they won’t make it awkward on your way out!)

So, the moral of the story is that if you have rides you absolutely HAVE to ride unless your night is ruined, prioritize those rides because they 1) may close earlier than expected and/or 2) may experience downtime during the event.

If you’re headed to Universal Nights at Epic Universe, keep in mind that only certain attractions may be available, and you’ll have to decide if lower wait times and fewer crowds are worth the price of missing out on these attractions. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Universal news, updates, tips, and tricks!

Universal is already looking ahead to 2027 and making some major changes! Check out what’s changing in the video below.

How Many Attractions Can You Ride After Epic Universe Closes?

Would you go to Universal Nights at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below!