UniversalParksBlog News for January 26th, 2025
We’re not even Halfway to Halloween yet, but I’ve already got Halloween Horror Nights news for you!
Also, the first new hotel at Universal Epic Universe has opened, and I’ve got actual theme park news for you today!
Universal
This is an exciting week for UniversalParksBlog News. So, grab a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and get cozy!
The Epic Universe Update
Photo: Universal
We’ve got other big news this week, but let’s start with the one that will excite you the most.
The opening of Universal Epic Universe is nearly upon us. The countdown is officially under four months now.
Image: Loews
Even better, the first hotel at Epic Universe has opened. Here’s your first look at Universal Stella Nova Resort:
Super Enthused’s excitement isn’t something someone can fake.
Image: Loews
She can see Epic Universe landmarks from where she’s standing, and it makes her heart sing.
Soon, that’s gonna be you, presuming you haven’t already visited.
Image: Loews
Over the past few days, a wave of influencers have invaded Stella Nova, and they’ve provided glowing reviews of the place.
Honestly, any time a new themed hotel appears at a Central Florida theme park, it’s a big deal.
Universal
Somehow, Stella Nova feels like an even more significant opening due to what it represents.
For the entirety of the 2020s, fans have fantasized about the debut of Epic Universe. Now, we’re at the start of that process.
Universal
But that’s not all! We’ve got some other Epic Universe news you’ll definitely want to know.
Universal officials confirmed something that’s going to delight you.
Universal
Epic Universe will participate in Early Park Admission, albeit in a limited form.
Ticket and Early Park Entry Info
Image: Universal
During the park’s opening year, it’s impractical to expect all the themed lands to open early.
Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) doesn’t even do that with its current parks.
Image: Universal
But Epic Universe will operate some rides early as an exclusive amenity to qualifying guests.
Throughout 2025, the following attractions will be available during Early Park Admission:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Mine-Kart Madness
- Stardust Racers
- Yoshi’s Adventure
Universal
You can put two and two together to conclude that Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World are your Early Park Admission options.
For those of you unfamiliar with Early Park Admission, it entitles guests staying at an official Universal Studios hotel to enter the parks an hour early.
Universal
Whether you’re staying at Universal Endless Summer Resort, an inexpensive property, or Hard Rock Hotel, you gain the same amenity.
You will need valid theme park admission for the day to qualify, but that’s it.
Photo: Theme Park Insider
Early Park Admission will give you a massive competitive advantage over guests staying offsite.
As such, during the opening year of Epic Universe, you should plan to stay at an official Universal Studios hotel.
Photo: Paste Magazine
You can speak with an agent at Let’s Adventure Travel to discover the best vacation options for your traveling party.
Also, I’ve got updated news for Universal passholders.
Universal
While your annual pass won’t provide access to Epic Universe yet, you should know by now that you can purchase single-day admission.
Annual passholders are the only ones with this option, and Universal has clarified something important.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Should your annual pass expire before the park opens, the admission ticket you purchase is still valid!
So, you’ve got nothing to lose and should buy single-day admission if you haven’t already!
Photo: USH
I’ll warn you that MANY dates have already sold out, though.
Halloween Horror Nights News
Photo: Universal
Last time, I mentioned that a speculative map already exists for the 2025 Halloween Horror Nights event.
That map actually debuted around Christmas, making it the earliest one I can ever recall.
HHN Speculation Map
Now, Universal Studios has done something surprising. Rather than wait to make an announcement, the park has confirmed a date.
This year’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) will open on August 29th, the earliest starting date on record.
I realize that Twitter posts aren’t the most popular thing at the moment.
So, rather than linking, I’ll simply state that Universal posted this on its page.
Photo: Universal
Universal also added that the 2025 event will end on November 2nd. So, this will be the longest HHN ever.
The official announcement provided no information about when tickets go on sale. Who cares, though?
Universal
We’re talking about Halloween in January! That’s a win in my book.
Universal Miscellany
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
This has been an eventful month around the country. We discussed the Southern California tragedy last time.
There’s really no news to report about Universal Studios Hollywood.
The park has operated daily since it reopened, although, as you might expect, attendance has been dreadful.
People don’t much feel like hanging out at the parks as they fight insurance companies for financial assistance.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
At Universal Orlando, a different issue has arisen. The Sunshine State has experienced one of its longest cold spells ever.
Operations have been an ongoing challenge throughout January, especially at Volcano Bay.
Photo: Volcano Bay
Universal Studios made this park seasonal a short time ago, but Volcano Bay is still technically open on various January dates.
Well, that’s turned into a theoretical, as the water park has been closed frequently throughout the month.
I haven’t compared the theoretical operational dates vs. the weather closures, but it’s got to be more than half the month.
To wit, Volcano Bay was closed on Friday and Saturday.
Photo: Universal Orlando/Volcano Bay
The water park is scheduled to reopen today, but I couldn’t verify that before publication.
It wouldn’t be the first time this month that Universal had to reschedule a reopening.
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
Several friends have visited Orlando over the past week. None of them could believe how cold the weather was.
So, if you’re planning to escape winter by heading to Florida, please accept this word of warning: pack your coat/hoodie just in case.
On the bright side, Universal Studios has announced Volcano Bay Nights, a new ticketed event.
Universal will host this event on several nights in April and May. It’ll provide guests with exclusive nighttime access.
Photo : Universal
That’s a big deal since Volcano Bay is rarely open after 5 p.m.
We’ll discuss the party more as the first date approaches.
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Feature Photo: Universal
